Penshurst

Penshurst

Signalling

By Peter Gibbons:

In 1983 there were only four working levers, numbers, 1, 4, 21 and 24. The numbering reflects the fact that this was a 26 lever frame but that two levers (indicated by the gap) have at some point been removed. It will be noted that one lever is shorter than the others. This was lever 12, which once worked Bough Beech ''Up'' Intermediate Home and Distant signals. The signals were both motor worked semaphore signals and were installed as a war time measure to increase line capacity for this route. Because the signals were electrically (rather than mechanically) worked, very little effort would be required to operate this lever so the top was removed as a reminder to the signalman. The intermediate home signal was situated 2 miles 1017 yards from the signal box in the direction of Edenbridge and were still in place in 1960.

By John Creed:

The reason for the removal of levers 13 and 14 was to insert a timber baulk under the lever frame to prop it up – the best place for this was in the middle, so the middle two levers were the ones removed to make room. Bough Beech Intermediate ''Up'' signals were removed on 19 March 1967, the box was abolished on 5 March 1986 and finally demolished in November of the same year.

The webmaster is grateful for the help of Peter Gibbons and John Creed for their detailed signalling information.

1983

An internal view of the signal box reveals 24 levers. White levers are designated as ''spare'', yellow levers

control ''distant'' signals, and red levers control ''stop'' signals. The frame formerly comprised 26 levers,

but two had been removed by the time of this photograph (Nos. 13 and 14). Peter Gibbons

1983

Penshurst Tunnel is in the background of this view, which reveals the ''up'' distant signal upon

a concrete post. Semaphore signalling was abolished in March 1986. Peter Gibbons

1983

Another internal view this time reveals SR Standard instruments upon the shelf and, through the end window,

the remaining ''up'' side waiting shelter. Peter Gibbons

<< Previous Next >>

Return to the Kent Rail Homepage or alternatively, check for Updates.

Website & Copyright information - Links - Contact the Webmaster