LNER4479

Meanwhile, either side of Donny, tracklaying work has been undertaken ... Whilst waiting for next consignment of points to arrive, decided to tackle some plain line work. Courtesy of Nicktoix of this parish, I took delivery of some used Code 75 and this is seen here being sorted into suitable lengths (cascading ex-mainline track for siding use, just like the real railway😁) With track cut to length, and sprayed, the ever therapeutic task of fixing it down for keeps proceeds. And there we have it. 3 long dead-end sidings at Dentonholme, constituting the representation of the West Yard. On the layout, this'll be where northbound trains for the CR and GSWR routes are made up, as well as handling the trip traffic - north to Canal and south to Upperby. And from the other end, showing the buffer stops ending the roads as so, leaving space for the Goods Depot roads to fan out bottom left. The completed sidings now laid have capacity for approx 90 wagons but that's only part of the total capacity of the yard which should be nearer 200. Plenty of wagon fun to be had 🤓

Like this you mean? (since weathered)

Thanks, John We've actually got an article in preparation, so I don't want to steal its thunder (although I don't claim to understand how it works, in any case!) In essence, however, it achieves two things. Firstly, it controls the advancing of the next Down (uphill!) train into one of two departure positions (one for unbanned; one for banked) Secondly (and this is the really snazzy bit), it passes the info on round the layout as to which FY road the train came out of such that, when Shap summit clears his starter signal, the road is automatically set for that road and the train safely returns from whence it came. 99.5% of the time (!) It pays for the Shap signalman just to do a confirming check.

In theory yes ... but I think it was more of a long headshunt for the quarry as much as a refuge. Also, even if such a train has ailed up the bank, it has nevertheless made it to the summit(!) and it's all downhill from there. It would cause even more delay stopping and (steadily) propelling back into the siding. Looking at the signalling diagrams for the following locations, if it was in real trouble it would probably be better diving into the loop at Harrison Sidings or - more likely - one of the two designated good loops on the approach to Penrith. On the layout, the trailing crossover concerned is more or less at the scenic break so the train would have to be driven into the fiddle yard, only to propel back out of it again. And as most of the goods trains are 3-links ... likely to disrupt the (generally!) free running of the layout? As I say, it's a nice idea but I'm not convinced it's worth the effort 🤔

The crossovers to the down siding are currently inoperative. Together with associated signals, that would use up the remaining levers. In truth, only one train (the down pick-up goods) would use it, recessing for the following train to pass. A nice move but quite a lot of effort for one move per sequence! We'll see ...

The quote I'm convinced I've read - but, frustratingly, couldn't put my hands on just now - went something like: 'The Black 'uns are alright*; but the Red 'uns won't steam!' [1930s LMS enginemen] (*if I've got that right, then one of the classic understatements of all (railway) time) The statement would have been 1935-ish when both the new Stanier mixed traffic and express passenger 4-6-0s were coming on stream in numbers. As is well-known, they had markedly different introductions, the 5MTs making an immediate (positive) impact, whereas the 5XPs suffered from indifferent steaming and were soon being compared unfavourably with the 'Patriots', a type they were supposed to be an improvement on. A J Powell in 'Stanier 4-6-0s at Work' records 17 different boiler configurations in an attempt to get them right! Not that they didn't tinker with the Black 5 boilers, mind ... The 1937 exploits of 5660 'Rooke' over the Settle & Carlisle proved what a good inherent design the 5XPs ('Jubilee) were, with the draughting and superheating optimised.

A dedicated follower of PN, perhaps?

Have you checked out this thread?: Unfortunately, like most of us, pictures pre-2023 were lost in the great server crash which includes everything on the previous version of his layout including the turntable. Mr 92220 of this parish (Iain Henderson) is a smashing chap and I'm sure would be able to either furnish you or point you in the direction of any source material you might require. You might want to add your request onto Iain's thread, as his followers might not necessarily pick it up in this area of the forum.

