 The fireman of the coal train similarly laid detonators on the down line just inside the Abbots Ripton down distant signal, and was then picked up by the coal train engine running light to Huntingdon to seek assistance and warn approaching down trains.This was at the instigation of a GNR “relief clerk” (i.e.a clerk qualified to act as a ‘’locum’’ stationmaster) who had been travelling on the express.