A Ground frame is a rudimentary form of local control of railway points and/or signals. It takes the form of a few interlocked "signal box" type levers mounted at ground level. Ground frames do not normally require any form of shelter since they are usually operated by traincrew and not permanently staffed. A ground frame is typically used to control access to an unfrequently used siding where the expense of providing control from a remote signal box cannot be justified. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... A siding, in general rail terminology, refers to a section of rail used to store stationary rolling stock perhaps whilst it is loaded or unloaded, or alternatively, a short length of rail that provides access to and from factories, mines, quarries, wharves, etc. ...

Method of Release

In most cases, a ground frame has to be released from a signal box before it can be used. Typical methods of release include:

• Mechanical midway release.
• Release by key (e.g. Annett's key).
• Release by single line token.
• Electrical release.

The release cannot be restored until all the levers in the ground frame have been returned to their normal position. On railways, a token (also staff or tablet, depending on its shape) is a physical object which a locomotive driver is required to have before entering onto a particular section of single track. ...

Ground Switch Panels

The modern equivalent of a ground frame, with switches instead of levers, is called a Ground Switch Panel (GSP). Obviously, any points or signals worked from a ground switch panel must be electrically operated.