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→Signalling: additional history
==Signalling==
Early signalling on the SVR was primitive, with entry of trains into the platform controlled by signals operated from levers on the platform and departures controlled only by telegraph instruction.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] p. 121.</ref> On 30 August 1871 the GWR Board authorised £22 for "''...connecting the down starting signal with the Signal Box at Buildwas station''", although this was probably only a small cabin covering a ground frame.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] p. 127.</ref> It is labelled on the map below, but no building is shown associated with it. Another ground frame was situated at the junction of the Severn Valley and Coalbrookdale branches (present but unlabelled on the map below, bottom right).<gallery mode=packed heights=300px style="text-align:left">OS_Buildwas_1882.jpg|Buildwas station 1882</gallery>
Installation of the first 'proper' signal boxes on the Severn Valley Branch began at Bewdley in 1878 as part of the opening of the [[Kidderminster Loop Line]]. The other signal boxes all dated from after 1880.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] p. 127.</ref><ref group="note">The GWR appears to have prioritised the installation of signal boxes at the southern end of the Branch, possibly in part as the result of the need for additional passing loops. Highley, Hampton Loade and Arley (1883) and Stourport (1885) all pre-dated Buildwas (1888). Ironbridge, Cressage and Berrington followed in 1894</ref> On 4 February 1886 the Board authorised the block telegraph to be installed between Buildwas and Much Wenlock. On 16 November 1887 further work was authorised at a cost of £2,080 including provision of two signal boxes (one at the station and the other at the junction of the Severn Valley Branch and the double-track Coalbrookdale line), renewal of locking apparatus and signals, and completing the block telegraph. The two boxes opened in 1888. Working by telegraph continued until October 1891 when train staff and ticket working in conjunction with the single-needle block telegraph was introduced. In January 1894 this became Electric Staff working between Hartlebury Junction and Buildwas Junction, followed shortly afterwards by the section to Shrewsbury.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] pp. 130-132.</ref>
<gallery mode=packed heights=300px style="text-align:left">
OS_Buildwas_Sand_Pit_Siding_1901.jpg|Buildwas station 1901. The 1888 Station and Junction boxes are marked "S.B."
</gallery>
On 12 April 1905 the renewal of the interlocking frame and point and signal connections at Buildwas was authorised at a cost of £692.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Marshall (1989)]] p. 133.</ref>
