Highley Signal Box (HY) is an original McKenzie and Holland Type 3 signal box, built in 1883. It is situated opposite Highley station. It works to Hampton Loade and Arley on short section working, and to Bridgnorth and Bewdley North on the long sections.
Contents
History
The box was built in its current position in 1883, and has not changed significantly in that time, with the exception of modifications to the interlocking of the lever frame. The box previously controlled access to colliery exchange sidings, the site of which is now the Engine House. Two ground frames once existed in the section to Hampton Loade, allowing access to Alveley Sidings, namely Alveley North and Alveley South ground frames. An intermediate token instrument was provided to allow trains to be locked in to these sidings. The North ground frame was taken out of use in 1974, whilst the South ground frame survived until an unknown later date, released on the Highley-Hampton Loade token.
The box closed in 1969 with the cessation of coal traffic to Alveley, and was brought back into use on 02/03/1974 with the commissioning of ETT working to Hampton Loade. Long section working to Bridgnorth was brought into use in 1975, and ETT working to Arley and Bewdley North was commissioned in 10/04/1976.
Operation and Equipment
Lever Frame
Highley retains its original 14 lever McKenzie and Holland 1873 patent lever frame, with 11 working levers, 3 spare, and no spaces. The interlocking was replaced in 1903 with more standard tappet interlocking by the GWR.
Block Sections
The box works in both directions using Electric Token Block regulations, and is fitted with four Tyer's No. 9 token instruments. In the Up direction, Highley works to either Arley (short section) or Bewdley North (long section). The Highley-Bewdley North long section token unlocks Arley as a ground frame, allowing for access to the yard when that box is switched out, and an intermediate token instrument is provided to allow trains to be locked in. In the Down direction, the section is to Hampton Loade (short section) or Bridgnorth (long section). The Highley-Bridgnorth long section token unlocks a 2-lever ground frame at Eardington, allowing access to the siding located there.
Signalling diagram
See Also
References
- "Hampton Loade". Signal box profile on the Severn Valley Railway S&T Department (unofficial) website. Link. Accessed 05/01/2015.
- "Highley". Signal box profile on the Severn Valley Railway S&T Department (unofficial) website. Link. Accessed 05/01/2015.
- Minnis, John (2012). "Railway Signal Boxes, a Review". English Heritage Research Report Series no. 28-2012. Link. Accessed 05/01/2015.
- Waugh, Andrew. "McKenzie & Holland 1873 Patent Frames". Link. Accessed 05/01/2015.