The Kernow Model Rail Centre has today announced the release of exclusive commission from Bachmann Scenecraft in 00 of the ex London South Western Railway (LSWR) Type 3a, Grade two listed, signal box at Petersfield.

The Petersfield type 3a signal box was built c1885 and is located on the Portsmouth Direct Line between Havent and Guildford (where of course the 2nd Kernow Model Rail Centre store opened in 2019).
Petersfield station was opened by the Portsmouth Railway in 1859, it was leased by the London & South Western Railway, who bought it outright in 1861. The station was extended and enlarged in 1864 to accommodate the traffic from the new Petersfield Railway to Midhurst.

The box is unique as it combines features of both ex LSWR type 2 and type 3 designs. It protects the Station Road level-crossing and it formerly controlled the junction of the Midhurst branch that was closed 1955. Although the closure of the goods yards occurred during the 1970s, the volume of passenger traffic and the need to guard the busy level-crossing has ensured that the signal box has remained in operation. It still contains a ten-lever Stevens (Railway Signalling Co.) frame and locking rack (c1880), together with a circuit diagram, blockshelf and block instruments.

Chris Trerise, Managing Director said: “The Petersfield signal box was a logical choice for us to commission due to its unique style and its location on the Portsmouth Direct Line local to our Guildford store” Chris continued: “We are pleased that our Guildford store has been able to remain fully open to our customers since the Covid-19 lockdown.”

The exclusive to Kernow Model Rail Centre 44-074X Bachmann Scenecraft LSWR Signal Box – Petersfield costs £79.99  

This latest addition to compliments the LSWR Type 4 signal box “Bude” and also the LSWR Ground frame hut already exclusively available from the Kernow Model Rail Centre.