Grantham - the Streamliner years

[Dominion]

I remember waiting at a train station in Switzerland in October on their first day of snow that winter.

Lo and behold, the train was late, just like might be expected in the UK.

By December, the Swiss have had lots of practice, and are then able to run on time :-)

Tom

[Barry O]

And Darlo is not the warmest place in the world to stand and wait!

 

Baz

[St Enodoc]

Well, he would be if 1N21 hadn't conspired to lose 29 mins en route to Darlington thus missing what should have been a comfortable connection up t'branch. Honestly, we've travelled on a variety of trains Sur le continent including some on Xmas day n Boxing day - all bang on time. As soon as we return to Perfidious Albion it all goes pear shaped.

 

Welcome home! Anyway, how are we all?

Very well thank you Graham. Just back in Oz ourselves today after the best part of a month in Austria, Germany, France and England. Disappointingly, nearly all the DB trains we took were a few minutes late which resulted in a few missed connections.

[The Stationmaster]

Very well thank you Graham. Just back in Oz ourselves today after the best part of a month in Austria, Germany, France and England. Disappointingly, nearly all the DB trains we took were a few minutes late which resulted in a few missed connections.

 

Seems the new order still applies on DB then - things started going downhill around the turn of the century and don't appear to have improved based on your experience.

[gr.king]

 As soon as we return to Perfidious Albion it all goes pear shaped.

 

 

I trust you'll be sending off some official (and hopefully officious) letters demanding explanation and rectification of this serious failing?

[Flying Fox 34F]

Well, he would be if 1N21 hadn't conspired to lose 29 mins en route to Darlington thus missing what should have been a comfortable connection up t'branch. Honestly, we've travelled on a variety of trains Sur le continent including some on Xmas day n Boxing day - all bang on time. As soon as we return to Perfidious Albion it all goes pear shaped.

Welcome home! Anyway, how are we all?

Red Leader shouldn't be that surprised really. I'm sure he'll find out what delayed his train.

I had a look and know of 5 reasons, but I can tell no more.

 

Paul 4475

 

p.s. I've been on delayed trains in Switzerland and don't even mention the TGV's in the South of France

[LNER4479]

Yes, I guess we all have our 'war stories' over trains that ran late. I try to look for an overall impression of a country's train service, which includes punctuality but also looking for good information, well-planned connections, clean / comfortable trains, etc. On any measure, Switzerland is right up there, with Austria and Germany not far behind. Least that used to be the case with Germany. No denying that it has slipped in recent years and the micro-franchising approach to privatisation seems - to me - to carry much of the blame. On the one hand creating 'silo mentality' with the new, small operators with their cheap n cheerful approach; on the other hand undermining 'big brother' DB's ability to operate a coordinated service that it once did so well.

 

That having been said, on this latest trip, ALL trains we travelled on in Germany were on time - so there!

 

Did I mention we'd been away? Travelogue alert...

 

Guess where? A few clues here. Not only a dirty great big river which kinda narrows it down a bit but there's a more detailed clue in the middle distance.

 

Yes - we're on the banks of the Rhine (Rhein). Didn't there used to be a bridge here or something?

 

Ah - that's the one! Now a peace museum - unfortunately only open in the winter summer! (oops)

 

From the viewpoint looking along the remains of the approach viaduct on the western side, the alignment with the eastern abutments can clearly be seen. If Al from the excellent 'The Bridge at Remagen' is looking in, this will all no doubt be very familiar!

 

On Xmas Eve, we took a train a little way along the Ahr valley - and I was delighted to find some traditional German signalling

 

This is Ahrweiller (a very attractive walled town, for what its worth)

 

Next day - Christmas Day - we took a trip a little further up the river. Yes, you did read that right - trains running on Christmas Day

 

There's another one!

 

This is Boppard (I guess I didn't need to tell half of you that?)

 

Next time - a trip on a private railway!

Edited December 29, 2016 by LNER4479

[LNER4479]

Travelogue Part 2.

 

On Boxing Day, I'd pre-booked us a trip on a well-known private railway which just happened to - handily - be three stations up the line from Remagen.

 

This was reassuring!

 

Yes, we are about to board the Vulkan Express. Now - the first thing to get straight is that this is not a reference to a locomotive manufacturer formerly located in the north-west of England. Nor has it anything to do with a certain member of the Starship Enterprise (despite me just splitting an infinitive back there). It appears that 'Vulkan' turns out to be Germanic for volcano. Aha....

