Johnny Rock

My layout Kirkby St John is based on the prototype plan of Kirkby Stephen West on the Settle to Carlisle line in the 1930s to 40s. Some adaptation has been made to allow for the area available to work in. The layout is in a converted garage. Layout dimensions 13 feet by 9. Began three years ago in still in construction.

Same problem here with wheels riding up at frogs and switch rails on my double and single slips. The advice here is good. Pick ups set too low. I'll try to move the pickups upwards slightly to eradicate fouling.

These posts are very helpful thanks. I'm building a Settle and Carlisle layout based in the 1930/40s. I've seen a couple of cab ride videos showing some of the stencil speed markers but as these videos were taken in the 60s the signs were yellow. I have bought some brass ones for the layout which look really good and thought I'd add a couple to the layout tracks. It looks as if they were sited about 100 yards ahead and on the left hand side of the track.

I've read somewhere that the stencil type speed signs were painted white before BR days. They were then painted yellow to improve visibility. Before the introduction of road type signs. Does anyone know if this is correct?

I'm exploring the same idea. I've read recently that the distance was between 90 and 110 feet. 110 x 4mm gives a scale distance of 44 cms. To the eye on my layout this seems about right.

Take a look at this image from Appleby Station posted om https://scrca.foscl.org.uk/location-types/water-crane

The photo was taken before glue had dried so no hoovering up yet.

This is all excellent background information. I've bought 4 Dapol motorised signals which, as a compromise both aesthetically and operationally, will be sited as follows. 1. Up home signal at the exit of the goods yard , this serves as a starter for the up platform. 2. Down home signal set before entering the down platform. 3. Down starter signal at North end of down platform before the overbridge (a la Dent ) 4. Up home signal the opposite side of the North overbridge. Having viewed many other photos, the routes from goods sidings and lay by will use ground disc signals.

Yes that was pointed out to me a few months ago. This is a photo before the issue was rectified.

Latest photo of scenic section towards completion.

Latest photo of scenic section towards completion.

My layout area is 4.2 m x 2.7 m which is a reasonable space. My fiddle yard/ storage loops can hold 15 wagons plus loco or 6 coaches plus loco. With the station built on the shorter side I have a decent long run for goods yard and lay by.

I'm happy to compromise to give the overall effect of the period. Life is all a compromise! Happy modelling.

All fascinating stuff though.

Yes thank you this makes alot of sense. My layout is based in the 1930/40s therefore I suspect they were changed around or before this time. I now plan to site the home down next to the down layby just before the station platform and a starter just after the station, before the over bridge. I also notice that a home up starter was positioned much further along the track past the goods shed. Presumably again for sight lines as the whole area is on a curve.

Found a second photo from the link you provided and again the signal is there near the signal box facing the down main line. I wonder when they decided to change this? It's not in any 1960s photos.

Thanks for your information, I've just found a photo of the station in 1912 and the signal is actually there as it is marked of the Midland plan. I'll have a look at the link that you have suggested.

I am having similar questions regarding signalling from my Kirkby Stephen goods yard to the main down line. I've found an old OS map circa 1911 which shows a starter signal in the yard leading traffic out onto the down line to Carlisle. It shows a signal near the signal box . wondering if this would have actually been there?

Further track ballasting with dummy point rodding in place. Using dcc concepts parts and thin gauge wire or plastic under the track.

I thought I had the same issue but found that tiny lubricant drops from the loco had got onto track. Track cleaned and excess oil cleaned from loco parts, no more shorting.

For any interested members and I apologise if you have already found it, I've discovered the following website https://scrca.foscl.org.uk/railway-land-plans-introduction-and-index It has very detailed survey maps of most of the Settle to Carlisle line from the 1900's. A brilliant resource for anyone contemplating an S and C layout. I know it will be very helpful to me in adding accurate detail to the layout. Happy modelling.

Had great success with the copper soldered section on my hinged section. All in place and working well. A good tip I found on YouTube was to raised the hinges by about 15mm or so which ensures that the track ends don't snag as the section lifts. Now to complete the track circuit and wiring the

I'll try flux too, I've got some just missed that step.

Hmm good point, copper strip is brand new maybe should have cleaned rails underneath before soldering.