Captain Kernow

When I say 'bendy', one of mine had a pronounced upward bend, the other starting to bend in a similar fashion.

But I did have to replace the plastic tiebars on the open, which were rather bendy, with brass ones, other than that, it's looking great.

Tony - presumably you were also aware of Bachmann Spares offering all kinds of bits and pieces, including B1 tender bodies in BR black - https://Bachmann-spares.co.uk/category/2-branchline-steam-parts/b1/body-parts

I like the idea of the wooden clamping arrangements, Lez and thanks for the suggestion, but I fear I haven't got the space for something like that. The safety glasses are always a 'must', however.

I've no doubt that you find it simple enough, Paul, but I have trouble understanding basic DC electrics, never mind DCC. It's like other stuff too, such as new software. I really need to get some trackplans drawn up in Templot in the near future, but I know that I will never get my mind round the software and I also begrudge the (inevitable) waste of time, trying to understand it. I'd rather be cutting and gluing bits of plasticard etc....

Plus the fact that some of us simply don't have the kind of brain that understands the necessary alchemy to achieve DCC success. For me, DCC will forever remain a closed book...

Reminiscent of the branch through the Wyre Forest?

Interesting to see the underside of the baseboard, too! Is that an Ikea product?

Even if (like me) you don't have ready access to a set-up lathe, it is still possible to turn the older Romford flange down to a more acceptable profile, like the Markits wheel in the centre, using no more than an electric drill, a suitable needle file and a piece of fine wet & dry paper. I was doing precisely that last week, before my plans became stymied by my inability to remove some glued-in crankpins from the wheels concerned. The above procedure only took minutes for each wheel, although undertaking such an operation with a mains electric drill on your own lap is done at one's own risk, of course, with appropriate PPE being a good idea too. If you do have access to a lathe, however, then dealing with the older Romford flanges ought to be even easier.

An Barclay from the Vale of Radnor Light Railway shunts the BR yard at Capel Bethesda:

Sorry, best not to ask me, pal, I haven't the foggiest what they're on about...

I usually find it easier to limit one's expectations. That sometimes limits the resulting disappointment, but I've yet to find that this policy leaves me truly elated.

For a bit extra, he will also bore the buffer shanks out, so you can fit sprung buffer heads of your own choice.

Well, I'm very sorry to hear of it, but I am still confused.

My Austerity had different wheel profiles between the drivers (which are more akin to the 57XX pannier and the 08 diesel shunter) and the bogie and tender wheels. I know that Bachmann use different wheel profiles in different models, but this is the only case I have personally come across of differing profiles on the same model! It is just possible to discern the Markits bogie wheels on the Austerity in this photo of my 2-8-0s posing on 'Engine Wood' (left to right - Gibson 7F, Comet-Hornby 8F and Austerity).

Great article and lovely layout, Graham.

There were more brothers in that family, don't forget Ben and Den.

Hello Tony, do you know whether the motors now supplied with the DJH gearboxes are traditional iron cored motors or coreless, please? Thanks.

Are you two talking about some kind of sport?

I've only noticed it with the Austerity, Tony and I also changed the bogie wheels and also the tender wheels.

Interesting, where can one obtain some, please? I often use a tiny bit of blue tack on the end of my screwdriver blade...

I think you'll find that the above gentleman was called Len.... (unless Barbie has instructed her boyfriend to get involved...)

I do wonder whether DJH (or Squires, now) would be able to supply spare grub screws, if asked? I know I've had the odd grub screw supplied by Chris at High Level, over the years, a very helpful chap indeed.

I didn't realise Ally Pally had come around so soon! Far too far to travel for me these days, sadly. Thanks for the photos, Robin, always interesting to see.