treggyman Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 Hi All Well Penhallick Junction is now getting there...... Lots more details & Cameos to do....... & it's almost dual Era so I can run my Sectorisation stock on it when I get it sorted.... But I enjoy building layouts,& I wanted something to run my B R blue stock on........Next up will be something to run all my Southern & Western region Steam stock on......But that's for a year or two's time. Any way...Why Creedyford ???..... Well we used to live in Crediton & then out in the sticks close by & I worked in Exeter....So every day I drove past the station & parallel to the line & past St Davids station..... So at various times I was lucky enough to see....... DMU'S, DMU's hauling a 'parcels van, short loco hauled passenger trains with 33's or 25's,short freights mainly with 31's with OTA's,Ball clay wagons,presflows,VDA'S....the main wagon types I remember, plus the stone trains hauled by 47's & 33's ex Meldon (I may be wrong but I'm sure I saw 50's on this at least once) We also used to buy our solid fuel from a depot at Lapford ,so I saw the OTA's & VGA's being loaded with timber & offloaded with fertiliser respectively.....I think the'Canadian Coke' as the fuel was called arrived by road.......But watch this space. Crediton yard was then not used for freight.....just,.as now a couple of I assume ,storage sidings at the Exeter end with a short kickback.I seem to remember the main yard being very tatty with Symond's the coal merchant, no longer receiving coal by rail (finished in '77 I think....but that may change) & Shippams meat processing plant taking up most of the site with PDT Bayly Bartlett builders merchants...then to become Jewson at the road end. The key to me was the potential for interesting operation......All those interesting trains.... The main features that I consider had to be included were: The four points that form the junction The level crossing & associated signal box The Brunellian style station building.......The station was built as broad gauge as part of the G W R empire.....I grew up next to Langport West station & the station building there was very similar to that at Crediton. The singling of the line on the Exeter side of the station Hopefully the impression of dereliction that abounded then......Run down buildings,a couple of sidings left amongst the lifted ones in a once busy yard.....I'm sure you get my drift..... Also I wanted one of those typical twin arch stone stone/brick bridges that are so typical of the line. Looking at Lapford then we have one of these (admittedly a triple arch version at the Exeter end) and a metal girder type bridge at the other end....Also a reasonably busy yard.... SO.....Join the two together & we get the title.....The local river is the river Creedy.....The station is situated at Fordton,or the ford bit can come from Lapford. Any way this will be a longer project as I want to continue to exhibit Penhallick & this project will hopefully give me another string to my bow as far as exhibition invites go.....but that's a way down the line.....Also this will be a roundy roundy so I can still maximise the viewing area but also run longer trains Any way first up the proposed track plan..... The baseboards are made for the scenic area,they follow my usual method of 6mm ply top on 12mm ply supports......for further info on how they are done look at my threads on Penhallick , or similar but more light weight on Larginish. 5 curved points ,one LH point & one catch/trap point later.....Still one RH Point to build......we are nearly ready to start laying track. I've laid out the track loosely on the baseboards & taken a few pics to try & capture the feel of how the layout will end up Well that's all for tonight......As usual ANY comments most welcome.....Positive or Negative & any info/references you may think I might need to refer to......please mention.....I have searched the wonderous Internet & looked at lots of books, but there are always others I may not have found 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack00 Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 Bill, I'm very interested in how you build your baseboards...they look solid as a house. Will watch this grow and hopefully one day see Penhallick Juntion in action! Jack. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
B954673 Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 nice start. however to put a spanner in the works, both me and Christopher think that Credford would be a better name... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivercider Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 That's an interesting concept that I will be following, if it turns out like Penhallick Junction it will be a winner. As you say there is plenty of variety already on the North Devon line, plus the added Meldon traffic. You are right about class 50s performing on the Meldons, 45s and 46s were also regulars in their day, though that may be before your timespan? The coal yard probably never received coal by rail after 1967 when Exmouth Junction CCD opened, but it's your railway. Have you seen the Past and Present book 53 "North and West Devon"? Page 41 shows 37521 in the yard in 1999. For several months stone dust was received from Meldon in connection with a large fibre optic cable laying contract, Anyway I am scanning a handful of Crediton pictures onto my Flickr site, I will gratuitously post a couple here, 50009 Conqueror approaching with empty sealions and seacows from Exeter Riverside - Meldon 31/10/83 Set P463 