Hampton Loade Signal Box

Hampton Loade Signal Box is a reconstruction of the original box which was largely dismantled after closure of Hampton Loade Station to passengers in 1963. The present box is built from parts of the original along with those of a box previouly located at Stourport.

The Severn Valley Railway is a single line for much of the route between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster. Signal Boxes are situated at intervals along the line to regulate the movement of trains along the railway. The piece of line between two signal boxes is called a block section and loops are provided at stations where the signal boxes are situated to enable two trains from opposite directions to pass, such station is called a crossing place, Hampton Loade being an example of this. It is obviously necessary to prevent more than one train at a time from occupying a particular section of line otherwise a collision could result. This is achieved by use of what is called the Electric Token Block System. A train may not occupy a particular section unless the driver is in possession of a Token for that section. The Token resembles a large key and a number of tokens are held in a pair of Token Instruments , one instrument being in the Box at each end of the section. The instruments are electrically connected in such a way that prevents more than one token being out of the two instruments at any one time. Thus only one train can be in the section at a time.

The signalmen communicate by a system of bell codes giving a variety of messages from the everyday "Is Line Clear for a stopping passenger train", "Train Entering Section", "Train Out Of Section", for example, to emergencies such as "Stop and Examine Train" or "Train Running Away"! The signalman will send a bell signal to ask permission for a train to occupy the section and if his colleague at the other end is in a position to give permission he sends the appropriate bell signal and presses a plunger on his instrument. This allows the first signalman to turn his token and remove it from his instrument. It is then placed in a carrier with a large hoop to enable the exchange between the signalman and the engine crew to be made easily. This exchange can often be seen in the vicinity of the signal box.

The movement of signals and points is controlled by the Lever Frame. The levers are numbered and the position of each signal and set of points is shown on a diagram above the frame. Levers are painted different colours:- Red for Stop signals, Yellow for Distant signals, Black for Points and Blue for Facing Point Locks. The levers are mechanically interlocked to prevent any conflicting movements of points or signals being made, for example a signal cannot be lowered to the clear position unless the points are in the correct position and locked for the safety of the approach of the train.

A number of Stop Signals may be seen around the station. These are coloured red with a white band. When the arm is horizontal the message is Danger - Stop and when lowered about 45 degrees the message is Clear - Proceed. Distant Signals are placed 1/2 mile or more before a Stop Signal. They are coloured yellow and black with a fishtail end and when horizontal mean Caution - the next Stop signal may be at Danger.

Above the frame is a shelf holding various items. Here can be seen Repeaters for signal arms and lamps which are out of sight of the Signalman. Collars which are placed on a lever if it is necessary to remind the signalman not to pull it and Detonators which are placed on the rail in an emergency and explode so alerting the driver. Three detonators are always kept out ready for immediate use. Also on the shelf is a handlamp for giving signals after dark or in conditions of bad visibility. To the right of the frame near the window can be seen red and green flags for giving handsignals in daylight. A red flag means Danger but a green flag can have various meanings depending on circumstances at the time and so is always used with great care.

On the wall at the back of the Box can be seen two telephones. One is connected to the S.V.R. automatic exchange and calls can be made to all parts of the railway by dialling the appropriate number. The other is known as the Omnibus and anyone can listen in or speak at any time. Next to the phones is an indicator for the Box power supply which is located "downstairs" under the floor.

On the desk can be seen the Train Register in which is kept a record of all bell signals sent and received and a note made of any unusual occurrence.

Note the old armchair and kettle, basic comforts for the signalman or "bobbie" as he is still often known, early signalmen were called policemen and the name has stuck. Today's "bobbie" will be please to answer any questions.