Farsap Logo The Film Archive of Railway Signalling & People

Semaphore Signalling & Absolute Block Working

This video has been produced to explain the basics of “traditional signalling” of the sort developed and used from the fourth quarter of the 19th century until the earlier parts of the 21st century. Although “traditional signalling” has largely been superseeded on the national railway network it remains the system of choice for the majority of the heritage railways.

The video is also a lovely showcase for the oldest working model railway in the world as it uses the former Lancashire & Yorkshire Signalling School model railway which is now located at the National Railway Museum.

In turn, the video takes you through the history of the L&Y model railway layout iself; semaphore signals; absolute block working; calling on signals; shunting signals. On other pages you will find extracts from this video covering specific subjects individually.

This video is intended for viewing at a maximum screen resolution of 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels high. Please be aware that viewing at a larger size may result in a loss of clarity and a 'grainy' appearance.

Video Credits

Filmed by: George Duncan & Richard Pulleyn
Filmed in: 2017
Narrator: Phil Graham assisted by Richard Pulleyn
Signalmen: Richard Pulleyn and Phil Graham
Train Driver: Richard Pulleyn
Video Editor: George Duncan

Copyright Notice

FARSAP videos are the copyright © of the Friends of The National Railway Museum.
The material may be freely used except for sale or advertising purposes.


Can you help?

The project would love to hear from you, especially if you worked or still work in a signal box, and you are willing to provide reminiscences and / or pictures. Please contact the The Friends of the National Railway Museum. Contact information is at the bottom of that page.


The Friends of The National Railway Museum

Visit the Friends of The National Railway Museum web site and find out more about them and what they do.

Why not become a Friend of The National Railway Museum yourself ?


The Signalling Record Society

If you are interested in railway signalling please explore their web site. Better still, Why not join the Signalling Record Society.



Page last modified Sunday, 21st September, 2025, 11:06 hours.
Entire site copyright © 2014–2025 The The Friends of The National Railway Museum. All rights reserved.
Registered Charity Number 273829.