Description

 THE WORLD OF MECHANICAL SIGNALLING

Traditional signalboxes controlling semaphore signals once dominated Britains Railways. In this programme we explore the world of mechanical signalLing and look at the workings and details of a once common aspect of the railway scene.

The Programme Comprises:

Semaphores – A look at the various types and configerations of semaphores on the National network. Includes upper and lower quadrants, signal gantries, bracket and shunting signals, a Midland  lower quadrant signal, a Midland signal post and centre pivot signals. Includes film taken throughout the network including Cornwall, Scotland, Cumbria, the Welsh Marches, East Anglia  and the South East.

Signal Boxes – An exploration of the National network past and present with a wide range of designs including LNER, LMS, Gt Western, Gt Eastern, Furness Railway, South Eastern & Chatham, Southern Railway, Caledonian Railway, LNWR, Great Central, North Eastern and British Railways.

Exeter West Box – The  preservation, removal & rebuilding of this important signal box at the Crewe Heritage Centre. The workings of the box are recreated in detail, with typical trains of the steam & diesel era signalled through the station area & along the incline to Exeter Central . The recreation of the box is completed using archive film from the days of steam and diesel traction.

A Main Line Signalbox – the workings & procedures at Quorn box on the Great Central Railway. The switching in, switching out, bell codes, instruments, levers & signals are all explained as trains are signalled through the station area.

Presented by David Powell.

120 mins approx

Also available in Hi definition Blu-ray