Railways & Telecoms The history of telecommunications is closely related to the railways with early types of signalling being used to pass messages between stations and signal boxes. Subsequently, preserved railways can be fascinating places to visit with the added attraction of seeing older telecoms equipment in working order.

Sadly, an increasing number of preserved railways are having to replace their older (Strowger) switching systems with modern kit, as current day safety standards demand a higher level of reliable communications. Strowger equipment is fine, but it needs expert maintenance which some railways (often on a limited budget) find too much of a burden to continue to provide, when their main concern is to source volunteers to keep the railway operating!

Here's a glimpse of the Strowger kit at the Mid Hants Railway, when some THG members visited in 2002

How you can help...

The THG needs your memories and observations of working practices, past and present. Today's seemingly ordinary mundane process is tomorrow's fascinating history. You can help by submitting articles to help grow the THG home site or by producing your own individual speciality site to which we can link.

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