Tony Wright

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.

I was still doing the maths, Brian. Not much, I have to say. However, if they've never run..................... Regards, Tony

Good morning Mike, I have no idea which NCE controller Howard used; once he was shown how the gadget was attached, my involvement ceased, knowing nothing of such 'mysterious' control systems. You could well be right about the need for extra power on a layout as 'big' as LB (that's why the heavy-amperage Helmsman O Gauge analogue controllers were chosen). As for Dynamis working - on LB that was with Bachmann's own staff, operating Bachmann's own stock using Bachmann's own system - running the Midland Pullman (it's on Youtube somewhere). As an aside, I find it disappointing to find that all the most-recent DCC-fitted Hornby locos I've tested of late won't work on DC at source. It would seem that the decoder has been programmed not to work on DC. Granted, not all functions would be available, but the wonderful DCC-fitted Heljan Class 47 Howard brought over on Friday (exclusive to TMC) worked fine on just DC, even to the extent of having sound! It'll be out on Youtube soon. Regards, Tony.

There was some discussion on here quite recently about the presence of some ex-SR vans which might have worked through Peterborough North. The following might be of interest............ They were all taken at or near Werrington Junction and, I believe, are East Lincs services. An ex-SR four-wheeler. An ex-SR bogie van. And, of perhaps further interest, an ex-GWR 'Fruit D'. The passenger accommodation appears to be BSK/SK (artic twins)/CK/SK/BSK (artic twins). Please observe copyright restrictions on the above images.

Thanks Paul, In DC mode the tracks on Little Bytham are powered from four Helmsman O Gauge controllers (one for each of the main circuits). These were all switched off when DCC was attached. The points on the scenic side have their own supply. This was all switched off. The signals have their own supply. This was all switched off. The points in the fiddle yard have their own supply. This was all switched off. Every power source is independent. Why the scenic-side power sources (the points and the signals) should affect the NCE unit, I have no idea, especially when everything was switched off. Thankfully, for my own use, it's not a problem since LB will never be DCC-operated while I'm still alive, but for testing DCC-onboard locos using an NCE unit it's clearly going to be an issue. So, those who want to use DCC, please bring along your Dynamis system............... Yes, I'm delighted Howard is still in the industry, too. Regards, Tony.

Further to the topic of William Stroudley and his association with Lord Willoughby's private railway from Little Bytham to Edenham, I recommend the acquisition of Lord Willoughby's Railway The Edenham Branch by R. E. Pearson and J. G. Ruddock, published by the Willoughby Memorial Trust in 1986. Chapter and verse are contained therein. I first visited Little Bytham in the early-'70s (hunting Deltics), and became aware of a railway bridge on the road from the village to Witham on the Hill. I knew nothing about it, but later found out that it carried the Witham Road over the Edenham branch. 50 years later, that bridge still stands (despite no train having passed underneath it since 1873). Thankfully, it was repaired just prior to Covid and should stand into a further century. Lord Willoughby consulted Walter Marr Brydone, Engineer of the GNR at the time of his line's building in the 1850s, and the GN man's input is apparent in this beautiful structure. The line of trees in the far distance mark the remains of the M&GNR, which cut through the remains of the Edenham branch at the end of the 19th Century. My dear friend, Ian Wilson, built a layout which supposed that the GN took over the Edenham branch shortly before its closure and kept it running. In turn, the LNER then eventually BR kept it running, evening expanding its operation to tap into local minerals. Presumably, then, it was closed at the same time as the M&GNR. I think Ian built a lovely model.............. The little hut to the right is the only structure which survives to this day, though Ian's station building is a larger representation than the actual one built. As for the loco shed, there was one at Little Bytham, so provision here invokes even more 'modeller's licence'. After Lord Willoughby's railway was abandoned, the GNR took over the line's loco shed and converted it into a stable. It survived into the 'sixties. Ian scratch-built this model. My contribution to Ian's Edenham.............. Has been to build most of the locos and rolling stock. Even to the extent of photographing it!

Yesterday, Howard Smith brought over some new TMC models to run on Little Bytham (Howard, ex-BRM, now works for TMC). First was this exclusive Brush Type 4, D1960. This was analogue, and ran superbly (as expected from a Heljan model). The weathering was superbly-applied. Another one was tested, this time with DCC onboard. Though not displaying every function, the DCC-fitted Brush 4 also ran beautifully on analogue, with sound. Attention then turned to the DCC-fitted G5s he brought. At least three little beauties. Now, in the past, DCC control has been coupled-up to Little Bytham and everything ran perfectly. Not this time! In that past, it's been Bachmann's Dynamis DCC, but Howard brought over a brand new NCE Powercab. On initial test in the fiddleyard, everything was fine. However, once out on the scenic section, the locos just refused to comply with any 'command'. Though all the DC stuff was completely turned off, the signals and the points seemed to interfere with the DCC signal. The fiddle yard has no signals, and the points are switched by solenoids. The scenic section's signals are worked by Viessman motors and the points by Fulgurex motors. How could they affect the DCC signal? Has anyone else encountered this phenomenon? The little locos still worked happily on DC, as will be evident on a video Howard shot. What the problem meant was that I as unable to try out the smoke-fitted/sound-fitted Hornby P2 seen before (it won't work at all on DC). Luckily, I know one or two mates with DCC layouts.................

