KSE Signalling Project

The semi-permanent web of scaffolding that has shrouded the box for so long has at last been removed revealing this 1860’s signalbox in all its glory. A sight anticipated for so long by all those of us who yearn for the sights and sounds of days gone by. Much remains still to be done in the finessing of the structure with Tim and the team beavering away amongst a mountain of rods, bell cranks and pulleys – all beautifully refurbished and awaiting installation. Preliminary work has already begun on the entrance steps and the wheelchair platform (which will be accessed from the back of the ‘box from the new footpath) that will provide all our disabled visitors with direct entrance to the ‘box enabling them to witness the workings at first-hand. As you can see from the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures, we have come a long way since we started and, although winter is slowing us down as usual, I hope to report further progress and pictures very soon. S&DR Signal Box - In Original Condition...

Just a quick post this time before Christmas: the first step towards putting the NER Central Division frame into the signal box! Having produced various drawings after lots of measurements in the early days of the project, we finally offered up the first components to the floor joists to check everything fitted nicely before we got too carried away. Here we see Steve and Matt offering up a single quadrant, with the two brackets attached. These brackets both steady the frame and support the floor over the locking trays. Bob looks on in despair at our interruption to his work! He should be very content indeed, having built the box to suit the frame perfectly! We were trying to ascertain the exact level for each component, so that it all ties into the floor seamlessly. Once the remaining internal scaffolding comes out, we will be setting up the stanchions on the girders, so everything must end up at the correct height!