Well, who have we got here then? Yes, It's Mr. Bellamy! If it wasn't for Phil, I don't know what I'd be doing now probably, wasting my time at university before following some well paid and highly successful career! lol. Anyway, way back in 1998 I stumbled across his website. I'd had an interest in signalling for a long time ever since I bought a copy of "Signalling in the age of steam" by Michael Vanns. Here was an opportunity to have a look into some "real" signal boxes which was great for someone like me. What interested me most was Exeter Signalling Centre, I really liked the fact that it controlled the lines that I travelled over every day to get to school, and even now I still look at the panel and go "ooh... Torquay, I live there" (in my head of course to avoid looking completely insane). Anyway, one of my friends sent him an e-mail and he invited us both up!

It's quite a long story, and I might put on the site sometime, but I'm loosing the point of what this bit is meant to be! Basically, what I'm trying to say is how much good old Phil has affected my life. There's no point saying much about him as you can read all about him on his own website. So, I'll just comment on a few things he hasn't said. Phil's probably one of the best signalman I've ever seen in action. He really knows his stuff and what I think is his best feature he takes pride in his work. Many signal boxes have deteriorated over the years as people take less interest in their work as well as surroundings, but he puts a lot of effort into making the place look smart, particularly Exeter PSB which he's sort of adopted!

Hmm, I'm waffling a bit now. He's also very kind and as I said above has done a lot to help me get into an un-penetrable company. He also badgered Andy to get me trained as a signalman on the South Devon Railway and invited me along to their evenings out. Which are always good, a nice mixture of food and talk about railways and women! Oh, and how can if forget Daryl and Zane knocking on the window at the women as they walk past!