Settle Station Signal Box
The signalbox is open to visitors on Saturdays and at other times by appointment. Please contact the Friends initially by email (info@settle-carlisle.co.uk) to arrange this.
After many years of use controlling trains through Settle, the signalbox was eventually taken out of use and, by the early 1990s it had fallen into disrepair. In 1995, the Friends decided that they would try and save the signalbox from demolition.
Originally, the signalbox was further away from the station. After receiving Railtrack's approval to move it in February 1997, and stripping it of its internal fittings, the signalbox was moved to its new position in June 1997. This was achieved by lifting it on to special wagons on the railway line and moving it up slowly.
A small but dedicated group of volunteers who worked mainly at weekends virtually rebuilt the historic structure. The work included replacing faulty timbers (carried out by a local woodworking firm), repairing the roof and slates and burning of the existing paint before fresh coats of maroon and cream were applied.
The target was set of September 1998 for completion of the exterior work. This was achieved, but there was still a long way to go. The interior required considerable attention and this was carried out through the winter months with no heating or lighting! All the signal levers were still intact but block instruments and other equipment had been removed by BR on the closing of the box.
A completion date of April 17 1999 was agreed and the final few weeks were hectic. Again, through hard work and dedication this was achieved. A fanfare from Settle Town Band marked the unveiling of the nameplate outside the signalbox.
Special thanks were made to John Turner who had contributed so much in the rebuilding programme.
A former Settle Junction signalman, Derek Soames, rang the 4-4-4 bellcode for a Royal Train and pulled off the former Blea Moor distant signal, now situated outside the signalbox, to officially open it.
Thanks went also to Craven District Council for their financial help in the project and the dedicated band of volunteers who worked so hard to make the project a success.
The signalbox now welcomes visitors from around the world and is deservedly very popular.
If you are in the area, please do call in at Settle station. Many people do, even if they are not intending to travel on the train, just to appreciate the considerable work that has taken place. The station now boasts heritage gas lamp-style lighting - a partnership project - and a shop which sells a wide range of souvenirs, gifts and other items.
It is open every Saturday and at other times by appointment - email info@settle-carlisle.co.uk for more details.
Heritage Lighting
The British Rail electric lamps at Settle station had served their time and various organisations thought it was time that these were replaced by replica gas lamps which had been installed at all of the other Settle-Carlisle Line stations in the previous few years.
It was agreed then to replace all of these lamps, including those on the station drive. Various groups and organisations contributed to, or were involved in, the scheme, which cost £130,000: The Railway Heritage Trust; The Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line; Railtrack; The Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company; The Settle-Carlisle Railway Trust; Arriva Trains Northern; Craven District Council; North Yorkshire County Council and First Engineering.
They were officially unveilied by Sir William McAlpine on June 1 2002, and the plaque is just next to the Friends' shop in Settle station.
The picture shows LMS 6201 "Princess Elizabeth" passing north through Settle station on June 1 2002, with the new lamps clearly visible.
Appleby Station Clock
Repairs have been undertaken to the clock at Appleby Railway Station. The double-faced Potts clock has not been working for many months. The two clock faces, one of which is on the exterior of the building and the other within the booking office, are now keeping perfect time. It is one of the few remaining double-faced clocks still in use on the railway network. The Cumbria Clock Company Ltd from Penruddock has undertaken the work.
The Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line, the Settle Carlisle Railway Trust and Northern Rail Ltd, who operate trains on the Settle-Carlisle line, made financial contributions towards the cost of the repair.
Anne Ridley of the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company who co-ordinated the project said “it is wonderful to see the clock working again, particularly as it is such an integral part of railway architecture and heritage of the station”.
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