Unfortunately the existing Wolverhampton Control Panel (the oldest on the system dating back to 1975 and extensively modified over the years) could not readily support this further change to the track diagram. Accordingly a 3 stage modernisation process was put in place over the Xmas/New year period without interrupting regular operations. Firstly a new and longer panel was constructed, taking advantage of the previous removal of the controller to an adjacent location but still alowing room for coffee cup storage! This was initially wired as before, although showing the new track arrangement. Secondly, the new crossover was laid in. This initially relied on reinstatement of the previous wiring, as the use of sandwich baseboards, skeins of similar coloured wire and unlabelled multi-pin plugs at this location makes wiring amendment much more difficult than on contemporary interlockings. Consequently, the upgrading of the two affected switches to double throw, double pole, centre off status was deferred until a third possession which, unfortunately, still resulted in a long string of technical expletives when the aging and poorly sighted Head Ganger managed to get his wires crossed.
All eventually ended well and the new arrangements, which bear a remarkable resemblance by Banbury Connections standards to good railway practice, are now functioning correctly, thereby enhancing effective operational capacity at Wolverhampton.