Polegate
 |
Polegate Crossing Signalbox, with level crossing hidden by the undergrowth and the South
Downs as a backdrop. Although this box is today situated next to the station, for many years the station was
further west and the box was on its own here.
photograph by Michael Taylor |
| A more recent photograph from August 1985 showing how the undergrowth has been cut back.
photograph by Mark Westcott |
 |
 |
The rear and side of the box, also during August 1985.
photograph by Mark Westcott |
| The box diagram showing just a crossover and level crossing. In former
days the station was further west by the then junction of the direct line to
Hastings (now removed) and the line to Hampden Park and Eastbourne. The number
at the top, 1290, is the number of the Signalbox.
Note that half the signals are semaphores (the down home and both the up homes) whilst the other three are colour lights. photograph by Edmund Copping |
 |
 |
At one time there were three sidings to control, as well as
the locking of the level crossing road and wicket gates and the distant
signals in Polegate West Signalbox. This required 17 of the 20 levers to be
used but today's arrangement means that most of the levers are no longer
required so the space taken by these has been utilised for a console! Just
three levers working are left on one side of the frame to operate the down
distant, home and starting signals.....
photograph by Edmund Copping |
| .....matched by three on the other side for the up direction signals.
Note that the distant lever has been cut down (as indeed has the 'spare' lever two to its right). This would have been done at some time in the past when that particular signal was converted from a lever pull to power operation. The white band round levers three and thirteen indicate that these signals are released by another Signalbox, in these cases to allow a train to enter the next block section. photograph by Edmund Copping |
 |
 |
General view of the instruments showing how modern tecnology
is involved in a traditional lever frame box. The keyboard is on the
console placed in front of many of the spare levers.
photograph by Edmund Copping |
All photographs are copyright
This page was last updated 5 February 2011
Return to Southern Signalboxes index
