micknich2003

I thought it was about time I built a signalbox to go with all my signals. My layout is to be set c1962 "Somewhere in Hull" and will represent an imaginary connection between the H&B and NE Rly's. This signalbox will be at the H&B end and therefore follows that railway's practice. My model is actualy "Springbank West No2" of summer 1907. Some years ago, I was able to measure the foundations of the original box which was demolished Spring 1965. Other details are filled in from photographs and surviving H&B drawings. Being used to working in metal, "Plasticard" as a medium is for me, a bit of a novelty. Mick Nicholson.

I was using "Double Sided" tape in the '60's it works very weii, Mick Nicholson.

Mick, it is up to you, but my offer still stands, you know where to find me. Mick.

Mick, I don't have a spare crank, but if you get stuck I may be able to make you one. I would of course need a dimensioned sketch. Mick.

John, thanks for your reply, a bit like the prototype, but in reverse. Best Wishes, Mick.

John, a very nice piece of work Surely the spectacle glass should be Blue and not green, or is it a trick of the light? Nevertheless an excallent model. Mick.

They were known as "Tow Motors", and they were certainly used here in Hull, at Princes Dock and no doubt elsewhere. The last one I saw in use was at Beverley during 1981 when I was signalman at Beverley Chreey Tree. Best Wishes, Mick. Nicholson.

Mike was turning out "Top Draw" models well over forty years ago. I well remember his Plasticard "Patriot" built from Railway Modeller drawings of summer 1968. By the way Mike, after all these years, I think you had better keep the tap wrench I lent you. Best Wishes, Mick.

I can confirm a Royal Scot worked to King George Dock c1960.Almost certainly via Victoria Dock Branch, it would be too heavy for the H&B route. Mick.

I probably have the magazines here. The NSR was indeed 3mm. Mick.

Dear Mike,the photo is one of mine and taken by me from the signal box window looking east. The relay room roof can just be seen in right hand corner. The train is leaving what was then left of the once mighty Hull yards. Best Wishes, Mick.

The late Frank Dyer's "Borchester Town" was my greatest inspiration and even today and fifty years on I see in his then articles the railway I knew as a boy. The early writing of Chris Pendleton mid '60's in the now long gone "Model Railway Constructor" was also an inspiration. "From Little Acorns Grow Mighty Oaks", the later of course being "North Shields". To move on to modern times and despite having a "Vested Interest" of sorts, another great inspiration to me is my mate Mike Megginson's "Hessle Haven". Best Wishes, Mick Nicholson.

Ian, my copy of the photo is dated 1963, and that fits in with everything else. Mick.

The attached shows the NERly style of "Garden Wall" brick bonding, "Headers, three rows of stretchers and another row of Headers". Appropriately enough the picture is Hessle Haven signal box. Mick Nicholson.

Jonte, Mike was a magnificent modeller 45 years ago, and I well remember seeing examples of his work. He was, and still is a master of "Plasticard", one of his finest examples that I recall was an LMS "Patriot" built to drawings published in a 1968 "Railway Modeller". Since returning to modelling, he has of course further improved his skills. Mike and I lost touch for well over 30 years. I was very surprised when he eventually again made contact, and more so when he told me about his plans for "Hessle Haven". By pure chance, I have no end of research material on the place, and also had been signalman there for a couple of years. Indeed, I had the final say in the real Hessle Haven, I worked the last shift, February 1983. Best Wishes, Mick.

The strangest combination I saw was two ex Western Hydraulic 0-6-0's and a WD 2-8-0, the diesels were both manned as the could not work in multiple and were of course leading. Six men to work one train, not very economical. This was at Hull Botanic Gardens early summer 1967. Mick Nicholson.

Attached drawing of the LNER version of an "Economical Facing Point Lock". Mick Nicholson.

Attached picture of a "Blacks" Economical Facing Point Lock as manufactured by Saxby & Farmer, and sometimes ref to as a "Butterfly Lock". Mick Nicholson.

Look out for a copy of George Pryer's book "Southern Signals" published by OPC. There is also a drawing of a rail built signal and detailed instructions in the book "Modelling Semaphore signals published by "Book Law". Mick Nicholson.