(SSW)148
In 1980, a new 16 lever signal cabin was built and station layout remodeled, (This replacing the previous 1960's outdoor 8 lever frame detector layout) { Link }. The platform was lengthened to accommodate 11 coach suburban trains, and the loops were also lengthened, making it possible for a crossing train to set back on the mainline to behind the home signals, and then draw forward on the loop until the driver was opposite the cabin. By the late 1990's, the station was permanently switched out, and by 2003 all the semaphores were removed and the loop disconnected. By 2008 a change of fortune arose for Somerset West, a demand of a new passenger service which included the new Business Express, which meant that the station wound need to be opened again for crossings. The van Schoor machines were for put back in service, but sadly not for the previous semaphores, as the railways opted for 2 way points indicators to be installed instead.
Below we see the 1930's diagram of Somerset West.