Ian Fisher

Next up on my trawl will be some spares like window wipers and shoe gear that seem too good to ignore. A quick search on ebay has thrown up a number of bits and bobs www.hornbyspares.com throws up many a further idea, although as I type there are many more seemingly available. The attached pdf might be of some use. Ian ss-202c-69(1).pdf

I will try and get a few images of the plaques around Lime Street, I only work next door and pass through virtually daily in the week. Ian

The back view which was taken as the section was being added I built up. I took the file to the networker cab to begin to make it more mark three profile like. Next up was to add a bit of beef to the sides to give that 325 chubby feel, this was acheived by cementing two section of microstrip to the cab sides, First layer was 2mm x 1.25mm a day later this was then finnished with some 1.5mm x 1.5mm strip on the cab edge as some images sort of show a square transition from unit end cab to curve. Still very much a work in progress but it (is for me taking some sort of shape)

I am looking at adding some wipacs so Hornbys holes will be being looked! The cab windows have also seen some fettling. I would like to see either a clear casting made or for the window frame to be added via an etch perhaps and some finer glazing added to give a better reprsentation of flush glazing and to try and show some of the half round rubber window frame The Hornby pattern included some form of step, this from working from images isnt needed on a 325 and I have begun to take the plastic up with rather than being a rebate is actually a raised section on a 325 stil thats to be looked at.

First up was removing the body shell from the networker I just cut on the inside of the cab door. The roof waas then taken back as a rough cut then levelled up on a nice flat surface on emery

Thank you very much Mike for posting your excellent work! I dont know why others havent had a go before now. I Like units and have had this bubbling for far too long, coming next from me are some cab hacks im up to while I wait for my other bits and bobs to land. I did think that the NRM one would be akin to the fleet, I mean why go to the bother of recreating something like it if they could just do another pour as it were. Ian

Right oh! This is my take on how a 325 can be modelled. I am going the Bratchell 319 route...and hopefully to replicate three units. Some fine looking etched doors and bits and bobs have been sourced thanks to Will on his 00 thread. Power plant will be via a Bachmann 25 in each unit, three which have been "instock" in the Liverpool works for some while now, bought ex DCC train sets cheap from Hattons. Cabs will be carved Hornby Networker which again have been "instock" for far far too long for the possible project bought many moons ago from Modelspares when he still did exhibitions in the North West. I have a number of images of the cabs to date which I will post once I have cleaned them up a little. My thoughts are for maybe a clear cast complete end like a Bratchell one for those who have seen that or for some etched parts to enhance a resin end. Ian

I have jumped into this one too....My thoughts will follow of what I have got plannedvery soon. Just back from Liverpool to see Everton beat Tamworth 2-0 in the FA cup yesterday I sent some cheques off for some goodies to supprt this project... Ian

I have had some success with using UHU to tag the "timbers" to the template just the mearest 1mm bead ran alomg the template on the outer edge seems to do the job for me, just another idea to throw into the pot! Ian

More options the better Mr C...the 143 wow....

Thanks for letting Luke have a go today at the open day...might be I have to get some sound now too..impressive what you have fitted in! Ian

First non DCC fitted trader.....

We have also had the Mike Edge 503 for some years now!...id like to see them side by side although from the same family they dont share a common dimension between them! Ian

I hope it has the prototypical twist! JLR thanks to the bomb damage That looks really good! Ian

Hi Bon, It was a trial to test the idea of reusing mark 1 underframes, providing a new body at a much reduced cost, I suppsed also it helped with the railbus project. I think it is the only DB stock to run in passenger service being used in cross country sets? Ian

Stick to France? Eh? Ian

You have to remember Disney isnt just one park, overall I think someone said its about the same size as Greater Manchester! Downtown Disney is "free" to walk round and you can get Disney items from there, we had a four day pass three years ago and we both really enjoyed most of the parks, as I said before I aint that big a fan of theme parks but take the cheese out of it they are very well staged. Ian

Have to add any of the BIG theme parks around Orlando are all worth a visit. I dont really like the UK ones as I have had twenty years going to them with work! but there was a sense of occassion and the staging is several steps over our UK ones. The Fireworks at Disney are very well staged... Shopping generally if around Orlando and the factory outlets are amazing. Most attractions also do a repeat day free, where many of the "offers" you will see around I drive come free, simply dont be tempted...its a timeshare or too good to be true. Kennedy when we went Aries was a day away from take off! had a go one day and go again withing the week for free!

Hello BR, We have been a good few times in the last decade, one thing Florida as a state is HUGE! so when you sat Florida are you staying around Olrando? Orlando to Miami is something like a 3-4 hour drive I think from memory! Shops around Orlando for me the must visit was Colonial Photography, which is a good general hobby store away from Disney, other shops we had visited on previous visits seemed not to have survived! Ian

I wasnt aware that a 55 could provide the ETH for Mark 3 stock? Ok that doesnt stop it hauling the train, but wouldnt make for a comfy ride in what looks hot conditons Also much fruther up the list someone mentioned the rebogieing of 57' BG the WCML for these rakes had B4. Later when the timetable was upped to the 110mph they then had examples pooled on additional maintencne to allow for the higher speed, very few if any 57' BG with commonwealths made it onto the WCML rakes. Ian

I wonder if Hornby have any plans to sell them minus the containers....Considering there are so many out there, why get them so erm...well erm? The wagon looks spot on the ISO containers jarr with me Ian

I have supported you gents for a number of years and will continue to do so...not just by posting up on forums such as this but by buying your ever so intersting products joking aside, I loved the FLA this looks just as much its equal you both desrve a big pat on the back and hope that it goes well for you both! Ian

Charlie WOW! Looks a very impressive model. To look at you who would have thought youd have this in you! Ian

I am well and truely sold on those etches!! oh yes very nice indeed! Top work... Ian