Signal A & E

[LNERGE]

I have a Stevens frame that came from Ely Station North. When cleaning down the levers i found that the style of description plate casting had been changed at some time in the past. A similar method had been used to plug the old holes.

 

How are finding the supply of imperial sized steel? I've had to use 50x50x6 angle in place of 2''x2''x1/4 for the ground frame i'm currently rebuilding. I luckily have a stockpile of some sections used in mechanical locking as the nearest metric sizes cause a problem inside the tray if you are trying to cram a lot in.

[Lochty no more]

Work on the signals was interupted by an open day on Sunday, despite the terrible weather 177 brave souls battled there way down to Kirkland Yard. We let the Kids operate the knee frame under supervision ( they seem to get a real kick out of pulling off the signal and watching the train depart ). At one point I had 3 kids waiting in turn - goan gees a shot Mistur. The horisontal rain added to the Guard`s van experience, but for some reason everyone left smiling.

Meanwhile back into theater with the "Methil Central" signal, the patient has been turned on to his back so we can carry out surgery to injury 4,

this is the one we are working on today, first the bent angle iron is cut, then the rivet heads are cut off, the angle iron is removed ( the rivets are retained for re-use )

next the new angle iron is cut to leanth, and holes are drilled in position for the rivets, now at this point a complication has set in, when they took the signal down at Lochty some halfwit decided to attach a chain and pull it over. This has caused a twist to the top of the signal, bent lattice can be straitened but twisted lattice is more of a problem. At this point a conference was held between the surgeon welder and the surgeon grinder, we decided to remove a sound section of lattice from the other side, hold the angle iron in place with cramps and fabricate a new piece of lattice to be welded into position.

the operation took much longer than planned - no time to put a coat of paint on it - that will have to wait until Saturday.

More soon

[Graham R]

So is the lattice post a separate unit from the cast base, with the 1" square bars and the U-shaped brackets uniting the two, and the base positioned before the post is   added? Or were new lattice posts delivered to site with the base attached then placed into a prepared hole?

 

Good luck with the project!

[Lochty no more]

[

So is the lattice post a separate unit from the cast base, with the 1" square bars and the U-shaped brackets uniting the two, and the base positioned before the post is   added? Or were new lattice posts delivered to site with the base attached then placed into a prepared hole?

 

Good luck with the project!

Graham R

A photo of the "Methil Central" signal being dug out in the early 1970`s

When we dug out this signal a scrap metal merchant ( who was cutting down the rest of the signals at "Methil Central" ) wandered over to see what we were doing, his face was a picture when he realised how much scrap metal was under the ground, they had been dropping signals by oxyocetaline torch - cutting them off by the base. The ballance point of a signal ( we found this out when moving the "Michael Colliary signal is just above the base -the base weighs as much as the signal does ). The SRPS at Falkirk have been going round dissused railways for years digging out signal bases for re - use, we have also found a few bases locally ( on the Leslie branch which we hope to salvage and use on our remaining 10 lattice posts with no bases ) we may even have some on our site at Kirkland. 

The design of the bases seems to have changed in the 1920`s the original box type being replaced by a cruciform pattern - this helps us date signals, as apart from a change to the top of the square bar ( from a strait cut to a 45 degree chamfer, the design of "Stevens & sons" signals remained largely unchanged for decades ) dating signals is dificult to say the least.

 

the later type cruciform post base - I hope this clarifies rather than confusess

[LNERGE]

During some recent relaying at Hitchin i was called away from my duties because the Pway had hit something. I was asked what it was and could they break it off/dig it out. They were told what it was and no it would probably break their machines rather than the machines break it. I told them if they'd like to dig it out i'd find a nice home for it. I was asked to confirm it's dimensions again. It's still there today. It carried a three doll equal bracket..

 

 

Edit to add this link.. It's the base for the one the train has just passed..

 

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78411760@N06/9455536002/in/photolist-fpy6qN-aextGu-ehqSo1-ciMuq1-dNvGnG-8DPGRL-9Abg5R-8WeQnR-8WhUbh-9LYWd9-9NLBg6-9NPqwC-9LWbQ8-9LYWP7-9P6b8d-9P6fnN-9P6fYL-9NLD7D-9P3iHe-9NbVdf-9P3i64-9NLACv-9MQMRs-akZYw7-9S3PoH-9LTnsQ-9uea9v-9S6Jgm-9mJTdQ

[Lochty no more]

A bit more work on the "Methil Central" signal today, first the repairs we did on Tuesday were given a coat of paint

as I turned the signal over for painting it is apparent that there is a further problem

the base of the signal has developed a waist It`s 7" between the angle iron at the top of the base, a foot further up it mesures 7 1/4" between the angle iron ( at that point it should mesure 6 7/8" ) the signal has a bulge evident in the photo. The square bar and angle iron will have to be removed and renewed possibly some of the lattice if we cannot straiten it.

