Signal Box Project

For years my one ambition was to become a Signalman on Britians railways, thanks to the great help and support that my friends gave I achieved that a lot earlier than I ever imagined... However, this left me on problem, I had no ambitions, well apart from a few mysterious model railway schemes.

So what's the new project? While sat in Torre Signal Box I hit upon a rather strange idea, I've always fancied the idea of building my own house, why not build my own signal box? I don't mean a signal Signal Box but a house in the style of a GWR Signal Box. I looked into it quickly and was surprised with the amazing possibilities. A three story structure such as Torre (admittedly rare) could provide enough room for a one bedroom "bachelor" pad with large hobby room.

Right to sum up... On the ground floor we have the utility and hobby room/second bedroom, first floor has the master bedroom and bathroom then on the second / operating floor we have the kitchen and lounge dining room.

Services

• Gas
• Electricity
• Telephone
• High Speed Internet - ideally broadband or something similarly cheap
• Cable TV - Don't really want / have anywhere to put an aerial
• Water

Gas Central Heating
Network Points in all rooms and at various points
Fire Alarms
Burger Alarm System?
Double Glazed Timber Framed Windows
All electric cables in metal tubes with metal plug sockets and light switches
Speakers in all rooms... no high fi but worked off server somehow

Things to collect over the years...

• Door Plate (persons not to enter etc...)
• Ventilators
• Window Catches

This to investigate...

• Bricks, especially special engineering types
• Custom made windows, double glazing that slides
• Cast Iron Down pipes and Gutting
• Fireplaces - Didcot Railway Centre
• Linoleum
• Timber floors in bathrooms?
• Radiators

Bathroom

• Bath with shower
• Sink
• Toilet with overhead cistern
• Storage for stuff, medicines, towels and toilet rolls
• Towel Rail
• Lighting, bright and atmospheric

Utility Room

• Washer / Dryer Machine
• Gas Boiler
• Freezer
• Small PC to act as server - file storage and internet connection and hub
• Cupboard for cleaning materials (under the kitchen sink type stuff)
• Tool Storage
• Room for ironing board?

Kitchen Area

• Microwave
• Sink and Draining Rack
• Kettle
• Toaster
• Task Lighting
• Oven/Grill/Hobs and cooker hood
• Fridge
• Work Top

Lounge / Dining Area

• Sofa Bed
• Arm Chair
• Lamp
• PC... Don't think I could live with just a Laptop\
• Television
• Fireplace with hearth area, room for screen and coal bucket
• Dining Table with Bench in the Window (seats 6?)
• Rug?

How do I get these items of furniture up stairs? Certainly the sofas...

Bedroom

• Bookcase
• Wardrobe
• Draws
• Bed
• Cupboard space
• Mirror
• Bedside Tables

Model Railway Room / Second Bedroom

• Network Connection Point
• Radiator
• Hard wearing floor... cork floor tile?
• Long enough to fit Bristol East Diagram (hopefully)