Does this answer your question?(!) The operator at Shap summit does indeed have a lever frame - unseen by the viewers - and operates the signals him (or her) self. They're all interlocked (electrically) and some of them also do clever things as part of Andrew's control system. The signalling arrangements at Shap summit included 'station limits' on both up and down lines, between respective Home and Starter signals, allowing the signalman to control shunt movements locally. This is replicated on the model. If we take a close up look at the signalling diagram on the model, it should be relatively easy to follow. Having banked a train up the hill, the banker (pilot) comes to a halt at signal 3, the Down Starter. Crossover 4 is then reversed (locking both Up and Down Home signals) and Ground Signal 5 is pulled off (locking Crossover 4), allowing the loco to cross over to the Up line. If it's straight back down the hill, then Up starter 17 is pulled off and away she goes. If no path available, Crossover 9 is reversed (locking the Up Home signal), Ground Signal 8 pulled off and loco berths in the Loco Siding. It's based on the signalling diagram as published in the John Swift series by the Signalling Record Society, Volume 6. The real Shap summit was a 36 lever frame (twice ours), the main difference being that it also controlled the Shap Quarry sidings, which aren't included on the model. The lever numbers are correct up to No.10 Glad you enjoyed your visit to the Westmorland fells 😀

DMU image is here: https://www.rail-online.co.uk/p324083191/h46601703#h46601703 (can't post image on here directly - copyrighted) The 4-coach local set we run is actually three Gresley teaks and a Thompson. It's based on several images of this working which made use of a NER region set that was otherwise idle during the middle of the day at Carlisle, having worked a morning service in from Newcastle and subsequently an evening return. The LMR used it for a Carlisle-Oxenholme and return working. Several pictures of it - always with one of Carlisle's Stanier tanks - by Erics Bruton and Treacy(!) As it runs in 'early BR' era, I make use of a couple of old PC teak coaches, supposedly awaiting repaint into the new corporate image. So it was not a 'one off' but a regular, booked working.

Thanks Tony, for taking on the initial batch of locos to be found new homes, on the usual 10% to CRUK basis. For info to any who might be interested, Peter is a friend of my Dad's and has asked me to help find new homes for his collection. Sadly, he has become too frail to model any more and enjoy his models. It's a very credible decision and I feel honoured to be doing what I can to help out. The kit sales last year were from the same source. He is greatly heartened by the interest shown so far. I estimate about 150 locos in total, a mixture of RTR and kit-built. Largely ex-GWR and ex-LMS types, with some BR standard types making up the numbers. All in 1950s/60s BR condition. It's going to take most of the year (I suspect) to recover, catalogue and package (not all have their original boxes) before passing on to Tony. A steady stream is probably better than all in one go in any case, to avoid overwhelming Tony & Mo. I've agreed with Tony that I'll look after the RTR items but I plan to provide a list on Tony's thread. Oh - and there's coaches and wagons as well. Lots of coaches and wagons. Rob - that's very kind of you. Neither Tony nor I claim much expertise where it comes to GWR types! Graham

See you at Bristol, then 😉

Criticism happily accepted. On the list ... along with corridor connections, better / closer coupling arrangement, weathering underframes scraping off over-size roof ribs, passengers in the interiors ... 🤔 At least most locos now have lamps, crews and coal in the tender 🤗

Just a bit: https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/shows No doubt including 'The BBQ Challenge' and demonstrators showing how to tie a sheet bend knot properly ...

A nice touch (or perhaps happy coincidence?) to have the two WCML layouts back-to-back. I did come over to have a quick look, as I'm not sure I've seen Euxton Junction before at a show - familiar enough with it from the magazibe articles. I see you were also running No.6201? Although very different eras - on Shap, she's in charge of the 1937 'Midday Scot'!

For those unable to attend, a decent slug of the layout at the start of this video by the ever-excellent 'DCC125'.

Likewise. Thanks for making yourself known and glad you enjoyed your visit to the Westmorland fells 🙂

Quite possibly ... I don't know the details of his railway career history.

