Signalling Department
Signalling Logo
Intro | North Weald | Ongar | Links
Picture showing North Weald Station prior to LT removing the loop in 1976
For up to date information on how the Signal Box restoration is taking shape please visit the Departments Diary page.
Introduction
Why do we need signals?
Since 1889 (the year after North Weald signalbox was built), it has been a legal requirement to lock and prove that points are correctly set on passenger lines. A signalling installation ensures the correct setting and "locking" of points and to control train movements in order to ensure passenger safety. A signalling system is part of the essential infrastructure so we can run more than one train, both steam and heritage diesel on the line.
Following discussions with the other heads of departments, we drew up a signalling plan which will meet the requirements of the railway over the coming years. This plan was presented to HMRI (Part of the Office of Rail Regulation), and has been approved with no objections and is now well on its way to being installed.
North Weald is our passing place, and will be signalling to allow trains to arrive in either direction into both main platforms. The signalling here will also enable use of the bay platform and access into sidings which will cater for the current and future needs of the railway.
Ongar is the eastern terminus, and the signalling system here will both control the new expanded layout, and allow trains to arrive and depart from both the main and bay platforms, as well as enabling shunting to happen between trains.
We are progressing with the signalling of new layouts at both North Weald and Ongar, and further details and the scheme plans are on the individual pages.
A Restored Westinghouse relay interlocking rack, installed on EOR and part way through commissioning.
Much of the equipment is already on-site and in the process of being restored and installed, and the project is enabling the preservation of a wide variety of signalling equipment, some of which has not been preserved on other heritage railways.
One of our team restoring Ongar's Inner Home signal, the square box will indicate to the driver which line / platform he has been routed into.
Once we have completed the signalling installation and testing phases, as well as trained our loco crews and signalmen, it will be inspected and passed for use with passenger trains.
In the future it is also hoped that there could be a signalbox at an EOR Station at the Epping end, to enable trains to once again run over the whole branch restoring this essential link in our public transport and hopefully allowing steam to operate over the whole length of the line. We hope that each signalbox will be able to reflect a particular period in history and so act as a unique preservation and educational resource.
Volunteering - What's involved?
We have teams both at weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) and weekdays, and some of the items are small enough to be taken home and worked on in your garage / shed.
No prior experience is necessary, and full training can be given. There is no minimum number of turns and we are more than happy to see you whenever you can spare some time.
- 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 to others within our friendly team?
- or perhaps you might want to brush up your skills on the older signalling equipment?
If the answer to any of these is yes... don't delay; to find out how you can help.
Carefully re-glazing the original 1888 windows, all part of getting the box ready to signal trains.
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 this local heritage railway? Then why not consider sponsorship of a roofing tile, lever or signal: More information can be found on the Sponsor a Tile page.
Restoration in Action! Pictured is North Weald Frame c1970s, (left) and right when EOR Signals team took over (February 2007). Below as it neared completion at the end of 2008. Since this picture the inside has been full repainted into original LNER colours, the lever plates are being sign-written by one of the team and minor locking changes are being undertaken for the revised layout which will include the bay platform.
Thanks
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank a number of companies who have been assisting us with obtaining and preserving our signalling heritage, and enabling EOR to run trains.
Network Rail (both National and the East Anglia Territory)
Signalling Solutions Limited
Sonic Rail Services
Colas Rail
S&T Cover
BK3 Training
As well as many of the other heritage railways near and far who have provided support and assistance to EOR as we work to follow in their footsteps in installing a heritage signalling system.
Other service providers:
Dulux Trade Centre Chelmsford (assistance with paint matching)