Signal Box at last! Making a signal box from cheap and simple materials - Scratch built model
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2024
- Take a look at how this signal box was scratch built using simple and cheap materials for my model railway layout, Chandwell.
Chandwell is set in Yorkshire in 1993 so the signal box is in the last few years of its life.
The signal box is of a Midland design; Midland signal boxes were very distinct as they were generally made up of standard components. The hipped roof with tall finials, and the very distinct windows with the upper triangles make it obviously a Midland box.
The box is raised taller than many, and overhangs the locking room on both sides. The particular box that I chose as a prototype is the signal box that used to be at Guiseley. This signal box is a bit longer than Guiseley though; it is more like the size that Ilkley Signal Box used to be. So the signal box at Chandwell is a mixture of Guiseley and Ilkley boxes.
The Guiseley signal box still exists today, at the Embsay and Bolton Abbey railway. This video includes how I measured the box without actually getting up close to it.
The signal box is scratch built, and is made from cheap materials such as card, paper, sticky labels, chocolate cake packaging, and tooth picks. The only non-simple material was some nickel silver rod that I used for the signal box safety rail.
The signal box is very small - it is N Gauge (1:148) because my layout is N Gauge. The techniques that I used to make this Midland Signal Box can be adapted to any scale or gauge though - not just N Gauge.
If you're interested in scratch-building model railway buildings from card in any scale, but especially N Scale, then I am sure you will be interested in this building!
I love scratch building with cardboard. I designed the building in Inkscape using textures and glazing from Scalescenes and Textures.com.
As well as showing my scratch-built Midland-style signal box, I include a little look at how I make window frames from sticky labels, and how I make hipped Midland style signal box roofs without using any maths or anything else complicated.
I show you some of the smallest details on the signal box. Some of them, in N Gauge, are REALLY tiny!
If you’re interested in using sticky labels to make window framed, then please see this video:
CHEAP AND EASY WINDOW FRAMES: • Scratch building cheap...
If you’d like to see how I make the signal box hipped roof without using anything complicated, then this video is for you:
HIPPED ROOFS, NO MATHS: • Hipped roofs: "No Math...
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Scratch Building a Signal Box from cheap and simple materials
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Inspiration - choosing the right Midland-style Signal Box
01:29 The base - making the signal box locking room
02:33 Windows - using the sticky label method to make fine window frames
03:58 Textures - adding the decoration and colour scheme to the signal box
04:36 Frame - making the frame of the signal box more defined
05:06 Floors - the upper base of the signal box
05:51 Box Walls - the supporting framework for the signal box windows
06:45 Window Position - how I decided where to place the signal box windows
07:14 Box Windows - how I made the large picture windows of the signal box
08:37 The roof - how I made the distinct Midland-style hipped roof of the signal box
09:24 Interior - making the inside of the signal box
11:08 Railing - using nickel silver rod to make the signal box safety rail
12:05 Staircase - using chocolate cake wrapping and paper to make a staircase
14:36 Weathering - making the signal box look old and dirty, and finishing it off
15:06 Cost - How much money did I have to spend to make this signal box? - บันเทิง
You creative skills are so impressive but the fact that these are 2mm scale makes it astonishing. We are so lucky that you are also a very good presenter and programme maker enabing us all to enjoy the wonderful miniature world you are creating. I bow my head to you sir.
Thank you Philip - very kind of you to say.
This building has gone straight into my top five.
I think it's one of my favourites too!
Your work is absolutely stunning. The detail and the planning that must go in to it is mind blowing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such brilliant work. You are an inspiration to fellow modellers. You must have the patience of a saint to produce some all of your work. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much!
Wow!….. your attention to detail and patience is an example to all of us. I’ll be delighted if my build is half as good as yours…. and that’s a signal box added to my growing list of ‘things to build’…. and you’re responsible for most of that list already as it is…. 😂
Impressive tutorial using card stock, paper.. thanks again for posting your builds..
Thanks for watching!
You’ve done it again Michael! Superb job and video. Congratulations. Roy.
