Independently owned, but housed as an attraction at Crewe Heritage Centre, Exeter West Signal Box is unique in being the largest preserved mechanical signal box in full working order. Visitors are able to see what life was like in such a big, busy signal box during the last days of steam. Removed from Exeter when it closed in 1985, Exeter West has been restored so that visitors can see a full simu
lated operation of a 1960 summer weekday, summer holiday Saturday or summer Sunday. Volunteers undertake the simulations using either a manual simulator or one based on a 'laptop' computer. Signalmen are always happy to explain the complexities of what is going on and any other questions regarding railway signalling. As well as all of its original, working equipment, Exeter West also houses a series of displays explaining how various items of signalling equipment worked (by means of interactive displays,) and also tells something of the story of railways in the Devon city. The signal box is Open when the Crewe Heritage Centre is open, a visit is included in your admission ticket to the Center.
