Moving a Box

Just enough time for the last update of the year,  or if you're on the other side of the pond,  the first update of '25 !   I've been thinking of making this change for awhile now.  The signal box at Windrush Junction has been located on the other side of a small road / level crossing since the beginning, but I've become more convinced it would look better being on the platform.  So there we are,  a few cuts and it has since been moved.  I think it's an improvement.  A future lamp hut will be planted between the box and the road.  Now,  what to do with the sudden empty space that's opened up ?  Ideas, thoughts are welcomed.  Perhaps a small hotel,  for travelers to rest up for the 3 mile jaunt to the village the station purports to serve ?  (perhaps managed by a Mr. Basil Fawlty :)  All the best for a peaceful, healthy new year.

First Signal

Signals are one element I believe to be essential to a model railway.  It's been a long time coming,  but I've finally gotten the first one built & installed at Windrush Junction.   Built from a cheap Ratio / Peco kit purchased at a local train show for only £2 !   This is a lesson in economy,  as one can now purchase nice RTR signals,  albeit very pricey.  The savings will be put back into the purchase of a desired kit.  It was fun to build,  and most satisfying when installed on the railway.  Here's GWR autotrain arriving & departing.  

Catch Point & Constable Jeffries

One evening while operating the railway I realized I omitted something in my track design at Windrush Junction.  The exit from the goods yard onto the main wasn't protected from loose wagons by means of a catch point.  In our ever condensed O scale world I doubt that it is really accurate but I think it adds rather then detracts from the scene.  I've added a "Detail Matters" ground signal, non operating.  Someday I'll get around to point rodding & signal cables.  I'm sure I've broken dozens of "rules of the prototype",  but for me it's all about creating an impression, not total accuracy.

Oh,  and speaking of WJ,  the village of Windrush now has a Constable to deal with law breakers and keep the peace.  Constable Jeffries is now on the job.