the U shaped bracket is removed and the metal hoops are slackened to let me take out the square bar

the square bar is as bent as a £3 note, next the rivet heads will have to be cut off to detach the lattice from the angle iron, the angle iron can then be surgically removed and a new bit welded in place. But that will have to wait until next week.

more soon

[Lochty no more]

Meanwhile back at the "Methil Central" signal ( you must be as sick reading about it, as I am writing about it ) we decided to be bold and replace the two remaining legs both the angle iron & square bar 

the square bent bar removed from both sides shows how the signal has a pinched appearance at the base.

just as well as this square bar was also as bent as a £3 pound note

both the iron bands have been hammered further down the base than there original position ( the replacement metal was 25mm , the original metal was 1" - 2 x 0.4 mm makes a difference ) one U shaped bracket has still to be fitted ( as I conduct a desperate hunt for another NBR square headed bolt ).

Now that looks beter, I must say I am relieved that the repairs to this signal are finally over, from now on it`s just repairs to the signal parts and painting then planting - what could possiblly go wrong?

 

[LNERGE]

Meanwhile back at the "Methil Central" signal ( you must be as sick reading about it, as I am writing about it ) we decided to be bold and replace the two remaining legs both the angle iron & square bar 

 

Not at all. Keep it coming. If i were to do something similar it will all be tubular post upper quadrants, Eastern Region welded steel brackets or dare i say it....colourlights.. I'm finding it all rather interesting.

[Lochty no more]

Not at all. Keep it coming. If i were to do something similar it will all be tubular post upper quadrants, Eastern Region welded steel brackets or dare i say it....colourlights.. I'm finding it all rather interesting.

This will be our last NBR signal ( just run out of parts - well I could do a Shunt Facing Road signal - just dont have anywhere to put it ) after this, signal A & E goes into the LNER period we have a shed load of stuff, the BR signals are at the back of the queue. When I started I decided everything should be done historically ( ie the oldest things first and work back from there ). Stay tuned.

[Welly]

Great to read that you have managed to sort out "Methill Central"! It is interesting to follow this thread as it gives us good examples of prototype signal designs.

[Lochty no more]

On Saturday managed to get a coat of undercoat on to the repaired base of the "Methil Central" signal

the signal is now looking quite sharp ( and a whole lot more strait than when I started ). Next I need to lay out all the parts, to see what needs doing before I re - assemble the signal ready for a final coat of paint.

more soon

[Lochty no more]

Began fitting the parts to the "Methil Central" signal, first the top band had to be hammered back to it`s original position as I could not fit the bracket for the pulley wheel

just noticed that pulley wheel should be pointing up, not hanging down ( I will fix that on Saturday - rookie mistake! ). Next the 61B plate is bolted on and the ballance weight is fitted

the operating rod and brackets are fitted ( the brackets are normally at 4` 6" centres ).

the operating rod still looks a bit wonky, but hopefully will straiten when the weight of the ballance weight pulls down on it.

There is still a bit of work to be done on the fittings for the top of the signal, the cedar arm has to have a taper planed on, the prosthetic spike for the finial ( which a certain member was going to turn on a wood lathe - well that did not happen - so I need to learn wood turning at the rush ), it also appears that I need to order more bolt`s for the fittings. But the end is in sight.

[Lochty no more]

NBR Backlightblinders, as we dont have any - we managed to borrow one from the SRPS at Bo`ness - from this I made a cardboard template so new ones can be cut from steel sheet. We are going to make 3, one for the "Methil Central" signal, one for the "Michael Colliary" signal and one for stock.

the 18" x 1" x 3/8" bar ( the same size of metal as the lattice ) is fixed by two rivets to the backlightblinder, this is as far as I got on Saturday, but will crack on with it this week

[Lochty no more]

First off today to finish the 3 NBR backlightblinders,

heer`s a peek at the one we borrowed from the SRPS on the "Michael Colliary" signal, let`s face it a NBR signal looks naked without a backlightblinder

Next on the agenda was to assemble the signal arm for the "Methil Central" signal, if I am honest I am kind of hoping that the specticle plate we made will be heavier than the 5` cedar arm - so I dont need to plane a taper on it with a big jointer plane - a job that should not even be attempted unless you have fortified yourself with several additional shredded wheat for breakfast.

when you pick up the arm by the spindle the cedar arm drops to the floor, unacceptable, the arm must fail to stop. Out with the big jointer plane and lets take some weight off the arm - now where is that box of shredded wheat!

[Lochty no more]

Can`t say I`m looking forward to this job, planing a taper on a signal arm, but just have to put the head down and get on with it - it needs doing.

my day went something like this;

plane plane plane plane plane

coffee break

plane plane plane plane plane

lunchtime

plane plane plane plane plane

sharpen plane blade

plane plane plane plane plane

I think thats enough weight of the arm, reassemble arm and thankfully it swings to the stop possition. Just enough time left to put a coat of white primer on the arm and the three backlightblinders I made last week.

more soon

[Lochty no more]

Time to put some gloss red on the "Methil Central" arm

compared to the 4` goods arm on the "Michael Colliary" signal the arm looks HUGE, have to wait until Saturday to apply the white gloss paint.                                  As this signal nears completion I note that the KFRPS has spent some £70.00 on this project to get a second NBR signal - given how few there are ( the SRPS have some and we have the rest ) I would be keen to do another one and put the number of NBR signals into double figures. The real baddie was the LNER an organisation that existed for a mere 23 years and made NBR signals virtually extinct.

