BRITISH RAILWAY SIGNALS

LNER lattice-post signal

This lattice-post signal bears signals for going both directions. The signal facing the photographer applies to the Down line (two tracks away) but has been positioned here to give a better view to drivers on the left-hand curve. This signal is in fact slotted (jointly controlled by two signal boxes) and also acts as Trowse Yard Down Starter.

The two arms facing the other way are the Trowse Swing Bridge Up Starting with Trowse Yard's Up Distant below.

To avoid the usual problems of connecting signal wires across the swing bridge, the signals are operated by electric motor - the machines can be seen at the foot of the post.

LNER bracket signal with shunting arms

The posts and bracket of this signal are made of timber, which suggests that this was a fairly early erection by the LNER. The arms are smaller than those provided on running signals as they apply to shunt moves. They are mounted one above the other - the signal that is "off" applies to the right-hand route option ahead.

Some of the coloured spectacle glasses are missing, causing the signal to show white lights instead of red and green.

More information about this signal, at Denaby "A", can be found in the Photo Gallery.

LNER disc signals

The LNE was also slow to adopt modern-style shunting signals, continuing to install revolving discs until the 1940's. When they finally designed a modern disc signal similar to those used by the others of the "big four" companies, no provision was made for mounting several discs vertically.

In most cases a single disc was sufficient for the LNE's purposes - even for multiple routes - but where circumstances made it necessary to show a clear indication of route two or more signals would be provided. Provided there was sufficient space, the signals would be mounted beside each other, as seen here, but if space would not permit, one signal would be mounted on a pedestal behind the other, as shown on the right.

LNER shunt signals were the only UK examples (apart from some in Ireland) to work in the upper quadrant.

The signals illustrated here were at Twenty Feet River (left) and North Walsham (right), more details will be found in the Photo Gallery section.