How to Add a signal box

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Whether scratchbuilding or working from a kit, referring to lots of photographs will help you accurately model your chosen signal box. Painting prior to building is always easier than trying to get paint into tight spots once it’s been erected.

DON’T FORGET THE INTERIOR

Visibility is key in signal boxes and as a result they feature a lot of glass. Don’t neglect the interior. Add a signalman and an interior kit. Springside, Wills and Ratio all make detailing kits to go inside your signal box.

MODIFY IT

You can make a kit look unique with some paint and accessories. Add weeds around the bottom or give it a peeling paint job. Even signal boxes built to the same design aren’t identical.

ADD POINT RODDING

For a really authentic look, add some point rodding leading out from the base of a signal box. C&L Finescale makes ‘O’ gauge point rodding, while Wills has introduced a ‘OO’ gauge kit. Adding these details will take your signal box to another level.