rodger5591

Many thanks Tony. Just what I need. All the best Rodger

Thanks for the reference Ian. Very useful. I decided to have a go at 2796 which is now at Didcot (https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/146/no-2796-collett-siphon-g/9daa0fc1ed60979300f338b7d291a396), so I have emailed them to ask if they can help with information on the vents. For outside frame siphons, Tatlow's "Historic Carriage Drawings", volume 3 is a good reference. On the gas lighting issue, I suppose the safest option is to build one from the lots that never had gas lighting fitted at all. As to photos, I don't usually photograph anything, but you never know. all the best Rodger

I am about to start modding a pair of Lima Siphons (G, inside frame) and have found quite a lot of helpful information here on RMWeb and in other places from people who have already done it. However I would like to make one of them the version that had roof vents added but have been unable to find a template or pattern to follow (I don't have access to the reference book on Siphons). Some of the photos I have seen of kit built Siphons with roof vents seem to have a different pattern to those in prototype photos, although it's hard to be sure, given the angle and quality of the photos. I am modelling the post war BRITISH RAILWAYS period, so many prototype photos are not helpful for underframe detailing as they are either "as built" or mid-late BR, or of modern restorations to an undated condition, but I assume roof vents stayed the same once they were fitted. So my questions: Was there more than one pattern of roof vents ? Can anyone refer me to a website or reference that provides a pattern in 4mm scale Additional question I have seen some photos of upgraded/modded Hornby outside-frame Siphons running on BR period layouts, but still with all the fittings for gas lighting. Did the gas fitted Siphons really remain gas lit until withdrawal (or at least not have the fittings removed)? Many thanks Rodger

I'm afraid it's all been taken care of now. I should have updated the thread a while back but I forgot about it. Sorry about that. all the best Rodger

Thanks to everyone who has been kind enough to express their sympathy. I have submitted a list to Rails of Sheffield and am waiting for them to get back to me. If I have to send anything abroad, I would prefer to dispose of everything in one go if I can. Sending the whole lot in bulk via a shipping company is much cheaper and more reliable than the Post Office, and of course less troublesome than multiple small packages. If the Rails offer doesn't cover the cost of postage, then I will have to reconsider what to do next. I will update the post when I hear from them. Rodger I should add that the layout is steam era set in 1948

If anyone who lives in Thailand would like to pick up some 00 gauge RTR and kitbuilt stock (185 locos, 135 coaches, 400+ wagons, a few unbuilt kits), as well as all that goes into building a layout and the tools/items needed for kitbuilding/detailing of loco/coach/wagons, please contact me. Age has caught up with me and its time to go home. I would rather give the stuff away to someone who wants it than dump it. A list of rolling stock is available if needed, but not for all the scenics / spares/ tools / paints / transfers etc.

Not sure how far you want to go (or spend), but here are some suggestions. The Comet Royal Scot detailing etch is worth considering. It is for a rebuilt Scot, but the cabs were not rebuilt so can also be used for parallel boiler scots. Some of the other details are useful, especially the front frame extensions and guard irons. See https://www.wizardmodels.ltd/shop/locomotive/lms-rebuilt-royal-scot-detailing-fret-ls75/ Alan Gibson provide the correct Fowler backhead, dome and chimney as well as the unusual cylinder draincocks used on Scots and Patriots The Comet cab makes up very easily, but the backhead and roof are not included, so you would need to reuse the Mainline ones or scratchbuild. They also do a similar 8F detailing etch which gives you a Stanier cab useful for other Mainline/Airfix LMS loco detailing projects. SEFinecast might sell you a cab roof and backhead as one off items out of their Scot kit (they also do the correct Fowler whistle) Rodger

Hi Tony Slight correction to the name in the email address and link you gave - its 'Reticule' rather than "Reticulate" Rodger

Regarding kit instructions, this is perhaps an area where RMWeb could provide a service similar to Wikipedia, with a 'kit instructions' section for members to edit/comment. The kit manufacturers would need to give permission for their original instructions to be posted, then as members' comments are made/edits suggested, these could be captured as edits to the post of the original instructions in a different font/text colour, referencing the post number below. Things like a parts list, exploded diagrams, prototype notes etc could be added if they were missing from the original. Perhaps in the future, instructions for new kits could be "crowd-sourced" is this way, with the test build being posted and then the rest of us helping to develop the instructions as we do our own builds.

Hello Tony. Bertha certainly is looking the business. It clearly is a kit for experienced builders only, but sadly no longer available. I'm glad I decided not to have a go at it after all. all the best Rodger

Its a good design and easy to set up, like all Lanarkshire products. The only problem I had was that the track cleaning cloths catch on the unengaged point blade when going into pointwork, causing a derailment. You need to change the cloth fequently, as when it becomes slack or frayed, it can also catch on gaps at rail joins, especially insulated rail joins, which can easily be slightly uneven. Not sure if others have had these issues and could all be down to my own poor modelling skills. RD

After 1927, the positioning of L-M-S on the tender varied, mainly to avoid them being placed over rivets, which lead to early fraying. On rivetted Fowler tenders, it was impossible to avoid rivet lines and maintain the general rule of M over the centre axle and L/S spaced equally on either side, so the M was offset from the centre, and L/S spaced accordingly, but also avoiding rivets. There is a good picture of the variations in Essery and Jenkins LMS Locomotives volume 1 on p196, and a photo of 2979 and tender on p161. Before 1927, lettering was generally placed to achieve overall horizontal and vertical proportionality, which meant that the rivet lines were ignored.

This may also be of interest http://www.genesiskits.co.uk/photo-gallery/

Between 1958 and 1960, 42 Fowler tenders were transferred from Jubilees to 8Fs and 4 from unrebuilt Patriots. The transfers were a mix of rivetted /flush welded, beaded/unbeaded types, so photos would be needed for strict accuracy. During this period, some 8Fs also got high sided Fowler tenders, Stanier 3500 gallon tenders and and even some rebuilt Johnson/Deeley tenders. Most carried these exchanged tenders to withdrawal. Perhaps Hornby are signalling a move of the 8F to the RailRoad range by putting a RailRoad tender behind it (and perhaps complete new tooling is in the offing?) The re-issue of the Royal Scots might suggest that the design problem with the motor retaining bracket has been addresssed. if it hasn't, Peter's Spares might find 2017 brings a pickup in sales for their brass replacement bracket.

Up to now, the only Fowler tender Hornby offers is the old tender drive version with the mechanism removed. The picture of the 2017 8F doesn't suggest that a new tooled Fowler tender is being offered. But the price for an 8F with the newer Stanier tender is the same as one with the old Fowler tender. @railroadbill I've spotted: R4794 and R4795 the ex LSWR 48' coaches in SR green. Whoo hoo! Grange with smaller tender 8Fs, one with Fowler tender (as there were 663 8Fs running in mid 1950s, that definitely plugs a gap)