with a lunchtime Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple working, 31/10/83 cheers 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treggyman Posted August 27, 2012 Author Share Posted August 27, 2012 nice start. however to put a spanner in the works, both me and Christopher think that Credford would be a better name... HI Thanks for the comment..... I thought long & hard about the name & although your suggestion is a good one I just feel Creedyford has a better ring to it Cheers 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treggyman Posted August 27, 2012 Author Share Posted August 27, 2012 That's an interesting concept that I will be following, if it turns out like Penhallick Junction it will be a winner. As you say there is plenty of variety already on the North Devon line, plus the added Meldon traffic. You are right about class 50s performing on the Meldons, 45s and 46s were also regulars in their day, though that may be before your timespan? The coal yard probably never received coal by rail after 1967 when Exmouth Junction CCD opened, but it's your railway. Have you seen the Past and Present book 53 "North and West Devon"? Page 41 shows 37521 in the yard in 1999. For several months stone dust was received from Meldon in connection with a large fibre optic cable laying contract, Anyway I am scanning a handful of Crediton pictures onto my Flickr site, I will gratuitously post a couple here, 50009 Conqueror approaching with empty sealions and seacows from Exeter Riverside - Meldon 31/10/83 Set P463 with a lunchtime Exeter St Davids - Barnstaple working, 31/10/83 cheers Hi Thanks for the comment....I feel there is a lot of scope with this one.... I just hope I can do it justice....Only time will tell Thanks also for adding those brilliant pictures.....Lots of relevant detail of the buildings some of which are now long gone... The '50 & ballast hoppers just oozes atmosphere,as does the DMU....... also I'd forgotten about the 45 /46's Any other pictures will be more than welcome. If you look at the first one I have in effect reversed the direction of the sidings & have replaced the kickback siding with a catch point though I may still include a kickback if I can be bothered to make another point......I've already made the catch point,but I'm sure it will come in somewhere Any way,Thanks again & any suggestions welcome Cheers Bill 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treggyman Posted August 27, 2012 Author Share Posted August 27, 2012 Hi All Did a bit today, cut the 'open frame' section & braced it & laid the cork underlay. First,a few pics of the end baseboard. This is the first time I've used integral legs. The middle board will be supported on two trestles but the end two will clip on being supported by two dowels & clips at one end with the other being supported by built in legs. You will notice that the end nearest the legs at this point is not fixed. This is so I can cut the curve to form the embankment & then fix supports to support the track The curve cut I then made the supports out of 9mm ply,curved to follow the track base & then glued & screwed in place I then glued down the cork underlay Next job will either be to make the final point or to start laying track....We'll see how I feel over the next few days Cheers Bill 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivercider Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 (edited) Hi Thanks for the comment....I feel there is a lot of scope with this one.... I just hope I can do it justice....Only time will tell Any other pictures will be more than welcome. Any way,Thanks again & any suggestions welcome Cheers Bill You're welcome, I have now added all 9 of the pictures I have of Crediton to Flickr, I'll post one more here. Crediton Signal Box, 31/10/83 Regarding trains and traffic, Ramblin Rich's marvellous North Devon Freight thread covers much of it, I have a couple of WTTs and Passenger TTs from the 70/80s which might yield more info if you have a specific question, cheers Edited August 27, 2012 by Rivercider 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggesford box Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 (edited) Hi, a shot of the diagram in the signalbox and also a shot of the replacement panel. Somewhere I know I have taken a closer shot of the panel to show the detail but have not got around to scanning it. Just noticed in the lower shot, the token instrument on the left was a no signalman key token instrument intended for use on the Meldon line but never commisioned. Edited August 27, 2012 by Eggesford box 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold mudmagnet Posted August 27, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 27, 2012 Great start there Bill, Good to see another Devon layout being started! Does this mean that I need to get on with Burrington Arms? Don't know if you have seen 'The North Devon Line' by John Nicholas and George Reeves, published by Irwell Press? An extremely good book with plenty of photos. There are a few photos from Credit. Also worth looking at John's other book, also the North Devon Line - an out-of print OPC published book. There are plenty of options for locos and rolling stock from Exeter up to Barnstaple, plus the aforementioned Meldon Quarry stone traffic. You could also include the LKF wagons up to Lapford, plus steel traffic for the ship-yard and cement wagons. