2-798-573 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Junction of the Great Western Railway with the London Branch, 1844. 'Two signal-posts of great size, and conspicuous for their markings and colour, have been placed on the left of the up line, in the angle formed by the junction of the two lines. One of these posts - a very tall one - is devoted to the use of the Great Western Line; and the other - a short one - to the use of the West London'. The signals '...are so arranged that the one is made to work relatively with the other. Thus, when the full face of the cross bar of the branch post is turned full on the line, giving warning "To Stop," the position of the round board above it gives signal of "All Clear" to the main line, and so on. Meantime the tall post makes its own signal of "All Clear" to the main line, and "Stop" to the branch one. At night these signals are made by lights'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.