Brabazon Level Crossing and Ground Frame

In 1960 the Sectional Appendix to the Book of Rules and Regulations for the Bristol Traffic District of British Railways (Western Region) contained the following entry:

" BRABAZON LEVEL CROSSING AND GROUND FRAME FILTON WEST JUNCTION

The Level Crossing is provided to allow the passage of Aircraft to and from the runway which is on the Up side of the line.

A  two-lever Ground frame known as "BAC Ground Frame", located in the Bristol Aeroplane Company's Gate Control House is situated on the BAC property on the Down side of the Down Main Line between Filton West Junction and henbury, at approximately 113m. 28ch.

The Ground Frame is electrically released by Interlocking Lever No.24 from Filton West Junction Signal Box and bolts the level crossing gates which open parallel to the railway line.

The Level Crossing gates are operated from an electric panel in the Gate Control House.

Telephonic communication is provided between Filton West Junction Signal Box, the Level Crossing Gate Control House, and the Filton Aerodrome Flying Control Tower.

A BAC employee will be in charge at the Level Crossing Gate House and will operate the levers controlling the level crossing gates.

When the aircraft have manouvred adjacent to the level crossing gates, the Gate Operator will telephone to the signalman advising him that the aircaft are ready to cross the railway line. When the signalman is in a position to allow the level crossing to be used he must operate the Interlocking Lever  (No.24) which releases the Ground frame levers in the Level Crossing Gate Control House and must advise the Gate Operator that this has been done. When the Level Crossing is again clear for the passage of trains and the gates have been closed the gate Operator will advise the signalman by telephone and the Interlocking Lever (No.24) must be restored to its normal position.

Should aircraft come to a stand on the level crossing through  failure, the Gate Operator will immediately advise the signalman by telephone in  order that the necessary additional protective measures may be taken."