An NSR Absolute Block instrument

Time for something a little different from me.

I have invested in a little restoration project of a Tyers Absolute Block Instrument as used by the North Staffordshire Railway, this being very similar if not the same as one of the pair found in Leek signal box as to be found one day on Yorkies developing diorama/layout.

I say restoration as it’s not quite complete.



At first I thought I had a broken top half, and missing some mid sections and the front panel with the glass in it.



But after having it about a day, I happened to put the lid down and it dawned on me by the fixture in the side that it had once had a lock in it…. Just like the bottom half of the rest of it.. turned out my “top” was actually a second bottom.. however the top panel is the same as the bottom so it may be a stalled renovation project by someone else to reuse the base as a new top.??? Well that’s my plan, and here will be some details of how it’s being done as we progress.

But before that, here is a little more of the instrument..

opening the door we have the switch gear for sending the communications to the next box. It needs a great clean up, but nothing time and patience can’t do - and it’s all there!


Here is the other half, these are the contacts which will work through a number of red relays behind the display panel. Also present inside were two service stickers. These date the last service in 1963 and also the resistance of each of the relay coils.

it’s even stamped inside with NSR but the number 1925. We don’t know if this is the item
Number or a build year… the latter would be odd as the NSR was absorbed in to the LMS in 1923!

before we start the restoration, here is what it should look like, complete with its block bell box.

 

Progress has been started on the refurbishment. First up was to try and identify the wood.
We have narrowed it down to being Mahogany and believe it to possibly be Brazilian, as 100 years ago, it was quite common. Sadly it’s not a wood you can buy today, so it’s reclamation yard searching time.
To help match, we removed the two old side panels. These are surplus as they are 6 inches too short and also damaged.

The first was sanded back in the corner. Thankfully, it just tapped out (looks like it had been screwed in place at one point.)
However, the first notable point came here.

The left hand side has had a very gentle sand back. It would appear that the dark colour is a varnish and it now peeling off in places.

on removal we noticed that it is half dove jointed in to the lid. Ok. So we can do that.


but when compared end to end, one it thicker. The dove tail join tapers as does the lid! Making it almost like a wedge. Could be interesting when it comes to creating the new side panels.

my father in law has also helped and he has cleaned back the top to its natural finish. You can clearly see the NSR and the 1925 stamping.

and side by side with its old panel mate! Showing the difference.
Having cleaned these back, it should help to match up with some second hand timber to fit in and make the new parts.

off on jollies now so more in a week or three when we have acquired some wood.
Andy

 

Nah. No 3D work on this!

 

I’ve messaged Nick. Surprising, despite having a complete one from his first signal box (it’s in the earlier photos as a complete example) he has never had the top off his? he can’t really add much other than measurements.
Andy

 

Quite possible. We will never know. All you can ever work out if the name plate is still in situe is their last place of working.

 

Gormo,
Heavy handed father in law who knows more about wood than me has cleaned it back with a paint stripper and sand paper. (Or should than be experience… rather than knows…)

the main body may be more simpathentically done under my supervision following your comments. all the internals to strip and clean as yet.
Andy

 

Having seen your block instruments (which I was quite in awe of Brian) yes, I’m open to any advice when it’s something new.
Hopefully we haven’t spoilt the top part.
Andy

 

Sorry Gormo, missed your post whilst on holiday.

Not yet decided. Probably use the old pats as test pieces before we decide,

found these in a new shop just opened up in town



Having gone by your earlier comments, I’m tempted to try Shellac, but never used any before.
I’m also still trying to source some wood.
Found some yesterday, but sadly, it’s in use as a windowsill and a facia board!


Apparently it was a ticket office from
Manchester (Central??) and then went to the K&WVR but never really used. It’s now being extended to accommodate a proper doorway (rather than a cat flap under the desk) and a wash area/sink)

more when I have some wood - although there is a connection here as the guy who is restoring the above ticket booth is also looking to supply me with what we need!
Andy

 

I’m still awaiting the wood delivery, but that has infact not been a bad thing as I have been able to make a start on drawing up some plans/drawings for the missing parts.

Now the top half is obviously the same thickness as the bottom panels, but different length, although they have a tongue and grove fitment so that means some variation to the original.


first up I’ve drawn the new sides up and the four front panels
I’ve added them to the bottom half and top
You can see it taking shape in this exploded view.
Next is to work out how the glass will fit.
here is where I am moving in to the unknown.. The wood is 15mm thick(front to back) but I don’t know the glass thickness. At the moment I’m working on 5mm thick but I may have made it over thick and 2 or 3mm glass would be better.
I also have to decide how much I need to recess it in to the wood panels. At this time, I’m working on a 5 x 5 x 5 5mm wood, 5mm glass and 5mm beading… it may change yet pending details from a surviving item.
This then brings about the issue of how much overhang does the pane of glass need against the woodwork.

I’m now aware it fits from the front and is then secured with a beading.

And the work thus far..

just for fun, I thought I would do a render with a mock up of the display and knobs. The display is over size but it’s just for fun.


Next is to break the parts back down and create a technical spec sheet where we have measurements etc to create the panels from when I take possession of the wood.


Hopefully more soon.