Signalman Collection

Poster produced for British Railways (BR), showing a railway worker manually operating the signals in the Greenwood signal box, New Barnet, London

Railwayman - 180 lever railway signal box at Shrewsbury
A railwayman walks across the tracks to the 180 lever railway signal box at Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. First published The Daily Telegraph Date: 1991

The opening of the Lartigue single line system between Listowel and Ballybunion, Kerry
5308336 The opening of the Lartigue single line system between Listowel and Ballybunion, Kerry.; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the opening of the Lartigue single line system between Listowel)

Transbaikal railway. The eastern portal of the tunnel...through Yablonovy ridge.1904-1917. Creator: Unknown
Transbaikal railway. The eastern portal of the tunnel at the 592nd verst during the descent from the pass through the Yablonovy ridge, 1904-1917. National Library of Russia

Signalman in operating signal levers during wartime, c. 1940
A signalman in his gas mask continues normal duties at this unknown signalbox. But what is interesting about this photograph is the strange looking metal cabinet with its door ajar stood in

Signal box at Reading Main Line West, c. 1936
An internal view of the signal box at Reading Main Line West. A signalman can be seen making a call on one of the signal telephones

A goods train crossing the points outside Newcastle station on the last day semaphore arm signals were used on the East Coast mainline. 7th May 1955

The main signal box at Central Station, Newcastle. 6th May 1938

Policeman John Breeze on duty at the junction of Bow Street and Long Acre Road in London, directing traffic with signals. Standing with him is seven year old Terry Jennings who wanted to help out

Bala Lake Railway guard Bob Davies operates the signal box. In 1988, Mr Davies had worked on the railway for 48 years Date: 1988

The 180 lever railway signal box at Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England Date: 1991

Forest Road Signal Box, Leicester, in 1903

Leicester - Forest Road Signal Box in 1903

Padiham West Signal Box on Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
Padiham West Signal Box on the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, Victorian period

Railway signal box at Colwich, Staffordshire, early 1900s

Signal box, early 1900s

Advert, Hudson's Extract of Soap, railway signalman shining a beam of light Date: 1888

Lance Percival playing a signalman in Andy Robson
Lance Percival playing a signalman in the first episode of Andy Robson, a Tyne Tees Television period drama. Date: 1983

HMS Esk, burial at sea of Ldg Sig G H Guest
HMS Esk (H15), British E-class destroyer, burial at sea of Leading Signalman G H Guest, who died on 17 January 1935 and was buried the following day. Date: 1935

Photograph showing the signalman in the act of pulling a signal lever to allow a train to enter one of the platforms. Date: 1907

Death as the railway signalman - a comment on repeated errors and a system of fines between the engine drivers and signalmen circa 1876

The Signalmans Christmas Dinner on the Railway Line (engraving)
1596957 The Signalmans Christmas Dinner on the Railway Line (engraving) by Forestier, Amedee (1854-1930) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Signalmans Christmas Dinner on the Railway Line)

The life of a railway signalman on duty in a London signal-box (engraving)
584008 The life of a railway signalman on duty in a London signal-box (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Opening of the Lartigue Single-Line Railway, between Listowel and Ballybunion, Kerry (engraving)
1595156 Opening of the Lartigue Single-Line Railway, between Listowel and Ballybunion, Kerry (engraving) by English School

Humble heroes, a railway cantoniera that prevents a train clash between Luino and Novara (colour litho)
2815173 Humble heroes, a railway cantoniera that prevents a train clash between Luino and Novara (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: Humble heroes)

Funicular railway in the Catskill Mountains, New York, USA (chromolitho)
968667 Funicular railway in the Catskill Mountains, New York, USA (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Funicular railway in the Catskill Mountains)

Sketches from South Africa, Views on the New Branch of the "North Eastern Railway"(engraving)
1058866 Sketches from South Africa, Views on the New Branch of the " North Eastern Railway" (engraving) by English School

The Tiger and the Signalman (litho)
1039206 The Tiger and the Signalman (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Tiger and the Signalman)

S, Signalman (colour litho)
3634153 S, Signalman (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: S, Signalman. Illustration for My Railway ABC (Raphael Tuck, c 1945).); © Look and Learn

