Oakham’s Famous Signal Box
If you’ve ever waited at the level crossing on Melton Road, you’ve been standing in the shadow of a genuine celebrity. The Oakham Level Crossing Signal Box is arguably one of the most famous railway structures in the world not because of its size, but because it has been recreated in miniature on thousands of kitchen tables across the globe.
The signal box achieved national fame in the 1950s when it was chosen by Airfix as the prototype for their first-ever railway model kit.
For decades, if you bought an "Airfix Signal Box," you were building a 1:76 scale replica of the one right here in Oakham.
The design was so classic that even after Airfix, other major brands like Dapol and Hornby continued to use Oakham as the inspiration for their own model railway accessories. It remains a "must-have" for hobbyists wanting an authentic British railway look.
Built in 1899 by the Midland Railway, the box follows the "Type 2b" design, known for its sturdy brick base and large timber-framed windows that give the signalman a clear view of the tracks.
In 1990, it was granted Grade II Listed status by Historic England. This protection ensures that its original character including its traditional wooden windows and steps is preserved for future generations. While many signal boxes across the UK have been replaced by plastic or metal modernisations, Oakham’s remains a beautifully maintained example of Victorian engineering.
While many mechanical signal boxes have been decommissioned in favor of centralised digital hubs, Oakham’s signal box remains operational. In an era of high-tech automation, there is something deeply reassuring about seeing the signalman at work behind the glass, manually operating the levers that keep the Leicester-to-Peterborough line running safely.
Fun Facts for your Visit
The "Buggleskelly" Connection, Because of the Airfix kit’s popularity, the Oakham box is often the "go-to" model for fans of the classic railway comedy Oh, Mr. Porter!, despite the movie being set in a fictional station.
The best place to photograph the box is from the station platform or safely from the pedestrian footbridge, where you can see how it dominates the crossing.
