Kinlet and Billingsley Sidings signal box

The disused line to Billingsley Colliery, which terminated at Kinlet Sidings, in 1963 (Sellick Collection)

A signal box situated between Arley and Highley, controlling access to the exchange sidings for Billingsley and Kinlet Collieries. Unlike all other signal boxes on the line, it was able to switch out, presumably only being open when required. The Signalling Record Society holds a document (SRS200701006) dated 16/08/1911, which references a new connection to Billingsley Colliery, including the provision of a new signal box. The signalbox was opened in 1913, and there are records of new tablet machines being provided in Arley and Highley signalboxes, used for long section working (short section working was by staff). The tablet machines on the long section were later replaced by token instruments. The box is recorded by the SRS as having 38 levers, which seems strange in that it would make it one of the largest on the SVR, and verification of this number would be useful.

Kinlet Colliery is recorded as being connected to the SVR in 1900 - it is not known how this was achieved.

Billingsley Colliery closed in 1921, and Kinlet in 1937. Following this signal box was closed in March 1943, but Working Time Tables from 1948, 1949 and 1960 reference an intermediate token machine provided at the sidings, as well as two ground frames - Kinlet Sidings North ground frame and Kinlet Sidings South ground frame.

References

• "Billingsley Colliery". Shropshire History article. Link. Accessed 10/01/2015.
• British Railways Western Region Service Time Tables, West Midland Section, Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton, September 27th 1948 until further notice. A scanned version of this document available on the website of Michael Clemens - see Link
• "GWR Tablet Sections". Signalbox.org forum discussion. Link. Accessed 10/01/2015.
• "Kinlet Colliery". Shropshire History article. Link. Accessed 10/01/2015.
• Listing of documents in Box 303 of the Batts Collection, held by the Signalling Record Society. Link. Accessed 10/01/2015
• "Signal Box Register, Volume 1". Signalling Record Society. Published 2011.