Signals from Acton to Cricklewood

Neasden (Midland) Junction

March 1998

Neasden Junction on the Acton-Cricklewood goods line, where a chord diverges to Neasden South Jct.
Though the official name of this location has always been simply Neasden Junction, I have inserted the colloquial qualification (Midland) on these pages to avoid any possible confusion with Neasden South Jct.

A view in the opposite direction, showing the signal box and junction signal.

March 1983

A view from the other side of the junction.

A closer view of the junction signal; beyond it, the branch starter can be seen above the rooftops, with Neasden South Jct's inner distant beneath. The starter was removed, and the chord singled, when the Marylebone resignalling was carried out.

6/9/07

The down starter, towards Acton Canal Wharf.

A much more recent view of the junction signal.

A closer glimpse of the signalbox through the trees.

The up starter, with Dudding Hill Jct's distant beneath.

This distant board now serves on the branch from Neasden South Jct.

Dudding Hill Junction

March 1998

At Dudding Hill Junction, the Acton - Cricklewood line forms a triangular junction with the Midland main line. The left-hand line leads to Brent and allows trains to proceed northbound; the right-hand line runs to Cricklewood for trains towards Carlton Road Jct or St Pancras.

The signalbox from the opposite direction.

The crossover and the line towards Neasden (Midland) Jct.

The down starter, with Neasden (Midland) Jct's distant beneath. This signal can just be glimpsed in the distance in the photo above.

Wire tensioner for Neasden (Midland) Jct's distant

As the distant shown above is wire-operated, and it is a substantial wire run to Neasden, these counterbalance weights are connected in the run to ensure the wire is kept in tension and returns when the signal lever is replaced so the signal can return to caution.