Steve Hewitt

Here's the Video............ Steve.

Life begins..... Connecting the weight bars to the rocker shafts was the first task. Lower connections to the five weight bars. Upper connections to the five rockers. Getting the length right ensures there is the maximum amout of movement available at the rocker which in turn facilitates installing the pull wire between the rockers and each arm. These five wires are reinforced to ensure minimum buckling and a smooth sliding fit in their guide tubes. Each will connect one weight bar to a servo. The outer end of each rocker is connected to its signal arm. The length of each is carefully set to ensure the arm can move from below horizontal to above clear. The actual movement will be adjusted by the GF Controller once the servos are fitted. The reinforced operating wires, protruding below the signal determine the design of the bespoke servo mount. This is fabricated from off cuts of plywood and is located under the signal by the foundation tube. The final connection between servo and signal is made with servo locked in mid-throw by the GF "safe" feature. A connecting tube which fits closely in the servo horn and is bent to shape to align with the operating wire. At this stage the wire can move within the connecting tube. Once the relative position of the servo, and signal are is correct the final connection is made by a drop of solder. Once the signal is operating correctly, it is set back to the safe position whilst the timber staging is fitted. The LED with its 1k ohm resistor is fitted into its holder. The optical fibres are terminated in the mating plug which is a "bayonet" fixing. Just left to touch up the paintwork and make a short video. Of which, more later...... Steve.

And here we are at Walton-on-the-Hill on Cheshire Lines Committee tracks...... Michael Delamar, whose railway these signals are intended for, has spent much time researching the prototype for this first Cantilevered Bracket so we're hoping we've got it right. The aerial view of the area is the best source we have. The signal controls two diverging running lines and access to three sidings to the left of the main (right hand) route. This detail shows the signal concerned. The general design is an LMS style welded post comprising two 15" x 3" channel sections spaced with 15" x 12" plates. The trimmers are another pair of lighter section channel with the spacing determined by the main post - 15" - and the bases for the three dolls. From left to right the dolls have: A full size arm controlling the route to the left. Three miniature arms controllong access to three sidings off the right hand route. A taller full size arm controlling the route to the right. I've reached the stage where all the "non-moving" parts are more or less complete: The five rocker shafts to control the arms are mounted in two sets. The signal wires on the left side of the post control the two main running signals. The signal wires on the right side of the post control the three miniature arms. In 4mm scale there is no room for individual shafts on their separate brackets, so the three are co-axial, using 0.5mm wire running in 0.7mm tube, running in 0.9mm tube. The whole is mounted to the trimmer on 7mm scale Medium Handrail Knobs opened out with a fine broach. The other pair just require 0.6mm tube inside 0.8mm tube , again mounted in Long Handrail Knobs. The weight bar brackets are made from 4mm square brass tube The optical fibres have been installed after painting, here on test with a 9v PP3 battery running the single LED. A final "up and under" view showing the turned foundations for the main post, the guide tubes for the five operating wires, the optical fibre in the purple heat shrink and 1" dia. tube which will locate the signal in the baseboard and ensure alignment of the servo motors. On with the "moving parts" next. This brings the signal to life. Steve.

Jon, I hope these might be helpful. A few Holiday Snaps. Steve.

Third signal for Exeter Central........... A balanced bracket with three dolls: Another Rail built signal with lattice dolls: Sorry its not in focus. Finally a video of the three signals being test: I think I'll be moving to the North West for my next project......... Steve.

NOT Hanging around............. A "Gallows" signal for Exeter Central. First the prototype: This is from Pryers book on Southern signals. The Transport Library. The model: Sorry for the Fuzzy Focus. The model is built from C&L bullhead rail, Lace Pins, various Brass sections and strip, with an etched Arm, Doll and Ladder , etc. A 3.7g servo is driven by a GF Controller, LED lighting via Optical Fibre. More soon, Steve.

