Signal Boxes

[RichmondCommu]

G'day.

Its been widely posted on here that over the next few decades mechanical signal boxes are all to be replaced with much more modern equivalents. Whilst it’s sad that many historic boxes are to be lost I can't help thinking that it can't be very pleasant working in an old drafty wooden hut built in the 19th century. The likes of Edale, Gardsdale, Blea Moor and other exposed boxes certainly spring to mind as not being the best places to spend the night in mid winter.

I'm interested if anyone can give me an idea of what it’s like to work in a mechanical box, both in terms of the working environment and what you do in between trains. Also, how much physical effort is involved in changing points, I can't imagine that it’s easy! Any anecdotes and experiences would be very much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Richmond Commuter!

 

[142094]

A lot of boxes look quite cosy - most that I've seen have double glazing, toilet and some form of heating.

 

[RichmondCommu]

A lot of boxes look quite cosy - most that I've seen have double glazing, toilet and some form of heating.

In all fairness when I walked past Blea Moor box in May last year I did notice that it now had modern double glazing fitted. However, I can't help thinking that the wooden top half would be draughty in winter. I wonder whether they still use coal fired stoves or modern electric heaters?

 

[driver9000]

Many signal boxes have been modernised to include mod cons such as double glazing, electric heating, microwaves etc. This is the case of every mechanical signal box I have been in and was the case with Blackpool North No.1 when I visited it shortly before it was abolished. Despite having been switched out for 3 years at that time it was still fully kitted out, still felt warm and a seemed a pleasant place to work.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/l-and-y-82/5027258432/in/set-72157622146071241
http://www.flickr.com/photos/l-and-y-82/5026647085/in/set-72157622146071241/

 

[Tomnick]

My experience is mainly from boxes on heritage railways (mostly GCR), but with a fair few visits to the 'real thing' thrown in too.

G'day.

Its been widely posted on here that over the next few decades mechanical signal boxes are all to be replaced with much more modern equivalents. Whilst it’s sad that many historic boxes are to be lost I can't help thinking that it can't be very pleasant working in an old drafty wooden hut built in the 19th century. The likes of Edale, Gardsdale, Blea Moor and other exposed boxes certainly spring to mind as not being the best places to spend the night in mid winter.

Quite the opposite, in a lot of cases! All of our boxes have Romesse (or similar) stoves, which are powerful beasts - if you're not careful, even in the depths of winter, you can end up hanging out of the window. Many boxes on the national network now have double glazing and various other comforts, and it's not uncommon to see carpet laid (unofficially?) over the spare or little-used parts of the lever frame.

I'm interested if anyone can give me an idea of what it’s like to work in a mechanical box, both in terms of the working environment and what you do in between trains.

Anything from a good book to some time on the phone to the chap next door (or Rule Book Section Z...!). One of our regular GCR turns is 1500 - 2230 on a Saturday, with only one train after about 1800 - plenty of time to do some cleaning, cook something imaginative then assume a horizontal position on the lockers for a bit.

Also, how much physical effort is involved in changing points, I can't imagine that it’s easy! Any anecdotes and experiences would be very much appreciated.!

A well-used and well-maintained set of mechanical points shouldn't really be too physically demanding. You can really struggle with some sets though - we've got one crossover in particular that's a continual nuisance, and I remember (from a visit a few years ago) a set of points at West Holmes with an economical FPL (worked mechanically off the same lever as the points) - the accepted technique seemed to involve pushing off with one foot against the locker behind you. You'll quite often find that points have been motorised on the big railway though, particularly where they're frequently used (or too far from the box to work mechanically), which obviously makes them much easier to work! Some of the hardest pulls can be your signals - typically, the distants in either direction. Again, though, in the majority of cases they've been either motorised or (more commonly) replaced by colour-lights on the national network. Our longest pull is currently Loughborough's Down Outer Home - somewhere around 1320yds from the box, I think. Works pretty reliably as long as you keep it well adjusted, but it's still a fairly hard pull!

You should have a decent chance of being able to arrange a box visit at most heritage railways - that's the best way to experience the atmosphere of a mechanical box, though be aware that some take less pride in their boxes than others!

Edit: in response to your later post - most Network Rail boxes are now electrically heated. If I'm not mistaken, the only one to retain coal fired stoves is one of the Banbury boxes!

 

[142094]

How many are connected to mains water and sewage? I know Blea Moor has its water delivered by train (or used to if this has changed), but what about the sewage?

