alastairb

I am currently building a layout based on Kyle of Lochalsh set in the 70s. It's called Kyle Beag (little Kyle) as it models the western half of the prototype station plus one bay platform on the Eastern side. The track is all down and wired up, so I have run the odd operating session to test out my ideas. Lots of reasons to model Kyle: Childhood holidays in the area, A garage layout my dad built in the 70s loosely based on Kyle, a prototype that looks like its on a model railway baseboard But most importantly an interesting but modellable operation, short Loco hauled trains, lots of parcels and sundries traffic (varied rolling stock and lots of shunting) and a bit of freight. All in a compact layout (12ft x 20 inches) but still running a Class 26 plus 5 Mk1s ( a pivot table fiddle yard is your friend). One benefit of this is a days operation 3 passenger and one freight, can be done in about 60-90 mins, without rushing (but missing out the lengthy gaps between trains). Personally, this is about the right length of operating session for me. Operating to a sequence also allows me to replicate a day over several sessions, I often spend 10 minutes before leaving for work running the next train into the station then running the Loco around the train and then dropping off a parcels van at the NCL goods depot. I intend to operate in one of 2 modes: 1. prototypical 70s Kyle: 24s/26s, Mk1s, vacuum braked freight stock. 2. 70s/80s Scottish region, so I can model other things from my youth. WHL/ IS Class 37s, the odd ScR 25, 27 or 20, maybe a HA 40, early Mk2 stock, speedlink services etc. I plan to stick to a sequence. Mode 1 is easy, follow the WTT. Mode 2 will follow the same principles ie 3 passenger trains, one freight per session/day. I find operating to a sequence simplifies, as I can follow a plan rather than have to work out what to do next. Probably helps that I like to model the typical rather than the weird and wonderful – and don’t get me started on the cult of celebrity locos.

Not sure how you would find photos of that particular UP boxcar with patched reporting marks. However might be worth a trawl through http://freight.railfan.ca/ An amazing collection of North American railcar photos (not just Canadian roads). It is organized by railroad / reporting marks, but there are plenty of patched railcars.

Thanks I didnt spot that bit

Update from Rails at https://railsofsheffield.com/blogs/news/Heljan-showcase-oo-class-26-deco-samples Look nice, albeit no update on when delivery is expected

As always there seems to be more Brakes and Firsts than TSOs, but have managed to (separately) buy 3 of the latter at aound £40. Did get a BSO for £12 recently! Returning to topic would love some Accurascale MK2bs but not found photos of any on the Kyle line in blue and grey.

Yes I noticed that too. I am gradually picking up Bachmann Mk2/2a's for my 70s / early 80s Highland layout. A lot more on that auction site recently and now going for circa £40 - as you say a lot less than they have been going for lately.

Complicated doesn't mean the same as impossible!

Not to mention the people who join the queue thinking the Loco is on general sale. I understand people's frustration as the delivery has been dragging on a bit, but as SLW's email says there are logistic issues (including but not limited to transporting and storing locos, checking orders, and afterwards reconciling what has been collected and what needs to be sent out by mail etc) with doing show pickup

Aside from Holyhead as mentioned by @The Stationmaster Kyle of Lochalsh had cattle traffic into the 70s see .

Strong agree. I've returned to British Outline modelling after 20-odd years on the US Outline 'darkside'. Modelling 70/80s standard blue and yellow is harder than it should be, with the seeming obsession for celebrity locos.

Yes they could set up a system to do just that. Practical for kits etc but maybe not for the myriad of lines they carry on their exhibition stand, many of which are not packaged or barcoded, eg switches, nuts and bolts, sheet material etc. Their stand at exhibitions is large and very busy, usually with several people waiting to to pay for items at any one time. Scanning everything through will not be quicker than the staffs impressive mental arithmetic.

Yes it would be great if Squires had an all-singing and dancing website with real time stock levels. However, I am not an e-commerce expert but it looks like it would be a nightmare to integrate this with their exhibition sales stand. Would require either a 100% stock check after each exhibition or for them scan every single thing they sell at each show. The guys are working like one-arm paperhangers as it is.

As with many things, it will be a tendency but not a universal truth. I was a teenage trainspotter from '76 onwards. I recently returned from the dark side (US) back to UK outline and am modelling BR Post TOPS BR blue era. Hence pleased to see Blue Grey TSOs, albeit BGs would have been even better. That 70s era was still similar to the steam era, in the sense of how the railway look, felt and operated. However i have less interest in the rationalised post privatisation system. Each to their own.

Perhaps reflects that 37s ran on some very modellable lines (eg WHL & Kyle), Scotrail 47s maybe less so? 🤔

First time at an exhibition since pre- covid days. Had a great time, very inspired by Penmaenbach. I'll be ordering a SLW Class 24 and 25 after seeing a 24 in the flesh.