The Signalling Record Society

Signal Box Registers

Regarded by many as as our “Flagship” publications, the Signal Box Registers are a series of books listed all the known signal boxes in the British Isles. For each signal box, information is included of dates of opening and closing, signal box type, size, lever frame and so on.

The first volume was published in 2007 and volumes have periodically been published since then. Some volumes are still being compiled but will appear in due course. Some others have been updated with second or even third editions.

The locations of most of the signal boxes listed have been mapped on our OS Map Page. Well worth a visit!

To purchase copies of volumes currently available, please visit our on-line Bookstall.

What you can see in the Registers

Locations are listed in line of route order.

The type of information included against each location is shown in the image to the right and each column is explained here.

Ref: This is the RailRef identity of the location or signal box. It is in two parts - line reference followed by a sequential number. Gaps are left in the sequence numbers to allow for additional information to be inserted when more information is discovered. Click the link to discover more about the RailRef system.

M: the recorded milepost mileage for the location.

Name: The recorded name of the signal box at this location.

#: Number used to indicate when there has been more than one signal box here.

Signal Box: A description of the signal box itself including opening and closing dates; the type of signal box; and the size and type of construction. The type coding was devised by members of this Society and first published in “The Signal Box”. The codes are explained in the register itself.

Locking Frame: The type coding was also devised by our members and, like the signal box type, is now used by most authors when describing signal boxes. Where known the distance between the centres of each lever is shown as is the number of levers. Where we can, we show the date of manufacure of the frame. The codes are explained in the register itself.

BS: Whether or not a 'block switch' was provided. If one was provided the signal box could be closed while leaving the line open to traffic but with longer block sections.

Notes: The number of any note giving more detail than can be fitted into the column.

Volume 1: Great Western

This volume covers the Great Western Railway area as it was between 1923 and 1947. It includes, therefore, all the Great Western signalboxes and those of the various constituent companies. Geographically, the area extends to mid Wales, Cheshire, West Midlands, and Weymouth as well as Paddington to Penzance.

The first edition was published in 2007 and a second edition followed in 2011. The third edition was published in late 2022. Each edition is fully updated to the latest known detail at the time date of publication.

Members (only) may view an on-line version of the register by clicking on this link. To view the register, members will need the passwords they can obtain from the Member's Forum.

Volume 2: Midland

The Midland volume will include all signal boxes of the former Midland Railway.

This volume has not yet been published.

Volume 3: Eastern

The third volume in the series covers the former Great Eastern, Great Northern and Great Central Railway areas that collectively comprised the Southern Division of the London & North Eastern Railway.

Also in this volume are the lines of the Midland & Great Northern Railway and the Cheshire Lines Committee.

First published in 2012, a second edition was published in 2022.

Volume 4: Southern

Volume four takes in the Southern Railway including the lines in the Isle of Wight.

Also included are the various Military railways within its borders, the East and West London lines and the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway.

This volume was published in 2009

Volume 5A: London Midland South

This volume will include all signal boxes in the southern part of the former London & Western Railway.

This volume has not yet been published.

Volume 5B: London Midland North

This volume will include all signal boxes in the northern part of the former London & Western Railway plus those of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway.

This volume has not yet been published.

Volume 6: Scotland

We have put all the signal boxes in Scotland in this volume and incuded those signal boxes belonging to former Scottish railway companies in the northen extremities of England.

The Scottish volume was published in 2012.

Volume 7: North Eastern

The former North Eastern Railway will be covered in this volume.

This volume has not yet been published.

Members (only) may view an on-line version of the register by clicking on this link. To view the register, members will need the passwords they can obtain from the Member's Forum.

Volume 8: London Transport

The London Transport volume includes all the lines that came within the London Transport orbit in 1932.

Also included is the Waterloo & City line.

It was published in 2019

Volume 9: Ireland & Isle of Man

This volume includes all the railways of Ireland, both north and south of the border.

Also included are the railways of the Isle of Man.

It was published in 2015.

Combined Volume on CD

This CD-ROM includes all the contents of volumes 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8 as described above. Versions suitable for viewing in your web browser and a PDF copy are both included.

It was most recently published in 2019.

Volume 9: Ireland & Isle of Man on CD

This CD-ROM includes all the contents of volume 9 as described above. Versions suitable for viewing in your web browser and a PDF copy are both included.

It was published in 2015.

Addenda & Corrigenda

Research is a continual and continuing process and it is inevitable, as more information is discovered, it is possible to add to and amend the information in the published registers. Two sets of amendments are available:

for the London Transport volume (8)

for all the other current volumes.

There is no charge for these update sheets.

Do you find this web site useful? If so, why not become a member of the Society
Page last modified Saturday, 26th November, 2022, 11:49 hours.
Entire site copyright © 2008–2024 The Signalling Record Society. All rights reserved.
A Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales.
Registered Charity Number 1176506.