Springwell
Catch Points

Catch points are used to "catch" and derail/stop rail traffic which would otherwise cause damage if allowed to proceed along the track (for example a runaway locomotive or wagons). Thankfully such occurrences are extremely rare.

The photograph below shows a catch point at the eastern end of Springwell - the point is shown in the open position which would divert traffic into the buffers, thus protecting the Kip line. The Kip is the raised section of track to the right.

© Dave Hardy
Catch point at eastern extremity of Springwell

The photograph below shows the position where the corresponding catch point on the other side of the Kip used to be. The point, when open, would divert traffic to the right and away from the Kip line. 

© Dave Hardy
Catch point site at eastern extremity of Springwell

The photograph below shows the catch point which is used to protect the single line from Blackham's Hill when the rope haulage is in operation.

© Dave Hardy
Catch points at western end of Springwell yard

The distance between the interlocked catch point (above) at Springwell and the platform / run round roads point work is sufficient to accommodate a six coupled locomotive. 

This page last updated 30 November 2002