Railway signalling has a wide diversity of collectible items ranging from signal box diagrams, nameboards and instruments to single line keys and staffs. An item that most of us buy when we start collecting is a track side signal arm. These tend to be sold a little later on once you appreciate their size and I would caution you to delay this purchase. Signal box instruments and single line keys and staffs are the most popular with collectors, and prices range from £50 to £500+.

The railways were lit by paraffin and gas lamps and the variety is enormous. Station lampposts with the lamp displaying the station name, or a totem or target below, were on many stations and remained there until replaced by fluorescent lights with the name on the cover. Both the lampposts and lamps are sought after, particularly early ones, with lampposts costing from £100 to £500+ and the lamps from £50 upwards. Railway workers used handlamps and all trains also carried paraffin lamps on the front and rear so enormous numbers were made. These are now collectible particularly with plates bearing company names and locations. Prices can range from £20 for a common British Railways handlamp to many thousands for a rare example such as from the Somerset and Dorset Railway.

All the main railways had hotels, station dining rooms and dining cars and these were equipped with silverware and crockery generally marked with the company name. A large number of items have survived and these can be attractively displayed in a cabinet or made use of on the dining room table. Prices vary relative to condition and scarcity with most being fairly attainable. Try to purchase china items with no damage and silverware in good original unplated condition.