C126

Sorry to 'bump' this, but if someone could identify the purpose of the 'real' one of these, I would be grateful. I thought this was the S.R. concrete Lamp Hut. It is oblong, the blank sides longer than the front/back. I think the kit was Roxey, but it is old. Thanks for any info.

Just wanted to draw attention to what I think is a mis-attributed photo by M. H. C. Baker (p.95) in BR diesels and electrics around Britain, A. W. Hobson (ed.), Truro : D. Bradford Barton, 1976. The caption reads, "Class 33 No.6577 (later renumbered 33.058) approaches Clapham Junction with an up ballast-train from Ardingly on 30th June 1971, passing one of the original Bulleid 1941-built 4-SUB e.m.u's, which were withdrawn from service not long afterwards." Showing a good mix of HKVs and (lower) iron-stone hoppers, I think the load is too 'bright' to be ballast, and is in fact Holmethorpe sand. Can anyone with expertise confirm this, please. It is still a lovely photograph though, taken with a zoom lens. Thanks.

Pondering this over after-noon tea, I assume the escort coaches could be made gas-proof in case of attack by terrorists. Which made me wonder why there were still old Mk. I windows used that had not been replaced. Perhaps I have been watching too many episodes of The Professionals.

The 1930's brick-work text-book I have recommends throughout English bond for its strength, so I would suggest that, but I also prefer it æsthetically, so this is biased.

'"Gun ports" he says, only half-jokingly...'

Can not get the first two links to work, but a photo of it being hauled by a 33 makes my week! Many thanks.

I expect everyone here knows about it, but just in case, may I mention the three(?)-part series in B.R.M. by Dr Michael Rhodes, Short & Sweet. Photos from his collection of short goods trains, in June, October, and December 2014. Rather good, I thought.

Could a few sketches from memory be done, to illustrate the general arrangement and procedure, without breaching secrecy of a now extinct wagon?

My money is on a 1st class Mk. I. The smaller lower rack was described as for umbrellas, I believe (and much missed by me on a Voyager!).

There are a lot of them around, once you start looking. So much more romantic a term. "Electronic telegraph message", anyone?

Also, note two vans sandwiched around a VEA, after the first long-wheel-base van (VAA?). Perhaps the VEA was carrying something 'interesting', needing a barrier-wagon either side.

Cor! It is very good, isn't it. Sorry to see it is not time tabled for exhibition this year, but hope to see it one day. I do like the 'open' warehouse. Many thanks.

Has anyone based a layout on the M.o.D. 'Government Stores' network? Although diminished in recent years, I think it would be good for Speedlink-style shunting, short trains, and trip working. Especially if you like the old VGA vans. Just a thought.

Thanks again, Andy for this thread, and providing me with another layout to lust after. Not seen your last video yet, but I hope I am not alone in wondering if the new owner will be showing us what is happening to the layout. I would like to see some Speedlink-style shunting in action...

I have spent some time correcting the colour error - forgetting to photograph the trestle before gluing the loads on, so you will have to take my word for it - and wrestling with strapping (ironed flat embroidery cotton). I think this is as far as I will go with this one, and I am pleased with the overall look. However, I know what to do for a second attempt. The XVA arrives behind 73 005 on 6O73, the 09.00 from Willesden Yard, tucked behind the loco as it is passing through to Tilling Docks. The shunter emerges grudgingly from his new Bachmann hut. He has an hour to get the train ready to depart at 12.00 for the docks. And here is the back/non-public view. Note my indolence in securing the strapping ends just with a large blob of Copydex. Thanks for all your kind words of advice and encouragement, and giving this your attention.

Re Holmethorpe sand trains, please see the green lines on the part of my diagram thus: Hope of use.

Fascinating layout/arrangement. I assume @Wickham Green too 's Grampusmobile gates are where the line went through to the docks?

Thanks. Looks good. Do we get a prize for spotting the typos? 🙂

1st August, 1977.

Were there not 04s allocated to Brighton as well once? Something a little different and equally handsome.

So can one say a general rule was: 'Vanfits, etc., were used only for non-palleted sundries'? I know there will have been many exceptions, but...

Reading the latest Waitrose Food magazine (March 2024) last night, I was ridiculously excited to come across a South Indian Pineapple Chutney recipe: https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/recipe/south-indian-pineapple-chutney Seven spices, and asefoetida instead of garlic, but I hope to have a try of it soon. This is for one fresh pineapple's worth, so I must work out what it is in tinned chunks. If anyone else attempts it, please let us know here. Thanks and best wishes.

Sorry for both being dim and dragging this (a little) off-topic, but were not vans without full-width doors (e.g., Vanfit, Vanwide, VIX Ferry-van) loaded with pallets using a man with a pallet-truck aboard? How was the full length of a wagon used if not? Or were pallets not loaded into such wagons? Thanks.

Sorry. 'Read full track diagram' at leisure is the lesson I learn here. Thanks. Yours over-hastily, Neil.

Presumably, the goods train for the siding would arrive on the top platform, then run round via the lower and propel it from the top platform into the siding. So yes, you do need it. However, if you take it out, operationally it might be more interesting in that the goods train arrives on the top platform, shunts forward and then is propelled into the lower platform. Then the loco runs round via the top platform and propels the wagons into the factory siding via the lower platform single slip. Hope this helps/is of interest.