Semaphore Signals - 4mm Scale (Mainly)

[Stephen Freeman]

Still in Exeter (Central)  I see, done that one in 7mm scale. Yes even the Ground Signals are lit.

Edited June 12, 2022 by Stephen Freeman

[Stephen Freeman]

I have got front and back photos of the prototype which I will try and post tomrrow

[Stephen Freeman]

 

Probably more detail than is really needed to make a model but useful nonetheless

Edited June 15, 2022 by Stephen Freeman

[RailWest]

On 12/06/2022 at 17:56, Stephen Freeman said:

Still in Exeter (Central)  I see, done that one in 7mm scale. Yes even the Ground Signals are lit.

It may be worth pointing out that, although the LH ground-signal (6) applied to the Down Through (the line to the left) - the same line as the main arm (34) - the RH ground-signal (18) applied t the line to the right (the Up Through) and therefore is not really anything to do with that main signal at all.

 

[Stephen Freeman]

1 hour ago, RailWest said:

It may be worth pointing out that, although the LH ground-signal (6) applied to the Down Through (the line to the left) - the same line as the main arm (34) - the RH ground-signal (18) applied t the line to the right (the Up Through) and therefore is not really anything to do with that main signal at all.

 

Maybe not but that was what I was asked for and I couldn't really do one without the other.

[Steve Hewitt]

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.

[RailWest]

I remember the prototypes...:-)

[gz3xzf]

Steve

I am still absolutely stunned by your artistry, these signals are works of art.

Keep up the good work. 😁

 

[Steve Hewitt]

On 08/07/2022 at 15:22, Steve Hewitt said:

 

I think I'll be moving to the North West for my next project.........

 

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.

 

Edited July 17, 2022 by Steve Hewitt
Posted prematurely in error.

[Michael Delamar]

Looking good Steve.

 

That is the only shot I have of that signal and only recently did I manage to get it as a hi res shot.

 

Shots of that area are very rare, I recently managed to get one of that area looking in that direction but steam from a train was covering the signal.

 

I reckon this was a 1950s replacement, I have a shot where you can see the original Cheshire Lines signal which was lower quadrant and instead of having the 3 stacked arms had a theatre box.

 

On a plan we can just see the signal you are building but it is has been erased.

 

 

 

 

Mike

 

 

Edited July 18, 2022 by Michael Delamar

[Jon Fitness]

On 17/07/2022 at 14:44, Steve Hewitt said:

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.

 

Absolutely fantastic Steve. Just when I think I'm slowly catching up with you on the excellence, you steam back into a massive lead.!! Love it😮

JF

Edited July 18, 2022 by Jon Fitness

[5BarVT]

8 hours ago, Michael Delamar said:

Looking good Steve.

 

That is the only shot I have of that signal and only recently did I manage to get it as a hi res shot.

 

Shots of that area are very rare, I recently managed to get one of that area looking in that direction but steam from a train was covering the signal.

 

I reckon this was a 1950s replacement, I have a shot where you can see the original Cheshire Lines signal which was lower quadrant and instead of having the 3 stacked arms had a theatre box.

 

On a plan we can just see the signal you are building but it is has been erased.

 

 

 

 

Mike

 

 

Linen plans were brilliant for seeing what had been there before!

Paul.

[Steve Hewitt]

On 17/07/2022 at 14:44, Steve Hewitt said:

 

 

On with the "moving parts" next. This brings the signal to life.

 

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.

[Rowsley17D]

Excellent step-by-step, Steve. Much appreciated for when I upgrade my signal mechs to your way of doing things

[Steve Hewitt]

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

 

 

 

Steve.

[Rowsley17D]

Masterful.

[Steve Hewitt]

Another bracket for Walton-on-the-Hill.............

 

This is another unusual signal having two dolls, four arms, but they are all miniautes.

 

This is the track diagram, signals 18, 19, 20 & 21 are controlling accress to two roads from two parallel tracks.

 

The prototype.

 

The model

 

LMS Round Post with a No 5 bracket.

Rocker shafts again for the right hand doll.

 

 

 

 

A little video to follow, then its on to three LMS Ground Discs.

 

Steve.

The back lights are just about visible.

[Michael Delamar]

Great work Steve, look forward to receiving them.

 

Those are the best photographs we had of those signals at Fazakerley West Junction, no doubt some other photos will now turn up.

[Steve Hewitt]

The video:

 

 

Steve.

[Steve Hewitt]

Another long term project comes to fruition.............

 

The video shows a complete set of semaphore signals for Marchwood.

This is likely to be my final commission as I concentrate on Liverpool Lime Street and my club's new project "Beattock" which we're hoping get committee aproval to start in the next week or two.

 

 

 

Steve.

[Paulo99]

Hi Steve,

Any idea why the images in this topic are not displaying in iPad Safari or Google?

Regards,

[Stephen Freeman]

6 hours ago, Paulo99 said:

Hi Steve,

Any idea why the images in this topic are not displaying in iPad Safari or Google?

Regards,

I doubt whether anybody knows other than an iPad user. Works in Windows 7 and Android.

[MarshLane]

11 hours ago, Paulo99 said:

Hi Steve,

Any idea why the images in this topic are not displaying in iPad Safari or Google?

Regards,

All displaying on my iPad and also iMac both using Safari and Firefox.

Edited November 27, 2022 by MarshLane

[Tony Teague]

9 hours ago, Paulo99 said:

Hi Steve,

Any idea why the images in this topic are not displaying in iPad Safari or Google?

Regards,

 

Unless of course you mean the 'lost images'...........

[Steve Hewitt]

On 27/11/2022 at 08:56, Paulo99 said:

Hi Steve,

Any idea why the images in this topic are not displaying in iPad Safari or Google?

Regards,

Sorry for the delay in replying.

I think others have probably covered all the possibilities, but my personal guess is that you are looking at earlier posts on this topic which, in common with the rest of RMweb had their photos "mis-placed".

 

Steve.