Rob’s been back in touch – this time he improves his 3 light model train signal:
“Hi Al,
I decided to try to improve from some of the work I did a few years ago on cantilevered signal gantries. My styrene-building skills have improved since I was into this in the past.
The original pieces I kit bashed were starting to seem rather toy-like to me, and I wanted to see if I could make something closer to reality or look closer to the prototypes.
In my research, I discovered that there seem to be an almost infinite number of different designs for these around the UK. I mostly watched cab ride videos and took screenshots when an interesting signal support structure was on the screen.
Styrene is quite strong when solvent it is welded into a stable structure. It can be fabricated into anything that can be built in steel.
I built the plate girders so they were hollow in the middle and, consequently, I could route the wires through the void. I find I very much enjoy building just about anything these days. Maybe I always did.
I weathered one of the new units and will lightly weather the other two.
For lightly weathering painted steel plate structures like this, I find using the Tamiya panel lining solution to be just about perfect. It leaves a very light residue in the corners, and anywhere else you want it to. Just take the applicator in the bottle and touch the areas where you want to add dirt, grime, and character. It couldn’t be easier.
Thank you, Al. I know I look forward to reading your blogs every day, and I know others do, too.
Rob”
3 light model train signal:
A huge big thank you to Ron for sharing his 3 light model train signal ‘how to’.
Rob’s last post on the signals is here: Signal gantry.
And of course, you can see more of him in the Hall of Fame too.
That’s all for today folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the store.
They are great fun to make and great value too.
very nice work. maybe ill use some of what you have posted, thanks.
Rob is one of the Finest, modelers I’ve ever seen great video!!!!!
Has anyone thought about Lego parts? drill out the pins and use colored LEDs in them ?? just a idea .
I think that you did an excellent job on the steel work. I may want to give your procedure on making steel beams with polystyrene a try. Which thicknesses did you use for the larger beams?
looks great
The train signal build looks great and the new engine sounds a lot better, it sounds more realistic.
Hi Rob, those huge up-and-over steel girder structures are quite a new phenomenon, just this century I think, most being designed to leave clearance for possible future overhead electrification. The older style, back to steam days, usually used lattice structures and were more likely to have tubular supporting posts between tracks, and normal ladders rather than the modern safety cage things. Nice work by the way!
Beautiful work, though I’d suggest a smaller horizontal beam in lieu of the lattice cross beams in your prototype pictures. The horizontal beam is normally gonna be lighter than the vertical post that supports it. But your signals are still very well executed, and function like they should.
Kudos also on your scenery, track, ballast, etc; and congratulations on the loco upgrade, looks like you made a good choice.
Regarding some earlier comments, the video answers some of the questions and is worth a view.
Thank you for sharing. Looks great!