AlfaZagato

Speaking of Shays, I wonder how absurd one could make a Heisler. Or, how small a boiler could we expect to drive, say, eight 5-inch bore cylinders on a common shaft?

This is all in fun, but I don't think I've seen a Vanderbilt behind such a small loco before.

Looking good so far. I should get back to my Jidenco open.

I would greatly like to see drawings or pictures of that beast.

That works better for me than the GC job. I collect LMS in OO over LNER.

You'll have built what's left of their stock at this rate.

I'd be game if that 0-8-4 gets done.

I can't fathom why Great Central livery. Like, Midland I can consider, but GC isn't even a LMS constituent!.

Windows look pretty good to me.

Probably the best use of an online meeting I'm aware of.

K15 is a mess van?

I think comparing firebox design begets comparing the A1 and A2 Pacifics of LNER. If I remember my uncited reading, as-built the A2s were the better loco, but didn't (or weren't) develop much past what they had. Actually, better thought, how might have the LNER Pacific line developed if Raven's design won out?

Also, steam-era policy was generally a loco just right for each job. One large class of 7MT replacing upteen lesser classes made as much sense as former Midland policy of Class 2 or 3 locos in multiple to match the work. The 'Universal' Mikados in other countries weren't quite as universal as one might think. On many American lines, a decently-sized Mikado was the bare minimum to maintain any sort of traffic efficiency on even lesser short lines. Japan was the other country married to the arrangement (and the reason for the name.) Japan is surprisingly mountainous, so more tread offering power was desirable.

After nearly 500 pages and 13 years, bound to happen. People try to justify their mystery locos by building appropriate scenarios.

I think the GWR region as a whole 'exported' more than it 'imported.' I have not grounds to support this, though.

Fair play. Could be excessive steam chests, too.

Coming back to Imaginary Locomotives, I just saw a pic of Lady from Thomas the Tank Engine for the first time in years. I didn't realize how large the cylinders were, especially in relation to the boiler. I'd wager she'd only run for 30 minutes before needing to rest.

I'd imagine HS2 requires fully separated grading, as well. I can't think dedicated fast lines do well with level crossings.

Very clever. I could just about justify a Lion with such a rig.

New artwork posted to the traders. Looks like expected Q4 next year.

I'd have wagered on GBP199, with probably about GBP179 for subscribers early on.

I'm just happy when disparate makers release strikingly similar liveries. Minimizes the potential for repainting.

Graphite gradings is probably in line with pencil grading. 'H' grades are harder than 'B' grades. Higher number 'H' is harder, higher number 'B' softer. A regular pencil is usually HB, or right in the middle. I'd probably start there for convenience, then work my way 'up' the 'B' grades. I used a lot of apostrophes there.

The Temple Meads B-set is how I justify Earl of Dunraven on a minimal T-Trak oval. Wrong road looking good. I'd say right road for me, but I've lived on the former CN&W my whole life, so it's still wrong road!

That's a big oof right there. I suppose I'll wait for next month, when I'll actually get this month's issue.