guzzler17

The trees in the background look very similar to those in this picture https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Birmingham_RC%26W_Co_Type_2_D5344_(8395114697).jpg which is stated to be at Inverness in August 1968. D5344 was an IS engine at the time.

This doesn't directly answer your questions but provides a short history of one of the inspection saloons, note the bit about being allocated to Euston Downside and why. https://www.prclt.co.uk/6320-special-saloon.html

I would like to re-bogie two coaches but cannot use Farish bogies coded 379-442 as they're only good for coaches with close coupling mechanisms. I've looked through the usual websites but the older Commonwealth bogies are not available as spares. If anyone has a couple of spare pairs of NEM fitted Commonwealths please get in touch.

Looking through my performance logs the fastest speed I recorded on a load 5 eastbound non-stopper was 94mph at Red Post Junction (1 mile 25 chains west of Andover). For the record it was a diverted Weymouth to Waterloo service in 1988. The estimated train weight excluding the loco was 205 tons. Would like to see the Steam Days article.

The Railway Performance Society might hold data for both of the above.

I didn't know that Status Quo were now running the country 😲 Oh well apart from Not being able to sing in tune and Unable to play any musical instrument Count me in 😉 Whether that's in the army or a member of Quo I'll leave it for others to decide.

ignore please - beaten to it

10 to 12 in ARC please.

(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!) - Beastie Boys

Road To Hell - Bruce Dickinson

November Rain - Guns 'n' Roses

Bring Your Daughter... To The Slaughter - Iron Maiden

These Are The Days Of Our Lives - Queen

It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll) - AC/DC

Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting - Elton John