Steve Sykes

The colour on an individual vehicle could change over time. I remember an article explaining that when the lead white component of the paint was exposed to sulphurous industrial atmospheres, lead sulphates would form darkening the paint and conversely when the paint wa exposed to strong sunlight it would bleach back to a lighter colour. So a wide range of shades is possible, even before the effects of dirt are taken into account. There's a photograph at the front of one of the Midland Wagons volumes with two Midland brake vans in the background, nominally the same colour. One is pale grey, presumably newly painted while the other is almost black.

Do you have any concerns over the fastness of the colours on computer-printed texture papers, Jim? I ask because a friend made a number of buildings in 4mm using the downloadable sheets from Scalescenes and found they faded badly over time, even though they weren't exposed to direct sunlight. Steve

They do look great. Can I ask what paint you used for the Caley blue? Steve

I bought mine from an art supplies shop. There are a variety of blades available for them. Steve

Erm, I'm sorry to point this out but the brakes are back to front - lowering the brake lever will take the brakes off rather than applying them. Easy mistake to make, I've done it myself. Steve

Wasn't City of Lincoln one of the black Sam Fays?

The chassis kits look really good. Any ideas on sourcing Terrier bodies? They seem to be somewhat in the hens' teeth category.

Patient mode on.

Given my circumstances I don't think there will be enough time for the Rhymney project. I do have some stock suitable for a small South Western branch including part-built carriages so it's probably best to concentrate on getting something working for that. I know the M7s were mostly London based before electrification of the suburban lines but I'm prepared to argue special circumstances! Steve

That's not unexpected. Do you have a feel for when the etches might arrive in the shop? Steve

Now back home, I've had a look at Southern Wagons vol. 3 and I was wrong. Although the four end-posts are right for the SER, their covered goods had three panels either side of the door rather than the two on this vehicle. Back to the drawing board! Steve

Chris, Can I ask what gears the M7 chassis is designed to use? I can then pick them up from the central shop at Expo next week. Thanks, Steve

Excellent, thanks. Steve

Would the M7 chassis be suitable to go under a Worsley Works body? Steve

Jim, It looks like a South Eastern Railway van to me; the external framing and four end posts fit. I'm on holiday away from my books at the moment but I will have a look when I get back. How it ended up so far from home is something of a mystery, though. Steve

The one on the right is in the red oxide the engineering department used and is therefore a ballast wagon. Without checking the books I think the lettering is wrong; it should be E D, but that depends on my memory being right! Steve

Not certain about this, but I think the white beam with the red stripe was the Southern Railway standard, while the white beam with black patches could be LBSC. Hopefully someone can give a definitive answer. Steve

Out of interest, what minimum radius will the loco go round? Have you had to take any special measures to allow for side-play on such a long loco? I believe the real things were notorious for spreading the track in sidings; that probably says more about the track than the engine. Steve

Thanks for the reply, Eddie. Pity the technology's not up to it yet; hopefully it will continue to progress.

Did you ever get a print of the SECR outside-framed van in post #2? I can't find it on the Shapeways site; that could easily be my incompetence, though.

Try the N Brass website, I think he may do an etch that might be suitable. Steve

Possibly Spiers and Pond? They had contracts to run refreshment rooms for a number of companies. Steve

Signalmen?

Relatively few Cs had Westinghouse pumps, originally fitted to work LCDR air-braked stock after the working Union that formed the SECR. I'm sure you're aware of this, but it does mean you need to pick your loco number carefully. I suspect a steam generator is likely to be one of the gadgets fitted to late period steam engines to power electric lights, though I can't be sure. Possibly starting with the Association Westinghouse pump casting and modifying it might be a route to follow for the steam reverser? Steve

For me, the star of the MRJ show was Chris Pendlenton's North Shields. The way his sprung locos moved was a revelation, giving the impression of real mass on the move. I was so impressed I made the trip to see it again at the Newcastle show. Steve