Colindale signal box

Colindale signal box opened on 18/08/1924 fitted with a 15 lever Westinghouse K frame (frame number K22) along with the Hendon to Edgware line. The signal box was damaged by fire on 04/08/1935 after a plane from RAF Hendon crashed across the tracks causing a short circuit and subsequent fierce arcing in the signal box. The signal box closed in 08/1935, was rebuilt and reopened on 19/04/1936.

While the original signal box was being rebuilt a temporary signal box was in use which opened on 18/08/1935 fitted with an 11 lever Westinghouse B frame reputedly moved from the South Kensington signalling school, and closed on 18/04/1936.

The rebuilt Colindale signal box opened on 19/04/1936 and closed on 02/04/1966. (No further details). After closure the signal box was reframed for future use as an interlocking machine room

While the signal box was prepared for its future role as an interlocking machine room a temporary box was in use from 03/04/1966 to 15/12/1967

Colindale Interlocking Machine Room opened on 15/12/1967 fitted with a 12 lever Westinghouse V1 frame. It was supervised by Golders Green signal box until control passed to Cobourg Street Control Centre on 14th March 1971. As far as I am aware it is still in use today

Collingdale signal cabin on the platform

Colindale Signal Box 1952

Owen tells us the only thing that livened this box up was Northbound drivers putting out their billy cans for hot water. The kettle here was always on the go. You also got to know a great many drivers. It came in handy when you wanted a quick turn around. I think the guy in the door was was McTernant?
Picture is © of Owen Smithers and is reproduced with permission of © Owen Smithers.

Colindale Signal Box 1952

Owen is seen here operating the frame in Colindale Signal Box 1952, after having his Barnet post claimed by another signalman on seniority. Luckily the other guy couldn't stick it and Owen was back at Barnet before the end of the year. Picture is © of Owen Smithers and is reproduced with permission of © Owen Smithers.