Stoneybridge reference library

Bournemouth West Junction Signalbox.

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West Junction signalbox was built in 1888 by the LSWR to control the signalling of the approaches to Bournemouth West the towns second station, Bournemouth's first station was a single platform terminus to the East side of Holdenhurst Road built by the Ringwood, Christchurch and Bournemouth Railway in 1870 which was renamed Bournemouth East in 1874 with the opening of Bournemouth West station. Bournemouth West station was closed on 4th October 1965 the station being demolished shortly after closure, the station site is now occupied by a coach park and the A35 Wessex Way road. West Junction signalbox survived along with the Southern Railway carriage shed and storage sidings and still carries the name West Junction. The box is now used as a ground frame controlling movements within the Bournemouth Traincare Depot. Access to the depot is via the junction at the East end of Branksome station which is currently controlled by Branksome signalbox.

exterior view, March 2003. Ozz Scott

West Junction Signalbox. March 2003

NOTE: Exterior photo taken using Fuji MX1200 digital camera with 2x digital zoom from public road outside Bournemouth Traincare Depot.


West Junction Signalbox, interior. April 2003

Img: Int1interior view, April 25th 2003. Ozz Scott Img: Int2interior view, April 25th 2003. Ozz Scott

Img: Int1 - Stevens & Son leverframe which is still in use as a ground frame controlling movements within Bournemouth Traincare Depot. Notice the four short travel levers to the left hand end the frame. The piece of carpet laid on the frame is used to cut down the draught through the frame during quiet periods, this is an essential feature in the winter months.

Img: Int2 - There are only ten working levers used to operate the pointwork and mechanical signalling (ground disc signals) within the Bournemouth Traincare Depot, the rest are spares (painted white) left over from the days when the box controlled the spur lines to Bournemouth West Station, access to the S&D/SR locomotive depot (now a private car park) and the Bournemouth West carriage sidings, most of which are now controlled by ground levers. The carriage sidings are used for stabling Class 442 Wessex Electric EMU sets used on the Waterloo-Weymouth mainline and other stock visiting the depot.

Img: Int3interior view, April 25th 2003. Ozz Scott Img: Int4interior view, April 25th 2003. Ozz Scott

Img: Int3 - The instruments and indicators used to offer and accept train movements between West Junction Box and Branksome Box can be seen fitted on the left hand end of the block instrument shelf above the lever frame.

Img: Int4 - The track diagram above the instrument shelf shows the West end of the yard with access roads to the mainline at Branksome on the left, tracks leading to the maintenence shed on the bottom right and stabling roads to the top right. Note: non-electrified storage sidings at the west end of the yard are not shown on this diagram.

NOTE: Interior photos taken using Fuji MX1200 digital camera during authorised visit with kind permission.


Img: Ext2West Jn Box, April 30th 2003. Ozz Scott.

Img: Ext2 - Last photo of West Junction signalbox before refurbishment, 30 April 2003


West Junction Signalbox, Refurbishment, May 2003.

Img: Ext3West Jn Box, 16 May 2003. Ozz Scott. Img: Ext4West Jn Box, 29 May 2003. Ozz Scott.

Img: Ext3 - Scaffolding was erected around the signalbox on 3rd May 2003 to allow contractors to carry out repairs to the roof. (Photo: 16 May 2003)

Img: Ext4 - The LSWR box type wooden ventilator was removed and the roof patched with new slates on 19th & 20th of May. (Photo: 29 May 2003)


Img: Ext4bWest Jn Box, 29 May 2003. Ozz Scott. Img: FramesOld windows from West Jn Box, 30 May 2003. Ozz Scott.

Img: Ext4b - The original window frames have been removed and replaced with modern UPVC covered extruded aluminium framed double glazing panels. The wooden horizontal boarding above the operating floor is also being replaced with UPVC cladding. (Photo: 21 May 2003)

Img: Frames - Some of the original windows that were removed from the box, these windows have been scrapped. (Photo: 30 May 2003)


West Junction Signalbox, After Refurbishment, 26 June 2003.

Img: Ext5West Jn Box, 26 Jun 2003. Ozz Scott.

Img: Ext5 - West Junction Box after refurbishment. Looking smart with new windows and a fresh coat of paint.


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Copyright Notes

All content and graphic images on this page are Copyright ©Ozz Scott 2003 unless otherwise stated.