Thank you Roy!
This blows me away Michael. As someone else said possibly one of your best yet which is something considering how amazing your street buildings are. It looks like a modified out of the box ready made model and I mean that as a 100% compliment. Absolutely stunning.
Thank you Phil. That is very kind!
Incredible job on the signal box. Inspirational to watch.
Thank you!
And if you paid a model maker to make this? A total education in building perfection on a minimum budget. Simply magnificent and a joy to watch. Thank you.
Wow, thank you!
Wonderful, such a fantastic structure & build everything is just so small. You must have such patience Michael.
Thanks Mark!
Long video? I was so engrossed I didn't notice it was longer than usual...worth every second! Lovely build Michael 👍
Andrew🙂
Thanks Andrew!
Your patience is brain boggling , a superb scratch build
Thank you!
Those of us who have followed every twist and turn of your journey through Chandwell appreciate just what an erudite performance this build is. You have developed skills over the years and you have honed them to perfection. Michael, you are a legend in scratch building - or as they say in Chandwell - a leg end who is scratching an itch. Joking apart Michael, this really is an N scale scratch build masterclass. Thanks. P
Wow, thank you Peter!
Bit late commenting but what I like about Chandwell is the subconscious realism: if that’s a thing. A lot of people would have chosen to model a late built panel box, which wouldn’t be wrong per se. But electing to have a typical Misland box controlling the station, with HSTs running past it, is so typical of the secondary main line which is on the decline, that it’s way more appropriate and without even thinking about it, a lot of people would just “ know “ where this is. As they have been somewhere very similar. There’d also probably be colour light signals but mechanical ground signals. Excellent work.
Edit. It’s been given a panel and the frame has been scrapped. Colour light ground position signals then.
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed this. I was inspired by photos of Bradford Interchange and Mill Lane Junction box in the 1990s.
Well balanced documentation - not lengthy at all. Good entrance for all those who joined your channel along the way.
Thank you! I had new viewers partly in mind when I made this one.
What an awesome job! I particularly like the idea of representing the sliding windows.
A complete custom building for under a couple of quid. 👍
I was pleased with how the windows worked out.
Hi great video that is a neat little signal box it looks so good it dont look scrach built it looks like you built it from a kit your entire layout looks really awsome your ideas inspire me i do hope you do more awsome videos
Thank you Susan! Always more videos to come!
That signalbox looks fantastic but I am disappointed you haven’t given the poor signalman a traditional battered winged armchair to sit in. Lovely work 👍
Ach... and the roof is glued on now! :)
@@Chandwell I suspect the signalman will be out on the next strike now after this treatment. 😆
@@WesternSignalman good job I glued the door shut too!! 😂
Well done, looks great I have fond memories of that signal box.
Thank you! It's a lovely box. I think I have the roof too shallowly-pitched though. I may replace it one day.
Have you thought about putting some colour light signals on the layout
@@warrenmcclintoch4232yes I think I will one day. Not a priority at the moment though.
As usual and as already said, a splendid model, perhaps the best you've made so far with the Grand Hotel. Can't wait to see the corner hotel coming to life! 🤩
That is so kind Eric. Thank you.
I loved the shot of the signal box from the station throat - looking back towards the station building. It just looked like a photo of the real thing - a stunning piece of modelling.
Thank you so much!
I'm far too skint and lacking in any space whatsoever to have a model railway- but I am tempted maybe to make a diorama or two.
Your videos are incredibly inspiring, especially as you work in such a tiny scale, and do virtually everything by hand with basic materials.
What is more, your layout is incredible- many layouts- even some very good ones- look like they could be based anywhere. But it only takes a glance to see that yours is specifically North East England, (and I've lived in the West Country my entire life), and more specifically, West Yorkshire. I love the way you depict both the beauty and the more run down aspects of Chandwell (Northern cities tend to have the best and the worst side-by-side, whereas in the more prosperous South, the more deprived areas tend to be 'ghettoised' and less readily evident- but they are most certainly there if you look).