Many thanks to all who have sent messages of support and sympathy. It is much appreciated by all the Lime Street Crew. Below are details of the stolen items , and your vigilance looking out for them will hopefully help us to recover them. We'll keep you up to date with any progress on recovery or prosecution of the culprits. Disaster.............the details... John has managed to get the following three lists together detailing the items stolen: First the locos which were removed from the layout: Stolen Layout Loco List Issue 1.pdf Second a small colletion of 0 Gauge items: STOLEN O GAUGE STOCK.pdf Finally a list of other items taken: Miscellaneous stolen items.pdf Thanks for all your support. Steve

Hi Mick, I believe so. Unfortunately this has all co-incided with family visits from USA, so John is extremely busy. Steve.

Hi Warren, Yes, please feel free to publicise this. Thanks, Steve.

DISASTER ! ................ The following message from John arrived this morning: "This morning I have woken up to find we have been burgled, or more accurately the shed has been broken into. Whoever has done this has forced open the up and over door. I have spoken to the police and am not allowed into the shed until they have been. I had to go in to close the up & over door and from what I can see ALL the locos’ have been taken. The shed is in a right bloody mess ,The cheeky have used some of the stock boxes to take the stuff." Later in the day he was allowed into the Railway and is now prepairing an inventory of all the missing items. He wrote: "I’m allowed in the shed now, so here are a couple of shots of the carnage! They missed three of the loco’s, only tank engines I’m afraid, and the rail motor. Thankfully they had no interest in the coaching stock. Apart from the locos’ the laser and a portable amplifier I had have gone and for some reason the large alloy box the trams are kept in. I have pictures of all but the latest locos added to the fleet (sorry Steve) Pauline and I will now start to make as complete an inventory as we can. Surprisingly the layout seems unharmed, they even lifted out one of the roof sections to get at the locos and carefully put it down next to the roof box. This could not have come at a worse time having the family here. At least my grandson did get some running time!" We would appreciate any assistance from our RMweb friends in tracking down the stolen items, which also include some 0 Gauge items out of a display cabinet and a Loco Headboard. We can't believe they have been targetted by an EM gauge modeller, and the thieves probably don't know they are not 00. They might have some unsatisfied "customers" if they try to move them on. We'll keep you informed of any developments when possible. Please send any information you come across to me as a PM on RMweb. Thank you, Steve Hewitt.

Jon, Those ground discs are superb 😀 Steve.

Continued.............. A quick look from below: This view, looking up into the 1/2 inch dia "FoundationTube", shows the lower end of the turned brass support on the top of which the main post of the signal is secured. It is drilled through to route the optical fibres for the lights. Also visible are the "Guide Tubes" for the operating wires. These have an internal dia. of 1/32 inch. The lower part of each 0.4mm dia. operating wire is sleeved in 1/64 i.d. tube which is a smooth fit in its Guide Tube. This helps to prevent any buckling of the operating wires. I decided to erect the dolls after painting. This made the masking much easier! Everything was first given a good covering of White from a rattle can. The main post was then masked and the remainder given a coat of Black, again from a rattle can. Similarly, the dolls and arms were painted white, and then the Black or Red applied by brush. The dolls were added, followed by the optical fibres for the lights. Each arm was then fitted, with its operating wire routed up the main post to a crank, then to the weight bar and finally the arm itself. When all was complete, the signal was moved to its "Transport & Test" frame, the top surface of which represents the layout location of 9mm ply. This frame will hold the signal securely, and will itself be secured in a Really Useful Box Co 4litre box. The four servos were mounted on a bespoke bracket made from ply offcuts. The final connection between servo and operating wire is made with 1/16in dia Brass tube. This is a sliding fit on the operating wire. With the servo set to mid-throw (Safe position on the GF Controllers), the arm is adjusted to a corresponding position and the joint between the 1/16 th tube and the operating wire soldered up. Adjusting the throw of the servos to Stop and Clear positions is then a moments task. On delivery the signal can be tested or demonstrated easily before being transferred to its position on the layout. Steve.

Construction commenced............ The materials for this signal come from several sources: Alan Gibson for the Main lattice post and the Finials, MSE for the Dolls and Bracket Etches, Masokits for the Ladder etch and signal arms, Les Green for the 3D printed items, Hobby Holidays for the brass and nickel silver sections, wires etc. The bracket etch needed quite some modification and enhancement, and two of the main post etches need splicing to get the height required. Here is the result prior to the Dolls being added: To be continued................... Steve.

