Hroth Posted December 31, 2018 Share Posted December 31, 2018 "It would serve the driver right for pulling up so close to the stop blocks! " I just had to check it, didn't I??!! I used the longest 5-car DMU consist that I'll run and it fits in the platform: so I can use a full length fence panel. Pics here: IMG_20181231_135253 - Copy.jpg IMG_20181231_135236 - Copy.jpg It needs careful brake control but it's easily do-able - by an experienced driver (trainees might struggle a bit)!! Rod And then, some time in the future, the fence will rot and get shortened by some keen infrastructure person, and the first driver in who has always gauged his stopping point by the end of the fence will go that extra yard. CLANGGGG! Right into the stops... Of course that would never happen! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted December 31, 2018 Author Share Posted December 31, 2018 And then, some time in the future, the fence will rot and get shortened by some keen infrastructure person, and the first driver in who has always gauged his stopping point by the end of the fence will go that extra yard. CLANGGGG! Right into the stops... Of course that would never happen! So true!!! You had me smiling there!!! At ground frames I remember having bits of rubbish in the undergrowth as markers - fine until someone came along and cleared the rubbish!! My second man who was operating the GF had a long way to walk the first time!! Rod 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted January 3, 2019 Author Share Posted January 3, 2019 There is a 1:43 Dennis F8 kit available from fellow New Zealander Paul Berntsen and the late Bob Brown's Classic Commercials range. Well out of first responder role they were stil used for training and releif pumps well into the 1980s. So one wouldnt look astray in the station yard in that role in the time period you are modelling. Be Well All Russell Hi Russell. Getting back to normality now Christmas and New Year are over!! Have you any details of the kit, or of how to obtain it, please? From your description I think I can justify one parked up in the yard. I've been looking on Amazon, eBay and elsewhere on tinternet but I can only find 1:76 scale Dennis F8s. Look forward to hearing from you. Rod Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Park Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 Only 1:50 and newer than your F8, but see what you think http://harrisonbrownmodels.co.uk/epages/7c893344-8581-4e43-966d-a100e5ca63ac.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/7c893344-8581-4e43-966d-a100e5ca63ac/Categories/Online_Store/53/60 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 I've seen these at shows. They look really good if expensive Paul R Oh and there are models from every era - check the menu bar Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Park Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 I didn't look at the other ones on offer, but that looks to be the business 1:48-1:50 and all the different chassis types over the years. The only downside seems to be finding ones that are in stock and the price Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 Its a shame that 1:48 and 1:50 are the established scales for die cast collectors where commercial vehicles are concerned. With Oxford Die cast issuing a 1:43 coach this year I am hopefull this will change. I am sure there is a market for 1:43 Bristol Lodekka, Bristol RE and Leyland National buses Paul R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Boucher Posted January 7, 2019 Share Posted January 7, 2019 A friend of mine who works for JLR says, “Landrover. Seriously off-road. ‘Cos it’s in the garage being repaired.” Happy Christmas. A friend had a Land Rover for a while. He had a tee shirt with a picture of a Land Rover on it. The text said, "The Italians design their cars to represent their idea of feminine beauty. So do the British" 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Regularity Posted January 7, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 7, 2019 A friend had a Land Rover for a while. He had a tee shirt with a picture of a Land Rover on it. The text said, "The Italians design their cars to represent their idea of feminine beauty. So do the British" Shame it didn’t have an E Type Jaguar on the back, with “PS The car Enzo Ferrari wishes he had designed”. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Boucher Posted January 7, 2019 Share Posted January 7, 2019 (edited) Shame it didn’t have an E Type Jaguar on the back, with “PS The car Enzo Ferrari wishes he had designed”. No argument from me. (and another friend has a 6 cylinder E type...) Edited January 7, 2019 by Mike Boucher 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Regularity Posted January 7, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 7, 2019 What a gorgeous red... <ahem> ...car 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russell_P Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 (edited) Hi Rob The 1:50 models are built by an ex London fire fighter called Paul Slade. I have several of his models and the are appreciably smaller than my 1:48 models. Thus the may look even worse against your 1:43 items. I havent veen in touch with my friend yet as I spent 2 weeks with my sons and