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[[File:Bridgnorth box diagram-SB-82xxx-1962-09-07.gifjpg|400pxthumb|200px|right| The pre-preservation signal box, photographed in September 1962 ([[Sellick Collection]]) ]]
[[File:Bridgnorth_Signal_Box_Reconstruction_1967.jpg | thumb | 200px|right| Reconstruction of the signal box in progress (David Cooke)]] __TOC__A signal box at [[Bridgnorth]] that works to [[Hampton Loade signal box|Hampton Loade]] (short section) or [[Highley signal box|Highley]] (long section) using [[Single line working using tokens|ETT regulations]]. 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. The foundations can still be made out on the embankment side. Bridgnorth South Signal Box was at the south end of the station on the Up side, opposite [[Bridgnorth#Pan Pudding Hill | Pan Pudding Hill]] where it could control access to the goods yard<ref>[[Bibliography#Books Marshall (1989), p131]]</ref>. A photo of the latter box circa 1900 appears in SVR news edition 44. In 1923 both boxes were replaced by a large single central signal box<ref>[[Bibliography#Books Marshall (1989), p134]]</ref>. It was far larger than Bridgnorth Station layout really required with many spaces in the lever frame. This was future-proofing for alterations required for the planned line to Wolverhampton that was never constructed. 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<ref>[[Bibliography#Books Marshall (1989), p166]]</ref>. The masonry 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. The frame originated from Windmill End Junction signal box<ref name="SRSSignalBoxRegister_Update9">Signal Box Register, Volume 1: Great Western, revised 2011 edition, Signalling Record Society (plus correction sheet #9 )</ref>, with parts of the interlocking and signalling instruments taken from [[Arley signal box]], which would later require that box in turn to be re-equipped when the SVR extended southwards<ref>[[Bibliography#Books Marshall (1989), p200]]</ref>. ==Repairs and refurbishment in preservation==*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<ref>SVR news 43</ref>. Further work was done to the box as part of a major re-laying of track at Bridgnorth, with the box being closed, and the token instruments being moved to the Station Master's office, between 25 September 1977<ref>SVR News 46</ref><ref name="svrsig">[http://www.svrsig.org.uk/svr/Frame9.htm Bridgnorth signal box on the SVR Signalling web site]</ref> and 6 August 1978<ref>SVR News 49</ref><ref name="svrsig" /> to allow this work to be carried out.*At an unknown date recladding and repainting of the upper level was undertaken by contractors.*In October 2018 recladding, refurbishment and repainting of the upper level was undertaken by Bridgnorth 'Wailing Wall' volunteers.<ref> Bridgnorth Station SVR Facebook page 8 October 2018</ref> == Signalling diagram == [[File:Bridgnorth_Signal_Diagram.jpg|800px]] Signalling diagram in Bridgnorth as of October 2015. == Levers and Lever Leads == <gallery>File:BH_Levers_1-7.jpg | Levers 1 to 7File:BH_Levers_10-16.jpg | Levers 10 to 16File:BH_Levers_18-24.jpg | Levers 18 to 24File:BH_Levers_24-30.jpg | Levers 24 to 30</gallery> === List of levers === {| class="wikitable"! style="text-align:left;" | No. !! style="text-align:left;" | Colour !! style="text-align:left;" | Description !! style="text-align:left;" | 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|} == Signalling controlled from the box == All signals at Bridgnorth are of late GWR/BR(W) steel tubular post and enamel arm design. Signal 1, the Down Home, is motor worked. == Possible replacement == No firm plans have been made, but consideration has been given to replacing the current Bridgnorth signal box. Its location is inconvenient for modern operations and also takes up space adjacent to the station that may better be used in one way or another to deal with the high flow of passengers the station now sees. A new signal box would likely be located on the opposite side of the line at the station throat, between the bracket carrying Nos.23 and 15 signals and the Cleobury Road Bridge. This would enable quicker token exchanges with incoming and outgoing trains, and the signalman would be able to see the tail lamp of all arriving trains rather than requiring affirmation of the train's complete state from the crew. The signalman would also be able to see most of the signals within the box's control rather than requiring their being repeated by block shelf instruments. Heavy resignalling would not be necessary, although the opportunity may be taken to reconnect George's siding, currently home to four Mk1 carriages in BR(S) green and in use as staff accommodation, and make the easternmost road of the yard a through road with a connection to the running lines at the north end of platform two. If the box were to be replaced, there are no certain plans on what would happen to the current box. Demolition, retention as a visitor attraction or reuse of the box for another purpose are all possibilities. == See Also also ==
* [[List of signal boxes]]
==References==
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