I do love the way you itemise the cost of building to the penny- on the face of it, that's very Northern (!), but it also goes to show what can be achieved for pocket money (not that I can afford to eat Weetabix, no matter how good the cardboard). But I can think of one or two famous layouts on TH-cam that have had vastly more money spent on them that are not even remotely as immersive as Chandwell. And to me, that is one of the most important aspects of any layout, and one that many modellers don't get right, despite striving for realism in other ways. If I feel like I could shrink myself down and walk about the streets of a layout, and have a sense of a 'real place' with cohesion, identity, and of being in a natural landscape with the buildings that work with the topography, then it is a job done very well indeed. Too many layouts look like a flat baseboard with barely enough buildings on them to give a sense of being in a town or city- whereas Chandwell has buildings aplenty, many of which their purpose isn't readily apparent- just like a real town or city.
And in case I do decide to do a diarama, any chance you could test-drive some Lidl cereals for me to see if the cardboard is worthy?
Thank you so much for your kind words. These have really made me smile. You seem to appreciate exactly what it is I am trying to achieve with Chandwell, and it means a lot that you have seen it. I have not tried Lidl cereal yet, but I will add it to my list! :)
@@Chandwell I was only joking about the Lidl cereal, although in fact, the ones I've tried all taste just like the main brand stuff, but much cheaper.
😂 so was I!
The best yet! For considering it’s so small and detailed
Thank you!
I have missed your usual weekly videos but this one was worth waiting for. Yet another excellent build. I am envious of your skill with a cereal packet and a sharp knife.
Thank you!
The signal box is beautiful and the skill used is amazing. :)
Thank you Dave!
The Box! Worth every minute of the wait. Well done sir.
Thank you sir!
This is an amazing bit of work and thanks so much for posting. I’m a newbie to modelling and this video is such an eye opener. Shows how to make card really strong and how layers enhance the durability and looks of the model too. It also demonstrates excellently how you can use ordinary materials you can find around the home.
I’m itching to get my cereal boxes and start making some test builds after seeing this! A really excellent bit of work and your layout is incredible. Great stuff indeed
Glad it was helpful! Go and make something awesome! :)
@@Chandwell Nice one, thanks for the reply and it’s really appreciated. Would you recommend a layer coat for the outside of the buildings? I’ve read that an artists lacquer or waterproofing spray is a great way to keep card models preserved. On the other hand though, I’ve heard that in their raw form card buildings hold their own for a very long time - I’ve heard stories of Superquick type buildings still being solid after 20 years or so. Thanks again for the reply and your channel is amazing, such an inspiration for so many out there : )
Michael, simply stunning work. Just when I think I found a favorite, you force me to replace it with your very next video. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Rob
Thank you!
Again another fantastic scratch build. I can't wait for the next one. 10/10.
Thank you!
That is a lovely signal box Michael and so well engineered. It uses the space so well. Looking forward to seeing the next hotel build which should keep you gainfully employe with the curves. Stephen
Thanks Stephen! Yes indeed. Now curved walls should not pose a problem... but the roof!!? I'm sensing a bit of a challenge with that... :)
Once again epic build i have watched all your video's and builds and im amazed how you do it i model in n gauge but nothing to the extent and skill you have the signal box i think is your best build yet and all the others are epic too so looking forward to the next instalment bring it on take care
Thank you very much!
That signalbox looks splendid. It's excellent to see how far that Chandwell has come on in a year.
It's surprising to see photos from just a year ago, and see how much it has changed.
Hi Michael - perfect in every way. The box looks just right for the station throat. Amazing skill you have in designing structures and then bringing them to life . Cheers Euan
Thank you Euan. I am pleased with how this one turned out.
That is BRILLIANT 👍👍
Thank you!
Yet Another fantastic build. I already can't wait for the next build.
Thank you!
So fiddly and so many layers, but it looks fantastic and fits the location perfectly. Well done Michael.
Thank you so much 😀
Long time coming but most definatey worth the wait.
You never cease to impress and inspire.
