What was (is?) the purpose of this sign?

[RailAleFan]

Hi everyone,

Stafford No. 5 signal box has on the front of it what would appear at face value to be not a particularly useful sign....

There's an obvious answer of course, so I guess my question is more how / why was there a significant likelihood that a situation could arise in which this sign was in some way useful?

Thanks!

 

[Bletchleyite]

There's the Euston 1 Mile one which may or may not still be there as well.

Could it be to stop people seeing the sign Stafford and alighting from slamdoor stock into the abyss?

 

[Taunton]

Such lineside signs used to be more common than they are now. Being in LMR maroon gives an indication it has been there since the 1950s-60s. The WCML had them approaching a number of main stations, I see them as a "get your coats on" sign.

I suppose the one on the ECML north of York that reads, with an arrow, "London 200 miles" is the longest measurement.

 

[Ash Bridge]

Yes, I think there used to be a similar one situated on the viaduct approaching Manchester Piccadilly.

 

[NSEFAN]

Given Stafford No. 5 will be closing soon, will the sign be preserved once the box is demolished? It could be posted in the same place as it is currently, just minus the box.

 

[CatfordCat]

Such lineside signs used to be more common than they are now. Being in LMR maroon gives an indication it has been there since the 1950s-60s. The WCML had them approaching a number of main stations, I see them as a "get your coats on" sign.

indeed.

worth bearing in mind that even having PA allowing guards to make announcements (let alone automated audio messages) is something that started happening not that long ago in the grand scheme of things. From memory, think the HSTs had PA from new, but it was in to the 80s before it got retro-fitted to much else.

 

[Ash Bridge]

indeed.

worth bearing in mind that even having PA allowing guards to make announcements (let alone automated audio messages) is something that started happening not that long ago in the grand scheme of things. From memory, think the HSTs had PA from new, but it was in to the 80s before it got retro-fitted to much else.

I think mk2d aircon stock built from 1971/72 onwards had it as standard equipment, also there was an automated PA system fitted at this early period manufactured by a company called Ripper Robots, which also played background music over the loudspeakers when the trains were stationary in the platform.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

There used to be what looked like 80s-era mileage signs on the LNWR depot shed at Crewe for Euston, Glasgow and Liverpool (I can't remember if Crewe station was one!), but they have since been covered with a new design advertising the depot. The Liverpool one was latterly altered for the 2008 Capital of Culture celebrations too.

 

[Bletchleyite]

indeed.

worth bearing in mind that even having PA allowing guards to make announcements (let alone automated audio messages) is something that started happening not that long ago in the grand scheme of things. From memory, think the HSTs had PA from new, but it was in to the 80s before it got retro-fitted to much else.

And the Class 101s never had it.

 

[Taunton]

First on-train PA I recall (and was tremendously impressed by as a small child) was on the Bristol "Blue Pullman".

1961 I think.

CIE in Ireland fitted up a trainset much earlier with a PA, the well-known "Radio Train", with its own announcer (who also played records between the announcements). First reference I can see about this on the web is 1954. It was steam hauled.

 

[Johnuk123]

Those type of signs which used to be prolific were in places where trains regularly stopped just before a station and are simply so passengers would hopefully notice the sign before they flung themselves onto the track.

 

[Taunton]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steam60163/sets/72157627831825869/

 

[eastwestdivide]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steam60163/sets/72157627831825869/

Nice collection of LNER sign photos.

 

[RailAleFan]

Thanks everyone had just assumed there was some operational purpose rather than being for passenger benefit but makes perfect sense!

 

[30907]

I would say from the photo that the enamel sign was a replacement for an earlier one occupying the whole of the white area.

I think trackside signs were typical of LNE and LMS practice, but I'm sure someone will prove me wrong.

BTW Is there still a summit sign at Aisgill?

 

[D6975]

Such lineside signs used to be more common than they are now. Being in LMR maroon gives an indication it has been there since the 1950s-60s. The WCML had them approaching a number of main stations, I see them as a "get your coats on" sign.

I suppose the one on the ECML north of York that reads, with an arrow, "London 200 miles" is the longest measurement.

There's an 'Edinburgh 200 miles' on the ECML too.

Has the London one been moved, or is it still in its original position?
The Selby diversion means it would have needed to be moved for it to remain accurate.

 

[Bevan Price]

Given Stafford No. 5 will be closing soon, will the sign be preserved once the box is demolished? It could be posted in the same place as it is currently, just minus the box.

Will they demolish it completely, or just the top floor, and retain the bottom half as a relay room ? (As happened to Weaver Jn & Norton Bridge signalboxes when they closed).

 

[Elecman]

From a utility perspective I hope they retain the bottom portions as that's where the DNO supplies are located in both no.4 and 5 boxes, but sadly I understand its total demolition

 

[infobleep]

What does DNO stand for?

 

[Elecman]

Distribution Network Operator. The electricity supplier for the area.