Dean Park Station Video 30 - March Update

Updates this month include a lot of work on Signalling the layout with the excellent Heathcote electronic circuits and very impressive CR Signals.
I have also been busy placing the cable trunking and other scenic items at the West end of the station, including my scratch built Waverley West Signal box. I hope you enjoy the updates.

[@ravzir]

Superb job on everything over there!

[@ianmartin8420]

Great update Dave. Signals look great. Love the station, cant wait to see it finished, lit & internally detailed. Very impressive when you look at this video & realise that most of what you see is scratch built structures & printed finishes. FANTASTIC! Cheers Ian.

[@DeanPark]

Ian, thanks for your positive comments. Its taken me a while, but considering that in December 2012 it was just some track I have made a lot of progress, albeit some behind the scenes and under the boards. I love working on the layout. Dave

[@INVCOMPS]

Great Videos Thanks for your time maybe see you next weekend in Glasgow

[@percomotion]

Simply stunning Dave all looks superb,signals and control is great to watch and the signal box is spot on. Cheers Kev

[@DeanPark]

Cheers Kev, glad you approve. I just love the signals! Dave

[@stevelea1]

Fantastic video Dave. I always look forward to your latest update. Loving the detail work you are adding to the station and the signal box looks amazing.

[@DeanPark]

Hi Steve, so glad you like and appreciate the work I put in to my layout. I really love the way it is going. Cant wait to get it ballast and weathered, then it will come alive (hopefully!). Glad you like my regular updates. Dave

[@EverardJunction]

Excellent stuff once again Dave. The signals look fantastic, they really take the realism up a notch. Signal box looks great too. Keep up the good work.

[@DeanPark]

Cheers Rich, really pleased with my signalling efforts. I would really recommend the CR Signals and Heathcote stuff. Easy to wire up and fit.

[@DieyoungDiefast]

DaveClass47 Not to certain, but on the point demonstrating the feathered signal, surely when the point is operated the signal should turn green as the route ahead is clear. Layout looks great btw.

[@DeanPark]

Hi when the train passes the feather signal, it will go to red no matter what route it goes. And after a time it will return to green. I have since fitted a re-set switch to this left hand feather to reset it to green after the train is a safe distance past. Thanks for your comment. Hope you enjoy watching all of my updates. Please feel free to comment at any time. Dave

[@TotallyScaleModels]

Looking really really good. Love all the signals and detail.

[@jshawsteam87]

Your layout looks fantastic I love watching your updates and that signal box with all its detail will look really smart it's a real inspiration to a new modular something i really want to aspire to is the level of details you have put into the layout keep up the grate work

[@DeanPark]

Hi, thanks for your kind comment. Its feedback like his that makes my hobby even more enjoyable and rewarding. I believe that with careful thought and taking your time you can achieve good results. Its a pity that I am inpatient some of the time and just want to get it finished ;-)

[@boneyknocknees]

Fantastic Dave! Great vid, the layout is really taking shape now and very realistic. I like the way you have taken your time considering all your options as this pays off in the long run. I'm looking forward to your next video, well done.

[@DeanPark]

Cheers John, yeah my progress might not be lightening quick, but I do like to plan and think it through the best I can to avoid having to change my mind several times once the scenery, etc is in place! Dave

[@suzuki750stu]

It's looking great Dave, can't wait to see all the fine detailing going in, will make it look very realistic, cheers Stu

[@djbruzer12]

Really enjoyable update and it looks as though you are getting a great deal of pleasure from your excellent modelling. Well done give yourself a massive pat on the back you deserve it.

