NER Central Division Signal Components

We've already looked at part of the rodding run, but there's also the small matter of the signals we want to install...

Since we're in NER Central Division territory, we need appropriate signals for the scheme. Which really isn't straightforward, as there are very few known components anywhere! We have one (almost) complete set, as pictured, which has its own fascinating story of survival which we will explore in a future blog post.

How these parts survived is a
tale for the ages!

This assembly came from the eastern end of Kirkby Stephen East Station, and fortunately is in excellent condition. But that's just one set of parts. And we need more!

We do have another, complete, set. But unfortunately they aren't suitable for re use at all!!

You could say the other set is a
little on the 'manky' side

Most of the components can easily be copied at a foundry, using the originals as a pattern from which to cast. However, the arm weight and post caps require patterns to be made to allow casting to take place. 

The arm weight is a tricky lump.

In both instances, the patterns include core boxes to create a sand mould for the interior space so that you don't end up with a solid (and very heavy) lump which then needs an awful lot of complicated and expensive machining.

We have already got a full pattern for the small post cap, and have now placed an order with a pattern maker for the large post cap as well as the full size arm weight. Meanwhile, the foundry are starting to cast the components they can from the original items. The spindle and pin will be turned up on a lathe to tie everything together.

The components labelled with quantities / status.

The arm weight is a tricky lump, as everything attaches to it. Having an original to copy for the full size (main aspect) arm makes the job of creating a pattern fairly straightforward. But there's another problem. We also need a subsidiary arm weight which we don't have - only various archive photos! Luckily however, from comparisons between various images in the KSE archive and the North Eastern Railway Association's Digital Archive, I'm pretty confident we now know how these appeared. They used the same spectacle, pivot bearing plates and back blinds, but featured a smaller arm weight. We have now placed an order for a suitable pattern to be made.

We love a mockup.

That all sounds great, but there's a "but"... Not all subsidiary signals were the same in Central Division areas. We have gone with what was here at KSE, and also at Saltburn, among other places. It means we don't need a whole set of different components AND we have a precedent for doing things the way we are!

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