Once I had the frame painted and assembled I made up a mounting plate from 3 mm ply. All the connections are via a 37 way connector from the spares box so that the whole module can be easily removed from the layout to the bench if maintenance is needed.

It was a bit of ply from Eileens, some brass sections arrived taped to it so I’m glad it got used for something constructive.

A front view. I have followed the Caledonian practice of fitting a description board behind the levers. The switch and dimmer on the right controls the signal  lamps.

Mikkel challenged me to incorporate a cocktail stick into the design, note that neat little peg on the left hand side.

A view of the module in place. It plugs into an interface board that connects to the layout wiring and has some relays for electric interlocks.

From the other side. The little cocktail stick peg is for the signalman to hang the duster on. A Caley blue one of course.

So, it looks fine but how is it in operation ? Well, I had a good operating session today, ran about 20 trains. I am pleased with the way the levers feel, a smooth action with positive locking. They are about the right size, comfortable to use but without intruding on the layout.

In the past I have posted videos with signalling errors. Hopefully the mix of mechanical and electrical interlocking means I can no longer do so. It certainly forces me to try to plan moves and signal them properly.