NBR Distant Signals

[Lochty no more]

NBR distant signals were (pre 1923) painted red not yellow, a full size arm was 5` in lenth with the 10" white band 12" from the end

the signal gantry at Inverkeithing, note how smoke blackened the signals underneath the running line are.

an example of an NBR fixed distant at Invertiel Junction, the signal was placed at the top of a cutting for sighting purposes ( photo courtesy Pete Westwater )

Most NBR distant signals were swept away by the LNER in the 1930`s as they modernised to upper quadrant signals, a few isolated examples survived long enough to recieve a coat of yellow paint and a black cheveron that we now associate with a distant signal. But prior to the grouping in 1923 the only difference between a home & distant signal was the fishtail end to the arm. Signal lamps were normally lowered by capstan to the bottom of the post during daytime hours, lit & raised as it got dark. The last survivor I know of, was at Dysart (Fife) it lasted until 1982 and as it was on a NCB line it was never painted with a black cheveron - the NCB following NBR practice.

[Wizard of the Moor]

You mention that a full size signal arm was 5' long.Measured to where? Presumably to the back of the spectacle plate, or are you just talking about the wooden section?

[Lochty no more]

You mention that a full size signal arm was 5' long.Measured to where? Presumably to the back of the spectacle plate, or are you just talking about the wooden section?

Wizard of the Moor

The wooden arm ( Cedar ) was 5" in lenth , the cast spectacle plate would add another 13 3/8" to the lenth

a 4` NBR goods line signal ( the boss plate upon which the spectacle plate is mounted is 10" on diameter ) so the overall lenth of this signal is 4` - 5" + 13 3/8" = 5` 4 3/8", a full size signal would be 5` - 5" + 13 3/8" = 5`9 3/8" hope this helps clarify the issue

[Wizard of the Moor]

Thanks, Lochty, that clears it up.