[@DeanPark]

Hi, thanks so much for those kind words. I love my layout, its all come from my imagination on to the base board just like I wanted it. I love learning new skills and improving the ones I have. Only down side is that Summer is coming and o it will son be to warm to go up and build it!...until the Autumn of course!!! Pat on back has been self administered , lol Dave

[@vwgolfer1873]

This is gonna be a stunning layout. Signals look top notch

[@DeanPark]

Cheers. Lets hope the Hot summer weather doesn't screw up any of my work! One downside to a loft layout is you tend to get a fluctuation in temperatures! I hope the layout meets my own wishes and also impresses others who take their time to watch the videos. Thanks for your comment, please subscribe to follow its progress. Love the signals too...CR Signals. Dave

[@orinbay]

Hi Dave! Looking good. You have done a fair amount since the last video. Thanx for sharing.

[@seanterry3732]

brilliant layout like the signalling you have done also the signalbox you have scratchbuilt is awesome really impressive Dave

[@DeanPark]

Cheers Sean, its not bad for my first scratch built building. Took me AGES though lol Dave

[@gmantree]

Hello Dave, I've just spent few hours looking through your videos, absolutely brilliant, A very interesting layout well presented to. Graham.

[@DeanPark]

Hi Graham. So glad you liked the videos. Its positive comments like yours that really get me keen to work harder, enjoy the process of making a layout and also to improve my skills as I go along. Much appreciated. Hope you like my future videos and please give me any comments or suggestions on what you think. Warm Regards Dave

[@anthonyashley9224]

The explanation of your lighting was very good. I enjoyed the minor items your are adding to the layout as it is all in the detail. The signal box is probably the best feature you have produced to date and I am not surprised how satisfied you are with it. I wish my layout set in 1960 could use the signalling you have demonstrated but alas out of time. Regards, Anthony Ashley

[@DeanPark]

Anthony Ashley Thanks, I am pretty proud of my signal box...took me a while to plan and built, but I am so chuffed with it! Dave

[@newcastlerabbit]

Luv your attention to detail.

[@graememorrison5456]

Fantastic layout dave and love the signalling I have certainly learned a lot from your video regarding signalling for my layout 10/10 Graeme

[@DeanPark]

Using the signals, boards, and kit I bought keeps it simple...ok there is a lot of wiring under the layout, but its simple to follow instructions. If I can do it.....!!! Good luck with your signalling.

[@humbolt136]

Great update! The railway looks really good in its cutting now. Love the signal box, looks like you've been scratch-building for years!!

[@DeanPark]

Hi! I have been modelling plastic kits for years, but the scratch building is new to me, so for you to say those kind words is a real boost for me, thank you very much. Dave

[@leaturk11]

Very impressive work, I’m planning a layout myself so I’ve added you to my favourites. Keep up the good work.

[@bloodmarine77]

everything is brilliant.i tried to comment on something that stood out but it all looks so good.i like the start of the signal box so looking forwards to seeing how it end up.

[@DeanPark]

Cheers Terry. Its taken me ages to make as its my first total scratch built thing. I am looking forward to the station side of the layout coming alive in the next 6 months or so! Dave

[@steburge1]

Very nice job! The signals look fantastic and the details You are adding just make it look authentic, i'm still struggling with the electrics but I suppose I'll get there in the end looking forward to the next update Best wishes Steve

[@joshuahouselander8779]

Loving the layout and looking forward to the detail. I love your layout, despite its not my era as I'm into the modern locos but something abouts yours just 'grabs' me. Love the vid.

[@DeanPark]

Thanks Paul...so glad you like it. Its funny as we don't refer to class 47s and 56's as modern anymore, I must be getting old! lol

[@banksroadmodernimage7358]

Impressive work here Dave🔧🔧👌

[@Caz_Rail]

All getting very interesting now mate! Exquisite work going on, keep it coming!

