Angst Lesspork

[DeadHorse]

Surely the signaling device would involve the use of imps, prompted to emit pheremones which would be detected by corresponding imps in the next tower. Light would be merely a by product of the pheremone emmision. Sort of like stimulating fire flies.
I think I just invented smellyvision ........ :-)

[tedp]

Ted,
I appreciate the impracticalities of such a system, but you are applying a rigorousness that is often not found on layouts purporting to be inspired by real locations. The inspiration for Hugh's layout is a fantasy flat world set on the back of a space-faring turtle with a sun that goes round it and light that can be dammed like water! ...

I stand corrected, gentlemen.... Perhaps I have been led from the straight and narrow path of fantasy by the discussion about the visibility of light patterns. Please do continue your 'imagineering' discussion and don't mind grumpy old salts putting their oar in...  :-[

[Hugh Norwood]

Not at all, Ted. Your expertise and insight are welcome.

I, for one, had not realised that light semaphore was still in use. I based the 6-light "box" on the six-paddle mechanical semaphore. Trouble is, that whereas I found several sketches of the buildings, I haven't yet found the codes. Anyway it's all a bit of fun; the layout is there to entertain. On a separate tack (pardon the nautical terminology!) the decorations come down today so I can move Angst back out of its hidey-hole, where it has been over the Christmas period, and get on with the snagging process, as well as the semaphore tower.

[tedp]

Well harbour semaphores are not really a semaphore in that sense. They only use a limited number of messages, mainly to allow or forbid shipping movements in harbour in connection with ferry sailings. Generally they have three vertically positioned lights in two columns on a tall gantry. If you enter a ferry port with your small boat you have to check the various signals they can make first, then obtain permission using the VHF radio, and wait for the signal to be displayed. They do so at Dunkirk, Ramsgate, Ostend, Dover and Calais to name just a few.

You must be glad to have the layout back in its proper place. I'm fortunate in having a separate room for the layout.

[Hugh Norwood]

A semaphore tower is taking shape...

Currently in several pieces, I assembled it last night at a LAMPOONS meeting and here is a photo...

[Tigger]

Hugh, that looks really excellent!  Well done.

[Hugh Norwood]

Many thanks.

I had a rummage (oo-er!) in my box of figures and found a (German?) soldier hold binoculars to his eyes - so that's my observer to go in the cabin behind the windows. He's currently under-coated matt-black. The structure is due to be covered in clapboard (strips of 4mm wide 120gsm paper).

[tedp]

Is it the one tower you will make or will there be two, exchanging signals? I take it the LEDs have already been installed?

[Hugh Norwood]

Just the one! it's takinglong enough to build.

Yes the LEDs are alreday installed - you can just see one in the lower row in the "lamp hut" on the top of the structure in the photo

[Whitworth]

Looking good, but no Mister Gryle I notice  :o ;D

[Graeme Dunbar]

It does have a suitably Civil Service/GPO look about it. Definitely dragging Angst Lesspork into the year of the Fruitbat!

[Tigger]

the turtle moves...

[Hugh Norwood]

Et Viola!

working lamps as well....

[Tigger]

Hugh - that looks marvellous!  Well done!  It's a shame it's mostly hidden!  Can it be seen more from other angles?

[invercloy]

Very nice, Hugh.  I've been following this idea with interest.