Detail work in Rae Bridge

Ted Polet

May, 2006 - After almost a year without any progress , over the past weeks I added a lot of detail to Rae Bridge station. At the upper end of the station a lattice footbridge materialised, based on a Hornby kit. In addition, the point rods and signal wires were modelled (non-operating of course, as the real mechanical operating system is below the baseboard). A ground frame hut and associated signalling hardware materialised beyond the footbridge and telegraph poles and platform lights were added. Finally, I built a ground signal controlling the yard exit to the main through lines.

Modelling the point rodding and signal wiring was a complicated matter due to all the small details like rod guides, angle cranks and pulleys where the wires are led around corners and the way all of this is passed underneath the track. The photos give an impression of all the new work.

Click on the photos to enlarge

The footbridge across the tracks materialised by converting a Hornby footbridge. Above left is the initial version, above right the final one with the stairways narrowed. I added smoke deflectors and weathered the planking.

Left: the roller guides of the point rods being built from staples, thin wire and aluminium tube. Right: the first bundle of point rods (styrene strip) being installed.

Some of the trackside detail with rods and wired led under the track. Note the wire pulleys and the (rather too small) angle cranks. Below left the station foreman inspects his next train order. Note the fire bucket, the coal bin and the signal lamps under the tin roof.

The fence and barrow crossing at the distillery. Note the signal wires.

The ground frame hut at the upper end of the station being built. The interior includes the signal levers, a diagram on the wall, a phone box and the shunter working a point lever.

Details beyond the footbridge, including the ground frame and the point rods and signal wires.

Left: yard point lever with plank covering over the linkage. Right: an overview of the platforms after the telegraph poles were fitted.

Overviews of the station in its present guise, with a passenger train about to depart (left) and pulling away (right).

The footbridge and surrounding detail. Left: the signal was lowered to improve sighting below the bridge (compare to earlier photo at right). Note the new gas lamps on the platforms (right and right below).

The ground signal controlling the yard exit works in conjunction with the point. It was scratchbuilt from brass and includes a few plastic parts from a Ratio kit.

After the engine has passed the yard point, both the point blades and the signal are returned to normal. The signal is based on a Highland Railway disc signal. It is operated by a mechanical linkage to the rod below the baseboard that works the point. This is worked by the appropriate lever in the frame fitted to the front of the layout.

Dutch Group homepage