[@kevintregunna]

Well Dave the layout is going to look outstanding the detail is amazing love the scratch built signal box I have just done my station building 1250 mm long just adding the fine details around the windows cheers Kevin

[@DeanPark]

Thanks Kevin, I will check yours out. Dave

[@FarlandHowe]

You have some very nice things there. I always love the train signals. I am going to have to find some cable trunking. Good update, well done. Rob

[@DeanPark]

Cheers Rob. Go for the 10 commandments cable trunking, its better scaled than the ratio stuff. I find the ratio stuff a bit wide. I suppose that would do at a large junction where there are lots of cables, but for all round value with a range of different pieces and parts I would go for the ten commandments stuff. Mine is painted in 'new concrete' by Precision paints. Bought a load of tins from Peters Spares! Cheers. Dave

[@cyborgbadger1015]

great channel! really enjoying it. Cheers from a Sassenach.

[@spiket4]

Great Layout keep up the good work.

[@AndyHudson-ModelRailwayBuilds]

excellent Dave, like the signals, they look complicated to install but worth it, and all the extra details your adding is superb, need to watch the dapol catenary, ive put them on mine and my class 85 fouls the arms, they are not high enough Andy

[@DeanPark]

Hi Andy, I thought this...I will increase the height a little by padding some cork under them, but you're right. They do look good though with respect to the detail and weathered look. Dave

[@emoh8765TinsleyTmd_YardModel]

Got to say David that it's really coming on now the signal box is brilliant for a first time build you do have a talant there well done m8 look forward to the next update

[@MattyMonk]

Fantastic work, great detail

[@MrPhllo]

Awsome ,a fantastic hobby

[@ModelerManMike]

Can you say signals? These look great! Really appreciate you putting out your video's, they are inspiring.

[@DeanPark]

Hi, I love to share what I am doing so others can give me advice on how to improve it or maybe use some of my ideas and take inspiration from what I have learned so they can use it on their own layouts. Thanks for your kind comments. Dave

[@craiggybear1807]

Looking excellent! Love the signal box. I know its easy for me to say and not for you to do BUT, I would bring the signal box back to life! Lights, people, equipment - definitely. You've did too good a job on it just to grime it up as unused. :)

[@DeanPark]

Was kinda thinking that myself Craig. I will prob bring it to life. thanks for your encouragement and kinds comments. Dave

[@EggnogonthebogProductions]

Will be a cracking kit when finished. Nice job.

[@MrJak48]

It's all looking good so far Dave.Really like your signal box,excellent job.As Andy said the Dapol masts are nowhere near high enough.I have them in N gauge and my Class 90 would just take them away so don't know if I will bother with them on my new layout.Keep up the good work.Cheers,Jack

[@howarth004]

Nice system that you have managed to get installed there Dave , its what we all do keep spending , but lets face it what can be better spending on your favorite Hobby

[@DeanPark]

Exactly Dave...I don't drink (much) and don't smoke, so I spend my hard earned cash on my family and my trains!

[@howarth004]

DaveClass47 Me also , mind do like the odd drink !!!!

[@MrHarrisTrains]

Great update layout looks very nice.

[@bobnweaver]

Superb clips of the Deltic.

[@Bruno.Trains]

Perfect video!.

[@JtagSheep]

I have seen these boards many times before and they are fantastic boards I have always wondered what chips are on them. I am currently learning coding for Arduino boards as I want to create a similar thing to these boards just as a project for fun more than anything. The signals and boards however do look brilliant ! the layout is looking fantastic too.

[@johnc2ful]

very good demonstration Dave. The cost must be a lot with all those signals. I will have to think about what i am going to do when i get to it. I am at the moment thinking of JMRI with MERG kits but that can change. I came home from Gatwick by train yesterday and noted the rubbish, trunk inking, dumped rail, sleepers ect., and the total lack of conformity on the bits used round the track.

