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A signal box at [[Kidderminster]], working to [[Bewdley South signal box|Bewdley South]]. The box also communicates with Network Rail's West Midlands Signalling Centre (WMSC) at Saltley.
Kidderminster Town had no signal box when it opened in 1984, resulting in an 'only one engine in steam' restriction on operations which were controlled by a simple [[Kidderminster ground frame | ground frame]]. The signal box was built during between July and December 1986, the design being based on a typical GWR medium-sized box. Extensive measurements of Abbey Foregate and [[Sutton_Bridge_Junction_Signal_Box|Sutton Bridge Junction]] signal boxes at Shrewsbury ensured authenticity. Installation of the signalling equipment took place throughout 1987. The installation work involved an estimated 8,000 man hours. producing a fully assembled 62 lever frame complete with all mechanical locking, fitting to the frame of 35 electric locks and 5 combined locks and circuit controllers, and installation of a 22 ft long block shelf complete with instruments. The box was commissioned in December 1987 following installation of the most vital piece of equipment, the signalman’s leather armchair. The lever frame is a 5-bar vertical tappet frame of very late manufacture, being built in the late 1950s for Acton Yard signal box which had a short life. Evidence of its lateness may be found in the spring housing on the catch handle drop rods, which are of a much plainer hood design than previously used by the GWR/BR(W).
During the morning of Saturday 3 March 2013, the signal box suffered a small fire in the roof at the point where the stove flue passes through the ceiling. The signalman was able to leave the box without injury. A small section of the roof was destroyed, and there was some damage to the telephone system and the domestic wiring caused by the water used by the Fire Brigade, although the signalling equipment was largely unaffected. Kidderminster station was initially closed. Once access to the box was regained, the water was mopped up to prevent it falling into the frame room and its electrics. By 4pm the debris had been cleared and the roof made weather-proof with a plastic sheet supplied by Bewdley C&W Department. Rapid work by the S&T and PW departments then saw normal service resumed by commencement of operations on the following day.
