Oughty Bridge was erected in
1905 to replace two earlier boxes (East and West) at this location. Tucked
against a steep forested embankment on the once busy electrified Woodhead
route, the box commanded an excellent view across the valley, which was of
course far more interesting than the view down the line.
The box itself is similar in design to Blind Lane, of the MS&L's 1894 design which was perpetuated into the Great Central era. This design embodied many features of earlier types - three pane high windows with only the corner sections sliding, six-ring barge-boards, ventilator window in the gable end and even the standard design of water butt!
Notice that near the water butt an emergency telephone is provided, for staff usage when the box is closed.
The lever frame inside the box is of the standard
Railway Signal Company type, with 5½" centres. This type was adopted by
the MS&L in 1887 for all boxes through to 1905. Therefore, this must have
been one of the last installations of this type on Great Central metals.