Semaphore Signals - 4mm Scale (Mainly)

[Steve Hewitt]

Yes, I had a great day at Leigh.

Lots of interest in my signals and how they operate.

 

Nice to chat with Jon F and Derek M.

We all share (steal) each others ideas

 

I laso picked up some more GF Controllers, so I can now complete the Woodford Halse signal.

 

Steve.

[Jon Fitness]

Having seen the Woodford Halse signal model in the flesh I can now properly appreciate the work that went into it. I'd forgotten how small 4mm scale signals are!

Wonderful...

Jon F.

[Steve Hewitt]

My diversion into 7mm scale.....

 

This model is for a GWR branchline terminus based on Bodmin.

The owner sent me a "Devon Lasercraft" kit for this Platform Mounted starter signal.

Apart from the light, I am building it almost exactly as the kit intends.

 

By the time I took it to Leigh last Saturday, it looked like this:

 

The Signal Wire and its cranks are assumed to be buried in the Platform:

 

Here are some shots of the structure, showing the excellent design of the kit:

 

 

The bracket is well detailed, with the diagonal struts added to the main etch:

 

 

The lamp as provided is assembled from brass Tube and five or six etched parts to make the top and bottom, assembled on a piece of wire to ensure correct alignment.

 

I decided to light it with a Surface Mount LED rather than the suggested Grain of Rice Bulb.

To achieve this I substituted a turned base for the lamp which carries the LED.

 

 

The lamp top will then drop over this and be fixed with a drop of glue.

 

These are the moving components:

 

The signal arm is half etched to give the folded edge to the blade.

 

The weight bar comprises three etched elements:

 

This is the crank which turns the pull of the signal wire along the bracket:

 

The lower operating wire, with my customary 1/32in tubular sleeve:

 

Finally for now, the frame on which the signal will be assembled, tested and transported.

Notice the details of its location on the layout:

 

I'm shortly going to be out of action, or at least out of my shed, for a few weeks so progress on this signal will be suspended for now....

 

Steve.

[Jon Fitness]

That does look a superb kit. I may have to treat myself to one of those. Is it all nickle silver?

Excellent work as always too!

JF

[Steve Hewitt]

Hi Jon,

 

The etches are all N/S.

The Finial is a White Metal casting.

Brass tubes for Main Post, Doll and Bearings.

 

Steve.

[Steve Hewitt]

Assembling and Operation….

 

More to follow, including a little video, I hope.

 

Steve.

Back to the Woodford Halse Bracket:

 

Getting it working…….

 

Whilst demonstrating at Leigh last Saturday I picked up a couple of GF Controllers.

 

These have been mounted on a small panel with three DPDT switches.

This simulates the eventual installation of the layout.

 

There is one switch to control each arm, and these have been wired up to “interlock” to signals.

This will prevent any invalid combination of arms being “Off”.

 

If an invalid setting of the switches occurs, all the arms return to “On”.

 

For testing purposes I used a PP3 9v battery to light up the LED.

 

The whole lot was set up on my workbench like this:

 

A couple of minutes was all it took to adjust the movement of each arm, after which I was able to take this little video sequence.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAcTUuDuLUg

 

That's it for a while, until I can get back in my shed.............

 

Steve.

[Stephen Freeman]

Hi Ray,

 

Those are great looking signals. Real works of art.

 

The optical fibre I use is 0.5mm (0.020in) dia.

I used to buy it from All Components, who stocked an American product.

When they couldn't get it a year or two ago (new proprietors), I found a UK company on the Interweb who used it in large "night sky" interior decorations. See www.starscape.co.uk

They sold me 150 metres at a reasonable price, much of which I sold on to other UK Model Rail Traders, just keeping enough for my own use.

(I honestly can't remember who, but I'm sure you'll find some if you get in touch with all the usual suspects.)

