Signalling Department
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North Weald Signalbox
The establishment of the passing loop and signals at North Weald is key to ensuring the use of steam / diesel locomotive hauled trains between North Weald and Ongar, to enable more than one train to operate and provide a more frequent service.
As part of this project we have restored the original 1888 GER signalbox, which is now back to its former glory, resplendent in 1940-1960's LNER / BR (Eastern Region) colours, complete with its original Saxby & Farmer 1880 pattern 21 lever frame to control the layout. Many of the signals will be very similar to the original 1949-1976 operation, with a few additions that will assist with the running of both heritage and local community services.
The works include the re-instatement of the North Weald bay platform, so a Diesel Multiple Unit shuttle can run from North Weald through the picturesque forest towards Epping.
North Weald Signalling Plan - PDF
The signalling design above was approved by HMRI, and is well on its way to being installed with many of the signals constructed and much of the "behind the scenes" work started or already completed.
We hope that bringing back mechanical signals on the platforms and the excellent view from the station of the signalman "doing his stuff" with the clank of the levers and bells will add to the atmosphere of the station, as well as preserving a range of signalling equipment from the local area, so the system reflects signalling in East Anglia though the ages in order to be both an educational and preservation benefit to future generations.
Please visit the Departments Diary page for the latest news from both the signals team and the other departments on the railway.
"From small acorns": We pause for tea while laying the Concrete Foundations for replacement steps, back in Summer 2007. Compare this picture with the one at the top of the page. We are well on our way to putting the station back to this excellent 1957 picture, complete with semaphore signal.
What Next?
We still have a little way to go before we are operational. There are still signals to install, safety systems to be installed and tested. Once this is done we will of course not be idle as the system will need to be maintained and tested on a regular basis, in between other projects (such as Epping).