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treggyman Posted August 27, 2012 Author Share Posted August 27, 2012 You're welcome, I have now added all 9 of the pictures I have of Crediton to Flickr, I'll post one more here. Crediton Signal Box, 31/10/83 Regarding trains and traffic, Ramblin Rich's marvellous North Devon Freight thread covers much of it, I have a couple of WTTs and Passenger TTs from the 70/80s which might yield more info if you have a specific question, cheers Hi That's a brilliant photo .....Thanks for sharing it...... Although the 'box still stands that's how I remember it ,though not in so much detail..... Only one problem.....Now I've got to scratchbuild it........Ah Well.... As far as the timetables go when I get a bit further on I am sure I'll take you up on your offer,so thanks in advance. I spent along & informative evening reading Ramblin Rich's N Devon thread.....It's very informative....Please keep the references coming....some I will have seen but others I will have missed,so if they're not suggested I'll never know about them Thanks again Bill 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treggyman Posted August 27, 2012 Author Share Posted August 27, 2012 Hi, a shot of the diagram in the signalbox and also a shot of the replacement panel. Somewhere I know I have taken a closer shot of the panel to show the detail but have not got around to scanning it. Just noticed in the lower shot, the token instrument on the left was a no signalman key token instrument intended for use on the Meldon line but never commisioned. Hi Eggesford box Thanks for sharing the above pictures & your previous PM. The interior shots & specifically track diagram is most helpful & informative.The difference between levers & a panel !!!!! Still at least the 'Box survives. I am sure there will be more things I shall want to know Cheers Bill 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treggyman Posted August 27, 2012 Author Share Posted August 27, 2012 Great start there Bill, Good to see another Devon layout being started! Does this mean that I need to get on with Burrington Arms? Don't know if you have seen 'The North Devon Line' by John Nicholas and George Reeves, published by Irwell Press? An extremely good book with plenty of photos. There are a few photos from Credit. Also worth looking at John's other book, also the North Devon Line - an out-of print OPC published book. There are plenty of options for locos and rolling stock from Exeter up to Barnstaple, plus the aforementioned Meldon Quarry stone traffic. You could also include the LKF wagons up to Lapford, plus steel traffic for the ship-yard and cement wagons. Hi Thanks for the comment...& yes to Burrington arms progress. It was partly the wide range of stock that attracted me to the location (SWMBO & my wallet may disagree...but there) Plenty of operational options & I only included a working yard so my son will help should I ever get the opportunity to exhibit it.....But that's a bit in the future yet No I've not seen those books......To be added to my shopping list.....Thanks for highlighting them Look forward to see Burrington Arms progress as well as any developments on Orchard RD & East Yarde Cheers Bill 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggesford box Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 (edited) No excuse for not making a model of the box now! Cheers, David. Edited August 28, 2012 by Eggesford box 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treggyman Posted August 28, 2012 Author Share Posted August 28, 2012 No excuse for not making a model of the box now! Cheers, David. Hi David What an absolutely wonderful set of pictures,,,,,WOW!!!! Thanks for sharing......No excuse for not making a model now.....or for not getting it right..... I assume that it has been added to over the years judging by what appear to be little addons here & there....One expression would be to say they give it character...... Great photo from inside......Shiny floor & duster on shiny lever handles.....I assume the white spare levers would have been from the yard connection & associated signalling ,at that time lifted ,covering access to & from the yard on the main road side of the station. Is the lectern 'thing' with knobs/buttons by the blue painted doors the operating mechanism for the level crossing gates? I would in time hope to detail & light the inside of my model so these internal pics are a great reference. Also great to have the scale drawing listing the colour scheme. I assume 'signal' ladder leant against the wall just happened to be there rather than alternative access. Well THANK'S again......Absolutely brilliant Cheers Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggesford box Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 Hi, have not got the old signalling diagram to hand so will have to check but there was a siding on the upside just north of the box. I think from memory but not sure that the connections to the yard proper on the upside at the station end where also controlled from the box. There was a ground frame (downgraded from signalbox in 1916) released from the box which controlled the yard connections at the Exeter end. Will have to check with my set of signalling diagrams when next home. The lecturn thing is indeed the barrier control unit. There was a switch on the unit to turn the audible alarms on or off and raise and lower buttons along with lamps to show that the road traffic lights where operating. The barriers had a tendency to shake of there own accord. I presume they started to droop and then the circutry would sense and push them back up. Bit disconcerting for horse riders as horses did not seem to like crossing the line