Locomotive Engineer Rescues Historic Signal Box from Demise

In a remarkable turn of events, a locomotive engineer has successfully saved a historic signal box in Calw, Baden-Württemberg, which faced an uncertain future due to structural instability. The building, constructed in 1879, had been under continuous surveillance by a security service since March, after being deemed at risk of collapse. The potential hazard posed by the deteriorating structure could have resulted in serious accidents on the nearby railway tracks.

The Deutsche Bahn (DB) incurred substantial costs to maintain security around the site, spending approximately EUR1,000 daily, amounting to over EUR30,000 by mid-May. Security personnel monitored the area round-the-clock from a vehicle, ensuring the safety of the structure and the train operations.

Matthias Langen, a passionate railway enthusiast and member of the Württembergische Schwarzwaldbahn association, took it upon himself to initiate the preservation of the signal box, which is considered a significant piece of cultural heritage. Langen expressed his commitment to the site, stating it was a building he could not abandon. With the help of a crane, the signal box was carefully lifted and transported 200 meters to the association's grounds, where it can be restored instead of left to decay.

The operation, conducted under the cover of night, was completed swiftly, taking only two hours to relocate the historic structure. The signal box, a key part of the region's railway history, had been operational until the station's closure in 1989, serving as a command center for managing signals and switches through manual mechanisms.

The structure, now under the protection of historical preservation laws, required reinforcement with steel beams to prevent further deterioration. The DB has expressed relief at the resolution of the security issue and will cover the costs associated with the crane and transport services, in addition to the ongoing surveillance expenses.

According to a DB spokesperson, the signal box will be transferred to the railway association for a nominal fee, allowing for its preservation. The specifics of the transaction are still being finalized, with expectations that the association will acquire it for around EUR1.

However, the real work is only beginning for the railway enthusiasts. The restoration project is projected to require approximately EUR150,000 for materials and labor, prompting the association to launch a fundraising campaign to support the efforts. Contributions can be made through their designated bank account.