Good evening Jim, I did. I also know that another friend of the Lord was Daniel Gooch. Apparently, the two great engineers would spend weekends at Grimsthorpe Castle, Lord Willoughby's ancestral home (which is where the Edenham Railway hoped to reach, but a bit was uphill from there!), tinkering with the line's two locos. As I look through our bedroom window every morning, the remains of the line across the valley can still be made out, even though it was abandoned in the 19th Century. Regards, Tony.

Tomorrow should be fun........................ I've been asked to review/test this stunning new model by Hornby of the new-build P2; the one with real steam! Naturally, it'll only function on DCC, and Little Bytham will never use that method of control; other than the few times when a DCC controller is wired in, every single relevant section of one of the four circuits is switched on and full DCC-functionality is enabled. Which will happen in the morning when a mate brings his peculiar box of tricks along. Watch this space.............

Good evening John, From memory, there were troughs at Scrooby (one of the homes of the Pilgrim Fathers), the sidings were at Ranskill and the level crossings were at Torworth, Sutton or Botany Bay, all just of the (old) A1. I wonder how many other families with trainspotting sons turned off the A1 from time to time between Bawtry and Retford? Mine certainly did! Regards, Tony.

Good evening Nik, Thanks for showing us your work. My congratulations; it looks superb! The last time I visited Bawtry in steam days was not long after the station closed (though access was still possible). The family was on its way back from visiting friends in Hull, and dad decided to stop the car at Bawtry station so that my brother and I could spot some trains. We didn't stay long, but long enough to see GANNET bowl slowly through on the Up Elizabethan (in preparation for the PW slack over the viaduct). Moments later, and accelerating in the opposite direction came WOLF OF BADENOCH on a Down express. Rarely have I seen such a difference in two locos' appearances; one positively gleamed and the other needed the 'eye of faith' to identify which A2/2 it was! Sadly, neither one was a 'cop', but LORD FARINGDON seen further south at Botany Bay was! Regards, Tony.

Good afternoon Martin, Me, and not just my last lining job! Regards, Tony.

With its lining now corrected, and running with its other tender, the new B1 was given another run-out on LB today............ 42 vans proved of no hinderance. The tender supplied by 60526 (thanks again, Charlie) is much nearer the correct height, and the loco will be weathered to match it. A typical 'layout loco'? I hope so.............

Good afternoon Al, I'd agree in the main about F1's commentary team, though I wish the principal one (can't remember his name) would desist in using 'sat' instead of 'sitting'. As in 'He's sat at the front of the grid', and other grammatical howlers. Regards, Tony.

I agree John, However, I'd have hated it more had by dozy error not been pointed out, especially if the loco were then weathered before I'd put it right. Regards, Tony.

Good evening Alan, I certainly don't hate you; in fact I'm delighted you've pointed out my inexcusable error with regard to my B1 lining. There is no 'odd case' here, just incompetence! My stupidity never ceases to amaze me, even though it's been with me for so long. Though hardly mitigating, I'd used about half the corners on the KEMCO sheet, little realising that the other half had the corners 'reversed' so to speak - this is a bit daft because the occasions when grey would be on the inside of the lining would be very rare indeed; so why have half the curves 'reversed'? No matter, mistakes should always be pointed and, more-importantly, rectified! So, this evening............ I removed the cabside lining, with lots of water and a cocktail stick (the rattle can paint is very durable). What was wrong. Is now right! The replacement lining is from Modelmasters, which, sensibly, has more corners of the more-usual orientation. Attention was then turned to removing the tender lining. I've coupled up the corrected loco to the donated Bachmann tender. Oddly, and perhaps perversely, my 'cock-up' could be a blessing in disguise because the first tender (with Bachmann body on etched frames) sat slightly low, whereas this one is dead right in height. Thanks so much for highlighting what needed correcting. Regards, Tony.