 

[RichmondCommu]

Many signal boxes have been modernised to include mod cons such as double glazing, electric heating, microwaves etc. This is the case of every mechanical signal box I have been in and was the case with Blackpool North No.1 when I visited it shortly before it was abolished. Despite having been switched out for 3 years at that time it was still fully kitted out, still felt warm and a seemed a pleasant place to work.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/l-and-y-82/5027258432/in/set-72157622146071241
http://www.flickr.com/photos/l-and-y-82/5026647085/in/set-72157622146071241/

Thanks for the photo's, very interesting! I'm sure the newish looking ceiling helped with insulation too.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

How many are connected to mains water and sewage? I know Blea Moor has its water delivered by train (or used to if this has changed), but what about the sewage?

I'm guessing that it has a chemical toilet? I wouldn't fancy that walk up the path from the B6255 at Ribblehead at this time of year, especially in the dark!

 

[142094]

I'm guessing that it has a chemical toilet? I wouldn't fancy that walk up the path from the B6255 at Ribblehead at this time of year, especially in the dark!

That's what I was thinking (hopefully not a bucket!) Certainly wouldn't want to empty it...

 

[RichmondCommu]

That's what I was thinking (hopefully not a bucket!) Certainly wouldn't want to empty it...

Of course normally such toilets are maintained by waste disposal companies but as there is no vehicle access to the signal box heaven knows how they deal with it. Personally I think I would hang on and hope that the Station Inn was still open when I'd finished my shift!

 

[TheBigD]

G'day.

Its been widely posted on here that over the next few decades mechanical signal boxes are all to be replaced with much more modern equivalents. Whilst it’s sad that many historic boxes are to be lost I can't help thinking that it can't be very pleasant working in an old drafty wooden hut built in the 19th century. The likes of Edale, Gardsdale, Blea Moor and other exposed boxes certainly spring to mind as not being the best places to spend the night in mid winter.

I'm interested if anyone can give me an idea of what it’s like to work in a mechanical box, both in terms of the working environment and what you do in between trains. Also, how much physical effort is involved in changing points, I can't imagine that it’s easy! Any anecdotes and experiences would be very much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Richmond Commuter!

I work in one such box.

It's now got electric heating, double glazing, kitchen and inside toilet.

No real effort to change points, more technique really.

Best of all is no public to annoy me

Shame it closes in 6 months.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Anything from a good book to some time on the phone to the chap next door (or Rule Book Section Z...!).

To be fair that's a substantial module and requires a lot of studying

We've got internet in our box but you can't beat a good book.

 

[Cheshire Rover]

Helsby station has a mechanical signal box located between platforms 2&3 which is accessible to view close up (but not of course to go into). The signal box at Frodsham junction has a satellite dish on it. Proper comfort.

 

[The Planner]

The signal box at Frodsham junction has a satellite dish on it. Proper comfort.

They won't be watching Sky, believe me....

 

[RichmondCommu]

I work in one such box.

It's now got electric heating, double glazing, kitchen and inside toilet.

No real effort to change points, more technique really.

Best of all is no public to annoy me

Shame it closes in 6 months.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


To be fair that's a substantial module and requires a lot of studying

We've got internet in our box but you can't beat a good book.

Thanks for this! Clearly the boxes are kitted out much better than I'd realised! Do all NR signal boxes have access to the internet? Also, at certain unstaffed stations there is (or was) a telephone to contact the nearest signal box if the train doesn't trun up. I take it that in your box that doesn't happen!

 

[Metroland]

Some mechanical boxes can be home-from-home, although depending on local policy things like armchairs can be banned and radios are sometimes allowed if kept down. In terms of people, some tend to be busier than others, but some are quite busy with people popping in and out on a regular basis. Others are much more isolated.

[youtube]tn-LztmCcxg[/youtube]

[youtube]Z2RVtnkfUCU[/youtube]

Both the above boxes have now closed.

It's a completely different job from a large PSB, where you tend to be in a small to medium sized team. These tend to be far busier, and there a lot going on all the time, a good deal of communication with other staff (on and off location) the public if you deal with level crossings and farm access. As well as various outside agencies at times.

It's great if you like the feeling part of a team, but this can involve more politics (like any other workplace) and generally these places are more pressured to work in.

A typical large PSB would be Doncaster seen here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robdaniels/sets/72157627169436193/with/5981751400/

and filmed in the late 1980s here

[youtube]H_ooheAqz6c[/youtube]

IECCs and the latest Rail operating centres are just like working in A.N Other office, albiet with the pressures of a busy safety critical environment.