Staying with Exeter...... The next project is for a model of Exeter Central, so prototype photos will be used to guide the design. The first signal controls the four routes through the scissors crossover. Very unusual (to my eyes) Smoke Hood in this shot. Not the same in the other shots I don't think? More soon, Steve.

Another small step............ Those familiar with the history of Lime Street Station will know that it has undergone several extensions and changes during its long life. Our model is based on "up to 1947" - just prior to Nationalisation. One of the first changes in BR days was the istallation of the Power Box, replacing the large manual Box we have, and allowing further extension of Platform 7. The Power Box would be placed on the South side of the tracks, where we have our Turntable. In our model, the surveyors are laying out the footprint for the larger replacement turntable which would come as part of the re-signalling project. John reports: "I have now made and fitted the stakes around the circumference of the “new “ turntable pit. In the centre is the chap with his theodolite and his mate holding the pole. We even have two nuns as well now ! These are all new figures from Peter Goss." Steve.

Some more to report....... John has reported more progress: "Well that’s all the planned work done now ready for Peter Goss coming tomorrow. Les called yesterday to help me put the hotel back. As you will see I have left two boards out to allow Peter access to platforms 7 to 10. Thought you might also like a look at the sand drying plant and the grounded coach body now they are fitted with the lights working. Had a great day today as you will see from the attached pictures. Peter arrived on time and was soon at work adding to our population! Firstly we set out all the figures where they needed to be. I have taken a number of pictures but here are a few . We now have a bus queue on Skelhorne Street. Here we have a group of sailors who have just arrived and are in transit to Birkenhead to man a new ship. On the far platform you can see the postal workers Peter has provided. Rob and I will be “planting” them at a later date once we have all the post office vehicles done. We have a lady just about to get in the front taxi, whilst other taxi drivers are having a chat. A queue of other passengers wait. An overall view the platforms That's all for now." For the next few weeks John has a lot on, so I'm not sure when there will be the next update...... Steve.

More progress.... John has reported: "Layout Progress ; So all the wiring upgrades are now complete and as the attached photos show all the “A” Boards are now back up. Les is hoping to produce some new gateposts on his 3D printer, these will be for the gates (always left open) that were across the road between platforms 7&8. I have now moved on to fabricating the end screen that was on the end of Platform 7/Siding D. I’ve now completed the framework for the end screen. So many lap joints to make, good job I have the milling machine! In actual fact since taking the photos I have fitted the two end panels, the main one will be done tomorrow. Although it looks too tall, it is in fact the right height ( as measured against the adjacent pillars). So the screen is now finished! Just got to let Rob get his hands on it for the obligatory pigeon poo etc. After that it can be permanently fixed to the baseboard. John." More to report soon, I believe........... Steve.

Thanks Simon for the interest in our "Documentation". We are currently not having running sessions, but once they resume I'll gather together what I can and post it on here. Steve.

Another, (final?) signal for Acton Wells............. This is another starter signal with a Route Indicator, but requires a very long laft hand bracket. This is because the signal wil be mounted on the platform, but applies to the second track out. Originally expected to be a Gantry signal, there is no space on the model to accomodate the left hand post, so it has to be a Bracket. The Route Indicator "Flags" are operated by long centrally pivotted levers, with the interlocking assumed to be in a pit below the platform! The arm is controlled by Down Rod and a couple of cranks. Five servos are used: One for each Route Flag and one for the Arm. The usual LED and Optical Fibre lighting is used. Finally a short video: A few non-operating Ground Discs are to follow...... Steve.

A little progress...... Subsequent to removing the Hotel, John and I have partially dismantled the layout. This is primarily to allow Pete Goss access to the areas of the station on which he will install his latest batch of figures. This is the state of the layout now: The first board is on the operating table: This board 7A. John has sent the following update: "Board 7A complete so it’s on to board 8A . Thought you might be interested in the first shot, this shows the relay board you normally can’t see (58 relays on board ! ), as its buried under the sound system board. I had to move the sound board out of the way so I could through cable a new video feed to the video switch on board 9A from board 7A for the new camera (The one that will look down on the turntable and signal box from the pelmet). The relays on this board are used to provide power to all the individual sections of track in the station throat on this board. They are all controlled by the main processor in the Y box." "This shot gives you the overall picture, you can see the white cable (co-ax) being fed through. The cable run goes vertically up the left side of the relay board then on to a plug at the left hand end of the board." "Job done, ready to start the next job on this board providing the power supply for the front board (8B) for the sand drying plant and grounded coach body. Finally there will be the electrics to provide for the pick axe man !" I'll try to report progress as and when news of it becomes available. Steve.

