Railway Signal Collection

The railroad station in Kobe in Japan Japan Kobe. Date of Photograph:1890-1900 ca

Railway line to Celerina Switzerland Engadine, Celerina. Date of Photograph:01/1994

Illuminated Diagram of Signals, 1922. Creator: Unknown
Illuminated Diagram of Signals, 1922. From The Romance of Modern Railways, by T. W. Corbin. [Seeley Service & Co. Limited, London, 1922]

A Bridge of Signals, 1922. Creator: Unknown
A Bridge of Signals, 1922. From The Romance of Modern Railways, by T. W. Corbin. [Seeley Service & Co. Limited, London, 1922]

The Newest Kind of Signal, 1922. Creator: Unknown
The Newest Kind of Signal, 1922. From The Romance of Modern Railways, by T. W. Corbin. [Seeley Service & Co. Limited, London, 1922]

Fog Signals, 1922. Creator: Unknown
Fog Signals, 1922. From The Romance of Modern Railways, by T. W. Corbin. [Seeley Service & Co. Limited, London, 1922]

The Double Janus Guard, for Clapham Junction, 1865. Artist: Charles Henry Bennett
The Double Janus Guard, for Clapham Junction, 1865. A Double Janus, with four faces, stands guard at the new Clapham Junction, a complex arrangement of railway lines

Railroad crossing stop sign and warning light, (B&W)

Flying Scotsman painted on the carriage roof of the famous train to enable the
20th May 1932: The words Flying Scotsman painted on the carriage roof of the famous train to enable the pilot of an Imperial Airways

Railway signal

Fenchurch Track
August 1924: The railway track outside Fenchurch Street station in London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Deserted Railroad
30th September 1919: Main line signals at Waterloo Railway Station in London during the railway strike. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Steam Engine
Steam locomotive Princess Anne at Camden, London, beside an array of LNWR (London North-Western Railway) lower quadrant signals. (Photo by Dean/Getty Images)

Steam Locomotive
circa 1950: A steam locomotive. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)

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"Unveiling the Evolution: A Glimpse into Railway Signals of the Past" Step back in time with these captivating glimpses into the world of railway signals. Illuminated Diagrams of Signals, created by unknown visionaries in 1922, showcase a mesmerizing display of lights guiding trains through their journeys. Witnessing this ingenious invention reminds us of how far we have come. Intriguingly, "A Bridge of Signals" from 1922 reveals an intricate network suspended above tracks, ensuring seamless communication between stations and trains. The anonymous creator's brilliance shines through as they ingeniously connect distant destinations. Transport yourself to a bygone era with "The Newest Kind of Signal, " also from 1922. This enigmatic creation challenges our perception and sparks curiosity about the innovative minds behind it. Navigating treacherous weather conditions was no easy feat for early railways. Discover "Fog Signals, " crafted in 1922 by an artist whose name has been lost to history. These signals served as beacons amidst dense fog, safeguarding both passengers and cargo on their perilous journeys. Travel further back in time to witness Joseph Swain's masterpiece, "The Drowsy Pointsman" from 1876. Swain's artistry captures a poignant moment where fatigue threatens safety—a reminder that vigilance is paramount even during quieter times on the rails. Marvel at Charles Henry Bennett's stroke of genius—the "Double Janus Guard"—designed specifically for Clapham Junction in 1865. This dual-faced sentinel ensured precise coordination among intersecting tracks, preventing any mishaps or confusion along this bustling junction. As you explore these historical treasures, take note of the humble railroad tracks themselves—silent witnesses to countless stories unfolding over time—connecting cities and nations alike. Imagine perusing a catalog page from around 1895 dedicated to Ironmongery and Hardware Trades—an era when every piece of railway equipment was meticulously chosen and crafted.