Ashley Bridge

It might be slightly warm Lycra, but at least it started out clean today. Unlike some of the “things” that turned up a Warley. Pongypits

Just returned from a pleasant trip to Oakhampton Staion. Free parking, a pleasant walk with stunning views, back to clean toilets, a nice Buffet with a limited menu but they coped very well despite staff shortages and inundated with cyclists. Much to recommend it. Loads of Green Paint, but then I’m biased, a lovely day out. Ash.

Hi Mike, I have recently stumbled across your blog and “lost” a couple of days following your explorations and the development of your techniques. I have to say my own efforts are strictly low-tech, double-O and post war (the second one). But I’m sure everyone has a touch of nostalgia for early GWR and the great schemes, rivalries and engineering development of that bygone era. Thank you for your efforts and I look forward to following your progress .May I wish all you like minded enthusiasts a happy and prosperous New Year. Rich.

War Baby , what do you think?

Such atmosphere! My Great Grandmother lived in a tiny house below Spurgeons Bridge, outside East Croydon in 1947/8. The back yard went up to the brick wall with those curved coping stones. I was allowed to lean—DONT CLIMB!—and watch the succession of Electrics going through.Must have seen a C2X as well ‘cos every steam engine I drew had two steam domes. Thank you, Ash.

After the first couple of hours, you didn’t have a clue what was going on. The hourly updates in English over the Tannoy started mid sixties, if I recall. We still go every year, Radio Le Mans and the huge screens keep you updated now, and the weather always keeps it interesting.

November ‘42, I went to the 24hrs at Le Mans the first time in ‘63 I had no interest in trains, ours were all dirty green electric things with doors you could swing open as they approached the station.

You’ll do more than p#*@s yourself when you see how much that Doris with the big bangers got you to bet last night——— Don’t ask me how I know.

Out? Who outed him? The beasts! They promised what happened at York, stayed at York. D. P. Leetroubled

I tried tilting our cat over to one side for an hour. Worked all right with the clock, no luck with the cat though.Tick Tock

Sorry Phil,Just found a superb picture on the dust cover of John-Scott Morgan’s book. A Merchant Navy passing our favourite milk tanks. Rich

Does anyone have an original photo of a Rebuilt on the ACE? I understood they were too heavy for the routes west of Exeter Rich.

Is that a form of Hungry Caterpillar? S Carey

Us grockles only use the Carrefour two stops down from Antares when we are in residence. Mid June every year--------Ash.

After all the excitement on that other West of England layout group, I fear Norman's story has fallen from grace. I had to go to page number four in the index to catch up.I hope nothing untoward has happened? I feel we missed a unique photo opportunity when discussing breakfasts, obviously Norman is far too well brought up to even suggest it, but surely Molly's contribution is worth a mention? Ash. .

Another example of two great nations divided by the same language.Do you still call car paint Duco? When we arrived in Melbourne in '69 the English didn't know what a condom was!! They were called a Durex, which everyone in Oz knows is a roll of cellotape. Most embarrasing for my young Bride. Keep going with the shades of grey, lucky youre not in Victoria, they used to ban yucky things like that. Loving the craic, Rich.

I don't want to begin a silly argument or go too far off topic, but don't we all board the train in the same place when doing a regular commute as Mr Warburton obviously is? Love your latest pictorial efforts, Rob. That Auto tank looks really great. Ash.

Hi Nick, Sunday was obviously the quieter day, I enjoyed the opportunity to have a brief chat during breaks from operating on another layout there. As usual, you had nice, smooth running and a really interesting collection of stock. Regards, Rich.

Instead of the usual fireman-with-shovel, I prefer to have the guy on the left facing to the rear so they are never driving "blind" Of course, you people with proper green engines and driver on the left would have to make your own decision! Rich.

Hi Andy, I see you've taken off like a rocket again!Please show us details of joining the bullhead to f/b points. Is it reasonably straight forward? Oh- you've probably done it by now! Regards, Rich.

With eight grand children, I should be laughing then.I'll get one of them to try, providing they can get a gap in their face time. Rich.

Hi Phil I managed to scan the sheet, but cannot seem to paste the document. I'll have to find a "grown-up" to help. Regards, Rich.

Hi PhilI bought a falcon brassworks kit recently, which is a re-launch of the old jidenco I believe. Very rudimentary instructions, but I can scan them if you like? Rich.

As Phil says, when you think of a name, google it to make sure there isn't a railway there. That's how I found my avatar, no one gets past those images. Ash.