[youtube]37GM7f6clq8[/youtube]

 

[RichmondCommu]

Some mechanical boxes can be home-from-home, although depending on local policy things like armchairs can be banned and radios are sometimes allowed if kept down. In terms of people, some tend to be busier than others, but some are quite busy with people popping in and out on a regular basis. Others are much more isolated.

I suppose the problem with armchairs is that on a warm day it would be quite easy to sit in it and nod off! I guess in the case of listening to the radio they are more likely to be allowed in the quieter boxes rather than busy junctions.

 

[michael769]

One thing I have always wondered. Is the cloth to protect the lever, or the hands?

 

[Metroland]

The levers, as they can get rusty over time. The LMR tended to fit some of their boxes with plastic covers on the levers.

 

[Welshman]

If you're still interested after all these full responses, I suggest you try to get hold of a copy of Harold Gasson's "Signalling Days" detailing his memories of being a GW signalman.
It was published by the Oxford Publishing Company in 1981. ISBN No. 0 86093 1188.

It's probably o.o.p. now, but Amazon or second-handbookshops may still have one.

 

[RichmondCommu]

In the event of a blocked line is it unknown for the driver of a freight train to draw up to a mechanical signal box and be invited in to pass the time?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

If you're still interested after all these full responses, I suggest you try to get hold of a copy of Harold Gasson's "Signalling Days" detailing his memories of being a GW signalman.
It was published by the Oxford Publishing Company in 1981. ISBN No. 0 86093 1188.

It's probably o.o.p. now, but Amazon or second-handbookshops may still have one.

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll see if can get my hands on a copy.

 

[33056]

Thinking back over the years and the many different signalboxes I have worked things have certainly changed - sometimes for better, sometimes for the worse.

However despite sitting here today with plenty of space, central heating, indoor toilet, fridge, microwave to name just a few - I still sometimes hanker after the days spent in a cramped draughty mechanical box, huddled in the corner next to an elderly electric bar fire, trying to brace oneself for the dash into the winter air for the outside loo or hoping that the milk you brought won't go off before the end of a shift on a hot day and that the baby belling cooker will actually work properly without incinerating the pie you brought for dinner. Despite some of the awful shifts (and places) I used to work, it was somehow more satsifying in those days.

With regards to lever cloths, I always used one even with the plastic covered levers as it is much easier to adjust your grip with one rather than using bare hands.

As for drivers "waiting for the road", have had plenty of those in the past - even to the extent of stopping specially to fill their tea cans. Have also had a couple who have declined an invitiation to wait in the box whilst a delay was going on, only for me to have to trudge down to the signal and hammer on the cab door to wake them up when no movement was forthcoming after the signal cleared

 

[DaveHarries]

Best of all is no public to annoy me

Shame it closes in 6 months.

OOI, which box is that then? One of the ones in East Anglia I guess.

Dave

 

[Cheshire Rover]

They won't be watching Sky, believe me....

It's the same size as a sky dish and appears to have a sky type lnb. What would it be used for other than catching the match?

 

[hinko]

hi when i first became a signalman on br (yes it was british then) we had parafin lamps no running water but coal fires. on days we started at 0600 but by the time the fire was going well it would be about 0900.this was 1967. there is nothing better than working a manual box with levers, throwing them about was sheer bliss.regards hinko

 

[33056]

It's the same size as a sky dish and appears to have a sky type lnb. What would it be used for other than catching the match?

They are to provide access to e-mail and the internal internet site which contains a lot of information necessary for the job these days. Quite possibly will give limited access to the internet as well but, never having used one, I am not sure of the extent.

 

[IanXC]

Am I right in thinking that clip on Henley in Arden closing is the one where the signal bell fails so the signalman has to ring Shirley to give 5-5-7?

 

[matchmaker]

I suppose the problem with armchairs is that on a warm day it would be quite easy to sit in it and nod off! I guess in the case of listening to the radio they are more likely to be allowed in the quieter boxes rather than busy junctions.

Armchairs and signal boxes can be a dangerous combination............


http://www.signalbox.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=246&start=15

 

[Old Timer]

Armchairs and signal boxes can be a dangerous combination............


http://www.signalbox.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=246&start=15

Especially when combined with a cold windy winter's night

 

[Ploughman]

and a warm stove.

 

[Tin Rocket]

Around 10 years ago i spent 2 months on nights in Tamworth box (low level) then the same at lichfield TV acting as a reminder on T2H's,the bobbys were very hospitable and i tried not to talk to much unless they were happy to chat away,i had to do the mashing while i was there and had to change into my slippers at both boxes.