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Signalling Department

Signalling Logo

Intro | North Weald | Ongar | Links

North Weald Signalbox

"Precision in everything we do" - as demonstrated by Keith!

The establishment of the passing loop and signals at North Weald is key to ensuring initially both the use of steam / diesel locomotives between North Weald and Ongar, and enable 2 train operations.

This project is using the original 1888 GER signalbox, which has been lovely restored back to its former glory. Inside, we will use the original 1880 pattern Saxby & Farmer 21 lever lever frame to control the layout, and this will be very similar to the original 1949-1976 operation.

Phase 2 of the signalling system will enable the staged formation of sidings and rail access to the engineering facility at North Weald, and the plan also includes the re-instatement of the North Weald bay platform, so a DMU shuttle could be run from Epping to North Weald (to perhaps connect with a steam train for the second journey before we install and signal a run-round loop at Epping Glade).

The full signaling plan and layout is currently only available to our volunteer team during the draft stages, but will be published here very shortly once approved by HMRI, check back for updates.

The box is very much in keeping with the GER station and its atmosphere, and provided we can locate enough equipment, we will be able to commission this signalbox. We hope that bringing back the mechanical signals and the signalman "doing his stuff" with the clank of the levers and bells will add to the atmosphere of the station and we hope to include some authentic "older generation" colour light signals (possibly LT), so that the system reflects signalling through the ages in order to be both an educational and preservation benefit to future generations.

So what have we been doing? Our enthusiastic and motivated team we have been very busy; initially preserving the exterior of the GER 1888 built signalbox (fixing guttering and downpipes, sanding, filling, painting, replacing the entire upper and lower stairs). We have also audited and servicing the lever frame, old wiring, checking the rodding stools and crank base along the trackside and preparing for the next stages.

Please visit the Departments Diary page for the latest news from both the signals team and the other departments on the railway.

What Next? I have applied to the committee for funds for roller-shutters that will cover the windows to provide security and make the box vandal-proof for many years to come and yet be workable when the box is fully operational.

Going forward, there are two stages for the coming months:

1. To restore the signaling items and install them, including running out the communications systems.
2. To finish the interior decoration of the signalbox, re-wire some items and make some small adjustments to the interlocking

The return of the 1888 GER signalbox to its former glory is an excellent reflection of everyone's hard work and I hope that together we can continue to restore and preserve signalling equipment while working to enable the railway to meet its stated goals.

Lunchbreak Time - Laying Concrete Foundations for Steps, North Weald, 2007