| Since my initial interest in railways from the age of about 5, one sphere of operation that I have always held in fond regard is that of signalling, or at least 'proper' signalling from a manually operated box with levers connected to wires and pulleys and maybe with a huge wheel to operate the crossing gates. I am no fan of the soulless Signalling Control Centres that control hundreds of route miles from a featureless, nondescript building, with unlucky signallers (no longer signalmen), glued to monitors. They no longer witness the flashing, passing taillamp to confirm train complete, or the cheery drivers wave as he passes by early, having been given an advantageous path.
Moving to Bognor Regis in 1976, I have early memories of the former Southern Railway signalbox guarding the level crossing with its wooden gates at the north end of the station. The crossing only survived a few more months before being replaced by a road bridge, but I can remember standing on the footbridge overlooking the old crossing site, jotting the numbers down of 4-CIG, 4-BIG, 4-CEP and 4-VEP units. Early warning of their approach came in the form of activity in the 'box and the pulling 'off' of nearby signals. With family in Radlett, frequent excursions from St Pancras were the norm. In seventies the Midlands former line out of London was a delight, before the routes electrification saw the removal of traditional signalling methods, and the destruction of many of the stations. Radlett was a gem. Lofty semaphore signals were everywhere, with the quaint Midland 'box to the north of the station overseeing all activity. Sadly I have no photos of Radlett station and 'box in their final years, only memories that fade a little more each year. I present this compilation of signalbox images as a tribute to the art and skill of mechanical signalling! Please note that my early photographic equipment comprised of a Kodak Disc Camera, and later a basic 126 roll film camera. Please excuse the poor quality of some of my earliest photos. |
Abbey Foregate Signalbox Shrewsbury 2008 Buy Print |
Aberthaw Signalbox 2006 Buy Print |
Acton Canal Wharf Signalbox 1994 Buy Print |
Acton Wells Junction Signalbox April 1994 Buy Print |
Ancaster Signalbox 1992 Buy Print |
Appleby North Signalbox (view 1) 1991 Buy Print |
Appleby North Signalbox (view 2) 1991 Buy Print |
Aylesbury South Signalbox 1989 Buy Print |
Bamford Signalbox 1988 Buy Print |
Banbury South Signalbox 1990 Buy Print |
Bargoed Signalbox 2006 Buy Print |
Barkston East Junction Signalbox 1992 Buy Print |
Barnetby East Signalbox (view 2) 1992 Buy Print |
Barnetby East Signalbox (view 1) 1989 Buy Print |
Barnham Signalbox (view 1) 1986 Buy Print |
Barnham Signalbox (view 2) 1993 Buy Print |
Barnstaple Town Signalbox 1990 Buy Print |
Barry Signalbox (view 1) 2006 Buy Print |
Barry Signalbox (view 2) 2006 Buy Print |
Bedale Signalbox 1992 Buy Print |
Bellwater Junction Signalbox 1992 Buy Print |
Bestwood Park Signalbox 1990 Buy Print |
Bingley Signalbox 1992 Buy Print |
Blackpool North No.2 Signalbox 1992 Buy Print |
Blea Moor Signalbox (view 1) 1990 Buy Print |
Bognor Regis Signalbox 2007 view 1 Buy Print |
Bognor Regis Signalbox 2007 view 2 Buy Print |
Bopeep Junction Signalbox 1986 Buy Print |
Bransty Signalbox 1993 Buy Print |
Broad Street No.2 Signalbox - Final Day - 27 June 1986 Buy Print |
Brundall Junction Signalbox (view 1) Buy Print |
Brundall Junction Signalbox (view 2) Buy Print |
Carmarthen Junction Signalbox (view 1) 2006 Buy Print |
Carmarthen Junction Signalbox (view 2) 2006 Buy Print |
Cattal Signalbox 2006 Buy Print |
Clacton Signalbox 1994 Buy Print |
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© 1998-2009 BB15010 - All copyrights rest with the Author [ descript.ion | PDF contact sheet | Buy Prints of this Collection | Index ] |