Jim76

Yes great looking layout with simple but effective track plan

When and where was the red and blue 4TC converted for research use and where did it get to on its travels? Jim

The B787 Dreamliner is a superb aircraft. Not been on the A380 though I would like to. The only other downside to RB was having to change flights in Bandar Seri Begawan airport which was a bit of a dump but they were doing work last time I was there 2 years ago so maybe it's improved?

You won't be dissapointed with Royal Brunei Peter - I thought they were very good and the two stops a bonus. The only drawback is no in-flight drinks service but they're the only airline I know of who turn a blind eye to drinking your duty free. There is a whole stall at Melbourne set up for it just for the one flight a day. Make sure you drink it by Brunei tho on the way out or Dubai on the way back as they confiscate it. You can then sleep the rest of the way lol

I remember I saw my first pair at Longsight in about 1985 and being amazed. I have no idea what they were doing there - possibly in conjunction with Stanlow oil traffic.

I was wondering that too. Is definately a Class 84 as you can tell by the oval buffers. What it is doing there is anyone's guess. They were out of storage by then (1973). Maybe on its way to or from Doncaster for repairs or possibly tyre turning on the wheel late at Reddish perhaps?

Always had a soft spot for the 56s. The scenic work looks very realistic Peter.

I echo Andy's well-put sentiments above. I know what it can be like with elderly relatives on the otherside of the world. Safe journey home Rick. Jim

Ah is 47 636 - you also mentioned you got a new LL 47.

Hi Peter, am loving your latest 47 feature - real 'unsung heroes' of British Rail lol - though they do get a bad press... What is the conversion project going to be - or is it secret?! ;-)

Am loving the Peaks Peter... brings back happy memories of staying on holiday at Deganwy in the summer of 83...

Simply awesome.

Thanks everyone - information is much appreciated. Jim

Thanks B Exam much appreciated. Would this have this been a gradual changeover from or before that date - presumably not overnight?

Can anyone please confirm when HSTs commenced operation on the MML? I would be grateful for any info. Jim

I can find very little reference to it. Does anyone have any history - what traffic it was used for, what went on there?

Fantastic video, a great idea. Models of prototypical scale length trains just how I remember them. Good luck with the move and look forward to further updates in the future. Jim

I agree. The 31s are very evocative of the era. Though I much prefer the original Railfreight version to the red stripe variant.

Loving your fleet updates and the latest pictures Peter. You can never have enough Rats in my opinion...! ;-) Jim

Hi Peter, Yes all going okay thanks. Hugo is settling in well - it's just me that isn't getting any sleep! To my eyes the Hornby 08 model captures the look of the prototype much better although the Bachmann model still looks good. I have too heard about poor running however. Blimey, I didn't realise you had three pairs of Choppers! I am liking your fleet appraisal - it would be useful however if you could add livery information for anything that isn't BR Blue e.g. F for Railfreight lol

Hi Peter, the 350s look great. Are they Hornby or Bachmann? You need a shunter on the front steps lol. Jim

Yes, thanks Ron - much appreciated. Simple but effective - I may adopt that method. Has been a tad cold of late in Melbourne - I even had ice on my windscreen yesterday!

Thanks Ron, hope the sun is shining in España...

Hi Peter, I would just electrify it anyway as a few small branch termini in the Greater Glasgow / Strathclyde area were. Would need a suitable EMU tho - a Cl303 would be ideal! Cheers, Jim

Hi Ron, I have been following your posts with interest. I am sadly too young to have experienced Central in operation but found the disused station fascinating and have fond memories of attending the inaugural exhibition in 1986. It is such a shame the station and Midland line couldn't have remained open. Your superb model certainly helps to keep the spirit alive. I was just wondering if you could please elaborate on the uncoupling system - I have never seen this method before yet looks so simple. Is it a propitiatory system or bespoke and do you intend to install it on all your sidings? The only issue I can see is with locomotives of differing lengths. How do you intend to get around this? I would be grateful to hear your thoughts. Cheers, Jim