... Martin. posted: 21 Oct 2017 12:07 from: Tim Lee Here is another image which again shows the 180 degree actuation rod bend locating into the switch independent of the front stretcher bar. Masborough, 1907 It does seem to suggest that pre WWI at least the Midland connected rodding independently of the front stretcher bar certainly within sidings and goods yards. I am still hoping to turn up a mainline trailing turnout to see if the practice differed- we know it was different for facing due to the requirement for locking. 2999_210706_480000000.jpg 2999_210812_040000000.jpg Last edited on 21 Oct 2017 13:12 by Tim Lee posted: 21 Oct 2017 14:20 from: John Palmer Martin Wynne wrote: In the early days there was little thought about disconnected or broken stretcher rods. On the face of it, that should be a very unlikely occurrence given the amount of staff then available for track maintenance. Nowadays we know different after recent major incidents: http://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/547c9037ed915d4c0d000199/R202008_081023_Grayrigg_v5.pd Indeed, Martin, and it was not merely ...