Michael Woolford

I manage to get out on site every now and again, although I never manage to take many photos. However, the last site I visited, I had to move on to another location after finishing my work, so I decided to take pictures rather that draw diagrams (these could be done when I got back to the office). The site was Radlett and I was there for the first day of the survey. So while the site was being chained out and monuments being installed, I set about my task of lasersweeping. The equipment (lasersweep) is used to create structure profiles so that gauging assessments can be carried out (another job of mine). The lasersweep is controlled from a handheld PDA which also stores the structure profile, enabling us to upload the data to the computer system when it is back in the office. To put it simply, it works by shooting a laser which is moved by changing the angle of the reflector (this is in the box and the cover is closed in the images). This is what is controlled by the PDA and small, medium or large movements can be made to position the laser, once happy with its position it can be stored. Several points then make the structure profile, obviously the more the better but it's not always easy (especially on a busy site). This signal post was much easier in regards to time as it is off of the main line and the tight curves you see are part of a loop around a quarry. Actually creating the structure profile for this signal was not so easy though; the laser doesn't like matt black surfaces and can wander on its own, and when this happens you have to start again! This shows the position of the lasersweep in relation to the structure, which in this case is signal post WH479. A close up of the signal A bit further back Further back again Finally, looking the other way Michael

Steve, Do you happen to know how we would go about purchasing these? I've looked on the website but there doesn't seem to be a way to purchase through the website or a telephone number, only an email address for inquiries. Do you know if Geoff takes orders by email? I would really like to use his servo boards for my signals when they are built (there are over 15 arms in the station). Thanks in advance. Michael

It might be but wasn't the hotel opened in 1867? The drawing dates to 1868. I'm not sure whether the drawing is an artist's impression or not. Michael

Les, have you come across this before? Michael

Steve, As has been recently posted, John is currently in the process of detailing the trackwork. I know you posted a description of the method he is using (cosmetic half chairs) but I was woundering if he is going to any effort of representing the special chairs (I'm sure I saw a comment about the crossing nose). If he is or not, either way do you think he would be interested in some standard pway drawings showing switch and crossing detail with chairs etc? I am currently in the process of creating electronic copies of original film drawings from the BR drawing office. Scaned copies are very large files (too big to share without transrefing to a hard drive etc.) but if he is interested then I could get some printed and send them or give them to him (or someone who can pass them on) at a show I may be attending? I have offered the drawings by request in a seperate topic which will fill with pictures of the drawings over time but could take a while. If this may be of some interest then feel free to take a look at the topic below for a list of the drawings I have access to. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/74206-standard-permanent-way-drawings/ Michael (edited to add link)

I don't think Steve built the gantry. He built all of the semaphore signals but I think John Holden (the owner of the layout) built the gantry and his friend Geoff Peters did the clever stuff with the electronics to make it work. Michael

Ron, Once my own layout starts to make progress I will eventually install a signal gantry just before the station throat; it will be 2 aspect with a shunt signal and will include a working theatre indicator. It is very much based on the one installed by the LMS at Lime Street Station. Perhaps it may be of use to try and find out how the one on the Lime Street model was made as I'm sure it would probably be of use to you if you do have problems making your own model work the way you want. Although judging by your other work I'm sure you'll manage just fine! If you don't feel it is necessary to look in to then no doubt I will when I get round to making my own. Michael (Edited for spelling)

Fantastic! If only someone did something like this that could be available to the public... Michael

Les, I'm guessing that these are going to be made using 3d printing for the ground signals that are required for the rest of the layout? If so then I presume that they will be non-functional? Michael

I bought some bakers fluid this week from a local shop called beesleys tools. They were the only people in Swindon who seemed to be able to get it though; I even had to have it ordered in. Michael

Steve, I'm going to Warley on Saturday; can't wait! I will have to come along and introduce myself and take a look at that magnificent gantry. Michael

Steve, How was the Blackburn show? Hope you all had a good time. Michael

Steve, Is there a way you can get a recording from the actual video feed rather than recording the screen? That would allow us to see the images as close to how they actually look on the monitor. I definitely think that would enable us to get a better idea of how it looks and would allow us to make a better judgement and offer more constructive comments. I personally think it is a great idea especially if there are a lot of people around the layout and you can't see past them. I won't comment on the quality of what can be seen in the video and will agree that video probably doesn't do it justice. Michael