The art of compromise.
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Finally gettiing out of my system.
Thank you chaps.Point taken Peter. However, the model is true to the drawing and Farleigh, like most layouts, is set in perpetual summer so snow won't be a problem! :lol:
Best wishes,
Terry
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Nigel
©Nigel C. Phillips
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Where are the physicists when you need them?
Terry
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Quick update. The Goods Shed is now in position on the layout. A small grassy bank is also in the process of being constructed behind to frame the scene.

I decided that a small signal-box or ground frame is required. I assume that it should be located somewhere near the bridge end of the layout in order for the imaginary signalman to exchange the imaginary staff or token with the imaginary driver or fireman of all trains arriving or leaving. A box mounted on the platform would be ideal but is probably out of the question as the platform end near the bridge is already rather crowded. That leaves the area of ground which is currently occupied by the lineside hut. I am pondering whether to locate the box adjacent to the hut.
:hmm
Whilst perusing my copy of Southern Signals by G.Pryer, I came across a beautiful 'Brighton' ground level signal-box formerly situated at Adversane Crossing, situated between Billingshurst and Pulborough. In the photo, the signalman is obligingly stood outside the box which gave me a rough idea of the dimensions. Here's a rather cruel close-up of the box under construction. The box measures 44mm x 38mm.

If the box is situated adjacent to the lineside hut, the observer will be looking at the plain back of the structure and ends will also be on view. Sadly, the front will not be seen.
More soon.
Terry
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'Petermac
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Terry
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I had an interesting conversation with fellow club members last night on our virtual club meeting. it was generally felt that the signal box should occupy the position currently occupied by the lineside hut, as shown here…

The hut could be re-located further along the track, assuming it can be prised from the baseboard without damage. It's glued down with PVA. I also picked up some useful information regarding point rodding, signal wires, facing point locks and ground signals, all to be put into effect at a later date.
More soon.
Terry
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The signal box is finally finished…


Sadly, the last picture is how the box will be mainly seen as it will sit on the front of the layout, facing the platform opposite. All of the detail on the front of the box won't be seen. I was tempted to leave the front without detail but I'm a bit of a sucker as regards signal boxes. I feel that they are crying out to be super-detailed. Likewise, I was tempted not to add any interior detail but I realised that it would be patently obvious from the side view. In any event, I figured that the box might eventually be recycled and pushed into use on a future layout, so it seemed prudent to finish it properly. All interior detail was made from card except for a row of headless Peco track pins to represent the levers. Interior detail consists of lever frame, shelf with block instruments, etc., Tyer's No.6 Tablet Instrument, desk with Train Register, chair, stove and a clock. All details derived from the book A Pictorial Record of Southern Signals by G. Pryer (OPC).
Constructional details: 1.5mm thick mount board mainly used, covered in Scalescenes' white clapboard paper, varnished and painted with a self-mixed stone colour in acrylic paint. Roof slates from Scalescenes. Postcard for barge boards. Windows made from discarded plastic packaging with thin card frames and self-adhesive label glazing bars. Gutters and downpipes from plastic strip (Evergreen). Fixing brackets on downpipes from self-adhesive label. The rather fine fire buckets together with supporting brackets come from Dart Castings. The finials presented me with an interesting problem. None appeared to be available commercially during the Covid-19 lockdown period, so I resorted to using my mini-drill as a lathe and did a spot of miniature wood turning. They are made from the ends of wooden cocktail sticks, secured in the mini-drill and fashioned with needle files whilst being turned. Strangely, quite an enjoyable experience.
More soon.
Terry
Last edit: by col.stephens
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It appears that there is no compromise, just art. Lovely stuff.
Barry
Shed dweller, Softie Southerner and Meglomaniac
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Terry
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The completed signal box was taken to the railway shed and placed on the layout. That's when I noticed that the clapboard colour looked too pale compared to the platform awning and fencing immediately opposite. A trudge back to the house followed and a quick repaint was undertaken. A delicate operation considering the amount of green framing on the building, which had to be avoided with the brush. Back to the shed only to find the colour was still too pale. Repeated the process once again and satisfied with the result. Here is the box in position, not fixed down as yet just in case of any slight relocation might be required.


I previously mentioned an idea for the new location of the lineside hut. I feel that if it is placed alongside the signal box that part of the layout will look a bit cluttered. My idea is to remove it from the scenic side of the layout altogether and place it in the fiddle yard, just beyond the current small scenic section. Extra scenery will be added around the hut to blend it in. It will serve to help block the view into the fiddle yard and will enhance the illusion that the scenery carries on into the distance. Something like this…

Any views?
Terry
Last edit: by col.stephens
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It looks great and, as you say, the hut would have resulted in a slightly cluttered look. What's at the other end of the layout ? Could it not go there to balance this end ?
It's a lovely little hut so seems a shame to effectively have it "hidden" slightly off stage …………….. Having said that, it does look quite good viewed through the bridge and suggests the bridge is not just an "end of layout" effect.
'Petermac
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Thanks for your comments Peter. Here is a picture taken this afternoon showing the other end of the layout…

Neither the coal office or the coal bins are fixed down as yet. I am trying to ascertain the best position for both. Possibly the lineside hut could be positioned to the left of the far point in the run-round loop. That might require a low retaining wall in the embankment on the left, which might look good. I have another, as yet unmade, lineside hut which could be positioned in the fiddle-yard. They came as a pack of two huts. Good old Ratio!
Terry
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For loco lovers, a couple of visitors at Farleigh this afternoon.

Adams' radial tank 4-4-2 No.3520. I must admit that this class of loco is my all time favourite. Victorian splendour! Model manufactured by Oxford Rail and a lovely runner. How about a close-up?

Here's the second visitor, ex-LBSCR 0-6-2 E4 class. Beautiful runner. An excellent Bachmann model.


Whilst short wheelbase 0-6-0 Terriers will be the mainstay loco fleet, when planning the layout I was careful to ensure that there was sufficient length at the end of the loco run-round for longer wheelbase tank locos. Nothing like a bit of variation in the running, is there?
More soon.
Terry
Last edit: by col.stephens
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Speaking as a pretend signal man on the S.D.R. I'd be pressing the railway for a walkway to get to and from work, and, will there be any token exchange going on?
Those locos are beautiful.
Doug
Last edit: by Chubber
'You may share the labours of the great, but you will not share the spoil…' Aesop's Fables
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin
In the land of the slap-dash and implausible, mediocrity is king
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin
In the land of the slap-dash and implausible, mediocrity is king
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Regards,
Terry
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'You may share the labours of the great, but you will not share the spoil…' Aesop's Fables
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin
In the land of the slap-dash and implausible, mediocrity is king
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin
In the land of the slap-dash and implausible, mediocrity is king
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Just to keep Doug happy…

Made from three pieces of 1mm thick greyboard, scribed and painted. Easy-peasy!
Terry
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D
'You may share the labours of the great, but you will not share the spoil…' Aesop's Fables
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin
In the land of the slap-dash and implausible, mediocrity is king
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin
In the land of the slap-dash and implausible, mediocrity is king
Posted
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Terry
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