GWR Signal Box colours

[bogusman]

Hi All
I am at present building a PECO Signal Box now I have got a quandry. What colour to paint the main window surrounds. I know light and dark stone is to be applied but where. I have looked at preserved samples and it seems to be paint it as you like. Some have light stone for the main window frame others have dark stone others have a mixture of light and dark stone at the top of the framework so to put it mildly it is as clear as mud. Any help will be most appreciated.

Pete

[BryanJohnson]

This may give you some pointers...
http://www.gwr.org.uk/liveriesstructures.html
Bryan

[bécasse]

I had a sequence of pictures of the same signal box, some of which were reliably dated and some which were not. For various reasons I was keen to determine some sort of dating for the ones that weren't reliably dated and I eventually realised that within a fifteen year timescale the box had worn three paint schemes which, although they all adhered to the official GWR paint schedule, were different in the precise detail of what was painted which colour, and that enabled me to at least allocate each photo to one of three periods.

The relevant point about this is that the S&T painting gangs clearly followed the broad guidelines of the painting schedule but that those guidelines left considerable room for interpretation (no doubt by the painting gang foreman) as to precisely what was painted which colour. One might have thought that the same gang would always repaint the same structure but that clearly wasn't the case, hence the variations. Incidentally boxes (and other S&T equipment) were always painted by specialist gangs so they wouldn't (normally) be repainted at the same time as adjacent stations.

My advice would be to read the general guidance and then have a look at a number of photos of boxes taken around the period that your model is set in. Knowing the colours in use it is usually possible to work out what was painted what in b/w photos, the only really difficult part being whether dark stone or maroon was used. I suspect that the maroon paint incorporate some sort of rot retardant and that it was the need for that that determined its use rather than dark stone (although you will find both used on the same structure).

[bogusman]

Thank you gents for your replies. Once I am more advanced with this box I will post photos for your comments.

Pere

[Bill Newstead]

You might find this book useful (and not just for signal boxes) https://lightmoor.co.uk/books/great-wes ... 947/GW5301

Bill

[martin goodall]

Just a quick note to second what David Woodcock wrote.

There were undoubtedly local variations in painting practice and differences over time. So there can be no absolutely 'correct' colour scheme for GWR buildings and structures. Even the Light Stone and Dark Stone colours were subject to some variation (due to the variable 'matches' by different paint manufacturers in attempting to follow the colour charts supplied to them by the company).

As regards Signal Boxes, as David has pointed out, the S&T Department absolutely refused to let the [Civil] Engineer's Department touch their precious signal boxes, and so they painted the boxes themselves, while the Engineer's Dept dealt with all the other company buildings and structures.

Come to think of it, I have a nagging doubt about buildings and structures occupied by the Locomotive Department (engine sheds, water tanks, etc.). I have a vague feeling that the CME's Department may have been responsible for painting these, but I can't be sure without checking, and I am currently 90 miles away from my railway library!

[JFS]

as David has pointed out, the S&T Department absolutely refused to let the [Civil] Engineer's Department touch their precious signal boxes

Indeed so - I looked through my set of photographs taken at Watlington in 1973, thinking it might help with this query. But, whilst the station building is very much in GW colours, the signal box - well, the bits of paint still on it - is WR brown and Cream!
It had been burnt to the gournd a yesr later!

Best Wishes,
Howard

[Tim V]

How about Fencote? Closed early 50s, seen here in 1976.

Fencote 3-10-76 Lubitel S52- (8).jpg

[DougN]

Its interesting to see how many buildings like the one above are in such relatively good condition after working lives. The brickwork looks good, the roof has had some work but I guess not that much. I can't say as much about the current buildings... held together with silicon and no more gaps... or as some in the industry call it "no more skills"

[bogusman]

Once again thank you all for your time and information supplied

Pete

[bogusman]

20220227_193624.jpg

Still work to do but comments welcomed on paint scheme on box

Pete

[bogusman]

20220312_204156.jpg

Another photo with more parts fitted. Flashed used to show interior detail still bits to do

Pete