Signal Box Visits

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Signal Box Visits 28/05/2024 at 22:19 #156400
JamesDaniel
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40 posts 		Hi,

Does anyone know how to get signal box visits from Network Rail. It’s fascinating and I’d like it for educational purposes.

Thanks,
James
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Signal Box Visits 29/05/2024 at 09:27 #156408
jonathanp
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19 posts 		The Branch Line Society: https://www.branchline.uk/ organises visits semi-regularly.

My impression is that obtaining permission for a visit is entirely reliant having local contacts within Network Rail who are happy to organise a visit in their spare time, usually in return for a donation to charity. A direct approach to Network Rail is unlikely to be successful. They are trying to run a rail network, not organise jollies for enthusiasts.
Last edited: 29/05/2024 at 09:29 by jonathanp
Reason: None given
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Signal Box Visits 29/05/2024 at 10:52 #156409
bill_gensheet
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1432 posts 		While not NR, previously visited and thoroughly worthwhile is the Princes Risborough box on Chinnor Railway

https://www.risboroughbox.org.uk/
The open day this year is Saturday 13 July.

Bill
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Signal Box Visits 11/06/2024 at 10:56 #156540
kbarber
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1764 posts 		Some other preserved boxes are:
St Albans South http://www.sigbox.co.uk/sigbox/home.eb
Romsey (Hants) https://romseysignalbox.org.uk/
Exeter West (now at Crewe) https://www.exeterwest.org.uk/index.html
These are all mechanical boxes with Absolute Block working.

Epping (ex-London Underground) https://www.eppingmuseum.com/signalcabin
A miniature lever frame (Westinghouse Style N), with LT automatic working towards 'Loughton' and single line working towards 'North Weald'.

Swindon Panel https://www.swindonpanel.org.uk/
A WR-style 'turn-push' panel (as opposed to the more common 'push-push' type found elsewhere) with standard Track Circuit Block working and (not sure how far the reconstruction has got) examples of all 3 main train describer systems the panel had during its life. (At least one SimSig luminary is currently involved here and others have been at various times, to my knowledge.)

All these boxes have simulators so it is possible to see them working as they would have done when in use.

There are some other preserved boxes around (one at Kidderminster Railway Museum, for example), though I'm not sure quite how far they've all got with fitting up simulators (or even how many intend to do so).
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The following user said thank you: bill_gensheet
Signal Box Visits 11/06/2024 at 14:30 #156541
flabberdacks
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649 posts 		Having been to both Exeter West and Swindon Panel, they are both an absolute triumph and well worth any enthusiast's time.
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Signal Box Visits 15/06/2024 at 05:49 #156582
Giantray
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347 posts 		Become a member of the Signalling Record Society, https://www.s-r-s.org.uk/home.php

They hold regular visits to signalling locations both in use and preserved. They recently had an extensive visit to Doncaster PSB, York ROC and Three Bridges ASC.

Network Rail will find time for recognised organisations to visit their locations, as do many Heritage sites. ROCs vary in access because of security levels applied, some have higher level status of security because of areas they cover.
Professionalism mean nothing around a bunch of Amateur wannabees!
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Signal Box Visits 15/06/2024 at 20:42 #156591
Ron_J
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335 posts 		Giantray in post 156582 said:
Network Rail will find time for recognised organisations to visit their locations, as do many Heritage sites. ROCs vary in access because of security levels applied, some have higher level status of security because of areas they cover.
When I worked at West of Scotland SC, inspectors from DfT TRANSEC managed to get onto the operating floor (more than once!) by the simple expedient of people holding the outside gate and inside doors open for them....
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