SRyan

Afternoon all, Going back into the archives to resurrect and rebrand this topic and ask a question that came to mind after I picked up a copy of Colin Boocock’s book ‘Bournemouth and Southampton Steam 1947-1967’. I saw on one of the pages a picture of M7 30108 shunting an oil train at Wareham (likely in the 60’s but pre-64 when that engine was withdrawn) with the caption stating this was a regular occurrence. I’d actually never seen any pictures like this before and, with Dapol’s air ministry tanks in the offing, wanted to ask whether the tanks would have come down from Fawley and whether they would be of the variety offered by Dapol? Thanks in advance for any help, Ryan

Didcot do have a special weekend for 1466 coming back into service in May…not saying that Accurascale are planning anything but…..

Even as a BR(S) modeller, I’m in the same camp as Robin and have 4 of the D1666’s as opposed to 3 of the 8 plankers and would take one or two more if the opportunity arose. I’ll definitely be getting some of the O11 and O15 5 plankers too as well as an LNWR D.88 van. The diversity of wagons that we are seeing at the moment is brilliant and exciting and, thinking of the idea of complimentary (perceived or otherwise) goods (pun intended), I wonder if its possible that the earlier release of the SECR 5 plankers and 7 plankers encouraged the sales of the 8 plankers in a way that the D1666’s will hopefully do for other wagons of LMS and constituent pre-grouping companies?

I believe on the original samples had the fenders without the lining and the photos still reflect that version, but the final version does have them correctly lined out Miss P!

First class announcement!!

If my decoding is correct (and it has been fun to try and decode even if I’m wrong) today may be the day we see the materialisation of the Hawksworth County the Rapido crew have previously hinted at! They did post a link to Soul Limbo on their Facebook page earlier this week, so that I’m guessing that brings us to Test Match Special, to Cricket, to County Cricket to, Counties! The O1 seems a fairly safe bet given the previous newsletter hints and aforementioned facebook post too. Looking forward to 12 noon and the announcement either way!

I’m also waiting for a manor from this batch and am excited like everyone else, but to the team’s defence, they did post on Facebook that the second batch had arrived in the warehouse six days ago (link for anyone who hasn’t seen it but Robin did alert us on this fine thread if I’m not mistaken -https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02wcf7VM4bHEJ2R8xTeuYPN68TJYhUCAYnE6uHtRVKNJZgEnfqFxS9SczaHCB2t1eil&id=100063660625361), I think Fran said he and a colleague have been out in China and there was GETS over the weekend too. In the words of Mr Incredible, we’ll get there when we get there ☺️ Edit - sorry, cross over with Fran’s post there

Hey Kevin! Quick question for you, do you have an idea of when Part 3 of the Main Lines to the South series will be published? I remember you mentioned it might be going into print soon semi-recently. Thanks! Ryan

There is a 3D print of the E1 in Rapido’s latest newsletter which looks rather tasty indeed! Looking forward to seeing more as the project develops!

Just got round to watching this in full and it was well worth it, very interesting and informative to hear about the whole process! Thanks Andy and Paul

Just if it’s of any interest and to show a photo of them on other region’s metals, while having a look through some photos the other day, I found one of what I think is a V14 with vertical door planking and narrow rain strips attached to the front of a pull-push train on Southern metals at Brockenhurst in 1960 (although I am no expert and may be corrected by the many well informed individuals on here!) - https://thetransportlibrary.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=127804&search=Brockenhurst+&page=3 (edit to add link) I’ll be adding another one to the order along with the departmental version Andy’s floated (fingers crossed)!

Merry Christmas Robin to you and everyone else on this fine thread!

Think this is pretty much spot on good sir! There are a number of photos of this service in 1956/57 in the book ‘Railways of Hampshire’ by Ian Allan Publishing, including two with Draycott Manor (i’ve ordered it on that basis too). The stock is a mix of Collett and Hawksworth with an LMR 50ft BG in one of the Draycott Manor photos too. Here’s one of Draycott at Southamptom too, but haven’t been able to work out what the coach is yet - https://thetransportlibrary.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=167398&search=7810

Took delivery of a 3 set today and have to agree with Ian’s comments, they look excellent, the colours look great to my eye and I’m very pleased with them! Well worth the wait

Unreasonably excited by this announcement and will absolutely be picking up a couple of packs! Thanks Fran and team!