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Neal Ball

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    http://www.nealball.co.uk;

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  • Location
    : Villamartin, Costa Blanca, Spain
  • Interests
    All things GWR

    In 2014 I started to build my version of Henley-on-Thames, GWR in the mid-1930's. Progress is slow, but it's a big layout....

    I have had a fascination with Henley for ages, I remember one of my drives out just after passing my test was to Henley. The station building had only been knocked down a few years before. In those days, there was a huge expanse of open space around the one remaining platform, I recall the Goods shed had gone, but for some reason the Provender store was still there. That was an addition after the war, so will not be included in my model.

    Initially the railway was in its own purpose built garden room when we lived in Felpham, West Sussex. In Feb 2019 we retired to Spain and the railway having been carefully packed is now emerging into the layout you now see.

    My wish list:
    RTR Pannier tank 0-6-0PT; RTR Collett Autocoach (to modern standards); Metrotank / 517 class. I'm waiting with anticipation for the new Kernow Steam Railmotor.

    I am a member of the GWS at Didcot, Talyllyn Railway, as well as the Bluebell Railway.

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  1. Neal Ball
    I was nearly going to ask you about the underframe detail. Given its a 50ft carriage, I wonder if you could adapt a Comet models 57ft underframe. I dont normally do hinges, but for the Wosley works kit, they are pre-drilled, so I ordered hinges from them at the same time. Good grabs etc. I get from Comet. You will need Dean Vacuum brake cylinders (Dart), possibly gas tanks (Dart or Comet). I will PM you a photo of what to expect in a Worsley kit, which I have not started yet. Regards, Neal.
  2. Neal Ball
    I don't think so Andy. On GWR coaches, it says they were 8ft 6 Dean bogies: https://gwrcoaches.org.uk/LowRoofs.shtml#E40 Dart castings do some: https://www.dartcastings.co.uk/mjt/2428.php Good luck - Can we see progress? Thanks, Neal.
  3. Neal Ball
    I have the same issue with Henley-on-Thames. My WTT is based on a mix of Regatta Saturday and daytime services, with specials thrown in for good measure. On the real railway during Regatta week, there were no freight trains at Henley and the yard was cleared of everything. It would make a very sterile railway!
  4. Neal Ball
    That’s probably about right Andy - but with half the amount of coal - presumably you would be talking about filling a bucket and throwing it into the coal space on the SRM etc. but where will Ted* stand? *Other fireman’s names are available! Good luck with the WTT.
  5. Neal Ball
    In the meantime I had a spare hour, so have started on replacement bogies for the Toplight brake 3rd. These will be American Bogies, instead of 9ft Collett, which was convenient when I wanted to finish the carriage. The parts have all come from Dart Castings.
  6. Neal Ball
    Have they always been like that John? It begs the question about why the same product can be so hit and miss.
  7. Neal Ball
    Thanks Mike, I clearly need to get some lead flashing! The Hornby loco is very good - I could do with changing the steam pipesI have an old Crownline kit to upgrade the older version of the Hornby Hall. Thanks again, Neal.
  8. Neal Ball
    That is excellent work @Andy Keane everything about the houses is terrific. You must be very pleased and proud of the standard you have achieved.
  9. Neal Ball
    We need to see the details then Andy 😎 - Is the roof removable so you can look inside?
  10. Neal Ball
    Wow! Thats terrific Andy.
  11. Neal Ball
    Fascinating to see the 3D scanning and printing in operation. Then to watch Dan painting them:
  12. Neal Ball
    Thanks for the comments Pete. When the Toplights were being built I too remember they were a complete wotsit to build. Obviously the bogies were just awful. I had also hand painted them which was ok at the time, but with my current practice of spraying and building better bogies they needed attending to. Hence seeing them again for the first time in ages. Normally I do spray a small contrail line, but I’ve run out of masking tape…. The line will go on…. One day! All of my Hall class locos are usually well behaved, Rood Ashton was a little juddery, but not enough to worry about. Thanks again for the comments.
  13. Neal Ball
    Thanks Robin, it was nice to get the Toplights out on the railway after so many years of languishing. I need to change the bogies on the 3rd brake, they are using a 9ft Collet at the moment.
  14. Neal Ball
    Yesterday, the County tank was running, together with the Slaters Toplight carriages. Recently they have had a full re-paint, with new glazing etc. I looked on the Slaters website to see if they are being produced yet, it seems there is still no news on a revamp. With the County tank, the two Toplights and the C23 clerestory, they make a nice local train from Twyford.
  15. Neal Ball
    To wrap up the Hall set of 'photos, how about this - waiting for the right of way from Platform 1 at Henley-on-Thames.
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