anyway, something to do with the shiny rails I believe. I can remember one young lady having difficulty controlling her somewhat skittish horse one day when this happened. Still, if it had not happened I would never have got chatting to the lovely Simone! The ladder was used for cleaning the windows which where done every week. Funny story in connection with that. The resident men had their own keys to the box, the reliefmen used a spare which was kept in the outside toilet (the concrete hut at the back of the box. The relief men where hellers for never putting the key back in the toilet but just leaving it on the booking desk. One day I was late turn and there had been a lot of people in the box to do with the early stages of the resignalling. At the end of my shift I locked the box up with my own key and went home. Never gave any thought to the spare key as it was not on the desk. Just gone 0300 next morning I was woken up by my landlady, Exeter where on the phone, the early turn, relief signalman could not get into the box. Borrowing the landladies sons bike off I cycled down the hill. Just getting to the box to see the barriers down and the mail passing over the crossing. The reliefman was so proud, telling me how he had propped an old 'To Let' sign up against the front wall and clambered in through the front windows. I did not have the heart to point out to him that every time he went out to deliver the token or staff he walked right by a ladder! Oh yes, and the key, we can only presume one of the people in the box the previous day had knocked it off the desk and had hung it up on the back wall amongst a large collection of odd keys hanging there. The reliefman still did not put the key back but when I relieved him at 1300 pointed it out to me sat on the booking desk. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Ramblin Rich Posted August 28, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 28, 2012 Great start Bill Thanks to Kenny (rivercider) for the reference on the North Devon freight thread - but I can't take much credit as Kenny, Dave (eggesford box) and others provided most of the info Fascinating line tho' and great scope for variety- really looking forward to following progress as I'm still stalled on my "Lapford lite" scheme Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold roundhouse Posted August 29, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 29, 2012 No excuse for not making a model of the box now! Cheers, David. David - I still remember the look on your face when we visted Crediton just after the lever frame was stripped out cut up and dumped in the siding just behind the down platform at the South end - just ap ile of rusting levers. Way different to the shiny ones in your photos!! Ian 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggesford box Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 Hi, yes, a sad sight indeed, all those years they had been polished and burnished. At least the frame from Barnstaple went to the Mid Hants. I have checked the signalling plan and my recollections about the pre 1971 signalling where correct though the box at the Exeter end of the station (East) was downgraded 07/12/1913. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treggyman Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share Posted August 29, 2012 Great start Bill Thanks to Kenny (rivercider) for the reference on the North Devon freight thread - but I can't take much credit as Kenny, Dave (eggesford box) and others provided most of the info Fascinating line tho' and great scope for variety- really looking forward to following progress as I'm still stalled on my "Lapford lite" scheme Hi Ramblin Rich Thanks for the comment....It's taken a while to get started but I hope to start tracklaying this weekend...... Thanks again to all who have contributed or added references/stories/info etc.....Plase keep it coming Cheers Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treggyman Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share Posted August 29, 2012 Hi Roundhouse & Eggesford Box Thanks for the replies...... It must have been gutting to come across something that you & others had taken so much pride in keeping spotless just thrown out & abandoned like that Cheers Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggesford box Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 How are the mighty fallen. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
treggyman Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 How are the mighty fallen. Hi Eggesford Box Don't quite know what to say .......Was going to click on the like this box......It seemed like rubbing salt into a wound !!!!! Any way....One positive......Shows a good view of the back of what I assume to be the Shippams processing plant.....could well be useful.....The fence certainly is Thanks again for posting Cheers Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivercider Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Hi Eggesford Box Don't quite know what to say .......Was going to click on the like this box......It seemed like rubbing salt into a wound !!!!! Thanks again for posting Cheers Bill My thoughts exactly cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold mudmagnet Posted August 30, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 30, 2012 What great photos and background on the Credition box! Makes me want to build one myself for the sheer fun of it! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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