[@DeanPark]

Yeah I will be adding in sleepers, cabling, dumped trunking and bits and pieces of rusty rail and some other load of stuff. That's what adds to a real railway scene. Thanks for your comment. Dave

[@Cheadleridgelanetmd]

Coming along great however as a train driver "there's no amber on signals lol it's yellow" also certainly on WCML that I drive pendolino's on the cable trunking goes behind the OLE mast not in front! That signal box is absolutely superb

[@DeanPark]

Hi! Sorry, yellow hehe. Yeah I thought about the cable trunking and mast issue, but I didn't want them too near the wall as when the ballast goes in it would be difficult to get it all sitting right...if that makes any sense at all?! ;-) Thanks for the accurate advice, much appreciated. You must have the best job in the world! Lucky you! Cheers. Dave

[@willdudeyo]

If only i had the time to build a full layout, i already have everything to do it with!

[@spollard01]

Signal Box looks amazing. Metcalfe do platforms benches PO502.

[@SolarRailway]

Very impressive work in this March update, liking the signals a lot with the clearer aspects compared to the traintronic signals I have used and a great way of controlling them through the heathcote circuits. Cheers, Matt.

[@DeanPark]

Cheers Matt. Yeah these signals perform well. More realistic than the Train-tronics and train tech ones. Also, unlike the Berko ones, they don't come in an unrealistic shiny silver finish! That's why I went for them. Very impressed and the guy Paul at CR Signals is a real gent! Really helpful.

[@SolarRailway]

Definitely will be using the CR signals for any future larger layout (like yours :) ) than my current one! Cheers for the response! :D

[@MrPeterdom195160]

hi dave , think your works brilliant just found you and been watching your videos from 1 and subscribe to your channel, i'm getting back to the hobby as i've retired with lots of time on hands and starting a small model at home was going for dc as that what i knew about but joined local club and had my first running with e link and dcc there so change of plan and gone dcc your videos have been inspiring keep up your good work peter south wales

[@DeanPark]

Cheers Peter. Yeah DCC is the future. I am going to integrate the elink to my Hornby elite in due course so I can run the trains using my wives ipad!!! (but don't tell her that!). Cheers. Dave

[@crichton2121]

Very nice. You have to make that signal box look operational!!!!!

[@DeanPark]

ok lol, but not sure where to source the interior parts required....

[@crichton2121]

Make them. You know you want to.

[@DeanPark]

lol...pile the work on me why don't you! ;-0

[@mallard44499988]

the signal box u have built excellent so far, having watched ur videos it would be quiet nice to see the signal box in operational not as u ar undecided to have it disused. Neil

[@DeanPark]

You are the second guy to suggest this....I think I will keep it operational! Cheers. Dave

[@anthony566]

Well done Dave this is coming on and looks fantastic ..... As for the dislike there is always one ...... I like you would love to know what they didn't like !!! Keep up the fantastic work.

[@DeanPark]

Cheers Anthony...yup some people are just hell bent on being negative and disliking things. Perhaps this person is jealous? or just sees the world through gloom tinted glasses! lol. Thanks for your positive comments, it keeps me striving to make things as good as I can. I love this hobby.

[@CHESEABUN]

Your project is looking good! Try looking on e-bay for the seats. Do a search?

[@WCML100]

great work - your really starting to focus on the detail - the trunking and the line side boxes look great ( i have just done some on my layout check my latest update) & the cr signals look good as well was debating wether to get them but they look really good - you might have just persuaded me to go with them! regarding your station seating dillema, try dusty lion flower on ebay - does loads of great 1980's - present day accessories about to buy some of there myself soon as well

[@DeanPark]

Cheers, think I will check him out! Go for the CR signals!...the guy at CR (Paul) is real helpful. You can also order them via Heathcote electronics, and Clive is really helpful there too!

[@WCML100]

DaveClass47 thats good to hear - they look great as well - a lot of people have recommended them as well thanks

[@DeanPark]

I cant find him on ebay....got a specific item that he sells so I can look for that?

[@WCML100]

DaveClass47 try this link - this has all his products stores.ebay.co.uk/WOODEN-RAILWAY-WORKSHOP/_i.html?rt=nc&_sid=118392720&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1513&_pgn=1

[@TrainMadJames]

Looks Brill !

