Railway signal at St Erth

Image: © Andy F Taken: 16 Oct 2009

The St Ives branch starter signal at the east end of platform 3, St Erth railway station. This signal is of the ex-GWR lower quadrant type (the majority of semaphore signals were upper quadrant). In both upper and lower quadrant types, the semaphore arm is horizontal to show danger. However, a lower quadrant arm drops through 45 degrees to 'clear' the line (as shown here) whereas an upper quadrant arm rises through 45 degrees to show 'clear'. Note, too, the distinctive GWR style of finial on top of the tubular signal post. The round sign bearing the numeral '15' indicates the speed limit in mph and the sign bearing the letter 'W' indicates that train drivers should sound their whistle (or, nowadays, airhorn) on the approach to the ungated level crossing visible in the middle distance. All train movements through St Erth station are controlled from St Erth signal box (see [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1554897] in the traditional manner by semaphore signals and mechanically-operated (as opposed to electrically-operated) points.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0