BobM

Evening guys, Hope all are keeping well and in ‘fine fettle’? Just a couple of images to show where it is the intention to place my GWR water tower, this being to the side of the coaling ramp and stage as this is the area where I have the greatest space in the MPD. Could I pose a question and ask you good guys, does this look okay and would the tower be in such a location in a GWR yard? Thanks Bob

Afternoon! I hope everyone is well? I always seem to be apologising, but yet again I must sincerely do so for the protracted absence and a further ‘false start’ in announcing a return to modelling previously. Hopefully healthy enough now to do so and have been ‘spurred on and the interest rekindled’ by a visit to (what is a bit like myself, perfectly formed but small 😀) model show in the village centre today when I’ve purchased just a few buffer stops. Yes, they may not be correct time wise or for the region, but it’s got me back hopefully into things. Do, this is the area I’m going to try to wire up, and get the engine shed, stabling yard and latterly the turntable which I intend at the moment to have as just a scenic/ atmospheric section as I’m not confident to attempt anything further? We will see how things go! As they say around here ‘ I’ a Jed yet’ so it’s a good starting point! Regards to all my dear friends and once again, sorry for the ‘static broadcast’ only over the last year. Bob

Hi Yes, that was the original P & O vessel, a lovely steam ship in her day. Regards Bob

If anyone knows the whereabouts of a Waterline model of P & O's Himalaya - please could you let me know, I will be eternally in your debt! I sailed on this with my family when I was knee high to a Wombat in 1964/65 and have been searching for one for decades now! Albatros AL259 Himalaya 1953 P&O Liner Waterline Model 1/1250 Regards Bob

Circle of Life - (Various) Elton John

Pardon the unintentional pun and sorry to be overly sensitive, but if it is for real, even after this length of time, it's in inappropriate 'bad taste' to use or advertise based on a disaster that cost over 1500 lives.

Hi I am so sorry that is has been an embarrassingly long length of time since I have posted anything. It has taken me far too long to come to terms with things, however I have been rebuilding with greater strength over the last few months in all aspects, health and confidence / personal finance took a battering since in railwayman's terms, my workshop visit for 'boiler repairs' and a tube washout last year! Returned to work, part-time now so hopefully on the right side, thankfully not as yet ready to be'withdrawn from traffic'. Have intentions to focus on the engine shed/ MPD area firstly to ease myself back into things. Regards always guys, Bob

Just a walk in the warm spring evening sunshine along and through the (on the doorstep) woodland paths over Highgate Common located in South Staffordshire, a tonic after work being cooped up inside all day! Bob

Nowhere Man - The Beatles

One Way Ticket - Eruption

Sad Day, RIP Possum!

Hi I’ve got to work out in my head now, how to and where to place a decent spread of inspection pits, whether to have these within the shed, outside it or both, and perhaps an ash pit, water column positioning, together with all the shed ‘furniture’ that goes with it! Regards always Bob

Turntable layout as here Regards always Bob

Afternoon all, I hope that today’s weather has been as glorious with your good selves as it has been here in South Staffordshire, after a mornings gym rehabilitation session at Action Heart, a walk into the village for lunch and a walk along the tow path of the Staffs/ Worcestershire canal in the most wonderful sunshine, came back home to settle on the track arrangement for the loco shed and yard. Have placed the intended track layout into position and now needs to be separated into sections, pinned down and wired up. Will post further as hopefully progress is made as time goes on? Hope all are well? Regards always Bob

There Are No Miracles - Bright Light Bright Light

Hi all There are many fine views across the SVR and its stations, many too on other heritage lines and stations, however and I know I am biased when I say this, but standing on the road bridge at Arley, just soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of the village and valley, there is perhaps none finer? I am greatly privileged to be just one member of a wide, fine bunch of volunteer and paid staff colleagues both at Arley and right across the SVR as a whole. Here's to a successful 2023 operating season which seemingly got off to a fine start with the Spring Steam Gala, thanks to everyone who visited us and continue to support the SVR so brilliantly in many ways. Regards always Bob Arley 141 miles from Paddington via Oxford...!

That's a beautifully atmospheric image Ben, perfectly illustrates the day and SVR we all love, that view of Arley positioned from the road bridge is just so idyllic! If you compare it to this BR publicity shot taken in 1959, not much has altered? (Copyright Kidderminster Railway Museum) Thanks Bob

Hi All Been 'back at The Ranch' today and spent much of the time working 'behind the Pway hut' in readiness for replanting work, but emerged at times to see splendid views such as these! Regards always, cheers for the superb support folks! Bob

Hello all, Had a very pleasant day today (as a change as a travelling 'bod', rather than a working volunteer at Arley), it was very pleasing to see the trains very busy, yes it was 'standing room' only on some, but heard very few grumbles on this score, and yes there were queues at all catering outlets I visited but again , everyone being served promptly from what I could see too, most folks understanding the situation well? Here's a selection of images from the day, back to normal tomorrow volunteering on the SVR, so will have a chance to see the 'traffic' passing through my fine 'second home' namely Arley! Thank you to everyone for their constant support and good wishes... Regards always Bob

In all aspects of life, is possible to do everything you believe to be right and just, but still fail, that is not a sign of personal weakness or a lack of correct judgement, it just a fact of life! I am sure that with combined efforts of goodwill and the dedication from its volunteers/ staff/ shareholders and travelling supporters, with perhaps more than just a smidgin of good fortune, the SVR will undoubtedly prevail through this rough patch just as it has done previously when it has faced what were initially and potentially seen as insurmountable challenges. Thanks for all the very sincere good wishes from you guys on here, from a now ageing SVR volunteer of 20 years at Arley. Regards Bob

I will refrain from commenting on specifics and as a shareholder and working volunteer member of the SVR for nearly 20 years, and a member of the GWR...I will only repeat a previous posting of mine made in February of this year.... The SVR is indeed, akin to many, going through and faces many challenges. However difficult and painful these will undoubtedly be, especially for those paid staff whose livelihoods may be uncertain, knowing the railway as I do it will, with the support and affection of its staff, volunteers and long standing supporters weather this uncertain patch. Together is the only way forward, each heritage railway relies upon the collective strength of the movement. Keep the faith! Regards always Bob

Evening All, It is, always a privilege to be able to undertake volunteer work on the SVR among good friends, to further the Heritage Railway movement and to protect and preserve the wonderful station at Arley which has been a major part of my life for nearly 20 years now. There may be no remuneration for volunteer work but who needs paying for a hobby when you stand back at a safe distance and obtain a view such as this? 4079 out on test runs today...looks superb and sounded even greater as she 'barked' her way through Arley. The Spring Gala is fast approaching.....! Regards always Bob

Evening all, Here’s the bridge, placed for effect into its intended position… hope it looks great okay? Regards always, Bob

On my return to Bridgnorth, 4079 was ‘warming’…..should see her out on test soon hopefully? Regards Bob

Taw Valley was out on a charter today, despite its inauthentic colour scheme, it looks impressive in black. Regards all, Bob