[@MrJDMmills]

hi Dave what method did you use for the 'link' wire between signals, was it micro switches on the point motors or another form of switching as am trying to plan the wiring for my new layout that im going to start building in a couple months. many thanks josh. JDMR model railway

[@bens3641]

Your layout is coming together very nicely. I like your use of Scalescenes' structures and you have assembled them very cleanly. The signals are an awesome addition and something which most modelers seem to neglect. I am looking forward to your scenic elements, ballast, grasses, etc. Where do you purchase your cardboard for the structures and what thicknesses do you use? Keep up the great job!

[@DeanPark]

Hi, Thanks Ben! Yeah I know, signals are a big part of any railway so even having some in there makes a massive difference. I am planning it carefully so I have it all wired up before I ballast and weather. No point in rushing it. I buy my card from ebay, 2mm for using as "thick" card and 1mm for using as "medium card" as per the scalescenes instructions. The buyer I use is philspaper on ebay. Search for 'grey board' and his stuff should come up. I get A3 sized, but A4 will do all of the scalescenes kits as they are printed on A4 paper! Hope this help?! Dave

[@Cheadleridgelanetmd]

I've got the dapol masts I've bought single block square lego pieces drilled them through painted them grey they will look like the concrete bases most ole masts stand on if that helps! I've also glued my pantographs to a certain height

[@DeanPark]

Hi, yeah I will be cutting bits of ply to raise them up. No lego to hand lol. Gluing my pantographs is now on my 'to do' list too. Cheers for advice.

[@ScottishNSRailFan]

I enjoy your videos. How do you find the time to do such detail and informative videos?

[@DeanPark]

I try spread filming over the month and then put all the clips together at the end! 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there! lol

[@bus131]

loving the layout. brilliant eye for detail. what make were your signals? looking for some good ones for my layout.

[@DeanPark]

CR Signals. I would definitely recommend them! Much better than the Traintronics and train tech ones. Also they come in realistic painted finish unlike the shiny Berko ones!

[@chelmswoodjunction]

Hi dave Great video as always. I have a question can you add a switch to the heathcote units to put a green signal to red if you so wished to ??? If so how can you do it and wire it up??? Peter from Birmingham

[@DeanPark]

Hi, its funny you should ask this, but I covered this in my latest update, dean park 254 and 255. But in video 254 I actually show you the board and how to wire it. The answer is to your question is however yes...I have just fitted a simple on/off toggle switch to all of my signals so I can set them to red and then green if I want to. Check out my latest videos for more info. Cheers Dave

[@chelmswoodjunction]

Hi dave As always a big thank you to you and sorry to keep bugging you which slot on the board would the toggle switch go into. Peter

[@thetransporthub]

Amazing layout! I love the signal box, are you going for a flat or peaked roof?

[@DeanPark]

Flat with a 45 degree chamfer angle on the edges as per the real thing. Not sure what thickness yet...or what material. Testing things just now. Cheers for the kind comments. Dave

[@richardlilley1847]

Hi Dave. I’m a few years behind but finding your video’s not only interesting but so informative too. I’m at the stage of wanting to fit cable trunking and was hoping for a little more detail of yours. You have a lot of it, which manufacturer do you use? Do you weather or paint the trunking prior to fixing? It appears you fix it prior to ballasting. Do you ballast around it all? Any tips would be welcome. Thanks Richard

[@DeanPark]

hi, I use Ten Commandments stuff. Its not cheap. I must have 30 metres of it!! If you go to an exhibition he does a super value £10 pack which is better value for money. I paint it with Precision paints concrete, primed first with grey primer. I use woodland scenic gray blend medium ballast. Hope that helps? Dave

[@GaryGMW]

Nice video

[@peterwilliams8374]

Hi Dave, I know you run the Hornby Elite the same as I do. But do you run an extra power source for your lighting and signals etc? Or do you run these off the 12V DC from the Elite. Many thanks Peter

[@DeanPark]

Hi Peter, I run a separate 12v DC supply for my point motors and building lights and another 12v dc controller for my signals. It keeps it simple in my opinion, as the elite is busy enough with controlling all the trains. Plus I don't know much about electrics and don't want to overload the elite and affect the performance of my locos! Hope this makes sense? Dave

[@johnbolt806]

Hi. Does the waverley route run through hawick

[@baboonmcgoon5749]

Really superb video. Can you say what make your tunnel portals are?