[Lochty no more]

Now that the arm is sorted I can continue fitting the gubbins to the top of the "Methil Central" post

First the boss plate and arm stop are bolted on 21" from the top of the post

next the arm is inserted into the boss plates and secured by a round casting with a securing bolt ( the shaft has been well greased first )

the operating rod is attached to the arm and held in place with a split pin, a fair bit of adjustment is required at the bottom of the operating rod until the arm is operating to my satisfaction. A third operating rod clip has been added ( at 4`6" centres ) as it was just to wobbly for my liking.

Still to be done a final coat of gloss paint ( Scottish weather permitting ) and to turn a timber spike for the top of the finial - still to be fitted to the top of the lattice post. At least now it`s starting to look like a signal - keep you posted as work progresses.

[Lochty no more]

Now I was going to gloss paint the "Methil Central" signal. Jack Frost disagreed

just to cold for gloss painting, Plan B - turn a finial out of a  piece of hardwood, now at this point the engineering types realize that I am serious about turning a prosthetic finial on a lathe, and I am gently pushed aside while they show me how it`s done. This has a double benifit we end up with a fairly accurate finial, and I get to go home with all my limbs in place.

the turned finial is secured to the casting with mastic, we have a further two castings that require the same repair

Now you will notice a slot in the finial spike ( I think it was to vent the casting when it was poured ) I did consider morticing out this in our timber spike, but it would just let water in and cause it to rot over time

So my solution is to paint the shape in black, when it`s 30 feet in the air who would know

Must admit I am quite chuffed at how well it looks, I will get it bolted on as soon as the paints dry.

more soon

[mozzer models]

the hole if the wind is coming from the right way do they whistle ??

[Lochty no more]

the hole if the wind is coming from the right way do they whistle ??

Naw ............That`s the Guards job!

[Lochty no more]

Sometimes in railway preservation you take a step forward then you take a step back

Now today started well, bolting on the finial with the prosthetic spike. I even managed to prise open the purse - to buy gloss black paint, then set about the "Methil Central" signal. Once the painting was complete. I took a couple of photo`s ( to let everybody see )

Then the heavens opened and it hoofed it down with rain for the next hour, so on Saturday I will rub it down and paint it all over again.........................oh bu***er

[Lochty no more]

I still have not been able to gloss paint the "Methil Central" signal - the Scottish weather is conspiring against me, so a bit more work on the Caledonian knee frame instead.

first a coat of red lead paint to the frame

next a coat of gloss black ( and yes, I am going to paint the endplates "Prussian Blue" )

there is still a bit to do on this frame, the locking box has still to be shortened and fitted and front plate made and fitted.

I also have the dilema of the lever frame badges, the type on the frame are the "Cofffin lid" type ( BR I think as the Caledonian railway did not use "Formica" )

the "Coffin lid" type badges fitted to the levers, if anybody knows what Caledonian railway badges look like I would be delighted to hear from them, I have had a look on the internet without any success.

Meanwhile the engineering types at the KFRPS have been busy turning another two prosthetic spikes for the two damaged "Stevens & sons" open ball type finials

the two prosthetic spikes awaiting fitting to the finials

more soon

 

 

[Lochty no more]

A new front plate was made from sheet metal and fitted to the "Caledonian" knee frame, and painted

the drop boxes were removed from the levers and red paint applied

While I wait on the paint drying, it`s time to work out how I am going to cut down and fit the locking boxes and tappet irons. The lever frame will operate the "Michael Colliery" signal, an NBR drop flap shunt signal, the "Methil Central" signal and a BR shunt signal. We will use the "Stevens & son" lever frame to operate two facing points and facing point locks, signal detectors will prevent the point locks from being operated when a signal is pulled off.

Well thats the plan at the moment ( subject to change without notice and for no apparent reason ). I dont know if it`s the red wine but that last photo looks a bit blurry to me....................cheers!

[Welly]

I think the blurry shots are because the shutter speed was to low for the camera to be handheld, did you leave the camera in the "no flash" mode?

 

Good progress with the restoration, you have achieved a lot for the S&T department in the past year or so!

[Lochty no more]

I think the blurry shots are because the shutter speed was to low for the camera to be handheld, did you leave the camera in the "no flash" mode?

 

Good progress with the restoration, you have achieved a lot for the S&T department in the past year or so!

Thank god It`s the camera, not a dodgy Rioja ! - the S&T department at the KFRPS consists of ....me ( and anybody I can bager into helping ).

Cheers Welly...........................now everything is going out of focus.