DONCASTER SHOW REPORT Well, apologies in advance as it all too easily gets to packing up time on the Sunday and you realise you haven't taken photos like you intended. So just a couple I'm afraid from me. This is the even more advanced/improved 'bridge of the Starship Enterprise' down Fiddle Yard control panel 😱 But it's all quite logical when you know how and - more importantly - performed more or less faultlessly all weekend. It's the reason we can pump out trains at regular intervals to keep things moving 'out front' and it's gradual evolution over the last five years is all down to Andrew's hard work and enthusiasm 🤗 The full team roll call for the weekend also included Paul and Tom, Steve P, Neil Barker, Barry O (who came bearing a Turbomotive) and a lunchtime stint today from Jonathan W (who came bearing cakes) As a quick PS, folks are eternally fascinated by the transportation logistics. This show was a first try out of the future arrangements now that the Upperby - Bog Junc curve is in. Here we are at about 9.45pm this evening, with van backed into the space created by removal of the boards between Bog Junc (right) and Grand Junction (left). Bits of layout are gradually filling the chapel out of the back of the van. All seems workable. Weather agreeable this evening, but this is designed to combat the prospect of loading / unloading on a filthy wet night.🌧️⚡☔

All set up and ready for the off ... See you there 😎

'Tis indeed a cracking railway. Nice photos. I've been a member since the first days of the 'Windcutter' project. I got to know the line well (and some of the folks then there) in 2008 during the commissioning of Tornado, including footplating the full route and even having a wee drive of the loco. Also witnessed 60mph test running track force tests, as part of mainline acceptance. Heady stuff. 'Tis a few years since I've been though; so probably due another visit myself.

Well, here we go again😀 Work proceeds smoothly setting up at the Doncaster Racecourse venue. Stock setting out is the usual Rubik's cube ... all the right wagons but not necessarily in the right order. Cor - look at all them trains. Managed to cycle each of them round before knocking off time so a few Gremlins already attended to. See you over the weekend if you're coming along 😉

In which case, do feel free to come and find us on 'Shap' on Saturday. In fact, I think I might have already had a chat with John at the York show. I am somewhat remiss at not following up that conversation at the time but no matter - we've still to get stuck into the nitty-gritty of the station detail. At some point, I'll need to draw up a condensed version of the buildings you are making; the source information may well be useful when we get to that stage.

Thanks, Tony. The DUCHESSES featured there will all be in action ... apart from the first one(!) Nowt wrong with 46252, apart from the rather insipid shade of green (not your fault); she has been re-allocated to the home layout, having been usurped by none other than 46234, the 1939 record holder and a true 'Duchess' (of Abercorn) to boot. Another Hornby 'Hornby Dublo' example and a much better version of the green livery. Acquired as 46232 and re-identitied. Others you feature are Tom (Dewdney)'s Hornby 46232, my Model Loco 46251 (usually allocated to Aberdeen but having a turn on the Shap roster again at this show), my 46224, a first Chinese-era example, with a fair bit of detailing added to head up the 1953 Royal Scot (all MkI 'Festival of Britain' rake) and my 46248, also a re-worked first Chinese era example. To those, add 6221 (for the 1937 Coronation Scot) and 46256 (no show without Punch). Plenty of other stuff on the roster, but I do rather like my ... ahem ... Princess Coronations! 😎

Funnily enough ... Just been servicing this venerable member of the Shap stud ready for service at the weekend (works the '1950s pick-up goods'; real loco was allocated to Tebay in the early 1950s). I acquired the loco 25 years ago. It was built by Hubert Parrish who built and sold models professionally in the Manchester area. I was a friend of the family and I was involved in the sombre task of clearing his stock etc when he died. I came across this loco, it ran OK so I thought I'd have it. I did a bit of detailing and re-liveried it but it's basically the loco as built, possibly 40 year old plus. Anyway ... it was sounding a bit 'grate-y' just now so I thought I'd put a few drops of oil on the motor and bearings. I can't remember the last time I took it apart so imagine my surprise when ... The original K's motor! I'd assumed it was at least an X04. A few drops of oil, a quick wipe of the commutator and it's running even better now! Clearly, if I was starting afresh to create a Fowler 2-6-2T, I wouldn't start from here. Otherwise, I'm with John. This one - miraculously(?) - is working just fine. It ain't broke so I'm not going to fix it! Anyway Tony, in the meantime, I've made a start on checking and cataloguing the Peter Lawson kit built locos. All run fine; not come across a 'dud' yet. I think there might even be one of these (K's Fowler 2-6-2T but with a better mechanism). Be the spring time before I've retrieved and catalogued everything. See you at the weekend.