It's been quite a long time since I last updated progress on the layout, so thought I better get cracking...

I have added 4 new levers for the hand operated points scattered around the Station, after repainting them correctly - for some reason as purchased the black and white colours were reversed.They are mounted on timbers just clear of the lineside

Next task was to extend the goods shed road by about 1 1/2" to allow a van to stand completely outside the rear of the shed, and allow another one to be pushed in ( this was really an oversight on my part, - I did not allow for the length of the rail built bufferstop when cutting and laying the track!!

I was aware that the area around the station garage looked a little empty, so I had a rummage through my scrapbox, and found a dismounted crane assembly, that used to grace the AEC Matador coach/bus recovery vehicle (Oxford Diecast), that has since been converted into the local coal merchants lorry.

After a quick repaint, and suitably dirtied/rusted, it now sits on the waste ground alongside the garage with the steam roadroller. I'm sure that given time the weeds and bushes will start to take over and cover it...

The signalbox project is making slow progress, I have decided to use the Wills ss103 whitemetal detailing kit after all - I hate wasting anything and regard it as a bit of a challenge!

These photos show the local S&T and Locking Fitters discussing the project. The quadrants are now all made up and the frame has been "installed" in a cut-out made in the operating floor of the GWR box (Ratio 552)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the  25 levers are now painted, along with many of the interior details, next task will be to fit the levers into the frame -  watch this space...

With regard to fitting of an automatic uncoupling system. decide to use undertrack magnets and modify the tension-lock coupling ( a la RM Web ). I have installed a trial set of magnets under the board on the loco shed road, and fitted one wagon (16 ton mineral) so far - with more to follow - seems to be a good system, and does away with all those visually obtrusive ramps in the track, also it's a very cheap idea that will enable me to keep my stock with tension locks.

The station platforms are no longer deserted, as there are now a few (though probably not enough yet ) passengers and station staff about.  The town however is a ghost town, so more to do on that front.

More parcels stock on the way! - have just ordered the new Bachmann BR (SR) PMV from Hattons when it comes out ( the BR green version for a bit of variety). It's no good - I will have to build/arrange some more storage/sidings at this rate!

Well thats all for now - the biggest problem really is the heat in the loft, went up there yesterday for only a couple of minutes - as the thermometer mounted on one of the rafters read 99 degrees Farenheit!!

Phew!! any comments are welcome...

Regards

Sigtech