signal lad

English

Noun

signal lad (plural signal lads)

1. (rail transport, UK) A young man employed in a signalbox to record the times of trains as they pass through the area served by the signalbox.

   Synonym: booking lad

   • 1962 August, G. M. Kichenside, “Resignalling for the Kent Coast electrification—Phase II”, in Modern Railways, page 113, photo caption:

     Signal lads are employed at the panel-operated boxes to record train times. A small replica of the track diagram with simplified track circuit indications and the general circuit telephone concentrators are incorporated in their desk, as here at Tonbridge.