 

The LEDs I use are "Gaslights" from Helmsman Electronics .

www.helmsmanuk.co.uk

 

I think my earlier posts, around January, show fairly well how I install the fibre and LED on my signals.

Anything further I can help with?

 

Steve.

I understand Plastruct do both 0.25mm and 0.5mm - a Google search should reveal stockists

[Rannoch Moor]

Steve

 

Thanks for the guidance and inspiration. Your work is great and I have enjoyed your post. More importantly I have taken some of your ideas on and progressed well on the way to my first working signal - the Caledonian starter for Kilbrannan Ferry. It is still to have the servos fitted and have the control wires attached behind but close to the (non-working) pulley wheels.

[Steve Hewitt]

Thanks.

I appreciate your comments.

Trying to get others to "have a go" was a prime reason for starting my Topic on RMweb.

That's a good looking signal you've built.

I look forward to seeing how you get on with with the operational bits.

 

Good luck,

Steve.

[Rannoch Moor]

I'll post an update when I get back from my holidays the week after next - I plan so send off for the servo control unit and the 2 servos from MSE then.  Then it will be the mor complex home signal arrangement.  This has 2 home arms and 2 shunting arms to include.  If youre content Steve (and they go well!) I'll put a short piece on them here if that helps others take the plunge.

[Steve Hewitt]

I'll look forward to that.  The more the merrier.

I'm always on the lookout for new ways to build these models, and I've learnt a lot from postings on RMweb.

 

Steve.

[Steve Hewitt]

My diversion into 7mm scale.....

 

This model is for a GWR branchline terminus based on Bodmin.

The owner sent me a "Devon Lasercraft" kit for this Platform Mounted starter signal.

Apart from the light, I am building it almost exactly as the kit intends.

 

..............snipped..............

 

I'm shortly going to be out of action, or at least out of my shed, for a few weeks so progress on this signal will be suspended for now....

 

Steve.

Back in my shed.......

 

Caravan holidays in Cornwall and France are now happy (apart from the new clutch my car needed) memories.

 

This 7mm scale signal from the Devon Lasercraft kit is completed.

Here's the video of it on my workbench:

 

 

I built this signal almost exactly as the kit instructions advise.

I would recommend it to anyone in need of such a signal for their railway.

 

Steve.

[Steve Hewitt]

Three for Walton on the Hill.....

 

My next project is a set of three signals for Mike Delamar who is building Walton on the Hill in EM gauge.

See Walton on the Hill in Layoput Topics on RMweb.

 

Mike and I met several years ago as members of John Holden's team of operators on Liverpool Lime Street, and Mike has asked me to build his signals to the same specification as those I've built for Lime Street.

 

In summary, they will be based on prototype photos, servo operated and lit with LEDs and Fibre Optics.

 

The three signals are fairly simple as each has only one signal arm, and he has planned to leave plenty of space under the baseboards where they will be installed. (I wish everyone could plan this well)

 

I've started by building a fairly complete set of component parts and sub-assemblies:

 

This shows what I mean.

The signal arms are all from one MSE etch.

Its more efficient to prepare a batch from which I can select one as I need it.

On the left are the parts for a bracket signal whilst on the right are the parts for a platform mounted Starter with sighting board.

In the centre is one I've actually assembled completely before remembering to get the camera out 

 

This is it.

 

I'll get all three signals to this stage before they go off to the paintshop.

 

 

More soon,

 

Steve

 

 

 

 

 

[Steve Hewitt]

Three ready for the paint shop............

 

Sorry for the lack of progress, we've been away again for a week or so.

 

The three main structures are now completed and will be off shortly for  a few coats of Halford's best.

 

Here they are, mounted on their "Test and Transport Frame".

 

The top of the frame is 9mm plywood, the same size that Mike has used for his baseboards.

The signal with the sighting board will be mounted on the station platform, represented here by a piece of 16mm MDF.

 

When the servos are installed below this frame they will accurately represent their ultimate location on Mike's railway.

