Platform edges: Metcalfe - Scalescenes

[george stein]

Writing from the USA, so really basic question.  Having almost finished a Metcalfe station platform, the instructions seem to show the adhesive "edge" strips go to the edge of the platform, but not wrapped around.  My Scalescenes platform kit shows the white edge strips wrapped around - thus hiding the raw card stock face of the asphalt.  So: (1) am I reading the Metcalfe instructions incorrectly; (2) if not, do you just use a black marker to color the raw edge; and (3) as I'm doing a 1930's GWR branch, is it correct or a myth that the white safety stripes were not introduced on platforms until WW-II as a consequence of blackout restrictions.  Sorry about mixing practical and historical question.

 

Thanks

 

George

North Carolina

[Chubber]

I am unable to comment on the modelling aspect, not having built such a kit, but with regard to the 'white paint' question, a photograph in 'The Wallingford Branch Line' by Karau and Turner, ISBN 0 96867 10 X clearly shows Cholsey and Moulsford station (on the GWR main line Maidenhead to Didcot) as having a white edged platform in 1929. Perhaps 9-12" wide, and, incidentally painted only on the horizontal surface, not the vertical edge.

 

I believe that the 'pea-souper' fogs that parts of the U.K. suffered from at the time due to the heavy use of coal fires for domestic heating were severe enough to warrant the edges of plat forms to be clearly marked!

 

Hope this helps,

 

Doug

[RAF96]

I can't answer the history question but I have used one of those 'Tippex' typist correction tape dispensers to 'draw' platform edges, road striping, car park slots, etc.

 

They take a bit of getting used to for a neat result but produce creditable results when you do. If you mess up then rub them out with a pencil eraser.

 

Rob

[Chubber]

Agree completely. Can be stippled in to slightly textured surfaces with a hogs-hair brush, too.

 

Doug

[dhjgreen]

It's a while since I build mine, but they sit on the horizontal part only. A set of multi-coloured felt tips is definitely your friend with Metcalfe kits.