Mallard60022

Augustus will not be pleased; that coach has got lavs! 'Through coaches' - them were the days my luvvers (Devon term for people to whom one was talking). So Rob, when do we get the 4p.m. off 83D up Mail from down west then? Quack

Just 'got' your ref to the branch coach Rob. Great paint job mate and 'nice hinges'!!!!! Quack

Funny how the ES1s stuck in my memory too even though I lived in 83D and only visited Newcastle once a year for a week, up until 1962 en route to Consett to visit my paternal grandparents and uncle. I saw them whilst taking the loop to Whitley bay where an old army friend of my dad lived and we always went there for a day during our stay. Maybe it was the bright green amongst an otherwise rather drab area that caught my eye? Who knows, happy days. Quack

Nice one Dave. I bow to superior ducks in the case for clean or mucky class 4s; I know nothing. Whilst on the subject, can I be compensated? I would prefer full compensation. OK I'm happy with a Sharman chassis. Quack

If I remember correctly the Black 5 or Jub/Pat would have come off the train at Bristol TM. There might even have been another loco change at N Abbot and often a 'pilot' would be attached there for the coming mountains. Now then Rob, that just reminded me about double headers.............................. Quack

Wow, did '5s' actually venture west in 1935? P

Excellent. P

Who would want to clean a new fangled box thing when they had all those lovely Pacifics to work on? Agreed, the EE 4s were mucky until the 'management' noticed! Quack. P.S. The situation of Gateshead loco's being filthy is true, however I must stand up for those brave lads of the Tyne. They did clean their machines, but by the time they reached Central station they were covered in clag due to the lovely atmospheric conditions over the fair City at that time (what's the date?)

Embankments certainly are class Rob; very good colour and texture. Love the shots too. Your layout would have looked very 'comfortable' at York today having seen quite a few of what were on show when I was being the 'tea boy'. Quack.

P North has had its' share of lower base humour, but Andy told me off so I'm trying to get away with it on here whilst he is eating Easter Eggs at York! Anyhow, apologies and it won't happen again unless, of course, one of your 'staff' or 'passengers' makes a comment about the LNER! P.S. No idea where the sign is unless it's at Bicton Gardens or possibly Dawlish (have not noticed it on Kingstorre though). Oh, I'm only on here on such a beautiful day because herself has gone to volunteer at Idle Valley (great name) and I'm dogsitting our borrowed Spaniel whilst awaiting the chap who is mending our TV aerial that fell over yesterday - such fun here at 36E. Quack.

Arthur has obviously just pointed out to Augustus that someone has allowed a coach with a toilet down his line and that the toilet had been used......... Augustus is not a happy chappy as he likes to keep a very clean 4 foot and does not even allow drivers to drain their cocks on his immaculate PW. Yuch.

I think panniers yelped? 64XX 'borrowed' from 83D; any excuse Rob Quack P.S. You put your pipes inside, your pipes outside, in out, in out, what's that all about? Detail differences minefield game to catch out even the best model makers. Despite the confused pipes that is a great picture; getting to Albion Yard standard. Overheard conversation. Minnie: something pegged on the up! Flora: I can hear it, I think it's a goods? Minnie: yes dear! Flora: 28XX? Minnie: 38XX? Signalman: sorry ladies, it is a 42XX on a test train!

During the night (yes it is sad) I decided that Halls and Granges barked and Counties bellowed. Does anyone remember or have noticed how many GWR/WR loco's had a squeak/shriek as part of the exhaust sound when starting off? I wonder what caused that? Quack

Very nice thank you. What with Peterboro' North and this excellent entertainment, all I need now is something Southern and something Midland to swoon over at my leisure. Oh yes, Castles and Kings Thundered, Manors roared!! Hope you don't mind; it's to do with the cylinders ya knows. Lovely pics Rob and I hope Flora and Minnie have had their tea and cake? P

Re Gilbert's accounts, maybe we need to start a 'co-op? style association? Quack.

Rob would have to clean up too much, horse/donkey/animals without identity, poo! P

I think it might be worth a 'punt' on a S15 for the near future. I think this O1 looks brilliant. P @36E

Splendid stuff from down there in the frozen suburbs of NTM. I really like the station/Hotel and area. It must be fascinating seeing that 'come to life' and then being able to remember actually being there in the 'real world'. Mr Leyland certainly has produced the goods and Gilbert you are too modest re your own skills mate; excellent bit of cassette creating. Quack (oh b****cks, my ar*e is stuck in the Idle ice................)

In the 70s I lived in Wellingborough and when shopping I think in the Coop in Rushden there was a small section of a department upstairs that had railway stuff in it. I bought a K's Grange there (yes I know I'm bonkers).Mr Brewin of Comet Models built that for me about 30 years later! Anyway, the chap that served me was the manager of the store who just happened to be a railway and model railway buff and that's why the store had that small sub department. He and his son became friends for a few months before I then left for 'sunny' Surrey. I also remember a toy shop in Woodhatch (south part of Reigate) when I lived in Redhill in 1969 -75. It was one of those Aladdin's cave sort of places and had a good stock of MR stuff including second hand. Wonder if that still exists? P @ 36E

Completely bonkers I know but I still imagined Brent as Rob has it....... Capn's pic is (as always) excellent but I just can't get the 'empty' space! P