Should Broadway's Box have Plastic windows?

found reference to Gotherington box too, also regularly switched out like CRC here, says it was made of cotswold stone from cleeve hill, and the current one built to a GWR standard design using modern materials including "mock" cotswold stone. No pictures of that one though, and seeing as there is almost always a historical picture to go with articles like this on the website, there probably aren't many around.

 

I believe the new 'boxes would greatly benefit from some proper detailing, but this could be added as time and resources permit. An accurate coat of paint wouldn't go amiss, either (does plastic framing preclude this?): did the GWR ever paint its 'boxes white?

Otherwise, I don't think they look too bad.

Jon

 

An update here re the new Buckfastleigh station toilet block and NEW windows for the station itself.
A good illustration of the difference between wood and PVC when it comes to replicating period detail.

http://www.southdevonrailwayassocia...s/Bfl_Toilet_Block_2014.html#11_February_2014

Incidentally you cannot paint PVC it just get grubby and grey over time, especially in a steam railway environment.

 

I believe CRC box was constructed to be vandal resistant, hence the steel door, internal stairs, solid walls (rather than flammable wood) and quick to replace windows. Agreed though, a few peripheral 'details' wouldn't go amiss.

 

I think we should all organise a gala using the CRC-Gotherington section only with 48624, 92214, 5972, 95820 & 5542, running in auto mode, Alfred in Island of Sodor colours, Jessie converted into a side tank, the Cromwell Pullmans and P&DSR carriages to raise profits for this signal box to have "proper" windows. Oh yeah what about all the stuff in Gotherington Goods Yard that's not authentic, nobody's mentioned that, or the lack of double track on the GWSR!

You couldn't write half the s##te on this forum, seriously.

Am I right in thinking the same stone used for the two 'fake' boxes are made of local Cotswold stone? Similar in appearance to the platforms at Gotherington? Surely the railway should be praised for using local materials and promoting them to the public using the railway. I would look for a picture but no doubt nobody's been to a GWSR gala to take pictures of these outrageous signal boxes.

Look at Ashburton Junction Signal box! Is that ever going to open?

I can't believe a member of the GWSR who bought shares hasn't bought any since these two boxes at the southern end of the line have been erected. I haven't abandoned going to see my football team because we have bought some rubbish players.

 

There are products available so you can paint PVC

http://www.sandtex.co.uk/products/sandtex-pvc-u-primer/

 

Thing is, the GWSR can not be preserved. It was ripped up bar a few buildings. If you wanted it preserved there'd be nothing apart from Toddington Goods Shed and Signal Box lying derelict.

 

I understood the reason for the pvc windows and other modern embellishments was to save on future maintenance as volunteers may be in short supply in future years.

 

You will note I said you could paint PVC. Wheather you should is another question.

 

Correct on both counts. We had some windows that went cream over a couple of years and they were painted back to white under guarantee - lasted about 10yrs, starting to fray around the edges now.

 

Sounds about as much maintenence as wooden windows!

 

I wouldn't want to see standard PVC windows in a box either. But I'd love to find wooden windows that you only paint every 10 yrs too. Ours won't be getting painted again - you've got to look pretty close to see the edges of the paint fraying still.

 

Even the Signal Box name plate has the wrong font! Not my pattern for the casting.

 

Couldn't agree more . Swanage Railway is the standard bearer when it comes to new build signal boxes that look the part and are built from authentic materials.

Well now it seems that the crunch decision , plastic or wooden windows in the signal box, is to be decided shortly by the Broadway project team.

http://broadwaygwsr.blogspot.co.uk/

so now is the time to show support for wooden windows if that is what you want. If it is a matter of cost I for one would contribute to a suitable fund, such as that run for the signal recently.

 

In constructing this new box it should be remembered that although timber windows do need regular painting so does all the other woodwork of the structure. In the event that elements of wooden windows deteriorate, unlike plastic, it is possible to repair them without very specialist equipment. I.e kit that a decent joiner would usually have.

 

The signal box solution needs to be considered in the context of the other station buildings. If the signal box goes "wood" the other buildings should also go "wood". Given that wood is more expensive and higher maintenance (allegedly) it might not be affordable for all buildings in which case it should not be used for the signal box. Discuss!

For what it's worth, I would like to see wooden frames throughout.

Best wishes,
Nigel

 

I think everyone would like wooden frames, it's whether it's decided they're practical. I think it's looking good for wooden frames, I think the BAG chairman is in favour of them, and I can't see there being a shortage of volunteers to maintain them!

 

I'm very much minded that the proponents of noticeably modern materials do so for the most noble of intentions. I.e to reduce cost and/or maintenance. I suggest they miss the point of what a heritage railway is all about. IMNSHO a heritage railway should be about the buildings, signals and rolling stock in addition to the locomotives.
Although the jury may be about to re-enter the chamber perhaps they should recommend the GWSR establishes a Conservation and Heritage Committee to advise on such details henceforth.

 

I worked in a box with traditional wooden window frames and single glazing at Stirling Middle and it was bloody cold in winter. Even with a false ceiling it never got warm. When you work in old signalbox day-in, day-out you appreciate how badly built they are for the comfort of those who operate them. My current box has plastic window frames and double-glazing but when the wind blows, up through the frame, you notice the temperature drop. I have the heaters on even during summer mornings to try and retain some heat. And without a false ceiling and no insulation in the roof your heat disappears!

Anyway, enough moaning. For a box that's hardly going to be used much in cold weather I doubt retaining heat is much interest to those building it. Preserved boxes should be traditional looking IMO.

 

Pleased to report that the decision has been taken to construct the windows in hardwood. Congratulations to the Broadway Area Group. In other news the two worst bridges are rapidly approaching the conclusion of their repairs, CRC platform 2 is half built already and the recovered GWR footbridge is stripped down and repairs started, stunning progress by all concerned.

If you want to see a complete heritage railway being built before your very eyes then why not bookmark the following links and visit daily. I know I do.

http://broadwaygwsr.blogspot.co.uk/

http://bridgestobroadway.blogspot.co.uk/

http://crcp2.blogspot.co.uk/