Kitbash a Rio Grande signal mast

How to make a Digitrax dwarf signal

Using the Base Mast Kit (Digitrax article SMBK, N scale) as - well - the base - we add the typical "Darth Vader" Denver & Rio Grande Western signal hood from styrene.

If desired, cut off the upper head just above the lower head (Secret tip: you can make a dwarf from this stump by soldering it to a copper tube for ground + a wire to each LED).

Start by cutting a strip of 0.5 mm styrene the width of the target. Mark the shape, the centerline and the 3 holes on the strip. Drill the 1 mm holes before separating the individual items. Cut roughly to shape with an X-Acto knife and sand to an oval.

Cut small tapered strips [dimension], bend each piece into a U-shape and glue it to a target using a simple balsa glueing jig. Leave to dry, then spray the subassembly flat black.

Pick up a base mast and glue 9 mm long strips of 1x2 mm Evergreen #144 strip styrene against the sides of the 3 LEDs and leave to dry.

Next, glue the target onto these strips, making sure that the holes are aligned with the LED sources (After the glue has set, check this on the layout, and redo if the signal appearance is not to your liking).

Finish your mast by adding a platform and styrene stock ladder, and paint the completed assembly (except the front of the hood!).