Romsey signal box dates back to 1865, where it was originally located at the junction of the Southampton and Eastleigh lines. The signal box was in use for well over 100 years, but became redundant in 1982 thanks to the advances in modern signalling. The signal box was acquired by the Romsey and District Buildings Preservation Trust in 1984, eventually ending up in the small parcel of land where it stands today which is owned by the trust.
The signal box has undergone a restoration and has been fitted with the original complete 23 lever frame. The small site in Romsey has a variety of semaphore signals scattered about, some mechanically operated and others electronically, but all operational from the restored signal box frame. Along with the ground frame, there is a block instrument shelf wired up to a simulator which is used to run demonstrations to the public on how trains would have been signalled between Eastleigh, Kimbridge and Redbridge.
The volunteers here are masters of their craft and have an intimate knowledge of signalling and of the signal box itself. They are only too happy to share this and I found the demonstration on the day incredibly engaging (and yes, there is audience participation).
Outside of the signal box, there is no escaping the fact that this is a small site, however if you look around the grounds at how much signalling equipment has been packed into here, it’s impressive. It’s all the more impressive when you learn that the site is sometimes hired out to Network Rail and train operating companies to train their staff on the basics of signalling. It’s a very unique facility with the simulator included, the only one of its kind in the UK that isn’t connected up to any mainline or heritage lines. The site has a level crossing as well as 2 rail carts but since the track is so short, these are not used during public open days.
