Tony Cane

Hi Thanks for this suggestion. Bachmann UK spares have them for 50p each and they look like they are the same shape and size.

Hi Chris Thanks for the response and the information on spares. While I can see the attraction of doing the variation of a locomotive without rear sand boxes, this has been poorly implemented on the model. By just not fitting the sand box two holes are present in the frames and the head of a large screw in visible. Ideally a plug in overlay could have corrected this. But being realistic about this particular variant it is, I suspect, the least popular version. I am frankly surprised and delighted that a model in WD livery was produced. This and the superb model of Basra have already involved extra tooling for the much appreciated head lamps and conduit. Further tooling for better renditions of the missing sand boxes does not make economic sense. My intent is to get a more typical appearance by covering the un-prototypical features. I will fabricate a pair of sand boxes and create a more satisfactory model. Regards Tony Cane

I have been asked to confirm that the the WD model is correct. The locomotive in question did not have rear sandboxes. (CJL) Hi Chris Thanks for the response. I believe that I have sufficient evidence to refute that statement. The RCTS history on these locomotives has pictures of ex70273 running as DSB6 in Denmark, in 1965,and ex70272 as AD601 at Bicester in 1979, both with rear sand boxes. The locomotive Basra was, before renumbering and naming number 70270, and correctly modelled with rear sand boxes. As to 70271, this was an unlucky locomotive. It was involved in a fatal head on collision on the Longmoor Military Railway in 1956. While it should have been renumbered by then no number was actually carried. Photographs of the aftermath of the accident show that rear sand boxes were fitted. What I would like is for it to be possible to obtain a pair of rear sand boxes, preferably in the correct colour, as spare parts, so this omission can be corrected.

Decided to get on and complete this kit based WD 2-10-0 or it would not get built. I have ordered a Gordon, but I need a 2-10-0 in as built condition. The observant will notice that this is a hybrid. Bachmann supplying the tender, cylinders, valve gear and brakes. The remainder is from the DJH kit, except for buffers from Lanarkshire Models. I should get a least 18 months use before one of two scenarios will occur on this model being seen. The first, and very unlikely is the comment “I see you have bought a Clark Works WD”, should my efforts fool them. What is more likely is the phrase used will be “do you know that there is a much better model of that locomotive available”

I have a Triang motor bogie fitted with 14mm coach wheels for sale. PM me if you are interested.

Here are two nearly completed coaches, just need weathering and glazing. The first is a straightforward build of the Slaters kit. The only modifications are the removal of the duckets and the simulation of a couple of replacement doors. This will be use as accommodation for Guards armoured brigade tank crews while their steeds are being transported by rail. The second is a conversion of Triang clerestory coaches to an officers coach used on a super heavy gun battery. No prizes for guessing which gun. The sergeants got a converted six wheel exLCDR coach, and the other ranks had converted ferry vans.

The recent edition of BRM has an article on building this locomotive using the Golden Arrow resin body. By coincidence I have just completed the same build. I have used an etched chassis rather than the Bachmann one. This really just a “warm up” build as Judith Edge kits are soon to release a kit for this class, which I am looking forward to building. Why do I need a further SR diesel shunter? Well I have two heavy railway guns that need moving.

Hi Could you please give further details of the magazine (article?)

According to the three part history of the LMR, Basra was renumbered to WD878 in 1956 and the number changed again to AD601 in 1968.

Here are two screen shots, the date is bout 1950. There are three other wagon with red sheets in this train,all very dirty.

The video Steaming Through Wessex published by Kingfisher has a run past of a goods train in early BR period with at least three wagons with red sheets. I will see if I can get a screenshot and post it here.

You may wish to hold off on ordering one in the WD green as I think there is a minor issue with this version. I have made inquires at Model Rail via Kernow but have not had a reply yet. My model, the picture on the Model Rail web site and even the box art do not have any rear sand boxes. The box art even shows the screw head revealed by the omission. This will be a simple fix by providing a couple of boxes which just plug in

Here is my progress so far on “enhancing” Basra. I have fitted the head lamps, painted various items to match the photographs, toned down the fluorescent red chassis and just had to add the horn trumpet. I think further work is needed on the chassis colour and the body needs some subtle weathering. A couple of oddities came to light while doing this. Firstly all the cosmetic couplings are assembled upside down. The links would be standing up, if fitted, instead of hanging down. Fortunately the hook can be forced round to the correct position. The second is regarding the additional conduit to the front lamp. This is correctly molded to go on the left of the radiator, as you look at the front, but there is an extra hole in the footplate on the right hand side where the conduit would be located. I also have the WD green version but have just realised that it is missing both rear sand boxes. As I have already fitted the head lamps, and as fabricating the boxes is relatively straight forward, I will not be considering a return of this locomotive. I will however make enquiries about spares, but I expect the answer will be no. The reason for mentioning this is in case this is a factory error present on others of this type.

I have a couple of drawings that may be of use. PM me if you would like further details.

Hi I have two un-started Roxey 48ft LSWR coach kits surplus to requirements. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Hi The sheets are printed on card but it is very thin, 3 sheets stacked together are still less than 1mm thick. Send me a PM if you are still interested. Tony

Are any of these of use? The larger sheets are HO scale by Faller, the smaller in N scale by Riko.

The web site says they are doing the as preserved Longmoor locomotive in WD livery. On line images show this as having a red buffer beam with black buffers and a green cab roof.

Having seen the coloured examples I have a couple of observations on the WD livery example. I have good documentation that the WD locomotives, both 2-8-0 and 2-10-0, had black buffer beams and green roofs to the cab. If any one from Clark Railworks would care to PM me I can send the evidence. The cab roof would of course become a dirty black after a short time in service.

A couple of notes on the wartime WD paint scheme that often get ignored. The buffer beams were black and the cab roofs were painted green.

The plate is also reproduced on the Bachmann model. On the LMR version it reads CORPS OF ENGINEERS U.S. ARMY 4538 C.OFE SPEC NO 7531 P.O. NO xxxxx MANUFACTURED BY DAVENPORT LOCOMOTIVE WORKS No 2531 zzzz 1943 The xxxxx and zzzz stand for unreadable numbers or letters.

There is a Transportation Corps font available, which is useful at least for the wheel emblem. The letters are a reasonable match for some of the locomotives but others have flats top and bottom. The numbers do not seem to be typical of those used. There are a series of pictures of S100 locomotives at Newbury in 1947 by Casserley that show many more variations, in particular the placing of the lettering.

This is reproduced on the Rivarossi HO model. I will dig out my one and see if it is readable.

These were moved in groups of 5 or 6 locomotives, one in steam and the others being towed.

Hi Muz The nearest match to the flat top numbers used on some USATC locomotives that I have found is, not surprisingly, from another U S military organisation. The USAF use some similar style numbers, see https://www.dafont.com/amarillo-usaf.font There are others, and of course sheets of what the Americans call decals are available. The issue will be to find one with the numbers in white and of a suitable size. It may be worth contacting a relevant modelling Group for potential sources. You may be lucky and get the eight numbers you need for the cost of stamp. Regards Tony Cane