This little old vintage building sits at the bottom of town next to the Grey River. Built in 1904 it was heavily involved in the rail system in Greymouth which supported the coal trade. The signal box had 52 levels controlling the signals and shunting discs.
In it's heyday it controlled up to 50 trains per day as passengers and freight was taken between Christchurch, Otira, Reefton, Blackball, Rewanui and Ross. In the great flood of 1888 the signal box stood tall and dry but as more coal was moved via the roads the rail line to the wharf was closed.
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| Photo courtesy of the History House Museum showing the first express train in Greymouth. |
In 2010 the floodwall next to the Grey River was raised and the signal box was moved by the trust and restored. btw there are only 5 signal boxes in all of New Zealand.
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| Here's now it looked in the 1960s - photo from Moe Bowe. |
These days the signal box is used by a local art group - personally I'm thankful it's still there in good condition.
Linking up with Through my lens, Tuesday Treasures, My corner of the world and Wordless Wednesday.
