The semaphore signals as photographed were built by myself and are intended for our new layout called
Falkland Vale.
In deciding on a geographical location for the layout, no precise location has been stated, other than
somewhere in middle England. Thus it was decided that the signals should follow LMS design, that being
the option most favoured by the members.
The signals have been constructed from parts supplied by Model Signal Engineering, the kits being:
- S009/3 Signal Ladders
- SC0019 LMS/LNER Tubular Post Caps.
- SC0011 LMS/BR Signal lamps.
- SC0012/2 Upper quadrant signal parts.
The posts and semaphore bearings have been formed by brass tube, spindles and rods are 0.7mm and 0.3mm brass wire.
Construction started with the forming of the posts, to which were attached the semaphore bearings,
lamp brackets and balance weights levers. As far as was possible construction started by using solder
with a melting temperature of 185C, only reverting to 138C solder when there was a risk of unsoldering
previously attached parts. The post was then secured to a base plate that was cut from a brass sheet.
To be sure that the post was perpendicular to the base, a jig was formed out of two pieces of wood that
had slots cut to take the post.
After the base, the ladder was secured into place.
When all brass parts had been secured, with the exception of the semaphore arm, the white metal parts
could be secured.
The lamp was soldered onto its bracket with lowmelt solder, but the post cap was
secured with superglue. With these parts in place, the structure was ready for painting.
The signal was first washed in warm, soapy water and then rinsed to remove any grease.
When dry, it was sprayed with grey car primer and then given a top coat with Humbrol enamel paint.
Lastly, the semaphore arm was attached by passing the semaphore arm axle through the bearing, with the
addition of a brass washer at each end and lastly the back blinder soldered in place. The semaphore arm
was then connected to the balance weight lever with a 0.3mm brass wire.
The semaphore arm was soldered to a length of 0.7mm brass wire, this would be the axle that would fit
through the bearing at the top of the post and about which the semaphore arm would pivot. After the
necessary washing, this was then painted and lastly coloured film was glued over the openings for the
spectacle plate.
To ensure that solder did not run into all moving parts during assembly, use was made of greaseproof paper,
which was pushed over bearings at assembly and then torn away after soldering was completed.
There is much more that could be said about the construction of the signals, much was learned by trying
ideas to see what would work. For reference, the following publications were used:
Signals for the Railway Modeller. Derek L. Mundy. ISBN 0 9508340 0 9
Constructing & Operating Semaphore Signals. Mick Nicholson. Challenger Publications. ISBN 1-899624-32-5
If you would like further information about the construction of these signals, please ask any
member of the Newbury Model Railway Club, who will gladly point you to the right person.
Demonstrations can be arranged on request at club nights.
Written by Alan Delaney
