Welcome to the Epping Signalling Museum website, home to Locomotive L11 & the Epping Signal Cabin
Situated alongside live running Central Line trains on the approach to Epping station is this unique LONDON TRANSPORT signal cabin. It is the only cabin on the entire Underground network in preservation and open to the public. It is this signal cabin and our Locomotive L11 that together make up Epping Signalling Museum.
You certainly don't have to be a rail enthusiast to enjoy your visit - our guides will tailor the tour to give you a fantastic insight into some of the secrets of the London Underground. You only need to look at our TripAdvisor reviews to see how many families have said there's much, much more to the museum! From the mildy curious to the avid enthusiast, we are sure you'll enjoy your visit with us.
The most striking exhibit as you approach our gate is the bright yellow 94 year old former shunting locomotive L11. You are welcome to climb on board and sit at the controls of this genuine London Underground train, not forgetting to watch for the lineside signals and working set of points. All this whilst Central Line trains clatter past on the other line! Then our guides will show you around and explain the signalling, points and other safety systems that keep London Underground one of the safest railways in the world.
The next destination will be the downstairs room of the signal cabin, originally called the Relay Room. This is where we house our collection of railway artefacts, signs and memorabilia. There are working signals and warning indicators, maps, an illuminated track diagram, telephones, a working OO gauge model railway and of course, relays! We have original Underground station signs from long forgotten stations. 'Behind the scenes' equipment such as Train Sequencer machines are also on show. Come and see what was a world-leading Automatic Train controller which led to the first fully automated tube line - the Victoria Line. Do you know what the time is in binary (the numbers computers use to count)? See the LT binary clock which pre-dates personal computers by some 40 years! Plus our exciting new attraction is an under-restoration push-button controlled, air-worked signal lever frame.
Then it's upstairs to the highlight of the exhibition - the Signal Cabin operating floor itself. Directly overlooking the Central Line and with a view of trains as they pass the cabin, this is where the signaller worked. They would have controlled trains in and out of not only Epping station but, in days gone by, the goods yard and gas works siding as well! The 47 fully interlocked chrome plated levers controlled all the signals and points in the Epping area, even the ones towards North Weald. Your guide will explain how it all works, and then it's time to get hands-on! It's over to you to use the levers and simulator to signal a train into Epping station and beyond!
There is much more to see in main website so click the 'Way In' signs below. There's information about how to get to Epping Signalling Museum, Locomotive L11 and the Signal Cabin. Don't forget the Museum offers FREE ADMISSION although if you are able, we very much welcome donations. Click the 'Way In' signs below to enter the main website.
The Museum is open every Saturday from 10:00am.
If you would like to help the Museum and make a donation towards keeping the museum alive, please click here.
