Signal boxes C ASE STUDY
Signal boxes Signal boxes were a defining change in railway technology. The 1889 Regulation of Railways Act allowed the Board of Trade to enforce the absolute block system, plus the interlocking of points and signals. This resulted in operation of the system being centralised in signal boxes, using bell communication between boxes to allow only one train in each section, and a mechanical logic to control points and signals. However, the system was both heavy on maintenance, and limited in scope by how far a single man (there were no women working in signal boxes) could operate a pair of points or a signal, so busy locations needed a large number of signal boxes. By the 1930s new electrical control systems were being introduced on the busier lines, but it is estimated that British Railways inherited some 10,000 signal boxes on its formation in 1948. Since then the number has fallen drastically, as new electrical, and electronic, systems were introduced, and Network Rail now looks to a time when it can operate the whole network with only about a dozen Route Operating Centres. Currently less than five hundred mechanical boxes survive, and the number reduces every year.
Recognising this change, in 2012 the Railway Heritage Trust proposed to Network Rail, and the three listing bodies (English Heritage, Historic Scotland and Cadw) that there should be a survey of all signal boxes, including on other railways, to decide exactly which boxes were worthy of listing and preservation. This happened, and at the end of 2019 there were 166 listed signal boxes on Network Rail, of which 86 were still operational and 80 were out of use.
The very nature of a signal box demands that it is close to the tracks, to maximise the distance a signaller can operate the points, but this presents a series of problems with what to do with the buildings once they are no longer needed for their original purpose, as their proximity to the track limits options. The Railway Heritage Trust has worked with Network Rail to come up with six possibilities for redundant listed signal boxes, and can help with achieving these. These are: 1. Retain the box in situ, with Network Rail finding ongoing use for it, such as an office for mobile staff. In this case, the Railway Heritage Trust might grant aid restoration and conversion of the box for its new use. 2. Relocate the box to a heritage railway for signalling use there. This is a good solution if it can be achieved, as it gives the box a purpose that matches its original one. Network Rail will generally dismantle and move the parts of a listed signal box to the heritage railway, and the RHT fund a new base for it. 3. Relocate the box to a non-railway location for community use. Again, this solves the problem of proximity to the tracks, and as with Option 2, Network Rail will generally dismantle and move the parts of a listed signal box to their new location, and the RHT will fund a new base for it.
4. If a box is sufficiently far (ideally 3m plus) from operational tracks, a commercial or community group can take a full repairing lease on it, and use it for other purposes. Examples include cafĂŠs, holiday residences, museums and art studios. The Railway Heritage Trust would generally grant aid the tenant to restore the building, and possibly to convert it to its new use. 5. If a box is close to the track, it may be possible for a community group to lease the interior, whilst Network Rail remains responsible for the exterior of the building. If so, Railway Heritage Trust grants would be available for restoration of the building, and for its new use. 6. Finally, a small percentage of listed boxes are located in such a way that no new use is possible. In these cases the box should be externally restored, and protected against vandalism. The Railway Heritage Trust would not normally be involved in such works, other than giving advice on how they might be done. If you are interested in preserving a redundant listed signal box that is on the Network Rail system, then please contact us to discuss the options.
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1 Eversholt Street | London NW1 2DN @RailwayHeritage | rht@railwayheritagetrust.co.uk | railwayheritagetrust.co.uk The Trust is registered in England and Wales Company number: 1876790