Model of Martin's Revolving Disc Signal

Made:
1840

Model signal, scale 1:16, London & Southampton Railway, Martin's Revolving Disc signal, c.1839.

Albinus Martin’s signal design ensured no ambiguity as to whom the signal applied. At its most basic, it applied to a single line only and comprised a red half-disc of canvas or iron sheet – the other half being an open rim – mounted on a post. The red half-disc denoting 'stop' was always seen on the left-hand side when travelling along the line for which it applied. The signal was turned edge-on to the running line, denoting that the line ahead was 'clear'.

This model depicts a signal devised to control the more complex track layouts at stations and permit shunting movements, the red board indicating which line was blocked. A pulley was used to turn the disc.

Born in Somerset in 1791, Martin originally trained as an architect before becoming involved with civil engineering. In 1836 he joined the London and Southampton Railway, renamed London and South Western Railway in 1839, to work as Resident Engineer under Joseph Locke during its construction and Superintendent of the Line, eventually leaving in 1849. After pursuing a career at consultant engineer, Martin died in 1871.

Details

Category:
Railway Models
Object Number:
1912-43
Materials:
metal (unknown), wood (unidentified) and paint
Measurements:
overall: 380 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm,
type:
model
credit:
Cussons, G. Ltd.