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Signalling & Gradients

The Mid-Norfolk Railway (MNR) is proud to operate a traditional mechanical signalling system that ensures safe and efficient operation along the line. Our signalling infrastructure combines historic charm with modern functionality, playing a vital role in daily railway operations. Currently, the MNR boasts two operational signalboxes: Dereham Central and Thuxton, with a third, Wymondham Abbey Church Lane, set to enter service in 2025.

Thuxton Signalbox

Thuxton signalbox holds a pivotal role in the MNR’s signalling system. Commissioned in 2015, it was the first permanent signalbox to open on the line, replacing a temporary groundframe housed in a hut that initially managed the passing loop. Today, Thuxton is the heart of the railway’s operations as without this signalbox being open, no trains can leave Dereham or Wymondham.

Thuxton features a fully mechanical lever frame, providing hands-on control over the signals and points in its section of the line. It stands as a testament to traditional railway operations, allowing visitors and staff to experience the heritage of British railways.

Levers in Thuxton:

A - Not In Use
No.1 - Down Main First Home - 3 aspect colour light
No.2 - Down Main Second Home - 3 aspect colour light with feather route indicator
No.3 - Down Main Third Home - Stop Semaphore
No.4 - Down Main Fourth Home - Stop Semaphore
No.5 - Down Main Starter - Stop Semaphore
No.6 - Trap Points In Up Siding - Motor Operated
No.7 - Up Siding to Up Loop - Shunting Stop Disc
No.8 - South Crossover Points - Motor Operated
No.9 - Down Main Second Home to Up Loop - 3 aspect colour light with feather route indicator
No.10 - Not In Use
No.11 - Up Loop Down Gate Home - Stop Semaphore
No.12 - Up Platform to Up Siding - Shunting Calling On LED
No.13 - Up Loop to Up Siding - Shunting Stop Disc
No.14 - Not In Use
No.15 - Up Main Section Starter - Stop Semaphore
No.16 - Up Loop to Down Single Line - Shunting LED
No.17 - Up Loop to Down Main Points - Motor Operated
No.18 - King Lever - Used to Switching Out
No.19 - Up Loop to Up Single Line - Shunting Stop Disc
No.20 - Down Main to Up Single Line - Shunting Stop Disc
No.21 - Up Single Line Starter to Wymondham - Stop Semaphore
No.22 - Up Main to 20 Disc on Down Main - Shunting Calling On LED
No.23 - Up Main Second Home and Distant & Calling On to Up Platform - 3 aspect colour light with Shunting Calling On LED
No.24 - Slot on Up Main First Home - 3 aspect colour light
No.25 - Level Crossing Gate Locking Lever

Dereham Central Signalbox

Dereham Central signalbox is the most recent addition to the MNR’s signalling system. Initially commissioned as a groundframe in 2021, it provided a valuable opportunity for staff training and familiarisation. After extensive preparation, it was fully commissioned as a signalbox in December 2023.

Dereham plays a critical role in ensuring smooth operations on the line. Like Thuxton, Dereham Central must be operational to allow train movements between Dereham and Thuxton. Its modern integration into the traditional system highlights the MNR’s commitment to blending railway heritage with operational needs.

Levers in Dereham Central:

No.1 - Down Outer Home - 3 aspect colour light
No.2 -
- Down Home to Down Main - 2 aspect (Red & Yellow) with Theatre Box
- Down Home to Up Main - 2 aspect (Red & Yellow) with Theatre Box
- Down Home to Bay Platform - 2 aspect (Red & Yellow) with Theatre Box
No.3 -
- Down Calling On to No. 2 & 3 Platforms (Shunt Calling On LED with Theatre Box
- Down Calling On to No. 1 Platform (Shunt Calling ON LED with Theatre Box)
- Down Calling On to No.4 Bay Platform (Shunt Calling On LED with Theatre Box)
No.4 - Not In Use
No.5 - Not In Use
No.6 - Slot on Up Main Down Starter - Not yet commissioned
No.7 - Slot on Down Main Starer - Stop Semaphore
No.8 - Slot on Down Advance Starter - Not yet commissioned
No.9 - Not In Use
No.10 - Crossover Down Main & Up Main Points - Motor Operated
No.11 - Yard to Up Main - Shunting Stop Disc
No.12 - Up Main to Yard - Subsidiary Semaphore
No.13 - Not In Use
No.14 - Not In Use
No.15 - Not In Use
No.16 - Not In Use
No.17 - Yard to Pit Road - Shunting Stop Disc
No.18 - Yard to Down Main/Pit Road Points - Motor Operated
No.19 - Pit Road to Yard - Shunting Stop Disc
No.20 - Not In Use
No.21 - Not In Use
No.22 - Not In Use
No.23 - Down Main to Bay Platform Points - Motor Operated
No.24 - Not In Use
No.25 - Not In Use
No.26 - Not In Use
No.27 - Slot on Up Main to Down Single Line - Not yet commissioned
No. 28 - Not In Use
No.29 - Not In Use
No.30 - Down Main to Up Single Line - Shunting Stop Disc
No.31 - Not In Use
No.32 - Down Main to Up Main Points - Motor Operated
No.33 - Not In Use
No.34 - Not In Use
No.35 - Not In Use
No.36 - Up Advance Starter - Stop Semaphore
No.37 - Down Main Up Starter to Single Line - Stop Semaphore
No.38 - Slots on Up Home and Calling On to Down Main - 3 aspect colour light with Shunt Calling on LED and Theatre Box
No.39 - Up Main to Up Single Line - Shunting Stop Disc
No.40 - Up Main Starter to Single Line - Stop Semaphore
No.41 - Slots on Up Home and Calling On to Up Main - 3 aspect colour light with Shunt Calling on LED and Theatre Box
No.42 - Bay Platform to Up Single Line - Shunting Stop Disc
No.43 - Bay Platform Starter to Single Line - Stop Semaphore
No.44 - Slot on Up Outer Home - Not yet commissioned

Wymondham Abbey Church Lane Signalbox

Looking ahead, the third signalbox at Wymondham Abbey Church Lane is on track to enter service in 2025. This exciting development will further enhance the MNR’s operational capabilities, extending the line’s historic signalling system.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway’s signalboxes not only ensure safe and efficient train operations but also preserve a piece of Britain’s rich railway heritage. Visitors to the railway can marvel at these operational signalboxes and appreciate the vital role they play in bringing the line to life.

Garvestone Level Crossing

Garvestone Level Crossing & its associated signals are opeated via a groundframe which inferfaces with Thuxton via a interlocking slot system.

Levers at Garvestone:

No.1 - Down Main Distant - Distant Semaphore
No.2 - Down Home - Stop Semaphore
No.3 - Level Crossing Gate Interlocking Lever
No.4 - Slot on Up Main First Home - 3 aspect colour light

Token Sections

Each part of the MNR is seperated out into sections to allow multiple trains to be running across the whole line at the same time however, the system controlling the access to these sections will never allow two trains into the same section at the same time.

The token sections on the MNR are:

Worthing Level Crossing to Dereham Neatherd Road Level Crossing
Dereham to Thuxton
Thuxton to Wymondham Abbey Cavick Road Level Crossing
Wymondham Abbey Cavick Road Level Crossing to EN8221 Mainline Boundary

The Mid-Norfolk Railway would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank its Signalling & Telegraph team for their hard work, unwavering support, and dedication over the years.

Gradients

The Mid-Norfolk Railway features a variety of gradients across its line, proving that Norfolk isn't as flat as some might think. To see the gradients along our line click here.