Signalling
The
signalling system is based on North Eastern Railway practice i.e. lower quadrant
semaphore signals. The signals in the station limits are worked from a fully
interlocked 30 lever frame situated in a signal box on the platform near the
Down sidings. Both points and signals are operated by compressed air and to
increase the safety aspect of the interlocking, valves on the point operating
mechanism only allow the signal to show clear if the point blade is fully home.
Also the main signals in the station limits are put to danger by track circuits
as a train passes them, thus they are classed as semi-automatic, i.e. they are
controlled by the passage of the trains or by the signalman. The tracks outside
the station limits are controlled by fully automatic signals, again semaphore
but electrically operated by solenoids. These signals are approach operated as
in NER practice, i.e. they are at danger until a train approaches them and
assuming the section in front is clear the signal will lower. (The signalman has
no control of these signals). 
In 2004 a second signal box was opened to control the new freight yard and
access to it from the main line.
The track circuit system, (a faithful copy in principle of the full size)
controls the automatic signals as well as the semi-automatics. The signalman has
a diagram in the signalbox with LED’s showing each section as either clear or
occupied, this assists him to plan when he can set up a route without stopping a
train. The signalmen are trained and passed out as competent and will be pleased
to explain the workings. If visiting please do not assume you can operate the
signals even if that’s what you do for a living as we would not want to cause
offence by refusing. All the signals are easily removable for safe storage and
are only in position when several trains or a passenger train is running. They
also have lights fitted so that night running can take place in complete safety.
In the picture is the recently completed 30 lever second signal box at the Erimus Yard. The bracket signal seen at the right controls access to the new yard from the down main-line.
The signals and water-cranes are all built to 71/4" gauge (1:8) scale which has a satisfying relationship to all gauges, and particularly, the super-sized drivers.
Visit the Signalling picture gallery