Goodbye to Wherry Lines Semaphores

47818 runs around its train on 6th September 2009 while working the Summer Saturday 'drags' between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. The train would continue to London behind 90036. Dominating the scene are the mechanical signals and Yarmouth Vaux box dating from 1884. 

'One' Anglia's 170201 passes Lowestoft box and passes the platform starter
signals. The livery and stock have both since been replaced here. 25/07/2008

Over the weekend of 1st/2nd of February work to finally decommission the historic semaphore signalling on the Wherry Lines between Norwich and Great Yarmouth / Lowestoft entered its final stages. This multi-million pould project to move control from local boxes to the signalling centre at Colchester has over-run but finally and end is in sight, and with that the closure of the signalboxes which have governed this route since 1884. The decommissioned signal boxes will face a variety of fates, sadly for most this will mean demolition. Two boxes however will be saved and find new homes at local preserved railways; the box at Brundall will move to the Mid Norfolk Railway, while Reedham box will find a new home at the North Norfolk Railway. Other boxes, including the large structure at Yarmouth Vaux will be demolished.

These local lines have seen massive investment in recent years with track rewewals, re-signalling and the introduction of brand new state-of-the-art trains, the Stadtler Flirt which are currently being introduced by Greater Anglia. There is no doubt that the transformation of the Wherry lines can only be good for passengers, but for enthusiasts now that the last lever has been pulled and the last semaphore dropped the routes will never quite be the same.

37405 works the loco hauled 'short set' past the signalbox at Reedham on 17th August 2016. This box will find a new home on the North Norfolk Railway.