 

Unfortunately, as soon as we set off, the heavens opened! Not the railway's fault obviously but, notwithstanding, the view from the window didn't seem particularly inspiring to us. And the still extant map of the Bernese Oberland railways out of Interlaken at our seats was a bizarre touch in the ex-BOB stock.

 

The final stretch is at a ruling grade of 1-in-20. With a dampflok this might have been quite something but our pair of diesel-mechanicals simply selected a low gear - we could have walked up quicker!

 

Arrival in ... er ... the middle of nowhere!

 

With the thick end of three hours to kill, we went for a walk round a wooded hill-top (which were led to believe was created from vulkan activity)

 

'truly incredible scenery' ... 'fairytale castles' ... 'dramatic rock formations' ... Just some expressions from a description of the trip in a holiday brochure Mrs4479 happens to have to hand. Did we come to the right place? Pleasant enough I suppose but its no wonder foreign visitors go ga-ga when visiting UK preserved lines if this is the best they have!

 

With apologies to anyone else who has experienced the Vulkan Express and saw something in it that we didn't!

 

 

For the final instalment, we gain a lofty vantage point which did have some impressive views.

Edited January 2, 2017 by LNER4479

[St Enodoc]

Travelogue Part 2.

 

On Boxing Day, I'd pre-booked us a trip on a well-known private railway which just happened to - handily - be three stations up the line from Remagen.

 

IMG_8489.JPG

This was reassuring!

 

IMG_8494.JPG

Yes, we are about to board the Vulkan Express. Now - the first thing to get straight is that this is not a reference to a locomotive manufacturer formerly located in the north-west of England. Nor has it anything to do with a certain member of the Starship Enterprise (despite me just splitting an infinitive back there). It appears that 'Vulkan' turns out to be Germanic for volcano. Aha....

 

IMG_8498.JPG

Unfortunately, as soon as we set off, the heavens opened! Not the railway's fault obviously but, notwithstanding, the view from the window didn't seem particularly inspiring to us. And the still extant map of the Bernese Oberland railways out of Interlaken at our seats was a bizarre touch in the ex-BOB stock.

 

IMG_8502.JPG

The final stretch is at a ruling grade of 1-in-20. With a dampflok this might have been quite something but our pair of diesel-mechanicals simply selected a low gear - we could have walked up quicker!

 

IMG_8506.JPG

Arrival in ... er ... the middle of nowhere!

 

IMG_8509.JPG

With the thick end of three hours to kill, we went for a walk round a wooded hill-top (which were led to believe was created from vulkan activity)

 

IMG_8512.JPG

'truly incredible scenery' ... 'fairytale castles' ... 'dramatic rock formations' ... Just some expressions from a description of the trip in a holiday brochure Mrs4479 happens to have to hand. Did we come to the right place? Pleasant enough I suppose but its no wonder foreign visitors go ga-ga when visiting UK preserved lines if this is the best they have!

 

With apologies to anyone else who has experienced the Vulkan Express and saw something in it that we didn't!

 

 

For the final instalment, we gain a lofty vantage point which did have some impressive views.

How amazing that they knew your RMweb name Graham. Pity they were almost 3 weeks late for St Nick's day though (we were in Austria on 6/12/16 - great fun).

 

Anyway, using one of our family catchphrases from many years ago "just imagine what it would be like if the sun were out".

[31A]

How amazing that they knew your RMweb name Graham. Pity they were almost 3 weeks late for St Nick's day though (we were in Austria on 6/12/16 - great fun).

 

Anyway, using one of our family catchphrases from many years ago "just imagine what it would be like if the sun were out".

 

 

Well I went on it a few years ago when the sun was out, and did enjoy it!  Also enjoyed being shown round the line's depot by a friendly member of the preservation  society who explained their engines to us, and also why the two diesels have offset standard gauge buffers & couplings (to allow them to shunt standard gauge wagons on the mixed gauge section at the Rhine harbour).

[LNER4479]

Well, I guess the moment's passed a bit for the final leg of the Xmas travelogue but, for completeness sake:

 

We crossed the river to the pretty little town of Erpel

 

And a stiff walk up to the top of the Erpeler Ley, which once bristled with gun emplacements (see Al's layout)

 

It's that bridge again

 

The view up the Rhine, towards Koblenz, with the town of Linz nestled below.

