Friday afternoon progress...

Early finish from work today - and a couple of hour to do a few more bits....

Another point motor fitted - this controls the points by the engine shed.

Three wagons from an eBay purchase - all needed new couplings, wheel bearings and metal wheels.

And finally some more fencing and gates in the entrance to the station yard. Also note the sudden growth of some trees!

Let it snow....

I've finally started covering the chicken mesh with Plaster of Paris bandage. 4 rolls used up and most of what you see only has one layer! I think I will need to find a cheaper solution for the rest of the landscape.

Road vehicles

I've just acquired a job lot of road vehicle for use around the railway. Trouble is now, I've got more cars than space to put them! Must press on with the roads!

Water and Steam

There's a new loco on shed! I shan't bore you with the history of this loco, but thanks to John P, we now have a BR Standard Class 5 at Essington shed. It's been sat in a box for many years and runs rather jerkily. After a lot of investigation I discovered that the plastic inserts in the metals driving wheels had become detached from the metal. The result is that they bulge outwards and the motion catches on them! I tried a quick fix, but it will need the chassis stripped and each individual wheel insert glued back in place!

The other change on shed is the installation of the water column. It still needs a 'bag' on it. First visitors were the 2 chaps on the pump trolley - they tell me it's thirsty work!

Signalling Updates

The last week has seen some progress with the signalling. Firstly I've 'planted' a few more signals. This photo shows the signal that controls the entrance to the 2 platform lines.

Each platform now has a starter at one end. Here 'Raveningham Hall' has just had the signal pulled off ready for departure.

The signalbox itself has also progressed. The leadframe which I showed in primer some time ago has now been painted. There's a signalman (called Joe) and a stove to keep him warm in the winter!

Here's another view of the inside of the 'box. The painted frame can be seen - notice the duster draped over one of the levers!

Mail by Rail

Many months ago, when we were just starting the project, we bought a Hornby working mail coach. It had no accessories so I've had to build them from scratch!

Mail bag drop off point

Mail bag pick up.

And a video of a successful mail drop off and pick up!

Self Catering Caravan to Let

Soon to be opened is 'Painton Caravan Park'. Situated on the hill overlooking the village of Essington, Painton Caravan Park is sure to prove a popular holiday destination in years to come. The site is still under development, but the first prototype caravan has been delivered for the site owners to view. The site owners tell me that they are hoping to have 5 or 6 caravans on site in addition to a camping field.

Photographs of the prototype 'van can be viewed below:

Cooper's Coal Merchants

In the cardboard kit for the signal box there was also included a 'coal merchants' building. This has been fitted in the goods yard. The company name was chosen by way of a thank you to my Uncle who has supplied me with countless bits and pieces for use on the railway!

You'll also see on the photo the fist bit of greenery has appeared!

What's the point?

I spent a couple of hours last night getting the first point motorised. The first job was to fit the CDU (Capacitor Discharge Unit) into the control panel. I've mentioned the construction of this before (click here).

Next job was to fit the point motor. I chose to fit the motor to the point furthest away from the control panel - this is the point that controls access to the engine shed.

I've used Seep motors with an integral switch. They are very neat little units - but I'd never used them before. However, after some careful alignment it moved freely. The photo shows the motor fitted to the underside of the baseboard.

The motor was then wired up. 3 wires for the control (1 common and one for each direction) and 3 wires for the switch. I'm using the switch to control the LEDs on the panel which act as a route indicator. You can see the LEDs illuminated on the engine shed line in the photo below. Also note the crude control method - the flying red cable and the black cables stuck up through the holes. These will be replaced by switches.

One down - only five more to go!