A Cartoon of Helston(ish)

[Andrew P]

All looking very good Tone, some nice shots mate.

[Mulgabill]

A slight "diversion" this morning.

 

My current evening project is the merging of a mainline 57xx chasis, with

an original Lima body. to produce a 94XX. So I thought, to avoid any

confusion, I'd best put up the evidence. Before the New Bachy version

hits the layouts.

 

 

Not that I think you'd have too much difficulty spotting which is which! I have actually got to the point of

fitting the handrails and lamp brackets. As it happened the 57XX off EB was missing 3 buffers and a tank

filler cap. But came with a set of brass buffers, but I've not yet checked my loco bits tray for the most

appropriate to add to this one. It probably wont see a lot of use, but I've always had a soft spot for these,

since I saw 9400 in the old Swindon Museum, and had a Graham Farish version. (So much better running than

anything from Triang at the time).

 

Here we also see another glimpse of D800 as it works LE to Helstonish.

 

 

Had they really invented drones in 1959???

 

And finally thanks Andy P for your kind comment, and welcome to GWR57XX, I've noted your

progress, and fortitude, working through this and Huckford Road, over the last couple of days.

I hope you'll continue to pop in.

 

All the best

 

TONY

[St Enodoc]

5 minutes ago, Mulgabill said:

A slight "diversion" this morning.

 

My current evening project is the merging of a mainline 57xx chasis, with

an original Lima body. to produce a 94XX. So I thought, to avoid any

confusion, I'd best put up the evidence. Before the New Bachy version

hits the layouts.

 

 

Not that I think you'd have too much difficulty spotting which is which! I have actually got to the point of

fitting the handrails and lamp brackets. As it happened the 57XX off EB was missing 3 buffers and a tank

filler cap. But came with a set of brass buffers, but I've not yet checked my loco bits tray for the most

appropriate to add to this one. It probably wont see a lot of use, but I've always had a soft spot for these,

since I saw 9400 in the old Swindon Museum, and had a Graham Farish version. (So much better running than

anything from Triang at the time).

 

Here we also see another glimpse of D800 as it works LE to Helstonish.

 

 

Had they really invented drones in 1959???

 

And finally thanks Andy P for your kind comment, and welcome to GWR57XX, I've noted your

progress, and fortitude, working through this and Huckford Road, over the last couple of days.

I hope you'll continue to pop in.

 

All the best

 

TONY

Looks good, Tony. You'll have seen this I asume?

 

http://www.gwr.org.uk/pro94xx.html

 

Here's one I made (much) earlier:

 

Lima body, unaltered except for painting, on a Bachmann split-frame chassis. About to be superseded by the new Bachmann model.

[Mulgabill]

22 minutes ago, St Enodoc said:

Looks good, Tony. You'll have seen this I asume?

 

http://www.gwr.org.uk/pro94xx.html

 

Here's one I made (much) earlier:

 

Lima body, unaltered except for painting, on a Bachmann split-frame chassis. About to be superseded by the new Bachmann model.

 

Thanks John, I have seen the article, and it convinced we that it might be worth a try. My Lima one was from the very first batch, but had hardly been run. I seem to recall having a Beatties voucher for Christmas, which was spent in their January sale. I'm sure I got the 93XX and probably a siphon, and perhaps a milk tank,

When it came to paying I found the total wasn't as high as I'd thought, so it was back to the shelves for more, which I think included a horse box. Happy Days.

 

Incidentally I have been in touch with Mikkel, and he has provided me with some drawings, for another stalled

project. Some GWR Stables, which I may attempt to provide offices for the stabling point on our club layout.

If / when we get to see it again.

 

I hope all is well, and safe down there.

 

All the best

TONY

 

ps Your pic has convinced me not to try and get away with a (brush) touch up of

the 94xx - another job for the spring.

Edited January 21, 2021 by Mulgabill
add ps

[St Enodoc]

43 minutes ago, Mulgabill said:

ps Your pic has convinced me not to try and get away with a (brush) touch up of

the 94xx - another job for the spring.