Speaking of 'layout B1s', here's a selection of Bytham's............. Prior to now working on LB, Retford's 61208 (Nu-Cast/Bachmann/Wright) saw service on Stoke Summit. The most-common way of making Bytham's B1s is to use a Bachmann loco body and tender sitting on top of Comet frames. Many have been made this way; mostly by me. 61028 and 61212. 61022. With one (61159) even running on the MR/M&GNR bit. And yet another (right, John Houlden's work) next to a modified Hornby B1 (weathered by Tom Foster). And the second of Tony Geary's lovely Bachmann/Comet B1s. There must be about half a dozen more B1s on LB. The first B1 tender arrived safely by post today. Thanks Charlie (it's already been re-wheeled). Finally............. A further view of 61139 and 61078 - truly 'layout locos' in a layout setting.

With all paintwork dry, it was time to give 61139 a good run today............ Firstly on an Up fitted freight, here passing another of Bytham's B1s. Tony Geary's work, marrying a Bachmann body on to Comet frames. Happily, 61139 proved to be entirely competent. And on this heavy Down express freight as well. Weathering awaits, which will make this 'layout B1' complete. More B1s in next post....................

Some little time ago there were comments regarding how 'square' chassis can be distorted when a loco body is attached. I mentioned that I use little pads of thin Pastikard to 'balance' any discrepancy. However, I also use strips of shim brass, soldered in place, to achieve the same solution; as seen here underneath the back end of my latest DJH A1.

Good evening Jesse, Let me think about it, please. I've thought about it (for a millisecond), so undone! Seriously, despite at least three B1 tenders arriving in the next few days, I've persevered today with the one where the original lining 'reacted' to the paint. And........... Amazingly, with a further rub-down and repaint, I've now lined/lettered/numbered the whole loco and tender today and I think I've got away with it. I've tried lining with a bow pen, but all I do is cock-up, so it's down to transfer lining (in this case some old KEMCO BR mixed traffic lining, which went on fine - unlike a more-recent product which was hopelessly misaligned). Now no professional painter would use transfer lining (except for transfer paper they paint themselves, for the likes of boiler bands). The transfer lining is far too coarse and doesn't have the thin cream line. However, I built this V2, and painted/lined it in exactly the same way as the B1, but sable-applied enamel dry-brush weathering has toned it right down. Thus............ On a layout, in action, I think my artisan, non-professional finish is adequate. Anyway, it's done in the spirit of self-reliance, something I regularly advocate (though not always with personal success). In fact, showing my hypocrisy, I'll hand the B1 over to Geoff Haynes to weather (I'm in credit). He weathered this other V2 I painted after mechanically rebuilding it............... Which, if you recall, came from you - in hideous green! Geoff lined the valance prior to weathering it. Again, as a 'layout loco', I think my basic painting is adequate. For all those who are sending B1 tenders, thanks again, and fear not. They'll all be put to good use. Regards, Tony.

Thanks for all the offers of the Bachmann B1 tender bodies/complete tenders. Folk are really generous, aren't they? I'll be selling any surplus for CRUK.

Good morning John, From the days of the great cricket commentators; along with Brian Johnston, there were the likes of John Arlott, Peter West and Jim Swanton to entertain and educate us about the gentlemen's game. Last night, I watched a 20-20 final on telly from Pakistan; certainly entertaining and exciting (though being non-partisan, I cared not who won), but some of the commentary was akin to being excoriated! Good (even great) cricketers the commentators might have been, but there their talents ceased (this is even more so with football commentators). What about the other great cricket quotes, such as 'The bowler's Holding, the batsman's Willey' or 'He's just got his leg over' or 'Botham has just clipped one of Thompson's balls all the way to the boundary'? At least one is attributed to the 'master'. Regards, Tony.

A request, please. Does anyone have a spare Bachmann B1 tender body for sale, please? It needs to be in BR lined black (the BR device doesn't matter - early or later). The reason for this need is that I sprayed a Bachmann V2 BR lined green tender body this morning with Halfords car rattle can acrylic satin black, and it 'attacked' the lining/BR device; it just blistered! I've cleaned it off, but rather nasty marks have been left and re-spraying hasn't disguised these (do you see why I usually leave painting to those who know what they're doing?). I've never come across this reaction before - not with acrylic. I'm happy to buy a complete tender if necessary. I recall at one show, a trader selling RTR tender bodies (including Bachmann B1s), but who and where are lost in the mists of time. Many thanks in anticipation.

Good afternoon Alan, I take it that's a cricket box? Years ago (about 1968) I was playing cricket for Edge Hill College of Education's team, and one of out batsmen had an aluminium box. Needless to say, an opposition bowler of considerable pace got a ball to rear up, hitting him smack bang where it hurts the most! He jumped a bit, squeaked a lot, then wrested with his jockstrap to release the metal box - to reveal a great big dent in it! It would appear no permanent harm was done because he later became a father. Regards, Tony.

I don't know. I never asked the question. Regards, Tony.