Banbury North Signalbox - A guided tour of the working of the 'box. 

It was a beautiful box and the guys who did the tours and had worked there obviously had such love for their box and pride in their diligence and safety of operation. It was an extremely interesting tour made even more special by the steam engine Tornado passing through. However as it was explained to us, the box was becoming structurally unsound and was listing noticeably towards the frame. Apparently the frame was originally in front of the windows but was moved at some point which may have exacerbated the issue. Underpinning the foundations would have required the mainline to be closed. Incidentally I was on one of the very last passenger trains the box controlled prior to being decommissioned. It was bittersweet to witness the closing of a remarkable chapter of history seeing through the night, the lone signaller in his dimly lit home watching over our progress. Thank you to everyone who made the tours possible, myself and my step-daughter learned so much! I hope that the preserved signal box at Princes Risborough will provide future generations such a rich insight into the art of railways.

Nice informative video - thanks. I was privileged to be present in a BR electro-mechanical signal box near Cambridge when the 7-5-5 (box closing) signal was sent for the very last time before decommissioning back in the 80s - a rather poignant moment and a tear or two was shed.

Nice to see a place that I maintained a few times in the early 80s. I see the levers are still as polished as ever.

Fantastic signals and equally admirable boxes the railways of Britain 🇬🇧 once used. I like the colors of the levers.

Wonderful video. Thank you!

Although labour intensive they kept the trains running, if you watch the documentaries on Kings Cross and Paddington you will see the problems and cancellations that modern signalling brings the passenger compensation paid would MORE than pay to keep these boxes operational, thank you for posting the video.

In the UK we would call this a signal box and there are actually still several hundred in use on the British railway network. In addition there are over 100 signalboxes in use on the network of museum / steam tourist railways in the UK so their future is secure.

I would hope that one of these interlocking towers could be dismantled such that it could be recreated in a safe place outside the active right of way.

Very interesting indeed !

I do this job in Australia... I have a “board” and have electric switches. I talk with control to keep out going and I’m coming train into the yard moving

Sad that such a lovely box has been destroyed.

Why is it being demolished if it is clearly an effective local attraction?

Que se en español por favor gracias

Andy, I’ve got an interview with network rail for signaller next week. Are you able to give me any advice for the interview?

Can anyone tell me why signalmen are always using the towel when operating the levers; then draping it when not in use? Thank you.

Pity it couldn't be saved !! Why can't someone get it listed ?

Old signal box is no longer, today automated signal system wireless network

Why do signal men use a dirty rag to move the levers?

Whilst I have great admiration for builders, engineering and operators of these old boxes, however it is a testament to failure of British post war transport planning that we are still using them on a busy main line in the 21st century along with the stalled electrification program.

an absolute disgracefull waste of money it should have been listed /both boxes and all the signals as well.

Who keeps turning off the lights it’s so annoying, is it the crowd of kids running around the playground, spoiled the hole film who edited the film?

Does that little kid not have a mom who can' slap him and tell him, "stop messing with stuff"?