Kirkby Stephen East
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Infrastructure

An area of the railway that often gets overlooked, the infrastructure covers all of the elements that are needed to build and run a railway namely the track, bridges, signaling buildings and electronics. Generally, this is divided into two areas permanent way and signaling. 

Signaling 

​Kirkby Stephen East was once a very busy junction, having no less than three signal boxes throughout it's working life! Since taking over the site and redeveloping the trackwork, the need for signaling has become a priority, even going so far as to reinstate the two tall timbers needed for the iconic signal gantry back in 2018. We're now rebuilding the entire signaling system from the ground up, at the center of it all is the rebuilding of the original Stockton & Darlington railway signal box from 1861, the oldest surviving in the world! With the S&D 200 celebrations right around the corner in 2025, the race is on to get this priceless survivor back to operating condition. The signaling team have made a great start, being responsible for the vast array of mechanical linkages needed, almost all of which has been redesigned from the ground up referencing the original layout. Keeping with our goal of a North Eastern Railway center of excellence, the signaling is being rebuilt using original and replica NER equipment, identical to that used when it was built in the 1860s, there really is nowhere else like it! 
If this exciting project has you intrigued, then don't hesitate and sign up today!
Download a registration form:
PDF File:
src_volunteer_registration_form.pdf
File Size: 73 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Word Document:
src_volunteer_registration_form.docx
File Size: 202 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Permanent Way 

​If you follow the Facebook page, you'll notice how often we're complimented on how professional the track looks, this is all down to our small but dedicated track gang. It's not just the track though, it's the fences, foliage embankments bridges and walls that are also under the care of the permanent way crew. It's all to keep the railway looking smart, safe and respectable, but they can't do it alone! 
If you enjoy being outdoors, either alone or part of a team, and fancy a change of scenery from the gym, this is a sure way to get a good workout!
​Sign up today to get started
Download a registration form:
PDF File:
src_volunteer_registration_form.pdf
File Size: 73 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Word Document:
src_volunteer_registration_form.docx
File Size: 202 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Volunteering Requirements

• Commit to attending at least twice a month throughout the year

• A reasonable level of health and fitness

• Completed application form

Location

Check our Google Reviews  - link

Examples of Google reviews - overall 4.8 / 5
5 star - Gem of a place, well worth it you you are interested in Railway or Industrial History." May 2026
5 star - "We had a fantastic couple of hours here. There was even an extremely informative guided tour around the whole site which detailed the huge undertaking that has been achieved plus what is in progress for the future. Definitely well worth a visit!" August 2025

Contact Us

Telephone :  017683 71700 on

Sundays

Mail: 
​
The East Station, South Road,

Kirkby Stephen CA17 4LA


Picture
  • Home
  • VIsiting KSE
    • Accessibility
    • Events
  • Volunteering with SRC
    • Platform Staff
  • Online Shop
  • Educational Visits
  • Supporting Us & Getting Involved
  • Our Heritage
    • Our Rolling Stock
  • Other Things to Do Locally