KSE Signalling Project

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)...