Historic signal box dismantled for relocation

The signal box is to be moved from Wye to a heritage line in Prospidnick, Cornwall

A railway signal box has been dismantled by engineers to start a new life 330 miles (531km) away.

The structure in the village of Wye, in Kent, is no longer needed by Network Rail.

Instead, it will take up position on the Helston heritage railway line in Prospidnick, Cornwall.

The 130-year-old box was due to be demolished until the volunteer line stepped in to offer it a new home.

The Network Rail budget which would have been used to demolish the box was used to dismantle it, while the Helston line received a grant from the Railway Heritage Trust to cover the cost of relocation and reconstruction.

Helston Railway chairman, Colin Savage, said: “The intention is to site the signal box at Prospidnick using as many of the original materials as possible.

"The structure has received little investment over the past 30 years as it was no longer needed for the modern railway, so we expect the wooden upper structure will require some significant attention.

“We’re excited to give our volunteers the opportunity to assist with the rebuilding, but also to have a new addition to our railway.”

Network Rail engineers dismantled the building for transportation from Kent to Cornwall

Its windows and cladding were too rotten to save, but demolition contractors Brighters have provided new replacements, Network Rail said.

Terry Denyer, regional asset manager for buildings at Network Rail, said: “Brighters achieved the almost impossible in bringing out the historic roof structure in just two pieces, and the main structural floor section in one piece – which is quite an achievement for a structure of that age.

"They have really gone above and beyond for them to make this a success and have offered to go down and help Helston Railway signal box when they’re ready to do so.”