Build a timber signal box kit
Osborn’s Models has developed an exciting new range of laser-cut signal box kits for various scales. George Dent trials an ‘O’ gauge version, depicting a typical small GWR cabin.
The traditional timber-built signal box is a quintessential feature of the British railway landscape. Conjuring up an image of a bygone age, with the sound of bells, clanking levers and comfy chairs beside a stove, the signalman’s lot always looked to be an idyllic one, especially on a rural branch line.
A signal box is an equally important element of a model railway, so the appearance of a new kit is always welcome. The folks at Osborn’s Models of Bideford have been working on a number of kits recently, including this attractive GWR design. Based on Kentsford Signal Box, which once stood on the Minehead branch, between Watchet and Washford, the kit is being offered in both ‘OO’ and ‘O’ gauge. Another kit has also been released, of a larger Great Eastern design, again in both 4mm and 7mm scales.
The kit comes in an attractive package and contains several sheets of laser-cut plywood and card, plus pre-cut glazing panels. Assembly is straightforward, aided by tab-and-slot construction which helps the walls to marry up neatly and effectively. Indeed, the finished structure is very robust.
There’s also plenty of scope for customisation, and the windows can be posed open if desired. Interior fittings are provided, including an 11-lever frame, with corresponding locking bars for the lower floor, plus a tablet machine, block instruments and a wall clock. There’s also a 3D-printed pot-bellied stove, flue and signalman figure.
Extra details can be easily sourced, such as a set of fire buckets, chair, ledger desk, tea caddy (and the essential cat!) from various sources, including Peco and Modelu, while it’s a simple task to draw or print your own track diagram. Holes have been provided in the floor and base to allow for easy installation of interior lighting, which is a helpful touch.
One of the things I like most about the kit is the delicate grain texture of the real wood components. This is very important for a timber building, especially in 7mm scale and, after a few light coats of acrylic paint (no need for primer) the grain texture is retained to the planking and exterior framework.
Providing an enjoyable modelling project, the kit went together very well, with no difficulties encountered. The instructions recommend painting virtually all of the parts before assembly and, while I thought this was a little unusual, it did prove to make the assembly stage so much easier. So, it does pay to read the instructions after all!