Lines where semaphore signals are still used

[Numbskull100]

Also at Whittlesea and Manea on the Peterborough to Ely line.

 

[dk1]

Don’t forget “Anderson’s Piano.”

Up and down home and sectional signals at Manea are in with a shout (the distants are colour light.) Whittlesea also.

Unless that’s all changed now. @dk1 should be able to confirm.

King’s Dyke is lever controlled but all colour light. Lovely little box that.

I only ever pass through as a passenger as don't sign that route at my depot mate.

 

[DanNCL]

Is Grangemouth the only remaining location with semaphore signals under 25kV OHLE?

 

[Springs Branch]

Since this is Rail UK Forums, I needn't feel guilty asking if there are still any semaphore signals on the railway in Northern Ireland?

This link suggests the last truly mechanical signalbox to close in NI was at Castlerock in 2016. But I suspect a few semaphore signals of the somersault type lasted longer (still do?) at Portrush - although not necessarily in regular daily use.

 

[The exile]

They were still there last year but looking very derelict (That’s the Portrush somersaults)

 

[vic-rijrode]

Reminds me of the new semaphore signals (since removed) which were installed at Banbury some time in the 2010s I believe?

-Peter

A number (at least 3) of new semaphore signals (Lower Quadrant!) were installed at the southern end of Banbury's Down platforms in 2010. These were to enable trains to be diverted off the mainline at Didcot, up through Oxford to Banbury where they reversed to go down the Chiltern mainline. This was due to the blockade at Reading when they expanded that station. They lasted until 2016 when the whole area was resignalled and the 2 signalboxes at Banbury were demolished.

 

[Railsigns]

A number (at least 3) of new semaphore signals (Lower Quadrant!) were installed at the southern end of Banbury's Down platforms in 2010.

The attached photo shows the new signals in 2013. Two semaphores and one disc.

 

[vic-rijrode]

The attached photo shows the new signals in 2013. Two semaphores and one disc.

There was also a third taller signal just to the left of the LH signal shown in your photo.

 

[Railsigns]

There was also a third taller signal just to the left of the LH signal shown in your photo.

That signal was already in use long before the new ones in my photo were installed.

 

[zwk500]

The attached photo shows the new signals in 2013. Two semaphores and one disc.

The finials are a nice touch, although the working platform seems somewhat over the top for the height the signals appear to be at!

 

[Trainlog]

Does the Isle of Grain line still use Semaphore signals? Saw them on there 10 years back but not sure if they are still there.

 

[zwk500]

Does the Isle of Grain line still use Semaphore signals? Saw them on there 10 years back but not sure if they are still there.

I think the Cliffe Sidings Jn still has some, and there may be one at the Level crossing by the Oil terminal although it may have been replaced by a 'Stop and Telephone' board or similar.

 

[Lucy1501]

Is Grangemouth the only remaining location with semaphore signals under 25kV OHLE?

St Helens Station and Crewe Steel Works have some shunt discs under the wires.

 

[TheSel]

St Helens Station and Crewe Steel Works have some shunt discs under the wires.

By way of example, here's a shot I took recently at St Helens Central, with 60056 passing through working an Ashton-in-Makerfield to Tuebrook stone train.

 

[Llanigraham]

Moreton on Lugg is now colour light signal (was resignalled back in October last year) as I understand it, The down Main set of semaphores at Bromfield are to be replaced next.....not sure when though

That'll stop the messing around we had to do with the wire tensioner on the UP Section signal when the temperatures rose, and the "heavy pull" on another signal.

 

[8A Rail]

St Helens Station and Crewe Steel Works have some shunt discs under the wires.

Here is another image of the shunt signal in action at St Helens Central along with a bus or two!

 

[Peter C]

A number (at least 3) of new semaphore signals (Lower Quadrant!) were installed at the southern end of Banbury's Down platforms in 2010. These were to enable trains to be diverted off the mainline at Didcot, up through Oxford to Banbury where they reversed to go down the Chiltern mainline. This was due to the blockade at Reading when they expanded that station. They lasted until 2016 when the whole area was resignalled and the 2 signalboxes at Banbury were demolished.

Ah yes - thank you! I thought the First Great Western diversions had something to do with it. Without wishing to derail the thread, I don't suppose you know if these were salvaged? They look like they could've been useful for a heritage railway or something.

The attached photo shows the new signals in 2013. Two semaphores and one disc.

Thanks for sharing this - if it wasn't for their good condition, I'd have said they were original (or close)!

-Peter

 

[TSG]

I'm guessing Yeovil Pen Mill doesn't count as 'mainline'.

 

[apinnard]

I only ever pass through as a passenger as don't sign that route at my depot mate.

Ahh yea, you’re Norwich aren’t you.

 

[dk1]

Ahh yea, you’re Norwich aren’t you.

That’s correct. Only EMR operate there from Norwich.

 

[MadMac]

Is Grangemouth the only remaining location with semaphore signals under 25kV OHLE?

Dunblane has a couple but their days are numbered.

 

[Railsigns]

Dunblane has a couple but their days are numbered.

They're located beyond the limit of electrification on their respective lines though.

 

[Mag_seven]

Is Grangemouth the only remaining location with semaphore signals under 25kV OHLE?

There are some small semaphores on the lines leading into Wembley IC depot.

 

[Railsigns]

There are some small semaphores on the lines leading into Wembley IC depot.

And in the yard at Eastfield (Peterborough).

 

[cin88]

Castleton still has one semaphore main aspect controlling the exit from the Up and Down Through Sidings and a load of shunting disks dotted about.

 

[matchmaker]

Dunblane has a couple but their days are numbered.

A few discs at Stirling North.

 

[Annetts key]

After all - even the 1970s mas signalling schemes are now coming up for renewal and often in a more parlous state than the much older semaphore installations.

The lack of a business case (i.e. money) will mean some 1970s and 1980s MAS ‘panels’ will live on for a while longer.

Even Gloucester looks set to be delayed again.

 

[The Planner]

The lack of a business case (i.e. money) will mean some 1970s and 1980s MAS ‘panels’ will live on for a while longer.

Even Gloucester looks set to be delayed again.

Was meant to be October 25.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Yes, an impressive collection, along with some at the next box to the west, Bo Peep Junction. The layout at Ore to the east is all colour light signalled, fully track circuited and equipped with electrical point machines, but controlled by mechanical levers at Hastings signal box, using frame space liberated when the Hastings station layout was simplified.

I don't remember seeing any semaphores at Bo-Peep Junction: all colour light

 

[MarkyT]

I don't remember seeing any semaphores at Bo-Peep Junction: all colour light

You are correct. My mistake. All short levers controlling colour lights and electric point machines:

West St Leonards & Bopeep Junction