Slotted Post Signals
Slotted Post Signals
This is located on the bypass road on Pumphouse Curve and is unique on the railway in being the sole remaining slotted post semaphore signal, restored in 2012 by the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association. When the windlass is turned the signal arm drops into an integral slot which indicates that the line is clear and the points locked; at the same time an integral lamp turns to display a white (clear) light at night, otherwise displaying a red stop signal; it has a built in access ladder for maintenance and accessing the lamp to light it (though today this is solar powered).
The image to the right shows the original signal in its original position some distance from the station on the bypass road where it stood for many years out of use, latterly with guide wires to prevent it falling onto the adjacent road. This fell in 2003 and all parts were salvaged and retained to later be used for the replica which is in regular use today. In its original location is had not been used for many years, a signal on Pumphouse Curve being used to protect the station, where it remains today. Dating from 1968, it shows the integral rotating lamp which remarkably survived in tact and was restored and reinstated.
Leslie Darbyshire captured this view of the signal in its original location during the closure of 1966 from the bypass road. The houses in the background remain today though the growth of trees prevents this view, the railway running in a cutting far below the signal behind the boundary fence.
Routine maintenence of the replica slotted post signal which saw the lamp removed for repair work in 2025; it has since been reinstated. This particular example has its solar panel to power the lamp separate from the post itself in order to maintain its historic appearance and integrity.