This is an excellent scale model with all the detail one should expect from Showcase. Instructions are clear. Parts are easily identifiable. Tips and suggestions are helpful.
The order of assembly is prone to two problems:
1.) If the ladder is attached to the mast at the beginning of the build, it will surely get knocked off during subsequent steps.
2.) If the entire signal head, including spectacles and blades is assembled and the attached to the mast, there is a great risk of the signal head splitting at the base (where the mast is to be inserted), the blades becoming separated from the signal head, or both!
My suggested order of assembly would be:
> Assemble the mast and base - attached clevises to the push rods - attached supports supports to the ladder and bend the upper support - paint all of these parts with a dull silver paint (Tamiya Bare-Metal Silver is a good choice).
> Paint the signal head flat black.
> If lighting, secure the LED in the signal head.
> Thread the LED leads through the mast (if using) and attach the signal head securely to the mast. Note: This is a tight fit, and it is easy to damage the signal head in the process. I suggest filing around the tip of the mast to make this fit more easily,
> Paint the spectacle and blades.
> Make the roundels per instructions.
> Attach the complete spectacle-blade assemblies to the signal head.
> Install the ladder
> Install the push rods/clevises

I was in need of seven Southern Pacific style train order boards and was delighted to discover the item by Showcase Miniatures! They are perfect and they are reasonably priced. It is reassuring that not only will they be functional, they
will also look "right" in photos. Bravo!

To be honest, I haven't gotten around to building the two train order signals I purchased last month along with all the "extras" to make them a great looking detail addition, and I will repeat this Review for all the products I bought in the order.

However, I have gone thru the items thoroughly and am ASTOUNDED at what they have been able to come up with for a long-overlooked item for train order stations, especially for SP and WP stations! The parts are looking just great, they seem to be very well constructed and thought out as far as how they are attached to the sprues and such. Having gotten a couple of their US&S signal kits in the past, I know they make TREMENDOUSLY GOOD stuff.

A hard-working family enterprise, designed and made here in the US! I should be getting into the nitty gritty of more construction on the layout and am positive that these items will be an easy build, and all I can say to the newer modeler that perhaps looks at them and feels intimated, DON'T BE. These are not "shake-the-box and it's ready" kits, but if you carefully read the instructions, look at the diagrams with the parts in front of you, and think logically in the assembly process, it's something that can be done!

I have been waiting for a very well detailed lower quadrant train order semaphore. This Showcase model did not disappoint! Keep up the good work!