Tonbridge-Polegate CUCKOO LINE steam train ride 1962

A steam-hauled journey in 1962 from Tonbridge in Kent, via both stations in Tunbridge Wells and on to Eridge. Then over the Cuckoo Line to Polegate, on a train bound for Eastbourne.
Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge is now the heritage Spa Valley Railway.
The film features several exchanges of single line tokens. These devices, still used on British heritage railways, provided authority to enter the section of single track named upon them, to the driver – OF ONLY ONE TRAIN. The instruments located at each end of a single track section could only issue one such authority at a time, and could not issue another until the first token had been restored to one of the instruments.
We see two types of tokens handled. At Grove Junction a circular disc known as a tablet is collected in its pouch, which is attached to a large loop for ease of exchange. Along the Cuckoo Line heavy “electric train staffs” were used. They needed care in exchanging, to avoid personal injury.
The origin of the name “Cuckoo Line” is explained during the journey.

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