A low resolution version of the Signalling Diagram for
Bearley East Junction Signal Box dated 1907 produced courtesy of the Signalling
Record Society (S.R.S.). Details of how to purchase their full resolution
content is available here. This diagram relates to
the second box at Bearley which opened in 1879 following the opening of the
branch line to Alcester. The Signal Box was a standard McKenzie and Holland
brick built design with a timber operating room, gable roof and external
staircase (type MK3). With the construction of the North Warwickshire Line,
additional signalling requirements necessitated the replacement of the original
twenty-six lever frame with a thirty-one lever frame and this was carried out
on 12th October 1907. Prior to 5th June 1907 the signal box had been called
‘Bearley Signal Box’, but after that date it was renamed
‘Bearley East Junction Signal Box’. The opening hours for a selection
of years are given:
| Service
Time Table |
Signal
Box Opened |
Signal
Box Closed |
| Sundays |
Mondays |
Other
weekdays |
Sundays |
| Summer 1904 |
7:45 a.m.
10:30
a.m.
3:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m. |
6:30 a.m. |
Open
continuously until 10:45 p.m. Saturday Night |
8:30 a.m.
11:45
a.m.
5:15 p.m.
9:15 p.m. |
| Winter 1906 |
8:00 a.m.
10:30
a.m.
7:00 p.m. |
6:30 a.m. |
Open
continuously until 10:45 p.m. Saturday Night |
8:30 a.m.
11:45
a.m.
9:15 p.m. |
| Summer 1916 |
7:00 p.m |
6:30 a.m. |
Closed after
passing of booked trains |
2 noon
9:00 p.m. |
| Summer 1929 |
10:15 a.m.
1:50
p.m.
6:20 p.m. |
4:00 a.m. |
Open
Continuously |
12:15 a.m.
11:45
a.m.
3:30 p.m.
9:30 p.m. |
| Winter 1930 |
10:00 a.m.
1:50
p.m.
6:20 p.m. |
4:00 a.m. |
Open
Continuously |
2:15 a.m.
11:45
p.m.
3:30 p.m.
9:30 p.m. |
The Signal Box here controlled the block sections on the
double line towards Bearley West Junction and the token apparatus for; the
north curve single line to Bearley North Junction and also the single track
line to Hatton. The Signalman sent messages to the preceding Signal Box to give
permission for trains to enter the block section on their line and used signals
to indicate to train drivers when they were allowed to proceed. Distant
Signals, distinguished by their forked tails and yellow colour (post September
1927) gave train drivers advance warning of the status of the next
‘Stop’ Signal. The two single lines were operated using two sets of
token apparatus. Only one token could be released from each set at any one time
and this was given to the locomotive driver when he entered a single line
section and surrendered when he left. This way no more than one train or engine
could occupy each of the single lines.
The Signal Box also controlled train movements associated
with the station yard and sidings in addition to the two single lines. The
Signalman could set a route with the point switch levers. These were
interlocked with various types of signals (including ground signals and route
indicators), operation of which informed the locomotive driver of the selected
route and when to proceed. This interlocking with signals ensured that these
indicated to other trains, when they could no longer proceed safely and had to
stop.
Visibility was important in the days before track circuits
and the Signal Box was positioned where it could oversee the most complex
trackwork.
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