Conservation of the Barnstaple (L&B) Signal Box – Part 2
Published: 6th April, 2024
The largest of three surviving window sashes is a fixed sash that was originally on the rear wall of the box overlooking the transhipment siding. Although complete, all the components were damaged or had areas of rot.
The tenon joint at bottom end of this stile had completely rotted away.
All of the 15 original components were able to be saved and re-used, but a total of 30 new pieces of wood were needed to make the necessary repairs.
The bottom LH corner of the sash had to be completely replaced using new wood, along with the front ‘nose’ of all ten of the glazing bars.
The rebuilt fixed sash in primer.
The number of new joints and repairs is such that the rebuilt sash is not as strong or durable as when originally made 126 years ago. If it is to survive any length of time on Exmoor it will need some form of additional protection from the elements.
To be tackled next are the architraves surrounding the windows and some smaller parts of the frames.
30 March 2024
