Exeter West Signal Box

About

Independently owned, but housed as an attraction at Crewe Heritage Centre, Exeter West Box is unique in being the largest preserved mechanical signal box in full working order and able to show visitors what life was like in such a big, busy signal box duringthe last days of steam. Removed from Exeter when it closed in 1985, Exeter West has been restored so that visitors can see full simulated operation of a 1960 summer weekday, summer holiday Saturday or summer Sunday. Volunteers undertake the simulations using either a manual simulator or one based on a 'laptop' computer., and will be happy to explain the complexities of what is going on. As well as all of its original, working equipment, Exeter West also houses a series of displays explaining how various items of signalling equipment worked (by means of interactive displays,) and also tells something of the story of railways in the Devon city. Open when the Heritage Centre is open, a visit is included in your admission ticket.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes