Hammersmith Box on MR-B up in flames

[Trainfan344]

From images on facebook tonight, looks like Hammersmith box on the Midland Railway -Butterley is completely destroyed.

 

[alexl92]

Any links to photos/stories? Not seen anything about this. Real shame though :/

 

[Trainfan344]

Any links to photos/stories? Not seen anything about this. Real shame though :/

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10206388153762102&fref=nf

 

[alexl92]

Ouch :/ I've still not seen any official news or anything about it; have the railway commented? That must be a massive blow for them.

 

[fsmr]

It was the old Desford Colliery box relocated from Leics in the 90s and it was arson

Official response in the local press

http://www.ripleyandheanornews.co.u...7197169?WT.mc_id=Outbrain_text&obref=obinsite

Railway staff say they are “angry and saddened” after suspected vandals torched a historic and unique railway signal box.

On Monday night, arsonists trespassed onto the railway line at Butterley Station, in Ripley, and deliberately set fire to the vintage signal box, which was made in the 1890s.

The incident was reported to emergency services at around 8.25pm, and firefighters tackled the blaze until around 11:15 pm

Alan Calladine, development officer at for Midland Railway, said: “It’s such a shame that thoughtless vandals have acted like this. Everyone here is angry at saddened by the destruction of a real piece of history.

 

[alexl92]

What a shame. What absolute idiots to do something like that. What could they possibly gain by burning down a signal box?!

Are there any other 'boxes of a similar design that are being decommissioned by NR any time soon, that they might be able to buy and relocate to replace it? I'd imagine that this will affect their ability to operate trains for the forseeable future too?

 

[John Webb]

What a shame. What absolute idiots to do something like that. What could they possibly gain by burning down a signal box?!

Are there any other 'boxes of a similar design that are being decommissioned by NR any time soon, that they might be able to buy and relocate to replace it? I'd imagine that this will affect their ability to operate trains for the forseeable future too?

It was non-operational and being used as an S&T store, so won't directly affect the running of trains. Not an easy site to make secure - a public footpath crosses at track level at the other end of the station. I'd be rather concerned about the operational box that exists at that end! Hope it remains safe.

 

[Ploughman]

Didn't they have another attack last year or so?
Some old Midland coach bodies that time.

 

[fsmr]

Didn't they have another attack last year or so?
Some old Midland coach bodies that time.

They did, and when you think they are just behind Derbyshire Force HQ, doesn't give hope to anyone else