The subject of railway signalling is one that continues to fascinate railway enthusiasts, preservationists and modellers alike. Over the past 30 years, traditional signalling has, to a considerable extent, disappeared as more modern colour light signalling has replaced it. But on the preserved railways and on many of the more remote lines it is still possible to see traditional semaphore signals in operation from historic signalboxes. In 1991 Ian Allan published Stanley Hall's British Rail Signalling Handbook, which covered the current operation of signalling on the railways. The book, which was later reprinted, inevitably concentrates upon the modern technology of the railway scene. abc Signalling in the Age of Steam goes back further in time to examine the development of signalling and how it can still be found in many places. Detailed examination is given to the operational practices within signal-boxes, thereby providing the reader with a detailed handbook to the subject.Despite the modernisation of the railway industry and the demise of many traditional signalboxes, many of the surviving boxes nationwide still control semaphore signals of a type recognisable to the signalling staff for almost two centuries, and Network Rail, as the non-profit-making body that now controls the nation's railway network concedes, knowledge of the traditional means of signalling remains imperative. Fully illustrated with both photographs and line drawings, abc Signalling in the Age of Steam will become the essential guide to this fascinating topic. First published in 1994 and subsequently reprinted, this book remains the best basic guide to the subject of traditional signalling available. It is recommended reading for those seeking a career in railways and also for those involved in preservation or who want a comprehensive guide to traditional signalling methods.

Classic Railroad Signals digs into nearly every piece of train signaling hardware with archival and modern photos showing signals from around America.

From the 1830s to today, the railroad industry has developed myriad complex mechanisms to help keep North America’s railroad rights-of-ways safe, efficient, and relatively accident-free. In this paperback rerelease of the successful 2003 title, the otherwise-arcane world of railroad signaling is explained in concise language and brought to life with nearly 200 fantastic photographs that depict signaling history and all aspects of modern operations. Author and photographer Brian Solomon brings his wealth of knowledge and photographic talent to a subject that has not often been tackled in book form, yet is integral to the American railroad experience.

For over 150 years Britain's railways have relied on a system of semaphore signalling, but by 2020, all semaphore signals and lineside signal boxes will be gone. A Contemporary Perspective on GWR Signalling provides a unique record of the last operational mechanical signalling and infrastructure on Britain's railway network, as it applied to the former Great Western Railway (and lines owned jointly with other companies). It also includes a comprehensive explanation of what mechanical signalling is and how it works. Beautifully illustrated with over 400 contemporary images and with detailed information from a 2003-2014 survery, this is an essential resource for anyone with an interest in the traditional signalling systems of railways in Britain. The book covers: lineside signalling equipment - semaphore signals, brackets and gantries, and other variations; ways of working, from Absolute Block to Track Circuit Block (TCB); detailed coverage of the signal boxes and infrastructure on Network Rail, including routes through Shrewsbury, Hereford, Worcester, Cornwall, Chester and North Warwickshire; and diagrams of the major routes.

Written by Matthew Morgan, this book examines the delightful intricacies of mechanical signalling on the famous Worcester Patch.

Concentrating on The Great Central route, this look into the world of the steam age signalman throughout the railway network takes readers into the detailed operation of the busy signalbox, the mysteries of bell codes, interlocking, level crossing operation, train staffs, sections and even explains the legendary cloth or signalman's rag.