their kids over Christmas. As you know its summer here so there was lots of beach as well as the usual festivities. I'm just getting back into my modelling but catching up on my work as a fire investigator for our City fire brigade. Russell Edited January 16, 2019 by Russell_P 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lodekka Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 Its a shame that 1:48 and 1:50 are the established scales for die cast collectors where commercial vehicles are concerned. With Oxford Die cast issuing a 1:43 coach this year I am hopefull this will change. I am sure there is a market for 1:43 Bristol Lodekka, Bristol RE and Leyland National buses Paul R Hi, been lurking since the start but never posted here until now... You’ve got Dave Hampton @ OKSP to thank for that. I spent a very happy hour at the CMRA show in Stevenage playing with his on OKSP ( also a fabulous layout & Apethorne junction) I covet them all. First i’d like to say this is a fabulous piece of work - I really like this layout and the DMU’s are fabulous ( barging Craig out of the way to be first in the queue to get the 115 unit ;-), well done Rod - great work and a very good read... all 79 pages of It! So 1:43 buses then... Well if anyone wants a Bristol Lodekka (FS) or an RELL to measure up, I have them both, plus an older LWL... Will definitely follow this thread with renewed interest. Did I say I liked the DMU’s.. Oh I did... I have 103 and 105 on the go plus a few early derby lightweights but the piece d resistance will be the 127 bedpan unit to match your 115... that is until Easybuild do the 124 Transpennine 6 car... If I am ever up that way again ( used to live in Burnley) i’ll Definitely beg to come by for a cuppa and a play. Super layout and thread - keep it up! Regards Nigel 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted January 24, 2019 Author Share Posted January 24, 2019 Hi Nigel. Thanks for your kind and positive comments about my layout and thread - you've given me a kick up the backside to get going again!! (See next post). Glad you got to see and have a play on Dave's layout: it's a cracker and I've operated on it a few times - and also on Apethorne Junction. But Dave probably already told you that!! As for buses, I'd like a Crosville one or two for the layout but I'm not sure there are any in 1:43 scale. Single or double deck, I wouldn't mind. Was the Lodekka the one that had a sunken passageway along the side upstairs, with long bench seats? The one that you always bumped your head on when standing up downstairs, in spite of the notices telling you to mind your head when leaving your seat!!! Glad to hear you're also into DMUs. Whose kit is the 103? And the 127: is Shawn doing that for you? (Fond memories of the 127 - I used to drive one - well, a power car, anyway - at Llangollen.) Is Shawn actually doing a 124? Or is it just a wish on your part? If he did, I'd have a 5-car, but only because I couldn't fit 6 cars in my platform!!! Isn't Steve Beattie planning to bring out a Derby Lightweight kit? If you are up this way, by all means get in touch: I'd be more than happy to let you have a play on the layout. Plus I could probably run to a biscuit or two with the tea!!! And there's the village pub less than 2 minutes' walk away!!! ATB. Rod. PS The offer to visit also applies to any reader/follower(s) who may be up this way - particularly as we are approaching Spring. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted January 24, 2019 Author Share Posted January 24, 2019 Hi all. Time for an update!! Although I've not really done much, what with the post-festivity "let down" feeling, but mainly the cold or generally miserable weather which has meant working in the shed wasn't really that pleasant!! Some progress has been made, though. The fencing is coming on: I just need one more full panel making (everything is ready in the pic above) and then I can try them on the platform and work out how long the short "filler" ones need to be - and then make them!! I've bought some more road vehicles - via Amazon, eBay and Hattons. Here are all the cars I've got so far, less the new (larger) Fiat 500 which is hidden behind the fire station!! A number of them have a special significance for me. We owned a Fiat 500 (the estate version) many years ago, and also a Mini. The Mini was white so I'd like one repainting in that colour: the other one will also have to be as it's a promotional model. The Hillman Avenger was my first company car, although it was blue (another repaint). The Triumph Herald was the car I took my test in (in 1961!!!!) - that also needs a repaint to maroon!! The Mark 2 Escort I just liked, though I never had one, and the A35 and the Morris Traveller were dead cheap at an exhibition a few years ago!! The whole fleet could do with weathering down a bit: Does anyone know of a painter/weatherer who specialises in road vehicles? Finally, I've got the Fire Service Series 3 Land Rover and a Ford Escort Mark 1 police car. These and the ERF fire engine will be on the fire station: So, that's all for now. More soon. Rod 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Hal Nail Posted January 24, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 24, 2019 You need to be careful with those cars. I don't have a layout yet but must have 20 assorted cars, vans. lorries, busses and a tractor as bound to need a couple eventually! