Have had a very trying week, attempting to install two Ratio lower quadrant (cat:460/1) signals as the platform starters at Sproston, - and then getting them to work...

To say they were fiddly would be an understatement, the instructions were very poor and towards the end I was almost tempted to replace one with a strictly unprototypical - but nevertheless working colourlight!!

However after dogged perseverance,and some very choice expletives,( and lots of tea..) success, although I did have to source several replacement parts from a similar unmade Ratio distant signal kit - ( which fortunately had been accquired at the same time ) as I managed to break some of the original components during the construction of the main platform starting signal.

As I have insufficient main line run to require a distant signal anyway, this suddenly became a happy coincidence....

Finally I managed to complete the painting, assembly and testing of them, along with seven ground disc signals ( again Ratio- but non working this time).

The two platform starters are only a temporary measure,- both being on single posts, and one is on the 'wrong' side of the line, ( positioned for sighting..) - what I really wanted to install was a two - doll balanced bracket at the end of the platforms. Of course I am hoping that Dapol will (eventually ) oblige and bring out a motorised version to compliment their single post ones, of which I have three - and very good they are too!.)

The shunt signals were much easier, but I have "rung the changes" by mounting one of them on a raised platform fixed to the left hand side of the inner homes three - doll bracket signal main post.( Hornby upper quadrant - wrong, but it works and is better than nothing, I console myself by saying that it is a very modern B.R. replacement for the original lower quadrant one ). The elevated disc reads (shunt) down main to parcels dock.

The signal for exit from the parcels dock reads two ways -1. (shunt) to up main advanced starter, or 2. (shunt) to loco depot, so I have 'modified' it as a stacked double disc.

The rest are all single independant discs, controlling the loco - release and run-round loop, exit from the loco depot into the parcels dock and exit from the creamery/headshunt into the goods loop.

On a different note, have just ordered two new items from Hattons, both in B.R. Maroon. Hawksworth brake third and a 1st/3rd composite, as I feel the need to strengthen the coaching stock.!