 

We found a pub with its own brewery

 

And a private railway (not in operation on the day of our visit). The Kasbachtalbahn, nice if you like 4-wheeled diesel railcars, apparently

 

We eventually got to the tourist spot of Linz, before crossing the river and returning back to our hotel along the Rhine promenade.

 

 

Anyhow - enough of that. You'll be pleased to know (as am I!) that there has been a little bit of progress on the layout on the last week or so (which is now back 'up' in its home location).

 

The 2016 north end signal project didn't quite achieve the target of 3 new signals for Warley. Here's 'tail end Charlie', the departure signal for the Nottingham line with hole being bored (which, predictably, was right over a supporting batten)

 

After suitable cussing and adjusting, now sitting in its 'ole. I quite like the effect of two signals immediately either side of the 'box.

 

The other job was to attach the ladders. If anyone did notice that they were devoid of ladders at Warley then they were kind enough not to mention it. Anyhow, the big 'un for the goods line now has a forest of them. Just some touches of paint now required to complete.

 

But the most exciting thing of all (honestly!) is that this flurry of signal activity has achieved the desired effect of clearing the workbench for the 2017 project - the Nottingham Quint set. This has been a long term ambition for the project and it has taken me quite a few years to assemble all the component parts - I bought the Isinglass drawing seen here at Ally-Pally nearly 10 years ago! What you see here is a combination of component parts from Bill Bedford, Danny Pinnock (D&S), Frank Davies (on behalf of the Clayton project) and Graeme King (resin Fox bogies).

 

If it goes really well, then I hope to build this D2 kit to pull it all as well.

 

Wish me luck!

Edited January 11, 2017 by LNER4479

[Al.]

A few of these places look familiar, Graham. Looks like you had a good trip.

 

 

Al.

[manna]

G'day Gents

 

Hope the coach and loco build go'es well, It's unusual to watch a whole train being built, it's usually one or the other.

 

manna

Edited January 11, 2017 by manna

[JCL]

That looks quite the undertaking - good luck mister.

[Barry O]

Having seen the latest signal in the flesh so to speak I can only say how it completes that end of the station.

Baz

[gr.king]

Track rubbers and loose sleeves not allowed within four feet of said signal?

[Barry O]

Only if you are very, very, very brave!  And even then a steady hand will be required... otherwise......

 

Baz

[LNER4479]

A little bit of progress to report...

 

The latest signal now has its motor installed - as evidenced by the arm pulled 'off' for a departure in the Nottingham direction.

 

All the latest signals have now had their ladders and other remaining details painted so they are therefore - finished! (apart from wiring up the Nottingham departure signal - not exactly a very photogenic activity)

 

Meanwhile, the Quint set is now under way! This is the first of the specially ordered brake coaches. This one I am making up as intended, ie as a five compartment brake third, so as I get familiar with the kit. The second one will need to have a composite body grafted into it. Lovely etches but time-consuming. Bear with me...

Edited January 24, 2017 by LNER4479

[Barry O]

All coming along nicely. I hope you realise this means today could end up being.."making signals for Chapel" day.....

 

baz

[LNER4479]

Just returned from the frozen climes of the chapel model railway room. Fingers numb after all the fiddling with the interlocking wiring for the new signals but it is now all DONE!

 

Not very photogenic so I'll spare you pictures of the rat's nest underneath the control panel. However, this might be a little easier on the eye:

 

The Quint brake vehicles being bespoke kits, the 'oles for the door handles had to be drilled - a touch tricky - and the grab handles bent up to shape from brass wire.

 

The etch for the ducket is a lovely design

 

I strayed from the instructions and fitted the interior compartment divisions first - it made the subsequent fitting of the ends easier I thought.

 

And there we have it. The basic assembly nice n square n true. Plenty more to do of course!

 

Hopefully some layout-centric pics this time next weekend as we have a dress rehearsal weekend looming...

Edited February 12, 2017 by LNER4479

[gr.king]

Excellent but unreasonably quick and effective progress on that coach. Had I done it that way I'm certain that it would have led to a belated discovery that the partitions were a shade too wide to allow the ends to fit properly, or some other unforeseen snag......