Something went badly wrong with that paint job - my usual matt black car spray turned to orange peel and I just couldn't be bothered to start again!

[Mulgabill]

I realise an(other) apology is in order - The sky has fallen down!

 

In my defence, this was a piece retrieved from the previous corner board, propped

in place, and held by tape. Obviously inferior (LNER?) tape.

 

So the light engine move continues.......

 

 

 

The pannier had all its handrails and lamp brackets fitted last night. But

I've not been brave enough to inspect the results in daylight yet.

 

Keep safe

 

TONY

Edited January 22, 2021 by Mulgabill
should have been brave, not grave!

[Mulgabill]

Welcome to today's apology.....

     I'm sorry I didn't find time to post the next edition of the Helstonish Times yesterday.

 

This morning we have snow, and our electricity tripped out this morning. For the second time in 10 days. The first time cost a new fridge /freezer, or in our language about 2 locos. I'm  hoping this will just cost me a couple of treadmill sessions, whilst the shed electrics dry out.

 

Sir Brian continues it's journey down the branch.....

 

 

and passes the ground frame for the short, 2 wagon loading bay.

 

 

Meanwhile - in the cold light of day, 2 fire iron brackets submitted immediately, and fell off!

1 was recaptured, and another has been made. I also noted that I had left off the 2 spare lamp brackets, and the  running plate handrails. (Need to find some finer wire to fit the handrail knobs).

 

So this job goes from a Laurel and Hardy job, to Flanders and Swan

 

            Oh it all makes work for the working man to do.

 

TONY

Edited January 24, 2021 by Mulgabill

[Mulgabill]

Off day yesterday, only managed to replace the bit that had fallen off the 94XX, plus the bits

I knocked off doing the job. And took 1mm off the smokebox saddle, so the tanks would

actually look like 1 piece. (How is it that these things can "not fit" after weeks of being taken

apart and put together again, with no problems?)

 

So to brighten Andy Ps day, a couple more pics of green diesel.

 

 

 

 

(Is there any sign the water torture is opening his eyes to BR (W) Green era?

 

 

All the best

TONY

 

[Mulgabill]

And finally the Warship arrives under the bridge and moves, cautiously, towards the platform road.

 

Obviously she was held at the signals, the other side of the bridge, but the photographer missed that.

 

 

and as per the "rules" stops short of the stock, prior to coupling up.

 

 

Not sure whether theres another down working to follow, or whether the Ltd is the next movement.

 

Perhaps we'll find out next time.

 

TONY

[Andrew P]

I also like the Maroon Warships Tony.  

 

[Mulgabill]

OOPS!

 

Missed the train yesterday.

 

Andy, thanks for the Warship pic. I too like a maroon one, but only have

green and blue in 00.

 

Seem to have spent quite a bit of time fitting handrail knobs on the 94XX, only for them to

pull out when I insert the wire, So I've got that to look forward to, again.

 

Have also started a small (6") scenic extension, but not enough progress for photos yet.

 

So we will have to join Sir Brian, for the Paddington departure. (I couldn't conjure up a following train, as we would have had a continuity error. As the Ltd's stock, would not have been in the platform of the pics).

 

Ready for the RA

 

 

and, away she goes.

 

 

Have a good day and stay safe

 

TONY

[Andrew P]

HI Tony I love the shots through the trees mate,  excellent.

 

Thanks for the phone call earlier, really appreciated, and good to hear your keeping your spirits up mate.

 

All the best and stay safe.

[Mulgabill]

It was good to have a chat yesterday Andy,why it's taken four lockedown weeks to find the time

to say Happy New Year, I don't know.

 

The Ltd continues on its journey, can't say speeds, it must be as slow as that LM branch, even with

the new fangled traction.

 

 

 

Must get some more pics done, but got to refit the dishwasher today. (It's only been

away since before The Virus was invented).

 

Keep your heads up, got to think it's not so much the severn tunnel now, perhaps more

like Box. (Just got to hope Boris is more reliable up front, than Henry!)

