Having got the post and dolls in place, the next step was to fit the brackets.

The LNWR were unusual in not using cast brackets; instead they fabricated theirs from sheet and angle iron. Those supplied by MSE are a flat etch and therefore feel a bit one dimensional.

I therefore sweated on brass wire to one side of the strutts on both faces and also a plate on its outer edge. This helps give this a third dimension that was lacking before.

The next issue to be confronted was the landing where the MSE etch only provides a landing to the rear of the posts whereas this (and it appears many other LNWR signals) have landings both sides. I therefore had to produce support brackets and an enlarged area of landing. Foolishly, I forgot to drill holes for the guard rails before assembly, which meant that i had drill them in-situ. This is awkward due to the proximity of the dolls – it cost a couple of drill bits as a result and as a useful reminder to get it right next time!

Next, I diverted my attention to the the mount for the servos. I now always form these with a lower base which is permenantly attached to the baseboard and into which a second detachable base plate is inserted. The two are a tight fit such that once a little scenary is applied to the top, the joint is invisible. These are secured together with 12BA screws to allow it to be detached both during the build and for maintenance but generally it is secured in place. This is because signals are prone to damage when being moved about and would need recommissioning to get the movement correct each time they are reinstated.

I drilled the underside of the post and tapped it 10BA in order to hold it in place. This enables me to secure it onto the base but subsequently remove it as I build it. I do solder it in place at the end of the build, but the ability to remove it during the build is helpful. The fact that the bolt holds it in place also makes it easier to get the post vertical, rather than trying to hold it vertical simultaneously with the soldering.

Whilst MSE do provide a white metal casting for the finials, I opted to fashion my own with brass as I find them crisper. To ensure these do not fall away as later tasks are completed, I use a high melting point solder for these and also include a pin drilled into the top of the post. Lamp brackets, lamps, the balance weight mount and some supports for the ladders were next.

I now have a recognisably signal beginning to form but the difficult bit, the movements are still to go.