Respite

That isn't my experience. I had footplate rides on both the WB and HL fireless at Huncoat Power Station. They had a decent enough chuff or bark to them. The yard was on a gradient and the locos would take up to 12 loaded 16 tonners to the tipplers, 12 being the most the headshunts could take. Even when pressure was low they still barked. I recall also visits to Lancaster power station when the AB 0-6-0 was in use. Even with only 4 16 toners on going up to the tippler it made a very agreeable amount of noise. Furthermore it had a whistle and it was used.

What never ceases to amaze me with Hattons pre owned items (and Rails) is the number of faults/bits missing with them. Steam locos missing a chimney is a frequent issue.

I agree, Asbestos and Faraday seem very bright. I recall Faraday before it was scrapped and it was a darker green. The NCB locos in the North East used a darker blue than is on No.8 and I suspect the P.L.A. loco should be darker also, and should be a shade more like the Golden Valley PLA Janus diesel.

I attach a plan of the layout at Little London on the line from Caphouse and Denby Grange Collieries to Calder Grove. This would also make an excellent layout.

The advanced tickets for this show are referred to as 'Early Bird' tickets, but don't signify that you can get in earlier than the standard opening tine of 10am. Can you get in earlier with these advanced tickets?

The blue NCB wagons with the chevron ends are not like any I ever saw at a colliery. I know Chasewater has some in the same livery but they are not at all representative of 'typical' NCB wagons. It might be one or more collieries had blue/striped wagons towards the end of mining in England. I suspect they were shunted by diesels are not compatible with the steam era. Just thought I'd mention it. Otherwise you have an interesting project and I like your thoughts regarding the track plan.

I went to the show today with my grandson. It was very good, hall packed with layouts rather than trade stands made a nice change. Well attended and good refreshments at very low prices. We were there 2 hours and saw layouts I hadn't seen before.

I was very impressed with how quickly we were all scanned in yesterday morning despite the longest queue I have seen at the Racecourse venue. I also bought a Planet Industrials 'Victory'. The layouts were a bit lost in the number of trade stands and I wonder how many people didn't see the exhibits upstairs. Doncaster is a really good venue with its motorway, rail links and the car park being opposite the stadium.

A good exhibition but no signposting anywhere to the show (due to myopic local council not the organisers). Very annoying there wasn't more signage about car parks. Lots of trade at the show which was very good and varied, catering good and inexpensive. The organisers need to get the website going for next years show.

You are incorrect about this, they are taking on seasonal staff. I know someone who is so employed for the second year running.

Excellent layouts of a wide variety of types. The queue for the inadequate refreshment stall was the only negative. Glad I had taken my own.

"Ticket Factory lines close 26th November at 14.00" or so says the Warley clubs website. They have the date wrong. I have just tried to book now and Ticket Factory lady says the advanced ticket option is now taken down, it closed today, the 25th November. Really very annoyed that the clubs website is wrong.

This was a super exhibition at an excellent smart venue. A very reasonable entry fee. Lots of trade, lots to see and many great layouts of all types plus a proper cafeteria. Well done to all who contributed to the weekend.

I agree they are Centre Models kits which were made using plans that had appeared in Railway Modeller. I have one of the 16" Hunslets. I am envious of you getting the RSH 0-4-0 looks nice.

Absolutely! I haven't gone because I can't find out anything about the show. The website has no details and the facebook page hasn't been updated in years. Very annoying and hopeless PR.