Signals from the Camden - Watford (DC) line

Willesden Junction (low level)

April 1983

Willesden Junction (low level) station, with the freight line from Harlesden Jct (behind the camera) to Kensal Green Jct on the left.

An experimental signalling system was installed in the early 1930s on the 'New' (DC) line between Camden Jct and Watford Jct, and survived well into the 1980s. This is the signal for the junction on the up line immediately south of Willesden Junction (low level) station, where a chord to Kensal Green Jct diverges from the main line to Queens Park, Camden Jct and Euston.
The upper aspects are 'searchlight' signals, fitted with motor-operated colour filters that allow them to show red or green. These aspects function like a semaphore junction signal - here, the signal is showing clear for the main route towards Queens Park. The upper of the two lower aspects is a 'marker' light which will show red if the main signal is at danger; the bottom aspect is a calling-on signal which can display a miniature yellow. The branch signal had no marker light because it led to an absolute block section.

Harrow & Wealdstone

December 1982

A plain running signal on the down line at Harrow and Wealdstone, accompanied by two old-style shunting discs for moves into the Bakerloo line reversing sidings.

A close-up of these shunting discs.

Watford Junction

May 1973

A platform starter at Watford Junction. Note this signal has no calling-on aspect.

Watford High Street

May 1973

The junction signal for the Croxley Green branch. Unlike the one at Willesden Jct, this had separate red marker lights for each route, because the branch was fully track circuited.

The down platform starter.

The junction signal, now showing clear for the main route.

Stonebridge Park

May 1973

Some of these signals also had these round stencil indicators which could light up with messages, for example 'Track Dead' if the current had been switched off in the section ahead. This up signal was unusual in having two indicators, the other being a 'Flood' indicator for Harlesden Long Bridge.
Across the line beyond the underbridge, a repeater signal can be seen. Each stop signal normally had a separate repeater, and these repeater signals were unusual in several respects. Though they normally displayed yellow or green, they could also show red if there was a train between the repeater itself and the end of the overlap of the signal it repeated. Red repeaters could be approached by trains after a calling-on aspect at the previous stop signal. Repeaters also had marker lights, but these were offset slightly to the left of the main post, as can be seen here.

Queens Park

June 1972

The down platform starter at Queens Park. The yellow aspect of the next repeater signal can also be seen in the distance.

Thanks to Keith and others for identifying the locations of the last two photos for me, and to Clive Feather for explaining why diverging signals did/didn't have marker lights.