So excited to see the future development of Station Rd
Thanks you again for producing not only great videos but ever the best card and paper model making and content.
Thank you so much!
Astounding. The detail (and fine-ness) you get in such small structures is breathtaking. You need to speed up a bit though, as your eyesight won't be this good forever! 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you! And yes, that is a good point that is not far away from my thinking.
Great job as always. You make it look so easy. Keep up the great work Michael. Otto
Thanks Otto!
splendid model well done keep it up brilliant video
Thanks Brian!
@@Chandwell welcome Michael
This is really interesting to watch. In the usa we tend to prefer styrene I think, and less cardstock.
Thank you. I’ve never used styrene before. I’ve always thought it looks quite tricky to work with.
A lovely presentation of "how to" and an excellent result. Almost convinces me that "I could do this"!
Yes! Go for it!
Absolutely wonderful Michael! It came out beautifully! 👍
Thank you Steven!
Outstanding, best I've ever seen
Dam good job that man x
Gosh- thank you
Unbelievable , love watching you vids
Much appreciated
Great build Michael, 👏👏👍👍
Thank you!
Pure Excellence Michael , Well done .
Thank you!
Well done Mike that’s brilliant fantastic work as always
Thank you!
@@Chandwell ur welcome
Fabulous build, and great presentation. Kept me hooked from start to finish.
Thanks Adam!
Your sequences are inspirational and help me in using similar techniques for my diorama of Matlock Station in 4mm scale! The Signal Box at Matlock is on a girder platform which straddles the track into the Goods Shed, and I know you contemplated a similar idea originally. One thing I would mention is the roof pitch is too shallow on yours, Midland designed their Signal Boxes in 10ft panels, and the ridge is also 10ft (20mm in N gauge). I suspect your ridge is too short!
Thanks for the info. If only I had known that before I started. I read as much as I could get my hands on and I knew the panels were 10ft but didn’t read anything about the roof pitch. You are right, my ridge is 17mm, so too short. So it was a best guess unfortunately. I still think it looks brilliant though! 😍😂
Michael, I just had an idea for stairs that might save you a bit of effort positioning all those individual steps. As there are gaps between the stair slats, why not have the step pieces attached to one of the stringers, cut this out as a single piece, and then you could simply fold over each step to join the other stringer using the jig. It would mean they are positioned already on one side and you'd only need to do half the gluing.
Also, Chandwell needs at least three adverts for Weetabix!
That is a GENIUS idea. I will give that a try, I think, next time I need to make stairs!
As always, I am stunned with the results you achieve with very cheap materials. Although I admire your courage for scratchbuilding stairs using paper and cardboard, the result is just uneven enough to detract from your model. You can buy laser cut stair stringers and steps in N scale: Rail Scale Models and Builders in Scale are two US suppliers; perhaps there are suppliers in the UK. Depending on shipping costs, this will add about a pound to your total cost (one set of stringers and treads will have about four times as much material as you'd need for this build.)
Thank you! I always ponder whether or not to use commercial components, but it's not the cost that puts me off. It's the "look what I did" factor. I get **so** much more satisfaction from making something that looks a bit wobbly than I do from sucking together bits of commercial components. Sometimes there is no alternative, but for me, I love my wobbly stairs. And at a normal viewing angle, even if you put your head quite close to the layout, the wonkiness is hardly noticeable. Each to our own though... we all make what we make for our own enjoyment and we each do what pleases us.
@@Chandwell That's the great thing about this hobby: WE get to decide what's important and what's not. Every time I show my wife your videos, she is amazed at the incredible realism, and even more amazed when she learns how you built it. Can't wait to see your curved hotel!
@@rwissbaum9849 it really is, isn’t it!? No two layouts are the same!! Thank you!
Hi Michael excellent build, it almost comes to life all that's missing is a small LED to light that splendid interior. Well done and for the amount it cost it looks like a shop brought item, looking forward to next build, many thanks for sharing this remember to stay safe..
Thanks Barry!
That was absolutely brilliant Michael.
