Davjones

Here's a few of a layout I built 10 years ago supposedly representing an Oxfordshire branchline in the late 1950s. It was inspired by Martin Loader's Fairford branch line website http://www.fairfordbranch.co.uk/, though combined elements of Wallingford too. I'd set myself the task of scratch building all the structures to make it a bit different. Best wishes from NZ David

Sorry, forgot to add that the wagon shown is from Acme set 45059 and does not have the anchor symbol. I think Acme make both the European and ferry stock. I figured that as these were not built to a UK loading gauge, they'd look better with OO stock. Best wishes David Tauranga, NZ

Hi I have a pair of the Acme Interfrigo HO vans which I am hoping to use on my British OO scale layout. Have attached a photo showing the height compared to a Bachmann grain wagon. The buffer height is what I notice the most, as it is obviously lower. I did try to replace the wheels with larger diameter ones to raise the wagon, though the brake gear fouled these. They are highly detailed wagons and run beautifully. I'm hoping to build an east Anglian layout and have these being unloaded into a waiting DAF truck like in Kevin Redwood's Flickr image.

Hi Tim Not sure if you've seen the book, "Rails in Wales: The Cambrian Lines", by Peter Johnson, published by Ian Allen in 1984. This may be of interest. There's a good balance of black and white photos of the lines including many 24s, 25s and the usual DMUs as well as steam. There are some gems including a 128 DPU with an inspection saloon for Peter Parker's visit and the HST visit to Aberystwyth. The local freight and departmental workings are shown as well as the York mail, 24 hauled. Cheap copies are currently available on ebay. Best wishes David Tauranga, NZ

Hi I've recently purchased a Bachmann blue 101 from TMC and also the latest 150 draw bars as suggested (36-062) from Hattons. I found that the copper wire connections within the drawbars are slightly sprung. They need to be compressed with tweezers as they are inserted into the NEM pocket so as to fit correctly. Once in, they hold the units very nicely together and allow the non powered unit's directional and internal lighting to function. This is a lovely model in the plain blue. To my eyes, this livery doesn't draw attention to the window position issue and is a very convincing 101. Best wishes David