SR Rebuilt MN 4-6-2 No 35023 Holland-Afrika Line on a Trains Illustrated special The Westcountrymanpassing Dainton signalbox on 20 September 1958. Nice photo of the unusual GWR signal box, this was not a GW design, but that of Saxby & Farmer: this particular example lasted until 1965 before being replaced. The small yard is surprisingly busy.

This is at the summit of Dainton bank and 35023 is nearing the tunnel, heading eastwards from Plymouth towards Newton Abbot, the one in thirty seven grade apparent from the fact that the stock sidings on the left are on the level. The large mirror above the leading coach enables the signalman to see that all is well on trains entering the tunnel, with nothing having come off at the rear on the climb from Totnes, helpful to him especially when a westbound working on the line nearest to him blocked his view.

Photo: © P.W. Gray / Rail Archive Stephenson