A construction engineering firm has helped with the delicate job of moving a Victorian signal box to a new home – just a few yards from where it was.
Howard Ward Associates (HWA) helped move the wooden structure at Lowdham Station in Notts so that it can be saved and restored back to its former glory.
The box was last used four years ago before new signals were installed on the Nottingham and Lincoln line.
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Rather than see it lost, Lowdham Railway Heritage founder and local rail enthusiast David Moore gained planning permission to move it to a new location nearby so that it could be preserved and opened to the public as a small signalling museum.
The move took place overnight to avoid scheduled daytime trains and the signal box was relocated to a space behind the Grade II listed station.
Nottinghamshire-based HWA supplied much of the engineering work – for no cost – including determining how the box could be lifted without damage, and advising on the best place for the crane to operate.
The engineers also designed the steel frame used to support the box and connect it to the crane hook so that it didn’t fall apart.
There were once as many as 10,000 signal boxes used in Britain, with many now replaced by computerised centres controlling large sections of the rail network.
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HWA director Giles Ward said: “We were pleased to offer our expertise and services on this interesting heritage project, which sees an important piece of railway history preserved for the public to experience and enjoy.
“Signal boxes have become an iconic and charming symbol of Britain’s railways over the years and it would have been a shame to see another disappear.
“As a Nottingham-based company, we are always keen to get involved in projects that boost the local community.”
Thanks to volunteers and professionals, the Lowdham signal box has been stripped and will be restored and repainted in a tradition colour scheme to reflect its original condition.
The interior will also be refitted, complete with polished wooden block instruments, a gate wheel and new staircase, to create a simulation for visitors to experience how the Victorian signal box would have operated during its working years.
With help from local volunteers, the plan is to welcome members of the public to visit the signal box during open days.
David Moore, Lowdham Railway Heritage founder, said: “Moving the signal box was a huge success and it is wonderful to see it in its new location, ready for further restoration and repainting.
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“We are grateful to HWA for its work and professional advice in planning the move, and to all of our volunteers for their assistance in making this happen.
“We look forward to progressing our restoration plans and to welcoming members of the public to visit the signal box in the near future.”
Based in Radcliffe on Trent, just outside Nottingham, HWA delivers construction engineering consultancy services in sectors including education, healthcare, emergency services, commercial and residential.