Bridgnorth signal box
Bridgnorth has had a number of signal boxes during its existence. Initially construction of two boxes was authorised in 1891 and these were brought into use in October 1892. Bridgnorth North signal box was situated north of the station on the Down side, where the two lines converged into the single line. Bridgnorth South Signal Box was at the south end of the station on the Up side, opposite Pan Pudding Hill where it could control access to the goods yard[1]. A photo of the latter box circa 1900 appears in SVR news edition 44. In 1923 both boxes were replaced by a single central signal box[2]. This was closed by BR on 2 December 1963, and the upper structure was demolished in 1965 just before the arrival of the SVR Society[3].
The masonary base of the former central signal box was originally slightly longer than it is today. Evidence of this truncation may be found by inspection of the brickwork towards the northern end on the front wall. The upper timber section was replaced by an ill-fitting box originally built in 1925 which was relocated from Pensnett in December 1968 and erected during the following year. Much of the frame, interlocking and instruments were taken from Arley, which would later require that box in turn to be re-equipped when the SVR extended southwards[4].
The signal box suffered a fire on the night of 1 January 1977. This initially started in the mains electricity switch-gear under the staircase; the staircase and surrounding floorboards were well alight before the fire brigade arrived. Structural damage was mainly confined to the south end of the box, but smoke and water damage was caused to much of the equipment. The burnt woodwork had been replaced by mid-February, and the burnt wiring replaced on a "make do and mend" basis in time for the 1977 running season[5]. Further work was done to the box as part of a major re-laying of track at Bridgnorth which began at the end of 1977[6] and was completed in autumn 1978[7].
Contents
Signalling diagram
Levers and Lever Leads
List of levers
No. | Colour | Description | Lever Sequence |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Red | Down Main Home | 11 |
2 | Red | Down Main To No. 1 Platform Line Inner Home | 12 11 |
3 | Red | Down Main To No. 1 Platform Line Calling On | 12 11 |
4 | Red | No. 1 Platform Line To Hollybush Road Siding Starting | 29 |
5 | Red | Down Main To No. 2 Platform Line Inner Home | 13 11 |
6 | Red | Down Main To No. 2 Platform Line Calling On | 13 11 |
7 | Red | No. 2 Platform Line To Hollybush Road Siding Starting | |
8 | SPACE | ||
9 | SPACE | ||
10 | Red | Down Main To Engine Shed Sidings Inner Home | 14 13 11 |
11 | Blue | F.P.L. For 12 | 13 or 12 |
12 | Black | Down Main To No. 2 Platform Line Facing / No. 1 Platform Line | |
13 | Blue | F.P.L. For 14 | |
14 | Black | No. 2 Platform Line Facing / Engine Shed Sidings | |
15 | Red | Engine Shed Sidings To Up Main Starting | 14 |
16 | Red | Engine Shed Sidings Starting (Disc) | |
17 | SPACE | ||
18 | Red | No. 1 Platform Line To Carriage Siding Starting | 19 |
19 | Black | Carriage Siding Safety | |
20 | Red | No. 2 Platform Line To Up Main Calling On | |
21 | Red | No. 1 Platform Line To Up Main Calling On | 12 |
22 | Red+White Band | Up Main Advanced Starting | |
23 | Red | No. 2 Platform Line To Up Main Starting | |
24 | Red | No. 1 Platform Line To Up Main Starting | 12 |
25 | Red | Disc For 19 | 19 |
26 | Blue/Brown | Interl'k'g Lever For Boiler Shop Ground Frame | |
27 | Black | Safety Points in Hollybush Road Siding (Slotted) | |
28 | Red | Disc For 27 | 27 |
29 | Black | Platform Lines / + Over | |
30 | Red | Disc For 27 | 27 29 |
References
- ↑ Bibliography#Books Marshall (1989), p131
- ↑ Bibliography#Books Marshall (1989), p134
- ↑ Bibliography#Books Marshall (1989), p166
- ↑ Bibliography#Books Marshall (1989), p200
- ↑ SVR news 43
- ↑ SVR News 46
- ↑ SVR News 49