points and rodding

[neil 60]

Not sure where to put this question so I'll try here. When did points controlled by rods end on main lines my layout is in the 60s I remember the coal sidings had hand operated points I've looked on line but can't find any info can any one help thanks.

[Brian]

Point rodding is still very much in use in some BR areas, where resignalling hasn't so far occurred.
Most round rod will have been upgraded to galvanised U shaped channel rodding during the 60's to 80's. But where the round steel rodding is in good condition it will still be operational.

[Mountain Goat]

When I left the railways about 15 years ago at least half of the points were still rodded on the mainline and the semaphore signals were cable operated. It all depends where as the more populated areas where more trains operate were more likely to have electric especially if they can use just one signal box to control an entire area instead of many smaller ones, but though technically still on the main lines, the further one goes away from the densly populated areas the more likely the older systems will be found. Why change something that works? The comes the point where it is cheaper to pay a person then provide all the extra electricity and cabling to operate an outlying area which is why even many of the main lines will still be found with older mechanical equipment which is often only replaced with electrical equipment when mechanical parts needed to replace worn parts are no longer availble.
It is all about finding the safest most reliable and economical way in every circumstance that they find before them. Common sense really.
But to go back to point rodding. It would not surprize me to find rodding still in use somewhere on the railway network for another few decades even if used with groundframes.

[neil 60]

Thank you both for your help in this matter.