Signalling Department
Signalling Logo
Intro | North Weald | Ongar | Links
For up to date information on how the Signal Box restoration is taking shape please visit the Departments Diary page.
The Signals Team are in need of old photographs, diagrams, rule books or any other signaling documents regarding the line, and any other signalling
paraphenalia. These will be useful in order to further understand the restoration project.
If you have any and would be willing to send/email us a copy please contact Simon.
Introduction
Why do we need signals? A signalling installation is a system to ensure the correct setting and "locking" of points and to control train
movements in order to ensure passenger safety and provide operational flexibility. Following discussions with the other heads of departments,
we have drawn up a signalling plan which will meet the requirements of the railway over the coming years.
We are initially working on 2 signalboxes: North Weald (our halfway point, and passing place) and the terminus at Ongar.
In the future it is also hoped that there could be a signalbox at any EOR Epping Station, to enable steam to run-round here and so operate
over the whole length of the line.
Our Aims: The signalling system will initially allow two trains to operate simultaneously. This will enable us to run, for example, two passenger trains, or a passenger service and a driver experience / staff training / goods or works trains without interrupting the passenger train service. Most importantly this will enable locomotive (steam and diesel) to run between Ongar and North Weald. This will obviously enable substantial benefits in raising income, improving operational flexibility and works access.
- Can you spare a few hours and fancy working with a friendly team?
- Do you have any signal items that you would like to see in use, both those older items and newer?
- Do you work on Network Rail / London Transport, or know of items becoming redundant that we could save for preservation?
- Are you approaching retirement and want to continue using your skills for the benefit of this local line and pass on your knowledge?
- or perhaps you might want to brush up your skills on the older signaling equipment?
If the answer to any of these is yes... don't delay; email Simon to find out how you can help.
Volunteering - What's involved? To ensure the future success of the EOR, please become involved in anyway you can! There are a number of
small mini-projects that are very satisfying to complete, and crucial to the project. We have a team who work on Sundays and Tuesdays,
occasional Saturdays, as part of Eddy's Thursday gang, and talk of a Monday gang. There is no minimum number of turns and we are more
than happy to see you whenever you can spare some time.
Some components are small enough to be taken home and worked on / restored in your own workshop if you would prefer to work ad-hoc
May I take this opportunity to thank the team and the wider EOR family for their continued efforts and hard work:
Keith, Derek, Kevin, Mike W, Eddie V, Richard H, Carl W, Peter C, Mike C (EOR's Civil Engineer), & Ron A (one of EOR's
resident 240v Sparkies!), as well as our friends on other preserved lines, Network Rail and London Underground who are
helping us bring steam back to this line and preserve a range of signaling equipment for future generations to see and
enjoy doing its stuff, signaling trains.
Simon Hanney, Head of Signalling at EOR, is a volunteer and passed signalman on the Swanage Railway for over 10 years.
Sponsorship
Stuck for an idea for a present for a railway enthusiast? Want to contribute towards the reinstallation of the North Weald signal box? Or are you a corporate company wanting to invest in the railway? Then why not consider sponship of a roofing tile, lever or signal: More information can be found on the 'Sponsor a Tile' page.