John Oram's photos with the keyword: Signal Box

The area around South Bermondsey has changed beyond recognition in the 34 years since I took this photograph. On the 14 March 1986, I was on foot in the area. It was with some relief that I found I had taken just enough notes to facilitate the research I did in April 2020 to be able to write with some certainty the notes for this scanned picture. I described my viewpoint at the time as 'below South Bermondsey station' and referred to the Bricklayers Arms branch. After consulting several sources both online and in print, I concluded that this is the abandoned North Kent West Junction signal box on the former branch to Bricklayers Arms which had closed in 1981, Geotagging approximate. 860216_140386E

At the time of posting, little is known about what appears to be a signal box cabin in the car park above the Ropley depot of the Mid Hants Railway. It is not believed to be intended for the railway itself but perhaps part of an additional display. The robust piece of engineering visible inside was, presumably, the lever frame. TZ70_P1000196R

At the time of posting, little is known about what appears to be a signal box cabin in the car park above the Ropley depot of the Mid Hants Railway. It is not believed to be intended for the railway itself but perhaps part of an additional display. TZ70_P1000192CE

The former Mt Albert signal box is preserved at MOTAT, Auckland. 200_2_P1030173

This picture was inspired by one I saw elsewhere, probably on FB. I thought I should see for myself a piece of the Hampshire railways which is in some of my earliest memories. To be honest, memories of Havant and Bedhampton crossings are probably merged in my mind but I remember the mechanical operation of those crossings and the numerous signals. The box today looks rather sorry for itself and it is a shame. 200_2_P1010925

The classic signal box is in decline. This example at Truro is one I have photographed before but is worth recording again while it is still intact and active. 200_P1020162

The classic signal box is in decline. This example at Truro is one I have photographed before but is worth recording again while it is still intact and active. 200_P1020155