Signal Windlasses

Trains approaching from the south are controlled by a windlass, akin to a ship's wheel, operated by the station master and interlocking with the points. This serves a unique slotted post signal, the arm of which slots into the post rather than at an angle as elsewhere on the line; this also turns a lamp atop a rod, from the red (danger) aspect to white (clear) - the railway having not used green for clear as elsewhere. These were supplied by A.J. Linley & Co., of Birmingham and were located at all stations in the earliest days of the railway.

The windlass is from 1873 and overhauled when the signal was reinstated by the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association in 2012; it was discovered in the undergrowth by the points and overhauled; it is now fenced in to deter interference and features a basic ratchet and pawl mechanism to hold it in position. A locking disc known as Dribley’s Patent confirms that the points are locked, a white disc with red diagonal stripe rotating to face the station confirming the points to be locked.

The image to the left shows the restored windlass in the process of being prepared and painted for installation in replacement of a compensating lever which has since been removed from the site. Today the windlass is contained within a compound to avoid any interfrerence from members of the public making photography more difficult, but its daily use creates interest from members of the public whenever it is operated. Several others remain on the railway, with two still operational at Port Soderick, though the example at Castletown is the only one to retain its original ratchet and pawl mechanism.

There was a second windlass which operated the north home signal located beside the advertisement hoarding, replaced many years ago by a compensating lever though remaining in situ until 2008 when it went into private preservation, today remaining part of the Friends Of... collection. This example however carries no makers' name as the working version on the site does. Further examples are displayed beside the water tower on the site of Peel Station and in the railway museum at Port Erin with others in poor condition along the line.

Tbe image above shows a similar windlass believed to be at Peel Road Station on the north line judging by the distinctive fence behind it; this through station had no passing loop so it is possible this operated a signal to indicate that trains should stop here. There was also a quarry siding northwards of the station so this may have been used in connection with that.

The other windlass at Castletown to the left showing its location on the up platform beside the advertisement hoarding; this original hoarding was considerably longer than the replica in place today so this location is somewhat closer to the southern end; today an area of the platform without macadam surface with brick edging shows its location (a litter bin stands on the site0>

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