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hroth Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 You'll also need a rusted, windowless car body to go behind the firestation for the firefighters to practice getting idiots people out of crashed cars. West Kirby used to have at least one lurking at the back. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted January 24, 2019 Author Share Posted January 24, 2019 Hi all. My posts seem to be like the buses we were talking about a couple of posts ago. You wait for ages, then 3 come along all at once!! Anyway, this one's about my fire station. I'm not trying to build a scale model, as I've said before, but one that I hope captures the features of one. Now West Kirby was quite a big one, with a significant number of vehicles stationed there. Here is something I found on the internet: unfortunately, it's not dated but it's before 2016 when the station was closed: I also found this list of Merseyside fire stations and the vehicle allocations: again, there's no date but as West Kirby doesn't appear on it, it must be after 2016: What I am taking from this is that, apart from the large stations, there were generally only 1 or 2 vehicles allocated per station. So, my ERF and Land Rover should be sufficient - which is just as well, as the fire station kit is only for a single bay station. I also found some information on Heswall, here: and again, only 2 vehicles. ** The model I've got of a small station can, in my opinion, be justified (just!) but also it fits the space I've got available rather well, leaving a fair amount of manoeuvring/parking area. I would have liked a Dennis F8 to park up as a relief/training vehicle and I looked at some on eBay. There were some labelled as 1:43 scale and I chose one that looked the same - livery, etc - but which didn't specify scale and when it's arrived, it's 1:76!!! Email going off tomorrow!! I'm not going to compromise on scale - so 1:50 or 1:48 vehicles are out, I'm afraid: mainly because they'll be in close proximity to each other so the difference will be obvious. The next step is to cut out a piece of wallpaper to the shape of the area I've got and then build the area up on foamboard away from the layout. More soon. Rod ** The only fly in the ointment here that I can see is that I read somewhere that the number of callouts has dropped over the years - the article was mainly concerned with the effects of prevention programmes, as I recall. So it's possible that in the late 70s/early 80s, there were more vehicles allocated per station. However, that could ruin my reasoned argument above, so I'm not pursuing it any further!!! Although, I'm still restricted on the space, so I can't really have a bigger station, anyway!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted January 24, 2019 Author Share Posted January 24, 2019 You'll also need a rusted, windowless car body to go behind the firestation for the firefighters to practice getting idiots people out of crashed cars. West Kirby used to have at least one lurking at the back. Good point. I'll see what I can get hold of! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simond Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 You'll also need a rusted, windowless car body to go behind the firestation for the firefighters to practice getting idiots people out of crashed cars. West Kirby used to have at least one lurking at the back. Opportunity to practise weathering... Best Simon 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lodekka Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Hi Nigel. Thanks for your kind and positive comments about my layout and thread - you've given me a kick up the backside to get going again!! (See next post). Glad you got to see and have a play on Dave's layout: it's a cracker and I've operated on it a few times - and also on Apethorne Junction. But Dave probably already told you that!! As for buses, I'd like a Crosville one or two for the layout but I'm not sure there are any in 1:43 scale. Single or double deck, I wouldn't mind. Was the Lodekka the one that had a sunken passageway along the side upstairs, with long bench seats? The one that you always bumped your head on when standing up downstairs, in spite of the notices telling you to mind your head when leaving your seat!!! Glad to hear you're also into DMUs. Whose kit is the 103? And the 127: is Shawn doing that for you? (Fond memories of the 127 - I used to drive one - well, a power car, anyway - at Llangollen.) Is Shawn actually doing a 124? Or is it just a wish on your part? If he did, I'd have a 5-car, but only because I couldn't fit 6 cars in my platform!!! Isn't Steve Beattie planning to bring out a Derby Lightweight kit? If you are up this way, by all means get in touch: I'd be more than happy to let you have a play on the layout. Plus I could probably run to a biscuit or two with the tea!!! And there's the village pub less than 2 minutes' walk away!!! Rod.. Hi Rod, glad to hear you have a kickstart for your mojo - it often happens that we all phase in and out of ‘the mood’ to model. Usually not the best time to do detailed stuff if you are not ‘in