A little piece of railway history finds new home
CHARITY WILL RESTORE VICTORIAN SIGNAL BOX
RAIL enthusiasts have reached a milestone in their efforts to preserve a little piece of railway heritage.
The disused signal box at Lowdham station has been moved, with the hope of turning it into a mini signalling museum.
Lowdham Railway Heritage is the name of a charity set up to relocate and restore the Victorian signal box, which, along with several others, became redundant in 2016 after the re-signalling of the Nottingham and Lincoln line.
Work to move the box was carried out by Nottingham-based construction engineering consultancy Howard Ward Associates (HWA), which carried out the work for free.
Rather than see the signal box become dilapidated, Lowdham
Railway Heritage’s founder, enthusiast David Moore, sought planning permission to move it to a location close to the station, restore it to its original condition and open it up to the public. HWA, which has its head office in Radcliffe on Trent, supplied much of the engineering work required to move the signal box without damaging it, as well as advising on the best place for the crane to operate. Its engineers also designed the steel frame used to support the box and connect it to the crane hook, it would be secure while being lifted in one piece.
The work took place overnight last month to avoid scheduled trains running through the Grade II listed railway station during the day and the signal box is now in an old cattle dock behind the station, about 6ft from the tracks.
With the help of volunteers and professionals, the box has been stripped and will be restored and repainted. The interior will be refitted, complete with polished wooden block instruments, a gate wheel and new staircase, offering visitors an insight into how the Victorian signal box would have operated. The plan is to welcome the public on selected open days.
Mr Moore said: “Moving the signal box was a huge success and it is wonderful to see it in its new location, ready for further restoration and repainting.
“We are grateful to HWA for its work and professional advice in planning the move, and to all of our volunteers for their assistance in making this happen..”
Giles Ward, director at HWA, said: “We were pleased to offer our expertise and services on this interesting heritage project, which sees an important piece of railway history preserved.
“Signal boxes have become an iconic and charming symbol of Britain’s railways and it would have been a shame to see another disappear.”
It is wonderful to see it in its new location, ready for further restoration and repainting. David Moore