|
THE SIGNAL BOX |
PHOTO GALLERY |
|
Great Eastern Railway |
|
|
Opened: 1900 |
Closed: 2000 |
Location code: E30/27 |
Wroxham is located north of Norwich, on the line to Cromer. The
line was opened by the East Norfolk Railway in 1874, although traffic was
always worked by the Great Eastern. A junction was created here in 1879, when
the line that eventually reached County School opened.
This box is far more recent, dating from 1900 when the line was doubled northwards from here. The 50-lever McKenzie & Holland No13 patter tappet frame worked virtually the same layout previously controlled by 20 levers in the old box, but a substantial number of shunting signals were provided to bring the signalling up to date.
Part of the County School branch gained an extended life with a new link to the old Midland & Great Northern line to Lenwade when the main M&GN route closed, although this later fell out of use and was closed in the late 1970s. The trackbed of the branch is now used by the Bure Valley miniature railway.
The box is a fine example of the Great Eastern's standard design used from 1885 onwards, although the paint is looking a little dowdy in this early seventies view. The nameboard is picked out in Eastern Region colours, just like the label at the top of this page! Another example on this line is illustrated at North Walsham.
The box depicted here closed on Sunday 25th June 2000, when the control of the line was transferred to Trowse Swing Bridge.
Additional notes by David Ingham and Ken Lowe
All photographs copyright © John Hinson unless otherwise stated