This will enable them to be easily transferred to the layout.

 

I've mentioned previously that my friend Las Green has produced several etches and 3D Prints of components which I use.

Here are one or two examples:

 

This is the 3D printed Upper Quadrant Arm Bearing with Lamp and Bracket.

These resin prints ensure the Lamp Lens is exactly in line with the signal arm's Spectacles.

 

This "LMS No 5" bracket is a one-piece N/S etch by Les.

(These save a really fiddly assembly job with bits of Brass strip and angle)

 

Mounting the Weight Bar bracket on Round Posts can be a bit messy, so I've made these small mounts from square brass bar.

A short length is drilled in the lathe to take the post and parted off to the correct length.

The MSE Etched bearing is assembled from two parts and soldered to one face of the turning.

Held in my small vice, this is then cut and filed to represent the straps which in the prototype secure the cast bearing to the post.

 

This is the result, soldered in place.

 

By using various sizes of brass bar, mountings for alternative post diameters can be made by the same method.

 

In the picture of the No 5 Bracket you can also see one of the "shoes" which Les has cast for me.

 

More are visible in this shot of the signals:

 

They are the castings which support the joints between the main post and the channel section Trimmers, and these trimmers and the signal doll.

 

A careful but thorough "Wash and Brush Up" and they will be ready for painting.

 

Steve.

Edited August 16, 2015 by SteveAtBax

[Jon Fitness]

Looking excellent as usual Steve. I'd love to see the No5 bracket etch before assembly. I agree making them from scratch is a right faff even in 7mm. Must be a 'mare in 4mm

JF

[Joe MCMLXI]

Hi Steve, more great work on the latest signals.... top notch!

 

Can I ask how you make the Track Circuit diamonds? Are they scratch built or an MSE part?

 

regards

Joe

[Steve Hewitt]

Looking excellent as usual Steve. I'd love to see the No5 bracket etch before assembly. I agree making them from scratch is a right faff even in 7mm. Must be a 'mare in 4mm

JF

Hi Jon,

You're latest signal is looking really well - love the circles!

I cheat and part off little slices from Brass Tube, even two or more tubes telescoped together is a thicker circle is required.

 

I'll take a picture of the etch tomorrow and post it here.

 

Steve.

[Steve Hewitt]

Hi Steve, more great work on the latest signals.... top notch!

 

Can I ask how you make the Track Circuit diamonds? Are they scratch built or an MSE part?

 

regards

Joe

Hi Joe,

 

Yes, they are from an MSE etch, but which one I can't remember.

When I've used the main parts from an etch, I cut all the extra useful bits off and store them in my "Common Parts" container, which is where these came from.

 

Steve.

[Jon Fitness]

Hi Jon,

You're latest signal is looking really well - love the circles!

I cheat and part off little slices from Brass Tube, even two or more tubes telescoped together is a thicker circle is required.

 

I'll take a picture of the etch tomorrow and post it here.

 

Steve.

Cheat? sounds like a better method to me! I have a little Emco Unimat lathe I was given but the motor bearings are knackered. Once I can sort it out I'll have a go at that.

Cheers

Jon F.

[Steve Hewitt]

Looking excellent as usual Steve. I'd love to see the No5 bracket etch before assembly. I agree making them from scratch is a right faff even in 7mm. Must be a 'mare in 4mm

JF

Hi Jon,

 

Here are some photos of the No 5 bracket etch before and during assembly:

 

The etch.

 

One bracket

 

Using the Hold & Fold

 

Top view

 

Lower view

 

Note the fold lines are etched right thru, apart from short tabs.

We tried normal half etched fold lines and they were a miserable failure! Everything just buckled.

 

Here is a No 2 Bracket:

 

 

 

And here is a "Simple Bracket" as used on some lattice post signals I believe....???

 

 

 

Hope all these are helpful.

 

Steve.

