OF EXETER WEST SIGNAL BOX

Exeter West signalbox was built by the Great Western Railway in 1913. It was located at the west end of St. Davids station, controlling the junction for the London & South Western Railway's line to Waterloo and connections to the Goods Lines avoiding the station, the engine sheds and various yards. The previous box was not spacious enough to accommodate the greater layout following enlargement of the station. The lengthy new signalbox contained a lever frame of 114 levers, but this was replaced in 1959 by an even larger new frame of 131 levers.

A view of Exeter West Box in steam days. A westbound freight train is passing in front of the box, whilst the lines to Exeter Central curve round behind the box. On the far left is the shunting spur for the South Devon Sidings, whilst on the far right a wooden-post GWR backing signal stands sentinel on the river bridge. (Photograph by R C Riley)

A view inside the box taken around 1980 showing the box in action. This is the kind of scene that the Exeter West Group re-create today.

The signal box remained in use until 1985, when colour light signalling controlled electronically from a new box at Exeter was brought into use.

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The
Exeter West Group
can be contacted at:
67 Teazel Avenue
Bournville
Birmingham
B30 1LZ

Email:
exeterwest @ studio433.co.uk