Hi,I have just built the metcalfe signal box,they give you a choice of brick or stone.The part you dont use they tell you to discard,don't it comes in handy for the inside.Cut to fit with the plain side in and they line up with the widows,the only part I had to make up was across the back wall.I then printed off some brown and cream paper and covered them then fitted in place(the cream was pale yellow but looks the part).The brown came up to the bottom of the window cills,just got to fit the light,and put the signal man on to his chair,hope this helps Jim
GWR signal box
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Any pics ?
"Fit the light" ???
Why???
What period is your Box?
Most of railway history most boxes had very limited lighting. More often than not oil lamps (paraffin) - and not often with incandescent mantles. Gas would only occur in towns - that had gas. Even as electricity spread it was often/usually a long time getting along the track to signalboxes (and even little level crossing boxes) Cost of running cable was only one issue - a common other issue was planned removal of the Signalbox - which might be delayed a decade or three.
When boxes did have illumination it would usually be kept low (ie little light). This aided seeing outside and reduced anyone outside seeing in - useful against vandals/morons. The one place where light might be brighter (and shaded) would be the train register desk... So there might be a blob of light in the corner over the desk. Outside lights were rare until electricity provided bulkhead lights late on - these would not normally be left on - because they would attract attention (usually unwanted) and, again, interfere with seeing along and around the track.
... On the other hand - your tip for using the "redundant" parts is helpful.
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Why???
What period is your Box?
Most of railway history most boxes had very limited lighting. More often than not oil lamps (paraffin) - and not often with incandescent mantles. Gas would only occur in towns - that had gas. Even as electricity spread it was often/usually a long time getting along the track to signalboxes (and even little level crossing boxes) Cost of running cable was only one issue - a common other issue was planned removal of the Signalbox - which might be delayed a decade or three.
When boxes did have illumination it would usually be kept low (ie little light). This aided seeing outside and reduced anyone outside seeing in - useful against vandals/morons. The one place where light might be brighter (and shaded) would be the train register desk... So there might be a blob of light in the corner over the desk. Outside lights were rare until electricity provided bulkhead lights late on - these would not normally be left on - because they would attract attention (usually unwanted) and, again, interfere with seeing along and around the track.
... On the other hand - your tip for using the "redundant" parts is helpful.
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