brumtb

Be strong Chris! I just can't resist the 40' vans, or the early siphons for that matter! Tony

Two excellent new books just arrived. Full of information, drawings and photos, lots to get stuck into! Tony

The Dean Goods drivers were actually 5' 2" although as you say the 39xx wheelbase differed from the DG. I wonder how much of the DG was actually reused really. Tony

Following on the 45xx route, here is my 39xx using a Bachmann 45xx. As usual there are compromises e.g. the driving wheels are smaller but it is very useful for my Birmingham area based layout. Tony

Thanks, yes there are many Bruntons in the scottish border country and I visited a small hamlet called Brunton in Northumberland last autumn. It doesn't seem quite so common in Cumbria though although my great grandfather lived in Carlisle and died there in 1898. Its all fascinating. Tony

Thanks @CKPR and @MrWolf, very tempting, a whole new area to explore especially as I'm discovering family connections. A bit off piste, but I'd quite like to know how Carlisle's Brunton Park got it's name as that's my surname. Tony

Thanks Mikkel, the food was good as well!

Last week Shirley and I spent a very enjoyable (if rather wet) holiday in Cumbria, split between railways, wildlife and Hadrian's Wall. As a follower of @Citadel and @CKPR I was delighted to see Carlise Citadel in reality and surprised to see the Maryport and Carlise Coal and Goods Depot still identified as such. A trip on the S&C really brought the line to life. Armathwaite Signal Box and the delightful platform canopy at Skipton. Can't wait to return. Tony

Agreed, an excellent and quirky approach to railway modelling. I've subscribed for years and still have it in French, much looked forward to each quarter. Tony

Rereading Michael Harris's Great Western Coaches I see that yes, the carriages were initially ordered in 1913 and owing to the war the order was cancelled in 1915 but the first sets were completed in February 1920 and the remainder in June 1921. So possibly a little more scope for weathering! Tony

Hi Neal The carriages are reasuringly heavy but very free running. My 39xx is a scratch built body on a a Bachmann chassis and it has no trouble at all. I've not tried any other locos yet but don't anticipate any haulage issues, they are quality products. A six carriage set would be just right with the County Tank I would think. I wouldn't recommend using the Dapol rigid couplers, though I had enough problems putting the 3 on the track. Tony

Thanks Mikkel, that's very much appreciated. Tony

Thanks Neal It's just 3, I think 6 would swamp the layout. I'm thinking of a pale grey, even perhaps off white to take away the starkness of the bright white and then some weathering powder lightly applied to show the beginnings of the smoke reaction. I'm pretty sure the roof paint was still lead but as @ChrisN has commented, not sure how quickly the roof colour would change. I understand the coaches were still fresh out of Swindon in 1922, their building being delayed by the Great War. Tony

Modelling has been very slow of late with other responsibilities taking precedence as well as general lethargy. However, the arrival of the Dapol Mainline and City coaches was very welcome (as was the Kernow Steam Railmotor). Here is Great Western 2-6-2T 3916 with a short rake of the new coaches heading out to Leamington Spa. The coaches are on loan to the Birmingham Area to assess their suitability for Birmingham suburban use!!! They are as out of the box at present other than the substitution of Hunt magnetic couplers for the rigid bars supplied by Dapol. I really must tone down those pristine roofs, any suggestions for a "new but in service" finish? Thanks for looking Tony

Yes, I do agree Neal. A big advance on the Hornby chassis, well done! Tony

I'm really pleased to see how the County Tank has come together. Excellent work Neal. Tony

Kernow have advised my lined crimson lake ones have been despatched!!

Received my shipping email today so should be with me soon, hopefully!

My payment receipt is dated 12 December 2022 but no sign of anything yet!!

I'm very impressed by your tidy and organised approach, looking good. Tony

Ash Die Back is changing the appearance of current Ash trees. We have an established Ash at the bottom of our garden and over the past few years when it comes into leaf there is less foliage. I'm sure there was much more leaf cover back in the 50s, even 20 years ago, so Ash trees in the 1930s were probably much fuller than they are today. As to fighting back, yes, they'll send up fresh growth when they've been completely cut down so there is always hope of regeneration. Tony

Thanks Mikkel, I have high hopes! With very best wishes Tony

Thanks Chris, I'm pleased to say healthwise things are looking more positive. Looking forward to 2024! With best wishes to you and yours Tony

Wishing all who have visited and commented on my Birmingham meanderings a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and productive New Year. As a solo modeller I very much appreciate the cameraderie and expertise freely given on RMweb. Tony

Wow, really pleased to see both the loco and coach progressing so well. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas Neal and a productive 2024. Tony