Following the recent articles by Derek Mundy, Geoff Peters and Frank Jones on operating signals using the excellent GF controls servo system, in Model Railway Journal No. 230 and the article by Mike Baker in the February 2014 Gazette on mounting and fixing signals to the baseboard, I have designed a simple method of fixing and mounting signals on the baseboard, which allows for easy fitting and removal.

To make the signal mounting I cut three discs of 0.020in Plastikard, using the Ofla compass cutter (photo 1). I required a 0.060in piece, but three thinner pieces are much easier to cut. I laminated the three pieces together, then made up the mounting bracket to suit the servos (photo 2).

Next I fixed the signal(s) to the mounting bracket. The photo shows a Derek Ascot ground signal. I used these as it is much easier to see if they are on or off although I later changed this for the Scale Signal Supply LNWR ground signal (photo 3).

My baseboards have a half inch top surface of either MDF or chip board. I use basic wood working tools, a one and a half inch (38mm) wood bit and a one and a quarter inch hole-cutter (photo 4). I had to buy a one and a half inch wood bit, so off I went to B&Q. They only had metric ones, so off I went in search of an assistant to borrow a rule to find the metric equivalent. I found an assistant and asked if he had a rule. He appeared a bit puzzled so I repeated my request and explained what I wanted. Enlightenment dawned, “Ah, you mean a tape measure!”

To start, I used the wood bit to cut a hole 0.060in deep, resulting in a rebate. Followed by the hole-cutter, using the same centre, this gives a rebated hole into which the signal on its mounting bracket is simply dropped (photo 5). When painted to match the baseboard the mounting is practically invisible, which is more than can be said of the signal to its right. It will be updated.