Signal Tablet

[GNRi1959]

Can some of our kind readers throw some educated light on this signal tablet used on the single line between Omagh and Newtownstewart, please?

Edited 5 hours ago by GNRi1959

[Galteemore]

Looks like a key for opening a set of points - I have a vague memory of a siding at Mountjoy? 

[Mayner]

Possibly the key for releasing the ground frame for the Omagh Market Yard branch. There is a photo of a member of staff operating the frame at the branch junction & an Aug 1957 photo of an GG3 (Big D) shunting tank wagons at the branch terminus in 'The Great Northern Railway Itish Railway Pictorial,  Tom Ferris Midland Publishing 2003.

[Galteemore]

Think it’s more likely to be the Nestle siding, John. Markets branch was in the Omagh-Beragh section 

[Jonathan Allen]

This could be the Omagh North "Shunting Staff" mentioned on page 240 of the GNR(I) May 1930 "Green Appendix": "A Shunting Staff has been provided, the withdrawal of which from the Signal Box locks the Main Line Signals. The possession of this Shunting Staff by the Guard or Shunter in charge will be permission for shunting to take place upon the main line between Omagh North Signal Box and the Down advance Starting Signal, and no shunting must take place upon the Main Line without the possession of this Shunting Staff".

It certainly does not look like a GNR(I) single-line staff, which usually had a "key" on the end for opening sidings in section.

[GNRi1959]

Apologies for the poor picture but there is a key on the end, out of shot. The only siding between Omagh and Newtownstewart was Nestles siding. Jonathans explanation makes good sense as there was much shunting just beyond the North Cabin where the Convent Siding and Derry Road siding were situated. Thanks

[Jonathan Allen]

It just reminded me of something I saw somewhere sticking out of a signal lever - withdrawn, it would have prevented the signal being pulled.

Don't seem to have photographed it sadly.

If it is the Omagh "Shunting Staff", it is very rare - only one!