The Old Signal Box by fishers

The Old Signal Box

This interesting old building is passed by many thousands of people each day, but I suspect few will realise it's original purpose. It was one of several mechanical signal boxes used to control the station area.

The old mechanical signalling was replaced with colour light signals in 1951, and this building lost it's purpose. The lower floor has been used for many years as a WH Smiths bookshop, with access at the opposite side of the building. More recently, the upper floor has been converted to a Costa Coffee Shop.

The footbridge in front of the old signal box was part of pre Second World War changes to the station layout when an extra island platform was added on the west side of the station.

The 1951 signal box has also been replaced (twice) and the current Rail Operations Centre (ROC) controls signalling across most of Yorkshire and will eventually control signalling right along the East Coast main line to London Kings Cross.

Katharine continues to make slow progress in hospital. They have now identified the specific organism infecting and stimulating the build up of fluid around her lungs. Her doctor said it was something he had never come across before. A suitable antibiotic has been sourced to treat it. She will need intravenous antibiotics for several weeks, but once arrangements are made for an appropriate drug fridge and antibiotics to be delivered here she will be able to come home and continue treatment here, with just weekly hospital checks. She may be home on Friday.

Ian
I guest 365 members take more notice of the building now as passengers. Great shot.
Give my best wishes to Katharine.
January 15th, 2020  
Lovely that the old signal box is even there. It looks very attractive.
January 15th, 2020  
Nice
January 16th, 2020  
Such a great, detailed capture of this interesting building...It sounds like Katharine is turning the corner with the new antibiotics. Great news that she's able to return home soon.
January 16th, 2020  
A lovely shot, and great history. Good to hear Katharine's news.
January 16th, 2020  
Glad this building has been preserved in it's original state - externally anyway... even more glad to hear Katharine's news.
January 16th, 2020  
I'm intrigued also by the handsome clock with both a large and a small face!
January 16th, 2020  
Great shot and so glad they have found the source of the issue for Katharine. Fascinating that it is so unique
January 16th, 2020  
@pyrrhula @janturnbull @pdulis @seattlite @peadar @vignouse @will_wooderson @casablanca

Thank you all for your lovely comments and fav, they are as always very much appreciated.

Katharine is now home from hospital, and tomorrow a small fridge and antibiotics will be delivered and a nurse will come to show us how to administer a daily dose through a line that has been installed in her arm. It will then be a weekly visit to the hospital for a checkup. Thank you all for your positive encouragement and care for both of us, it is very much valued.

Ian
January 16th, 2020  
@will_wooderson

William, the large faces are clearly visible from the platforms, while the small face is visible to passengers crossing the footbridge, it's smaller size being OK since those crossing the footbridge are much closer to the clock.

Ian
January 16th, 2020  
I like the staircase. Glad to hear that Katharine is home now
January 19th, 2020  
@kjarn

Thank you Kathy, your comment is appreciated!

Ian
January 19th, 2020  
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