Historic photographs of varied and sometimes obscure Lincolnshire railway signals in the 1950’s have been saved for posterity thanks to the generosity of the Past President of the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway Historic Vehicles Trust, Major J.A. “Tubby” Robins. See  Here

Some half century ago Major Robins was seconded from the Army to the Eastern Region of British Railways to study signalling systems. Much of his work was in Lincolnshire, especially on the swing bridge at Crowle.

At the time, Major Robins compiled four booklets, which he illustrated with his own photographs. He has kindly made these available to Dave’s Railpics and for circulation among members of the Trust and in due course, they will be presented to the Signalling Record Society for safe keeping to be accessible to those with an interest in historic signalling.

The four booklets cover:

1. Semaphore Running Signals
2. Running Electric Colour Light Signals
3. (Assorted) Shunting Signals
4. Curious and Historical Signals and Equipment.
 

Some examples from the books follow:

MS&L Lower Quadrant Distant Signal

in use at Goxhill in Lincolnshire.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Swivelling Disc Type Shunting Signal.

In use in Barnetby area.

In the ON position the signal shows a horizontal red bar on awhite disc with a red aspect illuminated by a lamp. When the signal is pulle off the top part of th esignal swivels showing a red bar at an angle of 45 degrees on awhite disc with a green aspect illuminated from the rear.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Three Position Semaphore Signal.

In use at Althorpe for Keadby, Gunness & Burringham.

This photo shows the signal in the ON position. It can be seen that there are three aspects in the spectacle holder. These show Red Yellow and Green. The possible positions of the signal are:- Horizontal - Stop. at 45 degrees - Proceed but be prepared to stop at next signal. Vertical - Proceed and the next signal is showing either a proceed aspect or a proceed but be ready to stop at next signal indication. These signals are worked by electricity.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Three Postion Semaphore Signal.

In use at Althorpe for Keadby & Burringham.

This shows the signal in the proceed postion.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Barge Traffic Signal

In use at Crowle Swing Bridge.

This upper quadrant signal is controlled from the signal box which controls the swing bridge locks. The whole system is interlocked in the lever frame. This signal is 200-300yards from the box.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Barge Traffic Signal

In use at Crowle Swing Bridge.

This signal controls traffic in the opposite direction from the one in the previous photo. It is a centre slot type signal and appears to have had some rough treatment at one time. The signal arm appears to have a "B" just where the arm and the circle join.