Mad McCann

There was I about to take my four-legged friend out for her evening walk and it's started precipitating down. If I could see the sky I imagine there would cloud cover towards the thick end of the Okta scale. Seems I've missed rather a lot!

Time to save up and start a new UK social trend of 'deferred gratification'. ;-)

Aye, you could get two Range Rovers or Jags past each other on those sections. ;-)

I've always been of the opinion that a deliberate 'scorched earth' policy was in force regarding some of the more controversial route closures. I can think of no other reason than some kind of anti-rail spite in high places; the 1970s and '80s being the high water mark of the road-building, car culture era. I have some other more political theories about these acts but this isn't the place to discuss them. Some of the opposition to the new route comes from people of similar persuasion to those I theorise about. I think Bill knows what I'm getting at.

I'm advised that more than sufficient interest has been recieved and the project is a go-er, probably an early next year start on design work.

The 812 is more of a different beast from the Jumbo than you might imagine, Horse. Absolutely indispensable for anyone modelling the west or North East Scotland in the steam era from about 1880 on.

I love these Frankensteinian machinations of yours. Keep them coming and then maybe consider some G&SWR shenanigans! :-)

I believe that the Twins were actually 812 class 0-6-0s but why let that get in the way of further expressions of interest?

Pete Stanger of 52F models is proposing to add more Scottish prototypes to his range of kits. Builders of Pete's NB/NE kits will be familiar with the quality of them. In the first instance he is proposing a kit for the Caledonian Railway's Jumbo 0-6-0 but at least fifteen expressions of interest will be required to make the idea viable. If you are interested, please contact Pete via the 52F Models address, indicating preferred gauge and quantity of kits. I've no connection other than as a satisfied user of previous products and a desire to see some modern kits for Caledonian and other Scottish prototypes in due course!

Not the first time I wandered up that alley looking for skulking villains in a previous life. :-) "Impressive" really doesn't do it justice.

Interesting factoid regarding J15. While I don't have the full information to hand at this point, I have it on good account that a solitary J15 found it's way to industrial use in Lanarkshire and was apparently plated by the BTC for local mainline use. Requires deeper investigation I think.

That smokebox is too long for a Jumbo and they've given it the tender from a Pickersgill 300 Class. Dammit, didn't these guys think to speak to the Caley Association first? ;-)

By the same token, Mk1 BGs weren't initially allocated to the ScR either, but this in no way precludes the use of either vehicle (very extensively) north of the border. CCTs are a very common sight in transition era Scotland and beyond. :-)

It's also worth removing some of the 'lip' at the base of the axleguards where they meet the floor. I found that the tops of the (Gibson) wheels were dragging very slightly on this.

They'll certainly be of a slimmer profile which should help. I have a pair to which I'm going to fit some Gibson EM coach wheels shortly. I don't anticipate any serious issues. :-)

Gorgeous! What chassis is underneath it? D.

The line can't have been gone ten years in that image?

Highland volume just ordered. D.

Jim, I understand the NB volume is now out. The NBRSG are saying so. I think the SouWest volume is due in October in time for the Scottish Railway Forum in Perth. Davy.

Ah well, looks like I'll be using Gibson wheels hereafter. D.

Thanks Ray, that's a good help. :-) D.