The short answer is "YES". I usually paint everything with car primer WHITE from a Rattle Can. For a simple signal that will be all the static parts. Careful masking will then be followed by a coat of Black from a rattle can. I usually prepare a batch of arms as a separate exercise, finishing them with either water slide transfers or brush painting with enamel or acrylic. Spectacles are the glazing from MSE, fixed with Canopy Glue or Clear Fix. If the dolls have been painted separately they are installed now. After painting, the first assembly task is the fibre optics for the lights. All the moving parts are next, these having been painted or blackened in advance. The final "above ground" assembly task is usually the back blinder(s). The servo mount is then made up from plywood and installed on the Transport & Test Frame. The connection of the operating wires to the servos is done with the servos in "Mid-Throw" and the arms positioned accordingly. Hope this helps, Steve.

Packing the Hotel.............. (Not packing up at the hotel) The last few weeks, since our visitors from Down South spent a great day with us, have been quite busy. All our crew have had a couple of days operating, to refresh memories and run-in several new additions to the fleet. Probably the biggest change we have embarked upon is attempting to re-create a full days running from the 1947 Working Timetable. Noel Coates has been the source of most of the reference information we have used and he has written the "script" for the activities. These comprise the Arrivals and Departures of course, but also all the shunting and positioning moves at both the Station and on the Hidden Sidings - which represent the rest of the railways of Great Britain just prior to Nationalisation. (At least those parts which could be reached directly by train from Liverpool Lime Street). Subsequently, I have interpreted the script into specific operating instructions for the three operators. Currently there are some 657 instructions for the pair of "Station" operators, and 725 for the "Sector Plate" man. Progress is slow but steady. We start with a 05:50 train to Leeds, and at the end of three days running we have reached about 3:20pm with an Arrival from Newcastle! Fortunately, most of the pit-falls have been errors in the instructions and the layout has performed almost faultlessly! However, all good things come to an end, or at least a pause. Peter Goss will shortly be bringing another crowd of passengers and staff, and some technical alterations are required. All this requires the layout to be partially dismantled, and the following little video shows John and Les making a start by removing the North Western Hotel and putting it away safely for a few weeks. Hopefully we'll be able to report progress as the developments are made over the next few weeks. Steve.

Come along and meet us......... This coming weekend, March 5/6th, Les Green, John Holden and myself will be demonstrating at the Preston show. Not sure what the others will have on their tables, but I'll have the Route Indicator and other signals on my table if you want to examine them or discuss them in detail. Any of us will be pleased to talk to you about Liverpool Lime Street or anything else to do with our modelling. Please make your self known. See you there..... Steve.

A chance to meet........... This coming weekend, March 4/5th, I'll be demonstrating at the Preston show. I'll have the Route Indicator and other signals on my table if you want to examine it or discuss it in detail. Please make your self known. See you there..... Steve.

Mick, Yes, one or two Down Rod guides were common, I believe. Remember the down rod on lower quad signals is quite substantial so you don't need to to be too fine with the operating wire. I use 0.4mm N/S for operating wires. Much too large for scale wire, but necessary for a model where it is required to push as well as pull. For Down Rods I often use 0.45 or even 0.5 N/S to give the extra bulk of the real thing. You can fashion rod guides from fuse wire with the ends twisted together and tinned to make it rigid. A suitable hole is drilled in the post with the guide soldered or glued in place. Where several guides are required for parallel rods, I use a length of 1mm x 0.5mm brass strip. Drilled as required with 0.6mm dia holes for the rods to slide in. A 90 degree twist in the brass rod will give a flat surface to solder or glue to the post. Hope this helps. I completed the Woodford Halse signals several years ago, at least those that the layout builder required. Steve.