Loved it when you panned around the signal box so you could see the background, extremely realistic.
Regards Chris
Thank you! Cheers!
Been waiting for this one Micheal .....superb is all I can say
Thanks Steve!
amazing stuff
Thank you!
You are bloody amazing
Thank you!
good build on he layout
Thank you!
Hi, I've not come across your channel before, I model in oo gauge and seeing your model really thought it was oo gauge too. Guess I got that wrong, but it just goes to show how wonderful your scratch building is. Very great work and such detail for something so small. Your build process reminded me of the "Scalescenes" download kits, of which I have built a number. All the best Dave. Going to watch some more of your projects now!
Thank you Dave! I use Scalescenes textures, and learned almost all of my techniques putting together their wonderful buildings.
A Fantasic Building, well done
Thank you!
Awesome job.
Thank you!
Another stunning build.
Ron
Thanks Ron!
While not a modeller myself, it was fascinating watching this video especially in N guage, you really have a superb model there
Thank you!
A tribute to patience!
Thank you!
That was absolutely fantastic 👍🏻
Thank you! Cheers!
The buildings do look very much like Bradford
Thank you
Always of interest!!
Thank you!
Amazing again Michael..👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you!
Great video! Very detailed construction.
Thank you Ken!
A joy and a delight - what's more, an inspiration. Thank you.
Thank you Michael.
Absolutely brilliant, looks superb.
Thank you!
Can't be done better - even chocolat package was used. Such a wonderful signal box, files perfectly the space in front of the platforms.
As always, it was hge fun to watch you building, Michael.
All the best
Valentin
Thank you Valentin!
Michael, a quick note that your playlist is in the wrong order, so it starts with the signal box and then you have the terminus videos playing part 3, then part 2, then part 1. I just checked your commercial street playlist and that is back to front as well. They need a bit of digital housework to reverse the order and make them play in the proper sequence.
Thank you. I’ll take a look. I made it so the latest video is at the top as this made sense when making the videos first time. It makes sense to swap it round again now.
Your vids and builds just get better and better. I look so forward to each one and I’m never disappointed!
Thank you!
Excellent work, I feel your pain about the railing, as I've built multiple ships in 1/144th!
Gosh, now THEY must be challenging!
@@Chandwell I cheat, SNCF photo-etch N-scale fencing is very close to what I need....
Thank you Michael for the nice comments. I’m pleased that the photos taken in the 1990’s have helped with this wonderful model. I’m pleased that you have been able to used one of the painted figures, this is from Peco Modelscenes N Gauge Unpainted Figure Set. I really like how Chandwell is developing. Ian
Thanks Again, Ian!
Nice presentation! Nailed it again Michael! Looks so great the way it is positioned and adds to the whole scene. The whole landscape is coming to life. More buildings and stories to tell, I'm sure.
Glad you enjoyed it! More stories, definitely!
Nice one! Looks the business.
Thank you! I was happy with this one! (Still resisting the lure of the 3D printer!) :)
Worty waiting for Well done!
Thank you!
Great video. Super cool.
Thank you!
Amazing 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
Superb.
Bob
Thank you!
That's brilliant ☺☺☺
Thanks Dan!
Wrong scale, but you've inspired me to have a go at my own low relief signal box in oo, thanks.
Go for it! Thanks!
@@Chandwell update, not up to your standards, but largely finished,just needs a few details, and I enjoyed building it and it's the perfect fit, thanks for giving me the confidence to just do it.
Update 2 also built a station roof out of the clear plastic from a curtain pole clear plastic packaging and some cereal boxes, PVA glue and kid's paint from the supermarket. Just to add the platforms are from card kits so manufacturers please don't cry too much!! I'm going for a more hybrid system of construction now
@@philipstokes2824 superb!!! Thank you for the update!
Artistry, as usual. Beautiful addition to the layout.
Thank you!
Lovely build, the interior details are great.
Thank you very much!
Michael,
Superb artistry.
I am definitely following your lead and build a U.S. signal box. Adopting your technique.
