Paul Thacker

Signalman @Network Rail

Bristol, GB

Started as a Level crossing keeper in Lydney, Gloucestershire for a couple of years then moved to my first signalbox at Park Junction in Newport having attended all the relevant signalling training at Webb House in Crewe.In 1998 I moved again to a major Signalbox in Bristol where I have been since. However, in 2007 I covered a position in Swindon Control during the \'Leaf Fall\' Season that oversaw the movement and operations (on the whole of the Western Region from London Paddington to Penzance and all lines in between), of special trains that cleaned the rail head with high powered water jets removing any leaf residue that cause trains to slip and therefore have braking issues during wet conditions.Also in 2016/2017 I have also covered the position that oversees Daily Engineering work on the Railway the helps keep Engineers/Track Maintenance staff in a safe working environment whilst working on or near the lineside. Lots of the work currently related to the Electrification of the line between London Paddington and Bristol/South Wales.My recent move in May 2019 has been to the new Thames Valley Signalling Centre in Didcot. I will be helping out over the next 12 months offering my experience of signalling in Bristol at the new centre using a new more modern method of signalling.I also sign St Andrews Signalbox in Avonmouth