Signal Boxes Gain Elevated Status.
 

I read that 26 Signal Boxes have been granted Grade 2 Listed Status.
Does this mean they can be bought and relocated when they are finally de-commisioned. If so I suspect there will be a rush to buy.
Stuart.

I think the idea is to leave them where they are.

AFAIK they stay where they are and Network HAVE to keep them safe


this may help you

Thanks Gray.
AFAIK......(I like it but had to go to wiki first)

I suspect very few people [myself included] have ever been inside a signal box. Given the oppertunity I would jump at the chance.
If these 26 listed boxes stay IN SITU the status quo remains unchanged.
So it looks like I'll never get to see inside one.
Stuart

I have been lucky enough to be invited inside a couple of signal boxes and very interesting it was too. The signalmen were breaking the "rules" and would no doubt have been reprimanded if "they" had got to know what they were doing. I guess they had enough knowledge of human nature to see that I was a genuine enthusiast, that I would probably not be seen entering/leaving the box and (most importantly) that I would be discreet enough not to betray their confidence, which is why I would never reveal their location. However, I hope you may find a signalman who is equally helpful and obliging.

I am Very pleased the one at nearby Downham Market is one of these. :)

I have been shown round the one at Loughborough during my drivers experience. It was a really interesting visit. Very informative too. Even after it all being expertly explained I still found it quite complex.it must take a lot of training.
I love these old boxes.
Glad they are being saved.
All the best
Phil

My first job in by short railway career(six years) was as a signal box lad.
at Colwick North Junction & Rectory Junction(closed last week as part of the Nottingham modernisation scheme)

In most cases, I think that the listing will just apply to the structure of the box and not the contents.
So the fittings of the lever frame, bells and block instruments will still all go.

As the boxes are then left unattended they will become a target for vandalism and more than likely many will be burnt out.
Comments are likely to result that NWR should do more to protect them but their best protection would have been to remain in use.
However time and technology move on and with 100 year old and more structures their time has come and they need replacing.

It may be that a number can be sold off and relocated if so I hope they go to good homes and see further use but in reality listing guarantees nothing so get your photos of these structures while you still can.

THere are quite a few signal boxes on Preserved Railways that are operational and open to the public. The ones I managed before getting stuck in this blo**** chair were the ones at the Midland Railway and on Churnet Valley