Dapol CO17 Signal Gantry

[DavidEnghauser]

I am considering the Dapol signal Gantry, however I need it to span 4 tracks. I understand the width is 162mm, but not sure if that is inside or outside. In any event I need a wider dimension. Would it be best to buy 2 kits and then use the second kit to make it wider?

Suggestions appreciated.

[Walkingthedog]

I don’t see you have any choice unless you scratch build an extension. Are you able to do that? Only you know that.

[DavidEnghauser]

I am fairly new to model railroading so the easiest might be to buy an extra kit.

[LC&DR]

One of the great things about those old Airfix, now Dapol, lineside kits is that they can be adapted to make subjects different to those shown in the instructions. I got a kick out of looking carefully at old episodes of Thunderbirds on the TV to try and spot which Airfix kits had been modified to create interior fittings for Tracey Island or part of a location for a dramatic rescue, the Airfix girder bridge was fairly easy to spot, but parts of the dockside crane would occasionally show themselves, and the signal gantry as well. Various items of kitchen utensils would also be seen.

The gantry should be relatively simple to either reduce in length or extend provided your razor saw cuts were accurate. You may wish to obtain some Evergreen plastic section to reinforce the joined pieces or replace parts, to give a more realistic appearance. A good model shop will sell this and it can be joined by plastic cement or liquid.

[Walkingthedog]

I extended the footbridge to cross four lines with two kits many moons ago.

[LC&DR]

The footbridge was a prime candidate for lengthening or shortening, as WTD has said. The kits are relatively inexpensive for what you get and working with plastic is relatively easy and can be very creative.

Buy two gantries and give it a go, I think you will enjoy it. It may also be fun to find something to make with the bits you have left over.

[Puddles]

I made this foot bridge to span four tracks from two kits and with the bits left over I made the central support to fit between the tracks.

[DavidEnghauser]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have ordered 2 kits.

[DavidEnghauser]

Finished product. Used 2 kits and some reconfigured aspect lights.

[Walkingthedog]

Well done, very rewarding when it all works out.


Now you can decide what to do with the left over bits.