Signalling in the Age of Steam (Ian Allan ABC)

The subject of railway signalling is one that continues to fascinate railway enthusiasts, preservationists and modellers alike. Over the past 30 years, traditional signalling has, to a considerable extent, disappeared as more modern colour light signalling has replaced it. But on the preserved railways and on many of the more remote lines it is still possible to see traditional semaphore signals in operation from historic signalboxes. In 1991 Ian Allan published Stanley Hall's British Rail Signalling Handbook, which covered the current operation of signalling on the railways. The book, which was later reprinted, inevitably concentrates upon the modern technology of the railway scene. abc Signalling in the Age of Steam goes back further in time to examine the development of signalling and how it can still be found in many places. Detailed examination is given to the operational practices within signal-boxes, thereby providing the reader with a detailed handbook to the subject. Despite the modernisation of the railway industry and the demise of many traditional signalboxes, many of the surviving boxes nationwide still control semaphore signals of a type recognisable to the signalling staff for almost two centuries, and Network Rail, as the non-profit-making body that now controls the nation's railway network concedes, knowledge of the traditional means of signalling remains imperative. Fully illustrated with both photographs and line drawings, abc Signalling in the Age of Steam will become the essential guide to this fascinating topic. First published in 1994 and subsequently reprinted, this book remains the best basic guide to the subject of traditional signalling available. It is recommended reading for those seeking a career in railways and also for those involved in preservation or who want a comprehensive guide to traditional signalling methods.

Michael Vanns lives in Shropshire and is employed by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum. An active collector of railway signalling equipment, abc Signalling in the Age of Steam was his second book for Ian Allan Publishing and follows on from the critically acclaimed Rail Centres: Nottingham published at the end of 1993. More recently he has compiled An Illustrated History of Great Northern Railway Signalling and Traditional Signalling. His most recent book, produced in conjunction with the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, covers the Museum's Elton Collection: Witness to Change.