Association Football, the Final Cup Tie at the Crystal Palace on 15 April (engraving)
1598778 Association Football, the Final Cup Tie at the Crystal Palace on 15 April (engraving) by Cleaver, Ralph (fl.1902); Private Collection; (add.info.: Association Football)

Signal on Castle Eden Village Railway Line in County Durham, England, the line is to be decommissioned and turned into a footpath, pictured Circa 1973

Signalman, at work in his signal box, Circa 1960

Policeman John Breeze on duty at the junction of Bow Street and Long Acre Road in London, directing traffic with signals. Standing with him is seven year old Terry Jennings who wanted to help out

Mrs Village an LNER railway worker signals to a train during WW2. 1941

The massive part that preserved railways now play in British tourism started with the reopening of the Bluebell Line in East Sussex, on August 8, 1960

Transport: Railways: Signal man Robert Shepherd seen here in his signal box. October 1953 D6472-001

Mrs Village and Mrs Milward working in their box. August 1941 P012047

The signalman. February 1941 P 09187

Tunnel signal - "All right", 1844. Creator: Unknown
Tunnel signal - " All right", 1844. Top-hatted railway worker signalling to a steam locomotive with a flag. From " Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V

Railway workers in London 1900
A selection of photographs showing railway workers in London. Date: 1900

Victorian Rural Train Station and Railroad Crossing, 1844-77. Creator: John Connell Ogle
Victorian Rural Train Station and Railroad Crossing, 1844-77

Tudor Style Rural Train Station and Railroad Crossing, 1844-77

A signalman at work at Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England
A signalman at work in the 180 lever railway signal box at Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England Date: 1991

Recording Daily Time Signal at Liverpool Street Station, London and North Eastern Railway, 1930. From " The Wonder Book of Railways", edited by Harry Golding. [Ward, Lock & Co

A Manual Box on the Great Western Main Line, Reading, 1930. Creator: Unknown
A Manual Box on the Great Western Main Line, Reading, 1930. From " The Wonder Book of Railways", edited by Harry Golding. [Ward, Lock & Co. Limited, London and Melbourne, 1930]

On the Route of the Lapland Express, 1935-36. Creator: Unknown
On the Route of the Lapland Express, 1935-36. From " Railway Wonders of the World, Vol. 2". [The Amalgamated Press Limited, London, 1935-36]

Greenwich Station, Greenwich, London, c1840
View of Greenwich Railway Station, London, c1840; with steam trains and a signalman

Work, c1910. Artist: James Akerman
Work, c1910. From The Fitzroy Pictures, published by George Bell & Sons, London, c1910

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Signalman: The Unsung Heroes of the Railway" This captivating poster, produced for British Railways (BR), showcases a railway worker diligently operating the intricate machinery that keeps our trains running smoothly. With his skilled hands and unwavering focus, he ensures the safety and efficiency of every journey. Step into the world of a railwayman at Shrewsbury's 180 lever railway signal box. This vignette illustration from "Railway Ribaldry" by W Heath Robinson takes us back in time to witness their expertise in managing the complex network of signals and switches. Travel further back to Leicester in 1903, where Forest Road Signal Box stands tall as a testament to the dedication of these unsung heroes. They tirelessly controlled train movements, ensuring seamless transportation for passengers and goods alike. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway proudly presents Padiham West Signal Box, another hub of activity orchestrated by skilled signalmen who navigated trains through this bustling junction with precision and care. Colwich, Staffordshire's railway signal box also played its part in history during the early 1900s. These humble structures housed brave individuals who safeguarded countless lives by expertly coordinating train traffic on busy lines. Even an advert for Hudson's Extract of Soap couldn't resist featuring a hardworking signalman amidst its promotional content. A true testament to their iconic status within society. In popular culture, Lance Percival brought these characters to life on screen as he portrayed a dedicated signalman named Andy Robson. His portrayal shed light on their tireless efforts behind-the-scenes that often go unnoticed but are vital for safe rail travel. Not limited to land alone, even aboard HMS Esk we find evidence of their significance. In this poignant moment captured forever in time, Ldg Sig G H Guest is given a burial at sea—a reminder that even in times of sorrow or loss, these men remained steadfast guardians throughout maritime journeys too.