Andy M

Duly ordered, thank you Simon. I will review in Western Times soonest.

I suspect that paint dates from well before Nationalisation Mikkel! The doors appeared permanently open when the shed was in use, so I guess the outside paintwork was hardly ever noticed. Funny how you miss such details!

WESTERN TIMES Issue 9 - Out Now I am pleased to update that the latest issue of Western Times has arrived and is available now at https://ttpublishing.co.uk/product/western-times-issue-9/ All subscription copies will be sent out early next week, and thank you again to all readers that have signed up to this purchase option. As always, I hope you find it an interesting read and welcome your feedback, comments and suggestions for future content. Regards, Andy.

I had a delivery update from Amazon this morning. Sometime between July and October! Something very strange going on with this one.

Yeah, it’s an interesting one that! Definitely flush letters and badge and possibly wooden? No surprise there are variations….good old Swindon standardisation at play!

I have quite a few originals in my collection and they are raised brown letters.

This is indeed a cracking little book, that deserves far more recognition than it received. An absolute must for Churchward disciples! I encountered a copy in the second hand bookshop in Cromer this week. Very good condition and for only £3, an absolute bargain. Regards, Andy.

WESTERN TIMES Issue 9 - Update Dear RMwebbers, I am pleased to inform that Issue 9 has gone off to the printer in Malta. What to expect is outlined below, and it should be on sale by early April. Of note in this latest release, is the first instalment of a multi-part history of the ubiquitous Pannier Tank. It's a crazy job.....but someone had to do it! As usual, I will update when it goes on actual sale. Regards, Andy.

Thanks Mike, I mused over using that image for the cover, as the original is slightly overexposed and suffering from highlight glare (as you point out with the window surrounds). Not a true reflection of the ivory off-white for sure! It is a great shot however, not overly used in the past, so I went for it. I do hope you enjoy the rest of the issue, and as always I appreciate your candid feedback. Regards, Andy.

WESTERN TIMES Issue 8 - Out Now I am pleased to update that the new issue of Western Times has arrived from the printers and is available now at https://ttpublishing.co.uk/product/western-times-issue-8/ As always we hope you enjoy this offering and await your feedback and comments. Regards, Andy.

Sorted! Thank you Paul. You'd never know I'm new to this DCC malarky!

Has anyone had issues with the headlamps not working on their model? My DCC Sound fitted Taw looks and runs beautifully, with all functions operating as expected, apart from the lights not working. There is no mention in the Owner's Manual of a function on/off setting for the lamps......am I missing something? Any pointers gratefully received. Regards, Andy.

WESTERN TIMES Issue 8 - Update Dear RMwebbers, Final checks are pretty much complete and Issue 8 will be rolling off the press imminently. Contents shown below for your information and it should be on sale by mid December. I will post another update once the physical copies have arrived. Regards, Andy.

Thanks Phil, Glad you have enjoyed it. It was really nice to put this one together, finding out new things about a class I thought I knew reasonably well, and reminding myself about stuff I had forgotten! Regards, Andy.

Ian, Thank you for your kind words, which are very much appreciated. I wholeheartedly agree with your last comment, the Castles were indeed very special. I unearthed some outstanding images in the archive during my research for this WT Special, which I just didn’t have the space to include. So I intend to revisit and use the best of these in a regular issue during 2024. Some of the black and white portraits are exquisite, dare I say of George Heiron quality! Regards, Andy.

Hopefully you will find a few other bits of interest too! 😉

WESTERN TIMES SPECIAL: Castle Class Centenary - Out Now I am pleased to advise that the inaugural Western Times Special has arrived from the printers and is available to order now at https://ttpublishing.co.uk/product/western-times-castle-special/ This 96-page bumper edition has been prepared over the summer and slots in between the regular issues. It should prove a treat for those with an affinity to Collett's magnificent centenarian. I amassed so much new imagery that a follow up feature on the class looks likely in Western Times during 2024. For now though its back to working on Issue 8 due in December. Regards, Andy.

Ian, You are spot on, the train is the 10.15am Paddington. The photographer provided no further details as to whether it worked through to London or not. Andy.

Hi HighlandRailwayman, This Western Times Special is not part of the subscription package for the standard issues, so will need ordering separately. I will post another notification when it arrives from the printers, with a link for those wishing to order from Transport Treasury direct. I hope you enjoy the read. Regards, Andy.

Hi Ian, The cover is a Douglas Twibell image captured on 1 July 1961, when No. 5048 was a Canton resident. It was to move to Neath four days later though. Regards, Andy.

WESTERN TIMES SPECIAL: Castle Class Centenary I am pleased to advise RMwebbers that the first WT Special has gone to the printers and should be available shortly. Below is a brief synopsis of the publication and a sample of a page spread to whet the appetite! 'In this inaugural Western Times Special we look to mark and celebrate 100-years since the introduction into service of the legendary ‘Castle Class’. Over an enlarged issue of 96 pages, the life of these much admired locomotives is explored and explained utilising over 180 black & white and colour photographs, many appearing in print for the first time. The book is chaptered in such a way as to investigate the diverse and surprisingly complex history of the class, and the comprehensively captioned imagery is augmented with works drawings and an array of data presented in tabular form. From an appraisal of the Great Western Railway’s motive power situation before the Castles, we examine their introduction into service and establishment as the mainstay of express passenger operations. The design development and improvements made throughout their careers is charted, including the successful application of double chimneys towards the end of their lives. Unusually for a company noted for its regimented locomotive naming policy, the Castles experienced a number of identity changes over the years, and many of these ‘Non-Castles’ are highlighted. The class is extensively featured at work, on shed and in works throughout their service, and special attention is afforded to the final years leading up to withdrawal and scrapping. Finally, we chronicle the eight survivors, that avoided the cutter’s torch and made it into the preservation era. This is the first of what is hoped to be the regular release of a Western Times Special, that will augment the regular series, but concentrate on a particular topic in greater detail than in the usual articles'.

The short-lived experimental light green was embellished with red, cream and grey lining. Castles that carried the livery were: 4089, 4091, 5010, 5021, 5023, 7010-13. Hope this helps. Andy.

Hi Phil, The ability to subscribe to WT was made available from Issue 6 (as the website states). My understanding is that if you were to subscribe from now, this would commence with Issue 7. To put your mind at rest it may be worth contacting the office on 01494 708939, to place your order stating Issue 7 as the starter. If you have any problems, please come back to me and I will engage on your behalf. Regards, Andy.