BRITISH RAILWAY SIGNALS

NBR stop signal

These two examples of North British stop signals outlived those on BR property by being on a National Coal Board-owned branch.

The majority of signals on the NB were supplied by Stevens & Sons, and had the distinct "teardrop" spectacle plate.

The signal on the right is particularly interesting as the rear face of the arm is incorrectly coloured with a red band. Also visible is the pulley mechanism that allowed the lamp to be lowered and raised by a winch, which is why no ladder is provided. The pointed part of the finial has broken.

These signals were at Normand Road level crossing.

NBR distant signal

Similar to the signals illustrated above, this distant signal is not as tall so a conventional ladder is provide for lamping.

Again, the arm is incorrectly painted as the black stripe should match the vee of the arm itself. However, being on a non-BR line allowed the owners to paint their signals however they liked!

The signal was also at Normand Road.

Stevens flap signal

Stevens & Sons manufactured a different type of shunt signal than other contractors. Instead of the usual revolving disc, these lowered the red flap to a near-horizontal position. Simultaneously, a small blue spectacle glass was swing in front of the lamp.

Do not be distracted by the BR shunt signal lying face-down beside this signal - this was supplied to replace the flap disc, which was at Ardlui, but this never happened and the flap disc remained in use until the line was resignalled in 1986.