George Leacon

Hi Ian, I am a little mystified myself as to the purpose of this signal. If it was to split the platform then you would expect similar on the other platforms and No1 is the shortest of them all. Because the platform is short, the starter looks to be obscured by the canopy and I wondered if this could be the reason for it, but then a repeater would suffice! So I am open to suggestions from anyone on this and any other points that seem odd. 

 

I really do need to devote some time to researching the signalling controlled by the station box as it appears to me to be far from straightforward, but other priorities are taking up my time at present. The signal box instructions and an accurate diagram prior to 1960 are my "Holy Grail".

 

John E.

Given it is a main aspect stop signal, I can only imagine that it is there to split the platform, to allow two trains (of two or three coach lengths?) to rest there when required.

Ben

(Edited to remove superfluous "stop" (I thought I'd already got rid of it, blo0dy thing))

Many thanks Ben. Yes the ramp line can access the line to which it is directly joined and the Up Fast line adjacent to it. So perhaps a feather might be required for the Up Fast?

 

Dave

Yes, that would be the best arrangement. Be careful where you position the signal - the retaining walls create signal sighting issues.

The layout is looking good mate!

Thanks, yes,looking forward to seeing that myself. Will have a 3-aspect signal at top of ramp to allow for movements onto the main line. Although perhaps a call-on signal would be more realistic??

 

Dave

You'd need a main aspect signal, not a call-on signal. If this ramp line can access multiple other lines, you could have some Junction Indicators (aka "feathers") to indicate onto which line the train has been signalled.

Yes, they're based on those outside Newcastle,with the yellow clamplocks. I know NR arent keen on double slips in new build and definately not on main lines. I remember putting one in at the old Temple Mills site and we were debating about whether to put one in on the Maritime & Redbridge site in Southampton, but they were yards. I like the look of them though.

 

Dave

When they fail, they're a nightmare to clip & scotch.

Thanks Ken. Was tempted togo for 140mph and I have the speed signs printed too, but NetworkRail (Railtrack as it was then) chickened out when they tried it on the EastCoast, so 125 it has to be. Your right about the stock.....just itching  to get something up and running, but not got round to wiring any of the track up yet, so I will have to wait a while yet, unfortunately.

 

Dave

I believe that it was the Office of Rail Regulation that prohibited 140mph running except for testing purposes, though I may be wrong. I've been wrong once or twice before....

Top quality work mate, especially with the FCC livery.

Sadly they won't be "bang up to date" forever: In about 2 years time, (parts of) Southeastern, Southern and FCC will be combined to create a Super-TOC (currently called TSGN), who will inevitably spend £500million repainting every item of rolling stock loaned to them in a new livery.

I don't think anyone has mentioned the Class 66 DIESEL sneaking into shot in one of the earlier posts.

You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.

Ben

Awesome work, thanks for posting this - I've never seen that method of making signals detachable before, but it looks (reasonably) simple and effective.

RE the semaphore vs colour lights comments above, there are still secondary main lines (such as the ex-Midland Hope Valley Main Line in the Peak District) that use semaphore signals, so they aren't utterly obsolete yet!

Ben

Great to see this progressing, keep it up.

Ben

This is the first time I've been on the forum for a few months - as stated above, it's fantastic to see it coming together, it's beginning to look like the Manchester I adopted (and then abandoned) already.

Come to think of it, I have some photograms stored on my laptop (all taken from extensive internet searches) - I recall some of them had unusal angles, showing otherwise hidden details - I'll send you the files if you like?

One of my favourite Sheds - I will follow this with interest.

Cheers.

Iain,

 

sadly all the LNWR locos were scrapped by the mid 50's,  Cauliflowers being one of the last to go. Only a very few were preserved. It's most unlikely that those, notably Hardwicke or the Coal Tank, would have been seen at Camden in the 60's.

 

Jol

Even the "Super D" G2 0-8-0S?

I came across this model tonight for the first time. You've done a truly excellent job with it: it is instantly recognisable as Banbury and the level of detail is outstanding - I've not seen undertrack orange cable piping been modelled before! Keep it up pal.  

Keep the progress up! Looking good so far mate.

I first encountered this topic at its beginning, two years ago. I returned to it during the quiet hours of last night's shift (I work for Network Rail), and can state without doubt that this is the most impressive and ambitious model I've ever seen.

I live 5 minutes walk from Castlefield Viaducts, next to the Ship Canal (I'm a southerner though!) - I flirted with the idea of one day modelling part of it, but as you're doing such a superb job of it, I think I'll try somewhere else! 

Have you given any thought about the layout of the garden section?

A word of warning about your stated ambition to use Code 75 track outside - I've read elsewhere that the finescale track doesn't stand up to the rigours of the real world, and in the heat of Iberia I think that this would be compounded. 

If you want any extra photos, I am happy to try and take some. 

All the best,

Ben West aka "GL"