The new Swanage signalbox is built as a historically accurate replica of a LSWR signal box from the 1880s and has won the Westinghouse Signalling Award in the 2002 National Railway Heritage Awards. The new signalbox contains a 40 lever frame which was originally installed in the Brockenhurst B box, this was removed and kept by Ralph Montagu (of Beaulieu) when the Brockenhurst B box was demolished in the 1970s. The leverframe is now on permanent loan to the Swanage Railway and looks very smart in the new signalbox where it is used on a daily basis to control train movements at Swanage station, the seaside terminus of the Purbeck Line.

Image 1: Track diagram in the new Swanage signalbox.

Image 2: The S.R. lever frame. Note the brown & white striped `King' levers used to lock the box out of use.

Image 3: Levers all clean & shiny with brass indicators on the instrument shelf almost ready for trains.

Image 4: This is the mechanical interlocking rack below the operating floor. each lever mechanically locks or unlocks other levers in the frame to guard against conflicting routes being set and conflicting movements from being signalled. And Yes. it IS as complicated as it looks!. :-)

Image 5: The mechanical rodding to operate the points and point locks can be seen leading across the floor, under the front wall of the building to the track outside. The signal operating cables are also seen here, most have only laid slack in place at the time of this photo, before the winter shutdown. The signal wires have now all been fitted, tested and are operational (Jan2003).

Image 6: Relay bank. This is where the electrical proving, control and interlocking is done. It is not really as complicated as it looks but there is quite a bit of it!

Image 7: Swanage signalbox training console. This panel was connected to the systems in the box and was used to "occupy" track circuits on the track diagram and operate the block bells and instruments on the instrument shelf above the lever frame. The levers and instruments were then operated by trainee signalmen under supervision of the console operator, a passed signalman. This has to have been the ultimate in signalbox simulations!

Jan 2003: The training panel and associated controls have now been removed as the signals, rodding and electrical circuits have now been connected to the signalbox.

Jan 2003: Swanage signalbox passed government inspection for use on 28th January 2003

Feb 2003: Swanage signalbox was officially opened for use. on 6th February 2003

Mar 2003: Swanage signalbox opening ceremony was performed on 29th March 2003 when Ralph Montagu cut the ribbon on the signalbox steps witnessed by a large gathering of those who have devoted time and resources to the project and local dignitaries including the Mayor and Mayoress of Swanage.