Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Not much traffic to be seen on the East Appledore today, A lone guards van is returned to Myrtle Street Station goods yard with its new working tail lamp in evidence, as yet unpainted. Sid, the new guard can be seen having a quick fag en route.

New Coal Bunker

At last a coal bunker has been erected to the northern end of Myrtle Street Station platform, opposite the water tower, and now locos can top up when neccesary when visiting the station. Made up of scrap timber on a slate base and very well varished, it will be interesting to see how long it lasts!

It is hoped that construction of the Station building itself will commence this coming weekend, which will be a relief to the two passengers who have been waiting in the rain and weather for some considerable time! (As usual click the photo for an enlarged version)

Autumn on the EALR

A lovely autumn day in Devon and I caught the 3.30 p.m. Stainz, just past Bloody Corner, working a light freight from Myrtle Street Station, just as the post was being picked up from the cul-de-sac at Wall's End by Pat.

I noticed that the new flat wagon was being used though still running in it's original colours but having had the EALR lettering applied. I was glad to get the shot between the rain showers we have been having all day. Just off to the station cafe now for a cuppa and a stcky bun!

New Signal on the line

As I intend eventually to fully signal the East Appledore,according to our own system (which covers me for any apparent errors in prototype :) ), I decided before scratchbuilding one myself, to see what the kit produced by GRS came out like.

The post is a lovely piece of wood, very close grained, knot free and beautifuly tapered. There are a number of whitemetal fittings together with brass rods and rivets and coloured plastic for the lenses.Some of the castings needed a little work, including some fine drilling but overall quality wasn't bad. I had to add my own safety rail but otherwise everything needed was there. When finished, the signal is nicely balanced with the board returning automatically to the 'on' position when left standing. Later all signals will be made operational, when the final layout of the line is decided.

The instructions fall down a bit, being only an exploded view, with no text, so a copy of Freezer's 'Signalling' may come in handy. This kit makes up to the basic 'Home' signal shown here but they also have various other kits including a bracket, post and full bracket signal, so it should be able to construct just about any Signal needed with a bit of fiddling about.

Overall a success and I'll be using both their kits and more particularly, parts for future signalling projects on the E.A.L.R.The result is shown in the picture. (click for an enlargement)

New Wagon completed

Finally finished making the new Power Van for the East Appledore. Now all is needed is to install the batteries etc. etc. I hope also to fit the innovations to the couplings as and when I've finished with the design. It's proving a bit of a pain but I'm sure I'll get there eventually.

The stock is now starting to get a bit of a corporate look to it which is satisfying..... loads more to do though!