Photograph 1/1/60. from the collection of Dr. J W F Scrimgeour
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THE SIGNAL BOX |
OVERSEAS |
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Photograph 1/1/60. from the collection of Dr. J W F Scrimgeour |
Although much of the signalling of the County Donegal Railways was simple and basic (see the CDRJC Signals page), full and comprehensive signalling was provided at some locations. Stranorlar had two signal cabins, and this view shows locomotive No.4 shunting outside the East box.
This box was built by the Railway Signal Company (an English contractor that secured much work in Ireland) and is typical of their build. This example is all-timber and has the extra row of windows below the main sliding sections although those along the front are totally obscured by the large nameboard.
 Photograph 31/12/59, from the collection of Dr. J W F Scrimgeour |
On the last day of operation of Stranorlar West box, New Year's Eve 1959, the signalman is operating the Webb & Thompson Miniature Electric Trains Staff machine prior to the arrival of the last train.
Notice how crudely the descriptions are painted on the levers - the last four read:
| 17 SIGNAL UP INNER HOME FROM DONEGAL |
18 SIGNAL SHUNT TO DOWN LINE 8 OR JC SIDINGS 8.7 |
19 SIGNAL UP OUTER HOME |
20 SIGNAL CALLING ON FROM STRABANE |
 Photograph 31/12/59, from the collection of Dr. J W F Scrimgeour |
This picture shows the immaculately dressed signalman on the last evening of operation of the West box. He was telephoning Lough Eske to find when the last railcar was due.
There are two train staff instruments in the box because Stranorlar was a junction for the Glenties branch.
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Comments about this article should be addressed to John Hinson |