In October 1971, The Railway Magazine reported on the newly constructed Motherwell Train Control & Signalling Centre. The article described plans to supervise train movements across parts of the Scottish railway network and the proposed introduction of multiple-aspect power signalling.
Photo: British Railways, Scottish Region
CONSTRUCTION of Motherwell Train Control & Signalling Centre has been completed by the contractors, and signal engineers have started the complicated task of installing the intricate electrical equipment. On the site of a former railway reservoir at Crosshill Street, on the opposite side of the tracks from an existing Caledonian manual box, Motherwell South, the new building rises to almost 50 ft. above track level, is 165 ft. long and covers a floor area of 9,000 sq. ft. It will be Scotland’s biggest signalbox.
Facilities within the new centre
Consoles incorporating illuminated track diagrams will occupy most of the upper floor; at ground level will be the relay room, maintenance workshops, staff accommodation and heating and air-conditioning plant.
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Lines to be supervised from Motherwell
In addition to 84 miles of the West Coast main line between Cambuslang and Kirkpatrick, train movements will be supervised from Motherwell on branch lines including the Hamilton Circle, Coatbridge Central, Holytown, Wishaw, Lanark and the Carstairs Junction–Edinburgh line as far as Midcalder Junction, Midlothian.
Photo: British Railways, Scottish Region
Introduction of power signalling
Multiple-aspect power signalling and points will be phased into operation with control initially from local boxes. It is planned to begin introducing control from Motherwell when sufficient electrical equipment has been installed late next year, gradually taking over full operation by autumn 1973.
Plans for 1974
In 1974, when electric trains begin running between Glasgow Central and London Euston in just over five hours, the line between Glasgow and Kirkpatrick, Dumfriesshire, will be controlled from only two power signalboxes, the existing one at Glasgow Central (which is being modified) and the new building at Motherwell. More than ninety manual boxes will be replaced.
