Mad McCann

Given the symbolic nature of this tree, it gives rise to the question; was this an act of symbolism itself? And if so, what is the meaning of it? It may just be that Occam's razor provides the most likely answer, but in a country that has symbolism in its DNA, one can never be fully confident.

Nice work, Martyn. Those rivets doing exactly what they should then. Conspicuous for application then disappearing when painted. I like the work on the 25. I presume the t/c panel is just chain drilled out the cleaned up? Davy.

A 2MT has been a project requirement for me over various layout ideas since 1980, so I do have a considerable sense of anticipation for this model that could only be rivalled at this point by a four coupled Scottish engine. Well, another week , month or two won't hurt given that timeline! 🤣 Davy

The reason I asked is down to the layout being what it is. Dundee and Ferryhill V2s would have been regular visitors back in the day, to say nothing of their St Margaret's sisters. I have two already but like A2s, I can see more will be of use. Davy.

Apologies if this has been mentioned alread in a long thread, but I do think Bachmann are missing out by seemingly sticking to livery runs in specific configurations. Apart from the Rails Special Edition, they don't appear to be covering late crest green with the monobloc version and there do seem to be a few years between runs these days. I suspect I'm going to have to wait for further flash sales before I can add my versions of 813 and 919 to the St Clements roster. Davy.

Fair one. As long as they put more effort into the bogies on their LMS/LNER types. The current ones are very anemic and cheap looking. Davy.

Extraordinary reaction to what was intended as light hearted joshing. But take it as you will. Davy.

You've had enough for now, Captain, go off and play with this fine new toy you have just receiveth! 😉 Davy.

In the same vain, the J38/38 of similar provenance would also be welcome.

As a Scottish modeller I'd honestly be happy with a few more kits of our older staple locos. I remember the last time I tried to help do something about that though... 💩💩💩

I certainly concur where the Jubilee is concerned as Bachmann have failed to exploit the field of variations which limits the geographic spread of their version. DoG is certainly one of the last 'Big' locos awaiting a quality release, as are Thompson's 'Great Northern ' and A2/1. After that, we are into the realms of the Pre-Group 'big' engines and more humble types.

There are two very nice main line locos at Bo'ness, generally active, that could do with a measure up... 😉

Thanks Ian. Sorry for missing your reply. Not been on for a couple of days. I would definitely be interested, thanks. Davy.

I'm guessing I missed the boat for these, Ian. That's what I get for being an infrequent visitor. Please let me know if you do them again as I could use one. Thanks. Davy.

Interesting observations. I would say that when testing, it would occasionally drive, but then slip. Which suggests more the split gear than one not centred on the spline but I'm going to keep that in mind for future investigations of this type. Thanks again. Davy.

Thanks for the info, gents. Greatly appreciated. Davy.

Recently, I acquired for a good price, a Bachmann A2 sold as a non runner, with the intention of putting it right myself. Essentially, this one just has a final drive gear that has become loose on the drive axle so probably a straightforward loctite repair. I'm just asking if anyone has done this repair to an A2 before and how easy the access is. It appears on first inspection that the keeper plate is held on very short pick up wires and I'm just trying to figure out if I can get in without breaking or unsoldering them. Thanks. Davy.

Yes. One of the screens on my 043 was out but it was a very easy job to pop back in to be completely fair. Davy.

He likes to help with the gardening too but I think he has his own agenda on that score... 🤔

A couple of weeks back, Scoobs enjoyed the Caley's diesel gala, getting a fine dose of 11, 20, 26 and 27 haulage throughout the day and discovering the joys of the MK1 mobile sofa. 😉

Well, given the enthusiastic response to the S160 from another of the rising stars this week, it seems a good moment to lobby for the WD 2-10-0, with interesting WD, LMR and BR versions. Also a good way of getting a popular "Scottish" loco, if you don't already have something in hand in that department... 😉 Davy.

I for one could be sold on some suitable South African stuff. 😊 Davy.

Two years we have been here next week. The big lad still can't believe his luck! Neither can I...

Scubaidh Dubh is quite the celebrity in the village since we arrived here two years ago. I on the other hand am generally an appendage to him! He has many ports of call on his walks, one of which is the local Chinese takeaway where he is hugely welcomed and given a bowl of freshly cooked chicken by the staff. The proprietors are off on holiday until the end of August bust he refuses to accept that the shop is shut! Hang in there, buddy, Only another six weeks to go! 🤣

Or Black Douglas in my case. 🙂