Signals are crucial to the running of a safe and efficient railway. The first signals were operated by hand by a signal 'policeman'.

The introduction of signal boxes gave central control using rods nad wires, and later on, point and signal interlocking. When combined with the telegraph bell code system and single-line block tokens, signal boxes finally were able to work together to operate trains more safely.

Today, semaphore signals and signal boxes have all but disappeared, but are still used in Cornwall, a few other lines like the Settle to Carlisle and, of course, preserved railways.

Apart from the way they look, semaphore signals differ from modern signals in two ways. The distant signal is usually separate from any stop signal, being placed about a quarter mile ahead of the home signal. This warns trains in time to stop without the need to run miles of wire to the previous signal. The second difference is that they are normally at 'danger' except from when a train is cleared, whilst modern signals are green unless the line ahead is occupied.

Ratio 'Quick Assembly' signals reflect those used by railway companies from the 1930s onwards. The quick assembly kits allow you to easily make home, distant, junction and bracket signals. They include signal operating wire and lever.