Your chance to fulfill that dream - become a signalman
for the day!

The dates in 2024 for our next signalling weekends are not yet fixed but it is hoped that they will be announced shortly.  In the meantime, if you are interested in attending this event , then please email us and register an interest on signalling@krm.org.uk or fill in the application form to be found by clicking here, and send it to us. The weekend is designed to give you an insight into the rules, regulations and methods of mechanical signalling and a unique opportunity to work as a signalman in one of the signal boxes on the Severn Valley Railway when steam trains are running. Because of the individual tuition and the need for the safe working of signal boxes, we restrict each signalling weekend to a maximum of seven people. The museum has one of the largest collections of signalling equipment in the country, including working block instruments and a lever frame. These are used for the basic tuition before going on to work in one of the signal boxes.

THE USUAL PROGRAMME

Saturday 10.00am to 6.00pm
We give you a general introduction to the work of signalling, a look at some of the rules and regulations, practical use of instruments for single line and double line working, principles of interlocking and the use of lever frames. There is ample opportunity to try your hand on these instruments. Visits are also made to signalling installations on the ground at Kidderminster and to the signal box. Throughout the day tuition is given by experienced, qualified signalman. A guided hands-on tour is given of the signalling equipment housed in the museum. This is a rare opportunity to see some of the collection that is not normally available to the visiting public. One of our team of qualified signalmen will be on hand to answer any questions before you put the theory into practice on the Sunday.

Morning coffee, sandwich lunch, afternoon tea and fish and chip supper are provided.

7.00pm to 9.30pm approximately
We normally visit the two Bewdley signal boxes in the evening where you can simulate train movements and get used to the pulling of levers for real, the use of the block instruments and working to another signal box. It is not uncommon in these sessions to have extraordinary movements to have to deal with (simulation only!) such as Royal trains being stabled for the night down the Stourport branch, engineer's trains, out-of gauge loads and so on. Then you will be prepared for anything on the Sunday!  (These visits may have to be changed for operational reasons.)

Sunday 9.00am (approximately) to 5.30pm (approximately)
You are allocated to one of the seven signal boxes on the Severn Valley line, and book on with the rostered signalman who then explains the individual requirements of working that particular box. You are then able to work the box under the signalman’s guidance for the rest of the day - a unique opportunity to experience what life in a mechanical signal box used to be like.

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. For insurance purposes, you must be members of Severn Valley Railway. If you wish to take part in the weekend and you are not a member, you can be enrolled on arrival at Kidderminster.

2. We regret that no person under the age of eighteen is able to work signal boxes.

3. A list of recommended overnight accommodation can be provided if required.

COST

For the full two days - £125 (2023 price and possibly subject to change for 2024)

All proceeds are used for the restoration of the Kidderminster Railway Museum building, and for the further development of the site for museum purposes.

These weekends are run by kind permission of the Severn Valley Railway, the Signalling and Telecommunications Department and the Operating Superintendent. If you do need any further information, you can e-mail us with your questions at signalling@krm.org.uk, or write to us at Kidderminster Railway Museum, Station Approach, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster,Worcs. DY10 1QX, Telephone no. (01562) 825316.

If you wish to enrol on the course, then you can print the application form by clicking here. Please fill it in and send it with your cheque (made payable to the Kidderminster Railway Museum) to Kidderminster Railway Museum Trust Ltd., Station Approach, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, Worcs. DY10 1QX.

We look forward to seeing you pulling levers soon!
Fulfill that dream!