Signal Box - Glenfinnan Station Museum

The 1901 signal box is now part of the museum and is open to the public frequently during the museum’s summer season. It provides excellent views over the station area and – on a clear day – all the way to Ben Nevis.

Signalling Demonstrator

A computerised demonstrator shows visitors how the signals and points were worked from the box’s 15-lever frame. Screens represent the railway and trains in pictures and video, while animated signals are operated using the lever frame itself. These signals in turn allow the train on the screen to proceed.
Visitors are encouraged to ‘have a go’ at being a signalman, under supervision of museum staff/volunteers.

Lever Frame

The lever frame and its interlocking system were restored to full working order in 2013/14. The next step is to clean and repair the paintwork, to improve the cosmetic appearance of the frame and prevent further corrosion and decay.

Brief History

The signal box was built by the Railway Signal Company, to control the signals and points in the Glenfinnan station area. It was one of 13 boxes of this design which were built in 1900-01 for the Fort William to Mallaig, and Spean Bridge to Fort Augustus railways.
The box gave faithful service but was eventually taken out of service in 1986. It is now preserved as part of the Glenfinnan Station Museum. Regular diesel and (in summer) steam trains still pass the box but they are signalled remotely from Banavie Signalling Centre some 14 miles away, using the Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB) system.

Opening Times and Dates

The signal box is open around once per week during the summer season. Visits can usually be accommodated on request – just let us know when you plan to visit and we will endeavour to open up the signal box for you. Email [email protected]. Please note that emails to this address will be forwarded outside of Glenfinnan Station Museum, to the personal email account of one of our volunteers.

Even when the signal box is closed, the top of the steps gives a good vantage point for photography of the station. The box interior and lever frame may also be viewed through the windows.