[@DeanPark]

They are Scalescenes kits, that have been put side by side, with a bit of alteration to the size. Brickwork is "Ashlar" brick. Cheers. Dave

[@baboonmcgoon5749]

OK Dave, thanks for the info.

[@bus131]

How far away from the running line to you position your signals?

[@vwgolfer1873]

Definitely dont think i could cut the small round signs out perfectly

[@henry-bw8gu]

Hi, ive just started a layout and was wondering what porduct code the heathcote electronics boards are as i got a bit confused on their website. Thanks !

[@DeanPark]

henry hi. Ok, I always got for the one with the ‘extended wire’ ...they are easier to install. I don’t have access to the site just now, im away from home.. But I’ll make a point of going over my signaling at the end of the month in my update. If I forget... get back on to me! :-)

[@BladeRunner21577]

Is it possible to have the signal controllers work without a timer as you have them? Is it possible to set them up so you can set a route and without setting the aspect to a proceed?

[@DeanPark]

You can have them just connected to Heathcote IRDASC4 boards, that do not have a timer. What happens when you wire each signal up to one of these boards (and link them together with a wire) is that when the train passes the 1st signal it goes to red, then when the train passes the 2nd signal the first one turns to yellow, then as the train passes the third signal in the loop the 1st one turns back to green, the 2nd signal turns to yellow, and so the sequence continues so that you get change. You can also wire the actual CR signals up to a simple switch/lever to operate manually.

[@BladeRunner21577]

DaveClass47 So you can set them up as either control or automatics depending on what you want. I only asked as I was confused about the automatic you have setup on the station, when the route is set the aspect automatically clears.

[@DeanPark]

BladeRunner21577 The route only clears when the next signal has been passed, justice in real life. If the train does not pass the next sensor/signal the rout will not clear.

[@Italkgadget]

Do the station as a celebration to contrast with some of the weathering just remember you can over do it

[@DeanPark]

Ah the usual 'dislike' and once again, no constructive feedback as to why they never liked it!!

[@ralphedwards7657]

Enjoyed watching Dean Park Grow and looking forward to the next installment. Lots of questions for you if it's ok to email you sometime. Cheers

[@DeanPark]

Hi, just drop me a personal message and I will do my best to answer any questions. Thanks for looking at my videos. Dave

[@RailwayModellerBen]

hornby seats need lick of paint, comes with people £5.99 = 2 seats

[@JohnZtrains]

Just came across your videos now and I really enjoy the precision of your work, very good walk-throughs with these videos as well. John | Raildig.com

[@DeanPark]

Cheers John, glad you are liking my work. Much appreciated. Dave

[@fatwalletboy2]

Do you live next to a police station?

[@DeanPark]

No.....the main route to the hospital! Ambulances pass a lot....why you hearing sirens in the background?! lol

[@haydonsheard2168]

the boarders railway is now reopened isn't it

[@DeanPark]

+Haydon Sheard yeah it opened in the Autumn.

[@haydonsheard2168]

+DaveClass47 oh ok I thought it was in the summer or at least part of it

[@DeanPark]

Haydon Sheard It might have been late summer, but as Scotland only seemed go straight from Spring to Autumn and missed out summer this year I may be wrong!

[@haydonsheard2168]

+DaveClass47 there is a youtube series that goes over all of the construction of the new railway I'm not sure if its still up or not but Il find it and send you the link to it