Tony Wright

At York, Geoff Haynes delivered my latest B1 he's weathered............ What a cracking job! Thanks Geoff. I'd built it mainly from a Pro-Scale kit (with a fair bit of modification). Coincidentally............. There's a Pro-Scale B1 in the Peter Lawson collection. I know comparisons are odious, but............. This afternoon, I set them to work on Bytham............. Mine. Peter's. Since it has a scale coupling on the tender, a converter wagon had to be employed. Mine. Peter's. Mine. Peter's. The differences will ne noted..................

What a fantastic event the York Show was over the Easter weekend. Brilliant, one of the best in the calendar. May I please thank the organisers, all the exhibitors, all those with whom I spoke and, most especially, those who donated to CRUK, either because of my fixing their models, direct donations or material donations? Mo and I made over £260.00 for the charity (who suggested Yorkshire folk were parsimonious? Whoever it was, they're dead wrong!). Speaking of Mo........... Here she is behind my display, checking all the monies (without her diligence, everything would be a muddle - as is always the case when she's not with me). My most-grateful thanks. I had little chance to photograph anything........... Though Andy Ross' incredible workshop in 7mm was a must. Bob Dawson always has something new to show, and this year it was this OO9 micro layout. His grandson, Scott Waterfield............. Showed how a magazine cover free hut could be made into a lovely model. I put some of Peter Lawson's locos up for sale......... This Gibson 'Austin Seven' sold, though for no more than the current price of the kit. This Little Engines O4/3, however, didn't. Neither did this DJH Crab. Since Peter used prototype references, I must conclude that someone had cleaned the '3' on the cabside. I'll be putting pictures on here soon of many more of his locos I'm trying to sell. All run beautifully.

Good evening, I don't have any Raven A2s in my possession. However, I've made two and had another pass through my hands. Seen before, but hundreds of pages back................ This example (DJH/builder unknown/painting possibly Goddard) came my way to sell from the collection of the late John Brown of Spalding MRC. I sold it to Jesse Sim. Then I built a DJH one (my second - the first was for a friend years ago. Sadly, his home was broken into and the scum responsible, rather than steal his models, hurled them against the walls, smashing everything to bits! They were never caught). Thus, Jesse, learning of my building another, said he'd like it; and would I resell the one I sold him? Of course. So he sent it back from Oz to Blighty. Naturally, whoever was responsible for the carriage of the model saw FRAGILE not as a fact but as a challenge! Meaning, the poor thing got rather dented! However, there was a sort of happy ending........... The couriers paid full compensation, and I put the loco back together again, patch-repainting as necessary......... Then sold it again! This is the one Jesse now has, painted by Geoff Haynes (he wanted it with the larger tender). It was thoroughly tested before it went down-under (and arrived in one piece, thankfully). But, it was too clean. So Jesse weathered it (very-naturally), and brought it back with him when he visited last year. Regards, Tony.

I think the A1 below is another example of Tom Foster's weathering............ Seen on Grantham, which can be seen at the York Show over the weekend. I've actually built a few locos which run on Grantham (they'll probably be seen over Easter), including........ This SEF J69 (painted by Graham Nicholas himself), which is always employed. This DJH C2 (painted by Geoff Haynes). And this Jamieson V2 (also painted by Geoff). York is one of the best modellers' shows in the calendar - I recommend a visit.

Good morning Alan, It's a good idea, but where the locos are now is anyone's guess. One or two might be on Grantham, which will be running at York over the Easter weekend. Regards, Tony.

Me again, Of possible interest............. This rather dark slide shows 60029 heading south on Gamston Bank (a few miles south of Bawtry) in 1961. I'd venture to state that this is limestone ballast, though very dirty. Stoke Summit is definitely limestone country. Which is why WMRC used Slater's N Gauge limestone ballast when building Stoke Summit, though it could be a bit too clean - I take full responsibility, since I ballasted the lot! Norman Solomon also used Slater's limestone ballast when he laid the scenic-side trackwork on Little Bytham. He weathered it more than I did. Finally.......... Trackwork doesn't have to be ballasted to look impressive. Carlisle (EM), in 2016. Regards, Tony.

Good evening Nik, Very impressive. Ballast? It's my experience that granite ballast turns 'greenish' when wetted. Limestone ballast is more-appropriate for the ECML during your period. It's what was used on Little Bytham. Regards, Tony.

I can certainly recommend Tom Foster's entirely-natural weathering. He's worked his magic on several of my locomotives............ This Pro-Scale A1 was mostly-built by the late Geoff Brewin. I completed it, painted it and Tom weathered it. I detailed/altered this pair of Bachmann ECML stalwarts, then handed them over to him. Doing the same to this Hornby B1, his weathering really lifts it. My painting is best described as 'adequate'............... Seen here on this DMR K1 I built (with the lining the right way round!). However................ It's only after the touch of a 'master' that a loco really comes to life! As seen in this same transformation of my Crownline J17. Other examples of Tom's weathering work for me include............ This ECJM L1. And this PDK B16/2 (built originally by Mike Edge and painted by me). Tom's visited LB from its early days........... And this splendid quartet of Hornby Gresley Pacifics represents some very subtle weathering. It's not just locos he weathers............ His mastery of stock-weathering is equally evident. The best of luck, Tom, in whatever you do........... Best wishes, Tony.

