FARSAP News 

The Film Archive of Railway Signalling and People (FARSAP) by 2024.


As of October 2024, the FARSAP signalling film archive now has over films of almost 240 locations. They are all free to view and cover signalling locations across Britain and some in Ireland. Signalling topics covering a wide range of mechanical and electronic technology, primers, staff reminiscences, heritage lines and significant events are also covered.

The latest additions cover the Blyth and Tyne, Northumberland Line routes and three films of the Barry area in South Wales. The Leicester to Peterborough route was also added earlier this year. This latter route contains what is believed to be the last remaining 19th century Midland Railway lower quadrant signal in use on the national system, seen below. 

 





   


The FARSAP archive has now been building for ten years. The announcement in 2013 about transferring all signalling operations into new regional rail operating centres prompted the need to record railway signalling in all its variety. The FARSAP team from Friends of the NRM and the Signalling Record Society has worked closely with Network Rail to film the wide range of British signalling practices, equipment and buildings. The films show the people doing the job at a time of major change. You’ll still be able to see and hear how it was done in the days before Rail Operating Centres came along. Manual signal boxes, crossings and power boxes are all well covered. Commentaries and maps helpfully explain the history, locations, routes, the equipment and what’s going on to operate the railway safely.



 










Crossing gates being operated at Roxton Sidings near Habrough and Stallingborough on the line between Barnetby and Grimsby.  

In the words of Network Rail, it’s a “valuable and comprehensive record”. It’s popular too with the signalling community who have welcomed their bit of signalling history being recorded. Whether it’s for those in training, enthusiasts, modellers or family historians, there’s masses of fascinating and valuable information. Simply search online for “FARSAP” to see the full collection. It’s already extensive – and material is still being added when resources and conditions allow. 

The FARSAP Team, Friends of the NRM, York.