Ratio 554 wartime signal box

[Downer]

This maybe should go in prototype questions, but does anyone know if ARP boxes like this Ratio one had new larger windows put in for better visibility once the

 the war was over?

[Steamport Southport]

By and large they kept them as they were.

 

We were still in a Cold War with the USSR until the days most of them were obsolete and had been replaced by new computer systems.

 

Some photos here.

 

http://www.pillbox-study-group.org.uk/other-wwii-defensive-structures/arp-sgnal-box/

 

 

Jason

[TheSignalEngineer]

Most would have remained as original until demolition, although IIRC Watery Lane did get at least one wooden replacement window. Fitting larger windows wasn't an option as the concrete surround was part of the structure. Alteration was difficult to say the least. (T-shirt obtained in 1966 along with cut, bruised and blistered hands).

They were built to withstand all but a direct hit from an HE bomb, even a train didn't knock this one over, just badly damaged it. 

http://www.willenhallhistory.co.uk/society/portobellocrash.htm

I believe that there is still one standing in the trees at the side of the A46 near Bidford on Avon as no-one has decided it is in their way despite the line having closed over 50 years ago.