KSE Signalling Project

Just a quick post this time before Christmas: the first step towards putting the NER Central Division frame into the signal box! Having produced various drawings after lots of measurements in the early days of the project, we finally offered up the first components to the floor joists to check everything fitted nicely before we got too carried away. Here we see Steve and Matt offering up a single quadrant, with the two brackets attached. These brackets both steady the frame and support the floor over the locking trays. Bob looks on in despair at our interruption to his work! He should be very content indeed, having built the box to suit the frame perfectly! We were trying to ascertain the exact level for each component, so that it all ties into the floor seamlessly. Once the remaining internal scaffolding comes out, we will be setting up the stanchions on the girders, so everything must end up at the correct height!

As the signal box rebuild comes on apace, the time nears when the lever frame is required! As you will no doubt have seen, the rear section of the floor is going in, but that leaves a gaping hole to the front. Where the frame sits, and supports the rest of the floor. Along with various other components we require (Central Division signal parts, rodding connections, cranks, LNER ground signals...), we have been cleaning up parts of the lever frame and painting them. There are 4 (vertical) stanchions, with 3 large horizontal castings that fasten them together at the base. These 3 large castings support the lever pivots, which in turn hold the levers themselves... The work sees wire brushing, sanding and wiping down with degreaser (not necessarily in that order) prior to painting in primer, and then a grey enamel finish. This is for all the items below the floor level, and allows everything to be kept clean easily. A lighter colour also makes the most of the light available, to make it ea...

After many months of battling the weather to erect the signal box, the time has come to introduce a little refinement to the build by starting to fit out the interior. We have begun by fitting a stone hearth to complement the fireplace and laying the floor joists for the area that borders the lever frame aperture between the doorway and the fireplace. Work is hindered at the moment by the scaffolding as we wait for it to be removed which should happen shortly allowing us to begin work in earnest. There is much to do outside yet with the steps to construct and also the platform at the top of the steps which will allow wheelchair access to the interior of the ‘box for our disabled visitors. I think this will be the last blog of the year, so have a Merry Christmas and I will keep you all posted with developments in the New Year. 

The lattice main post for the bracket signal was the last to be planted during the week with the Road Railer and was installed in the dark. As it was positioned, some material was dragged into the hole. At the time, we knew it hadn't settled properly and wasn't vertical, but due to the conditions, we decided to revisit it later. The signal post was on its studs, secured with nuts, and stable. The post: not looking too bad from this angle, but it was definitely worse from the side. Another day arrived, and the post was inspected. There was a clear lean away from the station and slightly towards the Tebay line, suggesting something was under one corner. Ratchet straps were used to take the strain (after loosening the securing nuts) to safely investigate the cause. Sure enough, a few trowels' worth of spoil was removed from the edge of the foot, but none of it caused the issue, as it was all small or soft lumps. A podger (a metal tool for lining up holes and applying leverage)...

As the heavens opened this afternoon, we were busy removing the cat ladders from the roof after installing and pointing the last of our ‘wavy’ ridge tiles. I say ‘wavy’ because these tiles, salvaged from the Waiting Shelter at Barras station some 17 years ago, have a unique history. Originally made in 1861, they were entirely hand-crafted, resulting in variations in almost every dimension. Coupled with the firing techniques of the time, this produced tiles that were anything but straight! The signal box is now, at last, completely watertight. This milestone enables John Paul to move forward with boarding out the rafters inside, fitting the wide window ledges all around, and installing a floor. These tasks mark significant progress in transforming the space. Meanwhile, Tim and the signalling squad are hard at work, eager to begin installing the frame and levers they have so skillfully refurbished. This effort also includes assembling all the associated hardware in the locking room. Ther...

We’ve just had a very busy 4 days, in conjunction with track modifications and with great support from Lampitt Rail Services. In that time, we have successfully planted 5 signal posts, dismantled a crossover and moved the components to their new locations, ready for reinstatement. Lots more has gone on at the same time, in the background, that will appear in future posts. This entry looks at the signal post planting… Teamwork with the spoons: making adjustments to the hole for No.4 signal Still more to dig out ... Battling the ground foe the fixed stop signal Trying to get the last bits out of the bottom Swallowed by the ground, or the mole returning home? (Don't worry - this was posed!) Well, you can’t plant a post without preparing the ground for it first. So the Moles of Kirkby Stephen were at it again! The locations for the posts and the depths of the holes depended upon a fair few factors, such as visibility of the signals, distances from the track and pointwork they are prote...