simpsonjock

Hi, my records show this to be what eventually became class 120 set P560, formed as follows - 51581 59587 51585 Hope that helps! David

Southern National had two versions of this livery. the 'Dorset' version shown in the photo, and the 'Somerset' version which the EFE model is based on. The latter had two green bands, the former also had a green roof. Either would be suitable for a layout based in Weymouth/Portland as they did occasionally swap territory! EFE have also done a Leyland National bus in the same livery, and a Plaxton Paramount coach, so along with the Olympian you've already purchased there is scope for a nice small fleet in that livery. So far as route numbers are concerned, 22A is the original Southern National Portland route number, up to the early 1970's. When NBC merged SN with Western National, Portland routes were renumbered to the 42X series, anything from 422 to 428 being common depending on route and destination. When Southern National returned in 1983, Weymouth - Portland became route 1, with variants such as 1A. However 501 is also correct - that was the open top service to Portland Bill - which EFE also model a version of, in a yellow/blue/red livery which is correct for most of the 90's from memory, and would be another good addition! Finally, Smiths of Portland operated buses from a garage very close to where the old Portland Station was, including some very old Bristol RELL's until the late 90's, bought from Western National and operated in that livery (Blue/Cream/Red stripes) minus the branding for some years - google Smiths of Portland RELL and you should get some decent photos - these would very local to the model. Again, EFE did a model in that livery, with Western National Branding, which would be appropriate. Hope that helps David

Rick Just a note to thank you, not only for creating the magnificent 'Penhayle Bay', which I have always found inspirational, but also for taking the time and trouble to record and photograph the layout for the pleasure of thousands - It was always a pleasure to read updates and to marvel at the way the whole 'atmosphere' of Cornwall was created so well by you. As others have said, the 'closing sequences' were almost quite emotional, which speaks volumes about what you achieved. Very best of luck for your move to the UK! David

This looks like a photo of either 410 or 417 in their 'premier charter' days, when tables were fitted. The NSE moquette certainly suggests a later era picture. I'm not sure whether the 'teak' LUL set has tables fitted. Interesting to read Rick's post regarding the fitting of tables 'on demand', including in the compartments. I'm hoping that the model includes the distinctive orange curtains (which Bachman did so well on the 4-CEP). As another thought - it would be great to see transfers for the destination boards above the drivers side window, used in the earlier days to denote the Weymouth portion from the rest of the train. And of course the 'BOMO' depot code on the vehicle front! David

Hi I'm pretty certain you're correct - travelling daily on TC's from 1974 to 1983 I recall they had a small table below the window for a couple of drinks, not full size ones - I recall though the REP DMSO's next to the restaurant car had large tables though, at least in the half nearest the restaurant car, used for meal service. These photos look great, can't wait to see livery samples David

The Dapol advert in this months magazines shows the 33's released in June - looking forward to them if true!

That's exactly the one I was thinking of - a great layout! My early memories of the Modeller come from Weymouth Library, which had a collection of RM bound volumes in the children's lending section in the 70's - how enlightened! - which I used to borrow regularly, indeed almost permanently! They ran from 1970 to 1975, in maroon hardback covers - a source of great inspiration and ideas over what felt like a 'golden period' for the magazine, with many large 'system' layouts (I remember one which had just about the whole Western Region over several rooms, with multiple track everywhere!). As a slight digression the library also had a few of 'The Model Railway Men' books by Ray Pope - anyone remember those? - which were set on a boy's layout where the 'little people' came to life, and were named after iconic engineers - Telford, Stanier, Gresley, etc - it sounds cheesy but they were great stories and a good read. I see the books on eBay/Amazon these days for large sums. David

I think it was the 'Wardleworth Lines', early 70's, built in a vicarage, with electric locos and long trains, and a representation of Woodhead tunnel amongst many other delights - including scale ferries. Great memory!