 

TONY

[Mulgabill]

And second, passed on by my brother, although it's a bit before his time.

But for Bristol area or hydraulics, well worth a look. Also some excellent

close ups of wagons in the late 60s (I guess).

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESPOlWRIAN8

 

Hope you enjoy, and please share if you like.

 

TONY

[Mulgabill]

Just realised the first half of the last post disappeared, leaving the rest making little sense.

That is even less sense than normal!

 

I did offer as a Friday bonus a couple of U Tube items.

 

First was an item I came across a few months back, and kept forgetting to share.

I should add that it is by a fellow member of GMRC, and although I know his name

and might even recognise him (on a good day), I can't really say I know him. Never

less I found it interesting enough to sit through both parts.

 

 

Then the bit which remained above

 

Posted 2 hours ago

And second, passed on by my brother, although it's a bit before his time.

But for Bristol area or hydraulics, well worth a look. Also some excellent

close ups of wagons in the late 60s (I guess).

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESPOlWRIAN8

 

Hope that makes more sense.

 

TONY

[Mulgabill]

Leaves on the line .......... so a bit late today.

 

 

 

Must get on

 

TONY

[Mulgabill]

I won't make any apologies for my tardiness today. It's entirely down to

the volume of posts on here. I've only just caught up, 'cos you lot keep

posting quicker than I can read. Although I will admit I had an hour in

the train room, doing scenics. And I have also fitted the 2nd set of

handrail knobs, plus Lamp bracket to the 94XX. (After it took all

day / evening to fit the first set yesterday).

 

So the Ltd continues it's progress

 

 

and passes the crossing cottage

 

 

Also made low key attempt to open negotiations re a 16XX, but progress was even slower than the

up Ltd over the branch. (Would be entirely appropriate passing Soudley Crossing, but not so sure

re Helstonish.

 

Must find time to get the photgraphers out and about again.

 

TONY

 

 

 

 

[Mulgabill]

Through my model railway contacts (or not - as at the moment) I have come across some

observations of engineers. And hence, of railway modellers, perhaps.

 

I will share them with you as we go.

 

Two engineering students were riding bicycles across a university campus when one said, "Where did you get the great bike?

 

This mornings posting was delayed, firstly by my treadmill session, which needs to be done before the tablets

kick in, and then by the computer security. Which though I was a banker (correct spelling), and blocked other

sites, for security.

 

On the 94XX I thought I was getting to the end. Then found I didn't really have anything to glue the frame extentions onto, and I still need to work out how I will fix some couplings. The end keeps moving away.

 

 

The second engineer replied, "Well, I was walking yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes and said, "Take what you want."

 

And as Sir Brian heads into the tunnel, our recording of the Ltd comes to an end. I wonder what we'll see next.

(No even I dont know....yet).

 

TONY

 

ps  almost forgot

 

The first engineer nodded approvingly and said, "Good choice: The clothes probably wouldn't have fitted you anyway."

 

[Mulgabill]

 

 

To the optimist, the glass is half-full. To the pessimist, the glass is half-empty.

 

Think I've run out of train pics, so heres a view from (above) Dan Beechworths

favourite photo position. Looking across towards Helstonish.

 

 

Must get on and sort the car insurance, plus work out how to use a little Chinese camera.

To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

TONY

 

[Mulgabill]

So today I thought I would remind us of how the corner boards have changed.

 

But first, lest I forget

 

To the optimist, the glass is half-full. To the pessimist, the glass is half-empty.
 

Originally the line ran through Truthwell Halt, past the mill, and over

a small level crossing. Here we see 5555 with the branch mixed train

heading for Helstonish.

 

 

And this reminds us of the early days of building the new route

 

 

I'll be back, later, with some more up to date views, for comparison.

 

TONY

 

[Mulgabill]

Well, that was a quick run this morning!

 

I should clarify, actually it wasn't quick at all, but it was obviously rather shorter than

estimated. Hence I'm back already, but relieved I haven't got to go uphill any more.

