steve22

Gents, your several comments about the valances had me searching out my 'The WR Diesel Hydraulics' compiled by Hugh Dady, Ian Allan 1989, p40. A Norman Preedy picture there of D6320 in green at Gloucester Horton Road shed with a couple of side valances missing and the comment, "It was common for the bodyside valances to be missing as they had a tendency to fall off!" If they fall off on the model then don't knock it (or glue it), Dapol are going all out for realism! Ray, your photos are excellent as ever and show what a fine looking beast this Class 22 is.

Interesting tip there, making the rail over-length to bend it then cut the surplus off. I haven't been as resourceful as that, although with my previous 00 gauge layouts I've made use of Peco Setrack curves mixing varying radii to make transition curves that will fit where one radius alone would not fit. I then cut the final bit of curve to length. But I might well give your way a try next time.

100,000 is some going! Well done and congratulations too on reaching that certain age.

Very atmospheric. Apart from what looks like a temporary dangling bit of wire in the second photo you could imagine that shed being far greater than the size it probably is. Best of luck with this one, you'll no doubt have fun.

It does look like the right width. Presumably you have to be very accurate with your track laying first (and only?) time. Best of luck with the rest of the layout construction.

'Here are some photos just for fun'. And I'll bet it's fun that you have playing with that set!

I've looked in vain for a model of any one of my dad's earlier cars - a 1956 Standard 8 (gloss black it were...), 1965 Singer Gazelle (lovely silver moss green with black stripe and classy chrome trim), 1973 Austin Maxi (Teal Blue, another classic 1970s colour) and 1984? Austin Montego. I may have seen a Vanguard (Corgi?) model of a Standard 8 once; next time I was in that particular shop it was gone, if it was ever there. Have I missed any of these models somewhere folks?

Sorry, I don't know about the dimensions but you seem to verify what my brother suggested to me about attaching name and number plates using a satin varnish. And as you say yourself, to apply sparingly, well within the edge of the plate. As ever, always something to learn from your postings and the usual excellent clear photos as well. Thanks.

Great to have the photos showing all your work, back, front and inside. A very interesting read. Thanks.

I hardly ever get to Exeter, and even then it's only on business. But seeing Dave's shop whilst walking past one time I called in. Good range of stock, very pleasant service and he made time for some 'modellers chat' which is always nice. On subsequent visits to Exeter I tried to make sure that I caught the earlier train so I'd have time to call in.

Job, you capture the atmosphere in everything you create. Great stuff, once again.

The title of your Blog caught my eye. I'm working on a Cyril Freezer plan that has an incline that can be made very gradual one side but will be maybe twice as steep the other way. I'm thinking of ways of moving the fiddle yard along a bit; just about room to do that and allow for a more gradual slope either side. It will be interesting learn how your City and other locos cope; 1 in 60 seems OK but I suppose you can never be sure until you try these things out.

I agree with C&WR - you've captured the atmosphere well. Some nice detailing on and around the station, too; I'm thinking of the variation in style of the fence and the gate, the long ramp and sloping wall up to the station entrance and the realistic open space of the car park, taxi stand and cycle racks.

Sorry to learn about family health issues, Andy, as well as friends passing away or being ill themselves. A great pity too about double-bookings. We know how much this Event means to you and all the effort you put into it so it's good to read that you've secured a couple of your 'top targets'. All the best with your own layout plans and the work still to put in - the Day will be a good 'un, you'll see.

"Back to the beginning - but better!" A Nice and very apt phrase.

Just to echo other comments here - especially the 'WOW!' Great modelling. Well done Tony and thanks to Phil for showing us this amazing model railway. Steve.

Hi Sven, welcome among us. Steve.

Some intricate work there, although I guess that you enjoy the challenge and the seeing the result? I always enjoy your videos which show the result.

You seem to be anticipating a lot of fun with this reworking - I hope everything goes, literally, acccording to plan. Enjoy all those long trains in all that space!

Yes, I was thinking Barry Ten CC (but won't do it again). Great photos of your work, as ever. Very clearly written info too.

Actually, CKPR, I'd say from what else I've read somewhere that you are right. I just didn't want my post to ramble on! Thanks for verifying the existence of a 'Mk2'.

I read somewhere that it got to the stage where it was requiring excessive maintenance to keep it going and sadly it was dismantled. When and where I read this I can't recall. I too have fond memories of reading about it in my friend's October 1968 RM when it was Railway of the Month, billed as 'Midland Magnificence'. It was about that time that I first saw Grandborough Junction in the RM for October 1964. I'd never seen a model railway look so realistic. My friend gave me his copy and I can recall walking back home with my head almost dizzy from what I'd seen - and any part of Buckingham still amazes me now. Size wise at the other extreme I still enjoy looking at Ian Futer's 'Ashleigh'. One more or I'll never stop; I always thought the December 1968 ROTM 'Huntshire' was fascinating. Still do.

Research coming up with the right answer for you. Nice simple example but heart-warming all the same.

I've never got my head around 'driving the train not the track'. In both cases we are supplying electricity to a motor - that's the thing we're driving. Wires, track, wheels, collectors,etc. play their part in both instances. Either way, it's all very enjoyable. As ever, Barry Ten, great pictures, lovely colours and a great sense of space and perspective.

Eekk, CJF's 'thorough going terminus' and a bit more in six weeks or so, and yours is the slightly shortened version. Wishing you all the very best, modelpara. Go for it!