The only alteration I can perceive is to add a small flicker seed light to the interior.
Thank you for your numerous idea contributions to the NVR/WAS Rail Line.
Jim in the U.S.A.
Brilliant! Go for it!
Great form in this video! Sounds and looks like an enjoyable build… did I hear LIDAR? Can’t believe the tech on hand these days, however I think the hand measurement method for now until the next iPhone upgrade!
I loved this build. I had been apprehensive as I thought it would be really challenging. It was, but not in an impossible-to-overcome kind of way. It ended up being one of the most enjoyable builds I have done. It was nice working on something smaller.
great video keep up the good content
Thank you!
Nice
Thanks
Brilliant work in card, the end result is superb😊👍
I liked your fine soldering iron, what make is that please?👍🤔✌️😊
Thank you! The iron is an Atten one with temperature control, although I never use the temperature control!
Excellent work! I have no excuse now not to build my own box - I've even done a mock up already.
Go for it!
Very nice build! I have to make about 8 of these stairs in scale 1:200, ...... wish me luck!
Good grief! Good luck! :)
@@Chandwell Thanks, I think I'll need it ...
That's ssuuuuper detailed and the fact it's N scale is even crazier Michael , well done mate!
Incidentally what colour powder did you use?
Thank you! Cheers! I used brown mainly, but with a bit of smoke and a tiny bit of white too.
Knockout as usual. Arthur
Thank you!
Q. I think i saw you use acetate to make the stairs. Then it looks like you made it with card? Is that right?
I made the staircase stringers and bannisters out of strips of acetate. The steps themselves are folded bits of paper.
Hi I’ve tried Inkscape on iMac but clumpy does it work better on windows 10 thanks
I have only ever used it on Windows, so I have nothing to compare it with. There is definitely a steep learning curve, but it is worth persevering with!
Can you try to do this scratch build but with templates and in tt scale 1/120, since I want a signal box since I have an area on the layout with lots of sidings and I need some guidance to make one in that scale.
Hello! Thank you for watching. I'm making a layout in N scale, and still have many years left before it's finished. I have no plans to move to 1/120, but I am sure that the techniques I used in this video would work in the larger scale. Have fun with your project!
@@Chandwellthanks
A lovely model. I had not realised that the box is now on the Embsay railway. I have been in it when it was still in use. I knew Mill Lane as well and it is good to see you chose that box to base the interior of yours on. I took video in there and a little of it is on here right at the beginning is the table on the right end of the panel which had the train describer and block instrument on also the train register, behind it another table with the train describer monitor on. the table at the left end had the telephone concentrator on a similar looking silver box to the train describer one. Details you could add to your model. th-cam.com/video/UQm2T1TjsEQ/w-d-xo.html
Oh thank you so much!! That video is wonderful! I wish I'd seen it sooner and I could have added a few tiny mocked-up bits of the equipment.
@@Chandwell Always the same when we make our models, we always find a photo or video we wish we had seen before starting LOL. I know I have some more taken in there in my VHS archive. I need to get it on DVD so I can upload it. My VHS/DVD broke and I got another but not set it up yet. It was made for a video 'On Line to Bradford' which is on here and showed the box at Halifax and Mill Lane with the last 3 car class 110 Calder valley unit in service and one of the first class 150 units, by now with yellow ends but look on the link again at 1:20 and you see a rare bit of video showing a brand new one with silver grey ends, they only ran a few days like that before being taken out of service for safety concerns. Now Yellow ends are again being dispensed with but I still think they show up more clearly from a distance in bright sunlight than a white light and should be retained
Your costs are not fully represented: 1.50 in parts, 15 hours labour (say 50/hr) and the patience of a saint (priceless). So really 751 pounds and some divine intervention is all it took. 🤐🤐
Hahah brilliant!
Wow excellent video buddy. Super realistic! If you get time please check out my channel. I've just started it and it's no where near the quality of yours but I myself like originality so there might be something of interest to you. Once again, amazing layout!
Thank you - I will take a look when I can!