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Thanks John, the Replica Railways web site is quite fascinating - as is the history of the company. Earlier in the month I had a fancy / need for a Collet coach body. Replica still have brand new crimson and maroon SK fully finished shells - for £2.15! Regards Ray

It's good to know that Bachmann are still making these parts available. The motors have always seemed to me to be quite beefy, no reason they shouldn't last. I've now sorted out two B1's and a Modified Hall - the old one with the correct front end - not only does it keep them going but is very satisfying too, particularly when you've done some detailing on the bodies. Replica did and I think still do complete valve gear sets for the B1, for something like £4.95, and worth knowing if you have a problem in that area. Best wishes, John.

Hello Job - nice to hear from you, and thanks for your kind remarks, ( i really must get round to having another look at your superb blog...) Like you, I find myself on here less frequent than I used to. Have just finished building a' Coopercraft' Taskers tanker trailer, obtained via Ebay. I've finished it in a pale straw yellow - supposedly it is a second hand unit belonging to the local Pig farmer, and used to collect the whey produced from the cheese making process at the Creamery. Regards, Steve.

You're finding that sharp radius curves are not a great idea, especially where big steam locos are concerned - never mind how they look. An 8-coupled loco like the 47xx is probably your worst case , so you could use that as a test loco - if the 47xx is happy, then you're safe The traditional "rule of thumb" is that 2' radius is the minimum for "scale" OO with mainline steam. Streamline small radius are about equivalent to 2' radius - Setrack points are sharp and nasty and best avoided. It's worth remembering that reverse curves are much more demanding than simple curves - and reverse curves are what you get through a crossover of two points back to back. So if possible use the next size up in pointwork where a crossover is involved. 4th radius should be close to 24"/2' radius

I have not used the RMweb for a while. Love your pictures.

Thanks Ray. Jenni's been very helpful to me several times this year. Understand, hours are weird with Covid. I want to get this one running again, shouldn't be too difficult. Actually pulled the whole chassis apart within 10 minutes this afternoon, then started cleaning up parts. Motor seems strong and healthy. Little lube required. I've got all parts, and the 2 little contact springs for the motor. Al.