Makerfield, my 1970s North West UK layout

[John H-T]

Looking good. Nice trackwork.

[swisstrains]

Not much progress to report over the "summer" - I've been mainly tweaking the electrics & running trains.

You can never do too much tweaking and test running Pete. It's always best to get it running perfectly before you progress onto the next stage.

I was thinking of just making a dummy frame from styrene rods etc, and placing a figure in there. Any thoughts?

With your scratchbuilding skills I'm sure you will have no problems and you will also be able to customise the lever-frame to suit your track layout and signalling.

[meurglysIII]

customise the lever-frame to suit your track layout and signalling.

Haha you're joking, right? I don't have the first clue how to do that. I'll knock something together for the time being though.

[GWR9600]

You have probalby answered this but have you got a picture of a track plan, I always like these in model magazines as it allows me to imagine imaginary routes for the trains!!

[meurglysIII]

I think it's on page 2 of this thread tim, although it's pretty much just a tail chaser with a couple of sidings to be honest.
Actually, here's the link:

http://www.clockworkcommunications.c...out/layout.jpg

My NEXT layout, however... (due c. 2025)

[swisstrains]

Originally Posted by meurglysIII

Haha you're joking, right? I don't have the first clue how to do that. I'll knock something together for the time being though.

Pete,
What you need is a copy of "British Railway Signalling" by G.M.Kichenside & Alan Williams. ISBN 0 7110 0898 1
I think it was last printed in 1978 but I have seen it quite a few times in secondhand bookshops.
It will answer all your signalling questions including the correct colours for your levers.

[meurglysIII]

Thanks John. I'm off to look for that on ebay.

Found it. £3.51 inc postage as it stands. No other bidders yet.
1968 infrastucture would still be in situ in 1979 I presume?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...link:middle:uk

[swisstrains]

Originally Posted by meurglysIII

....................
1968 infrastucture would still be in situ in 1979 I presume?.........

Yes, I would think so. There were probably some small changes during that period but nothing major. After electrification the signalling on the WCML in the "Makerfield" area was no different to that installed on the Manchester and Liverpool branches when they were electrified in the 1960's.
The copy that I have is the 1978 one and although it mentions some of the newer computerised systems that were just starting to be introduced at that time, it mainly deals with equipment that had been around for years.

[meurglysIII]

Been meaning to update this for ages, finally got around to it.
Latest developments are the engine shed & signalbox area to the North of the road bridge. erm, bit of help from Photoshop with the backgrounds, I haven't managed to paint backscenes yet:

I built an interior for the signalbox from card & paperclips:

http://www.clockworkcommunications.c...oxinterior.jpg

which looks OK when the box is lit:

http://www.clockworkcommunications.c.../signalbox.jpg


Here's a view of the shed with a couple of class 40s stabled:

http://www.clockworkcommunications.c...utfeb/shed.jpg

[Trev]

Looking as good as ever Pete!