The Film Archive of Railway Signalling & People
Electric (Single Needle) Telegraph
The electric telegraph was widely used on the railway system from the mid 19th century right through until the 1960s. It was also known variously as the single needle telegraph or the speaking telegraph.
Video 1
In 2002 Betty Forrester and Anne Sharkey recorded their experiences as Telegraph Clerks for the Friends of The National Railway Museum. Betty had worked at Thornton Junction during World War 2 and Anne was trained at LMSR Glasgow HQ in 1946.
This video is intended for viewing at a maximum screen resolution of 720 pixels wide by 576 pixels high. Please be aware that viewing at a larger size may result in a loss of clarity and a 'grainy' appearance.
Video 2
The history, use and operation of the Single Needle Telegraph at former Great Northern Railway locations was presented and demonstrated to members of the Signalling Record Society when they met at the National Railway Museum. The demonstrator was Signalling Record Society member by Steve Gwinnett and this video is a record of the occasion.
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 1 Credits
| Filmed by: | Chris Hogg, Lynn Patrick |
| Filmed in: | 2002 |
| Interviewer: | (not credited) |
| Video Editor: | Eddie Affleck |
Video 2 Credits
| Filmed by: | Richard Pulleyn |
| Filmed on: | 6 May 2017 |
| Still pictures: | Steve Gwinnett, Eddie Crawshaw / Ron Herbert collection, John Hinson's collection |
| Demonstrator: | Steve Swinnett |
| Instruments provided by: | Phil Graham |
| Instruments wired by: | Peter Munther-Webster |
| 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
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The Signalling Record Society
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