Good afternoon, To ECML 'spotters of steam, a 'Streak' (A4) was always the most-wanted. Certainly, when one came into view at Retford, the shriek 'Streak' from the mass gathering of 'skoolboys' (I never saw a girl trainspotter) would assault the ears. Though not at Little Bytham, the first A4 I saw was the doyen of the class - SILVER LINK. Naturally, I had to build a model of her (from a Wills kit on a scratch-built chassis, which Ian Rathbone painted). Thanks to my model time machine, here 'I' am taking a picture of her! It's been seen before, but worth it again? Though I suppose the A4s were the most-exciting, I really loved the A1s as well........... Thanks to the same wonderful time machine, and a fair bit of imagination, here 'I' am taking a picture of GREAT CENTRAL (DJH/Wright/Rathbone). Which, given the quality of my model Rollieflex............ Turned out fine! Regards, Tony.

Good afternoon Andy, Though technically 'second-hand', the Tortoise point motors I have (x 5) are brand new; it looks like they've not even been taken out of their boxes. Speaking of boxes, they're priced at £12.99 - which might indicate their ages. There are also some 'remote' adaptors. So, £10.00 seems fair then? That said, it would be nice to get the original asking price! Regards, Tony.

Thanks for that info Mike, Being lazy (and not really knowing how to find out from the interweb), what's the price of a brand new Tortoise point motor now, please? I've had some donated for sale on behalf of CRUK. I've never used the type (though I'm sure they're quieter that the Fulgurex ones I installed and Norman Solomon wired up for Bytham). Regards, Tony

Good afternoon, Given the kinetics of the crash, the rolling stock faired reasonably well (the only 'casualty' noted this morning was a snapped-off buffer, which I've yet to find). In fairness, there was no fairness in the collision. The A4 was made from a South Eastern Finecast kit, packed with ballast, hauling 11 heavy Pullman cars. It ran into the back of a fitted goods train, mainly made-up from plastic kits (unlike the 'Yorkshire Pullman', not my work). There was the inevitable 'domino' effect with the 'victim' train. The wagons went upwards and sideways, knocking over some wagons in an adjacent road on one side, and bouncing off some passenger stock in the one the other side. No real damage was done - it's a trainset, after all. In fact, though I don't deliberately try to damage things, years of rigorous exhibition running have convinced me that one cannot be too 'precious' about locos/trains I've made. I can't imagine one of my SEF A4s having its front end ripped off by a 'hideous' point; more likely, the point would be 'ripped-up'! Regards, Tony.

Good afternoon Stewart, The problem is not the fixing of the Seeps to the underside of the board (it was a doddle when I was only 61), it's the horrendous failure rate of the awful things. I certainly never used Seep's (hopeless) switching mechanism, employing a microswitch worked off the end of the point's tiebar to change polarity. I also use choc-block connectors. Never throw one away? I have, loads. It's nothing to do with dry joints; the problem is always the same - one coil has failed completely - deep inside by the look. I'll be delighted to see shots of how you've installed them, but the problem for me is always going to be the same; Seep's failure rate is way, way too high. As a comparison, Stoke Summit's fiddle yard points were operated by Peco point motors. In nearly 80 (yes 80!) shows, requiring full-on operation for hours on end, not one Peco point motor failed (out of 40+). On Charwelton there were even more, and how many failed during the time WMRC operated it? None! I hate potentially 'doing a product down', but in my opinion, based on my Bytham experience, Seeps are not worth it. There is nothing unusual in their installation and operation - two screws (diagonally-opposite), not too tight so as to obviate distortion yet more than enough for security, and operation through a standard CDU. Regards, Tony.

Eric, I'll tell that to my knees! Tony.

Good evening John, How big is your 'final opus'? Making Bytham hinge against the walls would have been very tricky............. You see, at its widest, Bytham's boards are in excess of 5', but the clearance to the rafters (from track level) is only just over 3'. Regards, Tony.

Good evening again Gilbert, Was 60070 from 20 years ago? Of course................... It dates from your loft-based Peterborough. As does.......... 61641 (seen back-thread), the first loco I built for you, I believe. Ian Rathbone's painting is still as good as ever.................. Regards, Tony.