 

So more up to date, a reminder of the "display box" set up. I'm not sure how this is

standing up to life in storage, although some bits did get a coat of black paint back

in September.

 

 

And now.....

 

 

Behind the loco, conveniently hidden by the tree, is a triangle of ground, which needs filling

with a lot more scrub. But without blocking some of the more arty camera angles.

 

Already in hand is a further scenic extension, to the right of this picture, to give the fields a

bit more size, and presence.

 

I would really welcome any comments re these posts. Not least because @I have agreed to

put something together, for the club's new website.

 

Oh, and   To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
 

TONY

 

[Mulgabill]

Sorry - have taken a couple of "sicky" days.

 

That also interrupted the photographers session.

 

So for todays offering, a couple of shots of the crossing keepers office.

Just in case(!), this is the prototype, today. (well August 2018).

 

 

 

Will try to catch up today, and get back to reporting from Helstonish,

tomorrow.

 

TONY

[Mulgabill]

All now well here, so normal (late) service is resumed.

 

Some muddelling has been done. As ever some of that was in a negative direction.

e.g. More bits have fallen off the 94XX, than have been added! But I can't complain

'cos some idiot must have nudged the LED lamp, which in turn fell off the coffee

table, taking the loco with it.

 

However, just prior to the above event, I had realised that the later (84XX) had an

extra 4 handrails, compared to the 9400-10 series. (Side and back corners). This

did cost a broken 0.6mm drill bit, out of my new set (Argh). These have been duly

made and fitted.

 

Happy to report that all missing bits have been recovered and so on today's "to do"

list we have 

1. refit  fire iron brackets x4
2. refit 2nd spare lamp bracket
3. Fit smokebox dart
4.  Refit rear frame extension pieces (again) x 2
5. Find/fit Vac pipes/hoses
6.    "     "   Steam pipes
7. Fit coupling loops
8. Fabricate / fit new (lower) bunker base
9. Put in order to grandson for small coal bits (To be done post lockdown)
10. Refits chimney cap (allow for screwdiver access to body securing screw)
11. Fit cutdown weight into boiler/tanks.
12. Consider fabrication of lower boiler section under tanks. And action.

Meanwhile, on the layout, certain fields have been extended, and are progressing

well. We can see a good improvement in the overall feel of the impression we get.

Whether, or how much difference it will make, in photo's, I'm not sure.

 

However, I can report that the new piece has not significantly reduced the camera

angles available. Which it might have done.

 

Also Clive's lady in Boots has come up with the first of a new batch of pics. Just wish

the guys had used their tardis so that there wasn't a break in availability. 'cos they've

obviously had it out to get the following batch of pics which were seemingly pre-1948.

 

 

 

So who's going to count the dateline errors, 'cos I didn't really clear anything, other than the specific train

stock.

 

Best get on before that list get any longer.

 

TONY

[Mulgabill]

A bit earlier today!

 

I think I can relate to today's observation. as I started out as a lab technician in a chemical works,

The graduate with a Science degree asks, "Why does it work?"

became a product manager qualified in marketing,

The graduate with a Commerce degree asks, "How much will it cost?"

and of course my interest in railways, plus and engineer for a father.

The graduate with an Engineering degree asks, "How does it work?"
 

 

Re yesterday No1 tick; No2 tick. Didn't get any further as I was diverted to tidy up the train room,

 

more pics from the 1946(?) freight

 

 

 

More of the same for today, I guess.

 

To finish I would point out that I have never served fast food!

 

The graduate with an Arts degree asks, "Do you want fries with that?

 

TONY

[Mulgabill]

A quick couple of pics for today'

 

Will catch up with news, and engineers observations, next time.

 

But that list did get longer.

• 13  Make & add bunker footsteps x2
• 14 Make and fit rear footsteps, (sideways facing) x2

13 is done, after a fashion, and I've an idea for 14.  We'll see!

 

 

 

And I'll leave you with a question I was asked -

 

Who makes the most tyres?

 

No cheating and consulting goggle, or his mates. Just for fun.

 

TONY