Vintage Thursday

 Time for another trip down the track that heads to what was before.  Inspiration comes in many forms,  sometimes it's visiting a layout,  sometimes seeing a model in person,  sometimes vintage film of your favorite prototype, or a favorite photograph.  This week's vintage Thursday is a few photographs,  from a generic book titled "Model And Miniature Railways" by Patrick Whitehouse and John Adams.  A very large format book I've looked through hundreds of times from childhood to today,  some 25+ odd years.  The series of photographs below is one reason I've always had an interest in Victorian Steam Railways,  and a desire to build a model of them in some small way.

(Two others being Thomas The Tank Engine , and Ivo Peter's superb colour films).  

 The Layout is Dean Bridge,  and was built by Anthony Murray.  You don't see many model railways depicting the earlier periods of pre-grouping much these days.  Fantastic,  and the colour Photographs taken by B. Monaghan really brings it to life.  Enjoy !   (Oh,  and of course,  it's O gauge :)

 (Click On Photo for Full Size)

Windrush Junction Signal Box

 With the days getting shorter and the weather getting colder,  I've been finding more time to relax at my workbench with a nice cup of tea,  and a fun project. 

 This one was very enjoyable,  the signal box located at Windrush Junction.   The kit was made by Lcut ,  the second model I've built from them. (Kit # B70-07L Medium Signal Box Left Stairs).  Made in Great Britain.  Price was £17.99,  which I find to be very good value for money.   The kit went together like the engine shed,  very easy and everything fit well.  I did add a Skytrex interior kit.  In O scale,  the interiors of buildings are very visible,  especially ones with large windows,  so it's a must.   While adding the interior,  I made the decision to add interior LED lighting too,  as I thought it would show up well, factoring in where the signal box would be placed on the layout.  I don't plan on operating my railway too much in the dark,  but it will be nice to switch the interior lights on once and awhile in dim room lighting,  adding a bit of atmosphere to the scene.  Fun to photograph.

 The other modification made from the kit was changing the position of the stairs.  It was going to eat up too much space by having the stairs go straight.  So I added a few pieces and now have them coming down the side of the building,  more pleasing to my eye too.   

Overall I'm very happy how this particular scene is developing.  I try to picture the entire layout as a series of specific scenes all linked together to paint a portrait of a small railway in 1920s Somerset.

Next up is more track ballasting,  and more scenic projects.  Never a dull moment on the BBR !

 (Click on photos for full size)