Modelu's Workbench

Excellent pics considering the cramped conditions. I wonder if 9017 will ever be steamed again, or is it now just too far gone?

 

The works visits listing is very informative - 1954 was obviously a busy year for Dukedog maintenance!

Thanks Miss Prism, the wide angle lens definitely came in handy!  9017 is awaiting a boiler overhaul as far as I'm aware, not sure if there are any specific issues. 

 

1954 was an interesting year to look at in detail, one thing that stands out is the 37 or Ivatt 2MT's that pass through the works, I guess their first overhaul since being sent en-mass to Oswestry in 1952.  

Well that's just typical. The fussy drama queens get all the fame. What about the modest locos that never asked for attention, aren't you going to model any of those? ;-)

 

Seriously though, another interesting extract from the log books, Alan. And as Miss P says, some very nice shots.

Fair point Mikkel Sadly there aren't many other GWR types keeping 9017 company at the Bluebell!  I did however get plenty of shots of visiting 56xx No.5643 and a 4575 class in London Underground livery, No. L150.  More on them to come shortly...

I only meant (jokingly) that the ones you are considering to model (9005, 9017, 9018) are the ones that visited the works most often - ie they must have been the poorest builds, and yet they get all the attention :-)

 

Sounds good about the other photos.

Aha I get you Yes, there might well be a running theme in my choices of loco to feature in the works, the repeat offenders certainly are at the top of the list - 1432 for example, Oswestry's stalwart on the Gobowen auto, 11 times in the works in 5 years, 6 visits in 1956 alone!  (the rest of the class making 1 visit or 2 max!)

 

I'm also trying to represent class members with some historical significance, 46512 for example which hauled the last service to Llanfyllyn as part of the SLS 'Farewell to the Cambrian' railtour in 1965, or unsung stalwarts such as 3208 which as far as I know spent its whole life at Oswestry.

Lovely pics.  Again, hats off to you Alan for your research.  You never think of those little modifications that happened on locos which made each of them unique and individual.  It's this genuine love of the real thing that'll stand out in your layout.

Cheers Mike! There's more to come, working all over the country these last few weeks has its advantages of getting to some of the preserved lines with the camera.