5BarVT

37 401 on the canal bridge is a brilliant scene. You may bodge it, but you can't half bodge it well!

Paul.

Ah. This signalling stuff with lots of things to catch you out. . . Not sure where your shunt ahead signal is (I wondered if it was on the bracket signal at the junction) so this will be principle rather than specific detail.

Single lines are 'only one train at a time' 'ever' (well almost!). The 'almost' is your shunt ahead, but that is only behind a train going away into the section. No need for a limit of shunt for that because the train is going away. If the other train is coming towards through the section, then nothing moves towards it. You have to wait until it has arrived and is clear of the single line.

So, sorry, no shunting towards a train standing on the single line at the home signal.

Hope that helps, even if it's not the answer you wanted!

Paul.

Excellent news Rick. As the last to visit Penhayle Bay in reality, it it a great pleasure to be the first virtual visitor to Waddlemarsh.

You nearly weren't!

Looking forward in anticipation.

Paul.

When I take that photo there is always an OLE mast gets in the picture! You were on the good side of the train - the views are stunning. I never tire of that journey. Even better when it's sunny. Shame about backwards on a voyager.

Paul.

But would it have been allowed to depart from that line?  From what I've seen there were only 2 "proper" signals at Helston, for up trains. They were on a bracket near the signalbox. (There was another bracket just beyond the bridge, for down trains). Quite what they refered to, or what ground signals were also present, I am unsure. Thankfully I've not got to the signals stage yet, however I'll need to know.

The SRS (Signalling Records Society) diagrams for 1956 and 1958 (before and after a re-lock I assume) both show an Up Starting signal station side of the bridge and shunt discs in the sidings. So departing as you show is perfectly legitimate. The the second arm on the Up Home that you mention looks like it is a miniature arm reading to the shed.

Paul.

Have been trying to work out quite where that siding at Bidston is and what it's not used for.

A long time ago it was part of the chord from Bidston N to W used by ore trains to Shotton. It was kept as a turn back siding for the Wrexham-Bidston service 'til 'someone' saved a unit by turning back in the platform with no recovery time all day!

Paul.

Your last photo with 56070 has a Bedford HA. I've seen these on a number of layouts but never been able to find one for sale. Was it previously on sale or is yours a repaint of (say) a BT van?

 

My interest is that they were the S&T van in use back in '75 when I started and would suit the time period of my layout perfectly.

 

Thanks,

Paul.

Only just read your signature to see that London Road is the London Road I thought it was! As the pictures developed, it felt just like Midland Station. Very well done.

Paul.

I have an idea for how to operate the slip with two motors instead of four, which will save about $50 a go. Watch this space.

In theory (!) you only need one motor. The double compound (slip to non WR people) in the Minehead bay at Taunton West Station box was worked off one lever. The two positions were 'crossing' or 'slip': complicated mechanically as the two tiebars at each end move in opposite directions.

Perfectly possible to work with two motors: getting both toes to make up at the same time will be the fun part.

 

I have been really enjoying following your stories. Many thanks, Paul.

definatly a HST kind of day!

 

I was on the platform at MK when it came through on the return journey from Euston. I wondered if you were at the controls - not 'til later it seems.

Paul.

Yes.

We put in an arrangement just like that between Dunragit and Stranraer 5 years or so ago.

Paul.

I've been thinking about a reel of LEDs but I don't know whether to go for warm white or cool white. Any advice? Do you know what yours are?

Thanks, Paul.

So would 7' 0 1/4" be ok for a WR entry?

Paul.

Always nice to see a roast dinner volunteering

Perhaps it's name is "Mint Sauce" !

Paul.

Any in the south of the country?

Derby is!!!!

Pleased you're coming to Glasgow next year. Looking forward to seeing it for real.

Paul.

Just looking at your earlier photo of the arriving empties and then the position of the kick back point: have you got room for the NCB shunter to clear the point to draw the wagons back? I hope so, because I do like the look of the kick back and shunter.

I was also wondering if the level crossing could be a mine access road rather than a public road - with all the shunting going on the locals aren't going to be impressed with the long waits.

Sorry for appearing negative, because I do like the colliery idea - as you said, much better than a branch off a branch.

Paul.

Andy, should you have double slips in the main line. I admit it is not unknown

e.g. Pontrilas, entry to the Up Goods Loop and a layout not dissimilar to yours. Still there in late 70's.

Paul.

. . .he must have learned from The Master CME whilst working as his assistant.

I thought that was Stanier . . . ;-)

Paul.

It's 18:03.

 

I'm waiting!

 

;-)

 

Paul.

And you got it in while I was typing.

That'll teach me!

i really like the long sweeping curve with the two loops. Spot on Mr.P.

Paul.

I know what a VIXL is, I think I know what a CIXL is (and it's not an Arduino!). Are you sure you haven't got two AIXLs? !!!

 

Paul.

Agreed just a bit too fast. Having worked on a number of signalling projects on that line I'm reasonably familiar with the geography and track layouts and I struggled to spot places as they rushed by. Thanks for showing it.

Paul.

And Halifax Powell St.

You are going to hate me for saying this Simon given how long its taken for me or anyone else to pick up on it, but you might want to have a rethink about the positioning of your point machines (note where the rods come out from the machine.

Seems like your training has been defective. I think I need to have words with them! ;-)

Paul.