Lower Quad signals

[stantheman]

Many years since I have really travelled the network but wondering how many of these are still left operational , especially distants ? Worcester Shrub Hill was always full of them

 

[Class172]

There will be a lot around the network even today. Anywhere previously in the Western Region that hasn’t had their signals replaced will have them: Worcester area; some of Shrewsbury; Wales; Cornish main line and branches.

I’m aware historically there were some other areas where lower quadrant signals found use, but I don’t know their names nor whether they are still in existence.

Here’s a recent thread discussing remaining working distants in general:
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/trivia-how-many-working-distant-semaphores-left.181630/unread

 

[edwin_m]

There have even been a few new ones, as NR has decided that signals in a particular place should be consistent so a LQ is provided if a new signal is needed where nearby signals are also LQ. One example was a new route for reversing GWR diversions at Banbury, since superseded by re-signalling, but I'm sure there are a others. As far as I know they aren't applying this retrospectively so Shrewsbury will keep its mishmash of UQ, LQ and colour lights seemingly installed randomly depending which Region was in charge at the time.

 

[matchmaker]

The last one in Scotland was at Stirling Middle and was replaced in 2000.

 

[ArchieWoodbine]

Within London, the last lower-quadrant semaphores are at Greenford, I'm not sure if there's distants though. Come to think of it, these might also be the last sempahores of any variety in London?

 

[6Gman]

There have even been a few new ones, as NR has decided that signals in a particular place should be consistent so a LQ is provided if a new signal is needed where nearby signals are also LQ. One example was a new route for reversing GWR diversions at Banbury, since superseded by re-signalling, but I'm sure there are a others. As far as I know they aren't applying this retrospectively so Shrewsbury will keep its mishmash of UQ, LQ and colour lights seemingly installed randomly depending which Region was in charge at the time.

And a trip to Ludlow today reveals plenty of LQ south of Shrewsbury too, including a nice splitting bracket (if that's the right term) for the loop at Craven Arms.

 

[Tomnick]

I’m aware historically there were some other areas where lower quadrant signals found use, but I don’t know their names nor whether they are still in existence.

The only non-Western lower quadrant signal still in existence on the national network is, as far as I’m aware, Ketton’s rather fine, ex-Midland, Down Starter.

 

[edwin_m]

The only non-Western lower quadrant signal still in existence on the national network is, as far as I’m aware, Ketton’s rather fine, ex-Midland, Down Starter.

Nice photo. I'm really surprised it's still there as it was an anomaly even when I first saw it about 35 years ago! At that time there was another one on the bypass tracks east of Leicester station, easily seen from the platform.

It must also be one of the few remaining that's on the "wrong" side of a double track - GWR used to be fond of doing that.

 

[Ianno87]

The last surving Eastern Region lower quadrant is still going at Ketton.

 

[ac6000cw]

I'm really surprised it's still there as it was an anomaly even when I first saw it about 35 years ago!

Yes, I always used to like seeing that from the front seat of a Mk1 DMU back then - definitely a bit of 'old Midland'!

Just for a bit of historical background - up until the 1920's, lower quadrant semaphores were the standard type on most railways. It was after an IRSE committee in 1924 recommended that no more 3-position upper-quadrant semaphores should be installed (e.g. as had been done as an experiment on part of the GC mainline on North Lincolnshire) that the way was opened to general installation of 2-position upper-quadrant semaphores. Then basically everyone except the GWR slowly moved that way. Signals with more than two aspects became colour light, although the ex-GC installation lasted until well into the BR era (1970's ?).

 

[Tomnick]

Nice photo. I'm really surprised it's still there as it was an anomaly even when I first saw it about 35 years ago! At that time there was another one on the bypass tracks east of Leicester station, easily seen from the platform.

It must also be one of the few remaining that's on the "wrong" side of a double track - GWR used to be fond of doing that.

Ta. Hopefully the photo illustrates the reason for its position on the wrong side too! There has been at least one definite scheme to abolish it and replace it with a colour-light section (or IB) signal further towards Manton.

The last surving Eastern Region lower quadrant is still going at Ketton.

As above, it’s ex-Midland (although Ketton did enjoy a relatively brief spell in the Eastern Region in later years).

 

[Tom Quinne]

Park Junction (Newport) has a nice selection.
Tondu SB has a few bracket versions.
Kidwelly and Ferryside SB both have LQ.

Little Mill SB has one LQ on the exit to the old Usk Branch.

Abergavenny SB upwards towards Shrewsbury is dripping in LQ and UQs.

Worcester and the North Cotswolds as LQs.

Greenford SB in London has a nice selection of LQs.

As for distance signals...the majority are now colour light I think.

 

[ac6000cw]

There has been at least one definite scheme to abolish it and replace it with a colour-light section (or IB) signal further towards Manton.

Given that (to date) it's survived through the LMS, BR, Railtrack and NR eras it's definitely got a charmed life.

Maybe when the line is eventually re-signalled it'll get LED spectacle lighting and be converted to motor working (wink)...

 

[Ken H]

Yes, I always used to like seeing that from the front seat of a Mk1 DMU back then - definitely a bit of 'old Midland'!

Just for a bit of historical background - up until the 1920's, lower quadrant semaphores were the standard type on most railways. It was after an IRSE committee in 1924 recommended that no more 3-position upper-quadrant semaphores should be installed (e.g. as had been done as an experiment on part of the GC mainline on North Lincolnshire) that the way was opened to general installation of 2-position upper-quadrant semaphores. Then basically everyone except the GWR slowly moved that way. Signals with more than two aspects became colour light, although the ex-GC installation lasted until well into the BR era (1970's ?).

Lower quadrants fell out of favour because if the linkage between the counterweight at the bottom of the signal post and the actual signal broke, the signal would droop to off. So they had to attach heavy spectacle cases to fix that.

Edit. when the tory/lib dem coalition started, they had a consultation exercise to suggest laws that could be repealed. By far the largest contender was the laws of physics!. If is wasnt for damn physics, lower quadrants would be easier! </sarc>

 

[BS56]

Just a quick reminder the very last working lower quadrant distant signal is at Shrewsbury and is controlled by Sutton bridge junction signal box with Seven bridge junction section signal above it.

 

[Taunton]

Within London, the last lower-quadrant semaphores are at Greenford, I'm not sure if there's distants though. Come to think of it, these might also be the last sempahores of any variety in London?

There are several on the Dudding Hill line, from Acton to Cricklewood.

 

[stantheman]

I have an old colour slide at Radyr with a wonderful gantry , presume thats gone . There is a Class 116 DMU in the slide . Also a couple at Neath and Brecon Jct Neath where the coal branches went up to underneath the main line