Conservation of the Barnstaple (L&B) Signal Box – Part 7

As seen in the recent Steam on the Moor Episode there has been significant progress with the former L&BR signal boix which stood at Barnstaplke Town station.

The frame of the signal box is now complete. All of the original long timbers have been repaired and re-used with exception the left-hand door post, which required complete replacement.

The wall plates had suffered from both rot in the ends and also had been bowed by the sideways thrust from the rafters. They have been straightened and strengthened by bolting a similar length of timber to their underside.

A door has been fitted which is a standard DIY store product. It is only temporary pending construction of one of the correct pattern - as  fitted originally. 

A start has been made on assembly of the roof structure. This is being constructed as a separate unit at ground level because of concerns about the overall height of the box with the roof attached, and how it might  be extricated from the workshop.  In a departure from the original design,  several rafter ties have been added  to counteract the sideways pressure exerted by the weight of the roof.  This modification should avoid the historical bowing of the wall plates and walls in the future. 

Another non-original item is an electrical consumer unit which has been fitted into the rear wall. The signal box originally had neither heat or power, so the unit is located so that it does not intrude visually, whilst still being accessible.

The original assessment was that most of the internal cladding of the signal box would need to be replaced. However, once the paint has been stripped off, the wood turned out to be good quality and worth repairing the relatively small areas of damage and rot. The time spent in repairs not only retains more of the original structure, but has saved some money as well. 

We are very thankful to those who donated as a result of the latest Steam on the Moor film and to the Thames Valley Group whoi have made a very genrious donation to the restoration of the box. These donations all help the project miove aopace and if you were thinking of donation, more details can be found via the link below.