the zone’. Besides, it’s a hobby, not a job for most and we do it ‘cos we like it. Just to add a bit about the buses... the Lodekka had traditional seating both upstairs and down (2 per side), it was its predecessor, the Bristol K type that had the 4 across and sunken gangway. Our group doesn’t have one of those but I have driven a friends one quite a lot. The LWL I have is its single deck version of the K, pure 1930’s styling inside, made up until 1952 the design stayed pretty much as prewar... My vehicles aren’t Crosville i’m afraid, United Counties instead, from my stamping ground as a youngster growing up. The RE is one of my favourites as it had a most wonderful exhaust note when accelerating hard in 2nd gear that sounded like a DMU rasp, it could rattle windows and set off car alarms in narrow streets - wonderful... I made sure I got the correct exhaust to make mine do it . Turning to DMU’s, the 127 is actually a Westdale kit, subtly different layout and underwear to the 115 with Rolls Royce engines and torque convertors it haven’t yet found a DCC soundfile that is suitable (no gear changes - at least until 45mph when the final drive lockup occurred) so if you come across anyone who does one i’d like to know. Also they were Red Triangle coupling codes so can’t run in multiple with anything else... ( you may know they were originally blue square like most others but after some spectacular gearbox destructions due to overrunning mechanical units they were coupled to in the early days, they were re-classified)... The 124 is a pipe dream at present, i’m Leaning on Shaun at Easybuild to do it along with a few other people and I hope he is weakening... really would like a full 6 car one - imagine the DCC sound from all the cars that carried an engine, awesome! I have to say that from personal experience (and others views) I would find it hard to take on a Steve Beattie kit of anything - they are a challenge to say the least - I hadn’t heard that he was planning a DMU and a lightweight has already been done by others so it’s an odd choice. My 103 is an early kit like David Hampson’s , it is already DCC but need fettling with an interior.. currently is it in BR blue but I am contemplating stripping it when I do the interior and add lights, smoke etc. And they will all be green with whiskers or small yellow ends. Thanks for the kind offer of a play/operate if I am around the area - much appreciated. Don’t know if you mak any of the shows but we/I will be at Bristol this weekend with a layout ‘Penpoll Quay’ and then Kettering in March with my layout ‘Willowbrook Marsh’, please come and say hello if you are there... Will follow your developments with much interest - keep going. BTW, was expecting a left side rugby tackle from Craig about the 115... Regards Nigel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Craig has been very quiet of late - perhaps he is building one of his own! Paul R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmudriver Posted January 25, 2019 Author Share Posted January 25, 2019 I suspect Craig is still celebrating a significant birthday!! DMUs will have taken second (at least!!) place - for the moment! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Park Posted January 27, 2019 Share Posted January 27, 2019 Nigel have you looked at the Class 124 six car set kit producted by Mike Hughes https://www.jandmhughesogauge.com/ Off to Bristol this morning so hoping to have a look at what Mike does in his line up, as last time I looked it was impressive I do remember those unit climbing out of Lime Street and yes with all power cars it did rattle the roof with a cracking rasp. The current TransPennine 185 units that pass through Hudds sound really good. The idling is good and even better going out West up the bank up T'hill. It's alost like they tuned the pipes to get a pleasant note 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lodekka Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 Nigel have you looked at the Class 124 six car set kit producted by Mike Hughes https://www.jandmhughesogauge.com/ Off to Bristol this morning so hoping to have a look at what Mike does in his line up, as last time I looked it was impressive I do remember those unit climbing out of Lime Street and yes with all power cars it did rattle the roof with a cracking rasp. The current TransPennine 185 units that pass through Hudds sound really good. The idling is good and even better going out West up the bank up T'hill. It's alost like they tuned the pipes to get a pleasant note Hi, thanks for this, yes, I know of JandM but personally they are not my ‘cup of tea’ for constructional methods. I too was at Bristol and spent a short time bending the ear of Shaun at Easybuild once more - he is definitely on the case, but has an issue with origination of the ends at present, but he is working on it... Bristol was a good show once again and well attended, our gang picked up a few bargains and I also got to meet a gentleman from Hayle in Cornwall ( contributor to this thread) so it was nice to put a name to a face... And of course DMU’s were a topic of conversation as was this excellent layout, Thanks for the contact. Nigel 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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