When scouting around for a colour light signal for my layout, I came to the conclusion that the only way to achieve this was going to be via a scratch-build, such is the lack of kits and RTR versions in O gauge. That was, until I saw a couple of posts on a topic here and realised that Pete Harvey was producing etches - but no mention of them on his website. I'd heard that C&L models were planning to stock them, but given their recent flood damage and other commitments, this was looking unlikely in the immediate future.

A quick phone call cleared up the matter and the good news is that the kind folks at C&L will be stocking the range of signals by the time our next issue hits the press.

I also got the opportunity to test build one, the verdict of which will be in the August issue of BRM, on sale July 10.

Here is a little step-by-step to whet your appetites!

The upper part of the signal - the design of which is intricate, but correct. Pete used ex-BR plans to produce the kit and when compared with photographs of the three aspect signal sited at Penmaenmawr, there is little to fault.

The bolts are made by inserting wire through the holes in the etches, soldering into place and then cutting to length. I didn't really want to use superglue when building the kit! A little more cleaning here is still to do.

The rear of the unit with hinges soldered into place. I'll place some 5mm LEDs in each of the holes, using the structure as the common return.

These are fabulous and I can't recommend them enough - pro sanding files from Albion Alloys. With 100 grit on one side and 180 on the other, they make short but precise work of removing excess solder without leaving marks behind as some files do. They don't clog with solder either! The end result is a nice 'brushed' and clean surface - perfect for taking paint.

The ladder is made by soldering wire though the holes in the two side etches. So long as the distances all the way up it are kept equidistant, the finished look will complement the rest of the signal. You can see in this shot that the rungs have yet to be cut to the required length and cleaned up.

Without doubt it is an enjoyable build and as for the verdict...well, you'll just have to wait until next month's issue (August) to find out!