Welwyn control

Welwyn control, grey, metal. Located on model railway layout, gauge 1, Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Signalling School, built 1912, by L&YR.

The Welwyn control must be operated (wound) by a signaller before they can clear a section signal when they cannot be given 'line clear' by the box in advance. The control takes time to operate by winding the handle. This gives the signaller time to stop and think what they are doing before making a mistake. It was introduced after a serious accident at Welwyn Garden City in 1935, for which it is named.