Regarding Seep point motors........................ When Rob Davey and I installed the 90-odd in 2008, I was getting on for 62 (Rob's not that old). I was quite capable then of installing the motors underneath each point, then wiring them up. Now, 16 years later, I'm finding it not so easy - not installing the motors but unscrewing them and disconnecting the wires. Reconnecting the wires from the Peco surface-mounted motors to the power feeds is equally tricky - knees, thighs and back complaining loudly! At least installing the surface-mounted motors is a doddle once the under-board wiring is completed. Looking back at decisions I made in 2008, one I really regret is not paying the extra £1.50 for Peco point motors, thinking I was being prudent by saving some £150.00 in buying Seeps. Wrong! I don't think I'm alone as the years progress, realising (inevitably) that once-easy tasks become a bit of a drudge.

Good evening Gilbert, 'and without headboard, as I can't find a source for one' I'll make you one. I'll just paint 'Butlins Express' on the back of an etched nameboard. Regards, Tony.

An excellent day's running on Bytham with two chums. All was going well until an A4 at a fair speed ran into the back of a goods train in the fiddle yard, scattering hapless wagons asunder! 'Operator error' I exclaimed, 'just my incompetence'. Except it wasn't. Yet another Seep point solenoid had failed. Even by my dubious maths, that's a 20% failure rate in these wretched things since 2008. 90 installed, and far too many gone west! I think a complete programme of replacement is called for, using Peco surface-mounted units.

Good morning Gilbert, Do you run this train in your Saturday sequence? Most shots I've found of this set show an ex-Tourist BTO (BSO by your period) as the leading vehicle; as here. I believe the headboard was yellow with red-painted letters. It's certainly something different. The hut to the left appears to be clumsily made from Wills sheets and Plastikard covered in brick paper! The usual copyright restrictions apply, please. Regards, Tony.

Good morning Frank, Your post is very sensible; thank you. Of possible relevance, the 'failure' of DCC locos to work on LB has nothing to do with voltage drop (I'm not suggesting you implied that with regard to Bytham). Bytham has five busbars (mains copper cable) running all the way around, attached to the underneath the baseboards. Four of these run underneath one rail of each of the main circuits (colour-coded) and a fifth (black) is the common return. My convention is that every section of the 'west-side' rail (no matter how short) of the track is attached to the common return via copper wire droppers soldered to the outside of the rail and the busbar. The same procedure applies to the 'east-side' rails of the four main circuits and their associated sidings. Pointwork is, obviously, wired into the system by polarity switches. Every circuit is divided into four 'zones'; two each for the main circuits on the scenic section and two each (Up and Down) for the fiddle yard. All of these can be switched on/off (which makes fault-finding easier to accomplish). There is absolutely no voltage drop anywhere. The puzzle was that in any of the eight sections in the fiddle yard, the DCC-fitted locos 'obeyed' their commands perfectly. Yet, in the scenic sections, the locos either wouldn't start at all or, if they'd started in the fiddle yard, just kept running under no control (even the 'panic button' did nothing when pressed!). Howard Smith and I could only surmise that it was the point and signal controls which were causing interference, even though everything was switched off (I even pulled out the plugs). Accepting my (self-imposed) ignorance of DCC, it's this kind of phenomenon which makes me stick with good old analogue. Since I did most of the track wiring (though Tony Gee once had to help me out when a point's microswitch just bamboozled me), I 'understand' how it works (up to a point - no pun intended), and I'll stick with that. I doubt if LB will ever be under DCC-control (or lack of it) ever again! Regards, Tony.

Good evening again Gilbert, Some more at Werrington.................. Bound for the Stamford line? And, another for ex-MR metals - a March-Leicester working? Same loco, but a different time - post-'61 judging by the electric warning flashes. Some splendid ex-LMS stock. Fancy modelling this? And a Class F empty minerals; taking the main line to turn left at Grantham? As before, copyright restrictions apply. Regards, Tony.

Good evening Gilbert, Some more shots of possible interest taken at Werrington..... Certainly a variety. Please (all) observe copyright restrictions on these images. Regards, Tony.

Good evening John, The pictures of the models in your post didn't seem to show the 'highest quality', though the real value was probably obtained by the late builder in just making/painting them. Though my 'experience' in selling models on behalf of distressed/bereaved families is nowhere near that of an auction house, I'm sure I'd achieve a fair bit more that £27.00 each. That said, recent experiences tend to reveal that the bottom might be falling out of the second-hand kit-built loco market (unless the builder/painter is well-known and provides a provenance); a classic case of supply rapidly exceeding demand as the generation which made such things dies off! Regards, Tony.

Thanks Bob, That all makes sense. Certainly, the DCC-fitted Heljan 47 certainly displayed no lack of power, and with the wick turned up, one could certainly hear it! Testing it on just DC was in response to a request by a potential customer asking if there would be a 'drop-off' in performance without DCC control. There was no drop-off (the loco easily exceeded the prototype's top speed in scale and any more engine noise would have been annoying). Of course, we had no idea which DC supply the customer has, and Helmsman O Gauge controllers are certainly at the top end for power delivery. Regards, Tony.