[Jon Fitness]

Hi Jon,

 

Here are some photos of the No 5 bracket etch before and during assembly:

 

P1000682.jpg

The etch.

 

P1000683.jpg

One bracket

 

P1000684.jpg

Using the Hold & Fold

 

P1000685.jpg

Top view

 

P1000686.jpg

Lower view

 

Note the fold lines are etched right thru, apart from short tabs.

We tried normal half etched fold lines and they were a miserable failure! Everything just buckled.

 

Here is a No 2 Bracket:

P1000691.jpg

 

P1000692.jpg

 

P1000693.jpg

 

And here is a "Simple Bracket" as used on some lattice post signals I believe....???

 

P1000687.jpg

 

P1000690.jpg

 

Hope all these are helpful.

 

Steve.

Very helpful thanks! Do you think if I asked Les very nicely he'd do me a batch in 7mm scale, they'd be sooo helpful  (he askes hopefully, whilst trying to do his best "Puss in boots big eyed look")

Cheers

JF

[Steve Hewitt]

Hi Jon,

 

Why not PM him?

He's on RMweb, and owns the Lime Street Station topic in "Layout topics"

 

Steve.

[Steve Hewitt]

Three ready for the paint shop............

 

...........snipped...........

 

A careful but thorough "Wash and Brush Up" and they will be ready for painting.

 

Steve.

And here they are again, dressed in Halford's best, with a few Precision Paints accessories.........

 

 

(Sorry about the focus)

 

 

Those Sighting Board edges need tidying up

 

Whilst the paint was drying, I started work on the lighting:

 

All the bits assembled so far.

 

Each "Gas Light" LED is mounted in a 5/32in dia tube (bore 1/8in), with a short extension of 3/16 tube to help mounting it under the baseboard.

You can see the 1k resistor in the positive lead, enclosed in heat shrink.

A small two pin plug is fitted to the supply end.

 

With a 9v PP3 battery connected:

 

The end of the fibre optic will eventually be terminated in a plug made from telecoping sizes of brass tube:

This end will fit up close to the front of the LED

 

This other end has a short extended tube to allow a protective sleeve of heat shrink to be fitted over the whole length of the fibre.

 

The two parts plugged together.

 

Next step will be to fit the fibres to the signals..........

 

Steve.

[Steve Hewitt]

Fitting the Fibres..............

 

 

The optical fibre I use is 0.5mm dia, and will carry the light from the LED mounted under the baseboard to the 3D printed lamp on each signal.

Each Signal Lamp needs One Fibre.

Each Signal needs one LED.

 

In general I route the fibre externally on the signal, securing it to the structure with fine cotton thread.

Being transparent is is surprisingly unobtrusive and goes un-noticed on the finished model.

 

Because these three signals have a hollow structure, being round post signals, I decided to route the fibres inside the posts and doll.

 

During construction I prepared small access holes, angled to help guide the fibres in the direction they would be installed:

 

For the two Straight Post signals this worked very well.

The fibre was passed down the Post from the top, with about 150mm extending below the signal.

At the top, about 25mm was left protruding:

 

This upper end was then threaded through the signal lamp, and cut off about 3mm from the front:

 

This end was then heated by holding my hot soldering iron very close, but NOT touching it.

This causes a small "lens" to be formed:

 

The fibre was then pulled back into the lamp, where it was secured by the smallest drop of cyano glue.

The slack in the fibre was then pushed back down into the signal post:

At the lower end, the fibre was covered in 1.2mm heat shrink

and the "plug" of brass tube seen previously was threaded on and secured with cyno. The fibre was trimmed squarely at the end of this "Plug".

 

With the plug fitted to one of the LED's and the feed wires plugged into 9v PP3 battery, the effect could be checked:

 

This was successful for the two straight post signals.

However it was less so for the bracket signal, which I'll report later........

 

Steve.

[LNERGE]

I never know what to do with the wires too...