3rd Jan 1987

The Maiden Newton signal box, fully operational and looking cared-for! Opened in 1925, replacing an earlier box close by, this was its last year of operation, the mechanical signalling here being replaced in 1988 by a tokenless single line system that meant that train drivers had to operate the system themselves.

During this visit the faint but reassuring ring of the block instrument bells could be heard, heralding the approach of a train from Yeovil. This image also is striking for the fact that there are no trees visible behind the box, the station once being in an open situation surrounded by pleasant countryside. The countryside is still there of course, but the tree growth around this station is something else, as later pictures will testify!