Edited February 13, 2017 by gr.king

[JCL]

I've been immersed in my own meandering into carriage construction - although in card and mdf over the last few weeks and I've gained a real appreciation of them. Your photos are lovely.

[Mallard60022]

Just returned from the frozen climes of the chapel model railway room. Fingers numb after all the fiddling with the interlocking wiring for the new signals but it is now all DONE!

 

Not very photogenic so I'll spare you pictures of the rat's nest underneath the control panel. However, this might be a little easier on the eye:

 

IMG_8749.JPG

The Quint brake vehicles being bespoke kits, the 'oles for the door handles had to be drilled - a touch tricky - and the grab handles bent up to shape from brass wire.

 

IMG_8763.JPG

The etch for the ducket is a lovely design

 

IMG_8764.JPG

I strayed from the instructions and fitted the interior compartment divisions first - it made the subsequent fitting of the ends easier I thought.

 

IMG_8770.JPG

And there we have it. The basic assembly nice n square n true. Plenty more to do of course!

 

Hopefully some layout-centric pics this time next weekend as we have a dress rehearsal weekend looming...

Beautiful job and yes, 'oles for 'andles is a #### ## ### #### as are the 'inge 'oles. Etches look very sweet indeed.

ATB

Phil

[jwealleans]

Grantham is due to appear at the St. Neots show in three or four weeks time, so a fettling and running weekend was organised yesterday and today. For once I had the time to take some photos, so here are a few to (ideally) encourage you to come and see us and support what I'm told is a very good show.

 

These are just what was in front of the camera at the time rather than any of the new vehicles or scenic features which will be apparent at St Neots and those who follow my workbench will be familiar with many of the subjects.

 

 

Enterprise waiting in the north end loco spur to work back to her home shed of Doncaster.

 

 

Winter sunshine on 706 working the up ECS from York Holgate to Hornsey.

 

 

4401 in the south end loco spur awaiting her next trip towards London.

 

 

We then managed a trio of Atlantics. I think it's often forgotten that for most of its existence the LNER had far more Atlantics than Pacifics and they worked top line expresses alongside A1/3s and A4s for much of the prewar era. We have a total of 7 C1s, a C2 and the C7 available and we try to make as much use of them as we can.

 

 

Another shot of the south end and different CMEs versions of the 4-4-2.

 

 

Tracery having detached from a train waiting to cross over and run north to go onto shed.

 

 

I weathered up this set of Bachmann tankers last year.

 

 

The grain hoppers were done some time ago - there are a few more to do - but Paul Bolton's Lee & Grinling buildings are always worth another look.

 

 

Wagons awaiting the trip to the Ambergate coal yard seen across the depot coal stacks.

 

 

The Sentinel shunter outside the Ruston & Hornsby building. This will be replaced in time by the then current steam locomotive.

 

 

An attempt at an arty shot through the water crane. I'm not completely convinced. The J11 is a renumbered and weathered Bachmann.

Edited July 11, 2018 by jwealleans

[LNER4479]

Thanks Jonathan. Beat me to it - again!

 

I pointed my camera at what happened to be out the front this morning before we resumed running.

 

As the schedule bears testament to, we're at Move 25 and the 5.50pm King's Cross-Leeds express calls at the station, having caught up the 4.15 'all stations' service, which terminated at Grantham; the loco off this working is retiring to the shed. A third Gresley pacific waits in the loco change siding.

 

The Leeds train resumes its journey north, allowing us to admire one of three variations of Jonathan's wonderful Teak Set No.5. This train had extended dining accommodation to appeal to the well-heeled West Yorkshire gentry, making their way home after a hard day in the city. The RFK catering vehicle (fourth vehicle) is typical on a ECML express but following that is an unusual SFO vehicle, that doubles the amount of first class dining accommodation, followed by a BFK (depicted here as an ancient GNR clerestory). This is actually the first vehicle of the 3 vehicle Harrogate portion and we understand that it was purposely marshalled this way round for ease of access to the dining accommodation, prior to going forward from Leeds. The first vehicle is a BCK for Halifax; a similar vehicle for Lincoln has been detached at the station to be worked forward on the rear of the connecting service to the county town which follows the express as far as Barkston Junction just 5 minutes later.

 

An exotic visitor to get the spotters excited! The stock off the King's Cross stopper service (Graeme's lovely all steel 5 coach secondary mainline set, featuring two BTK twins) worked forward towards Doncaster at 8.7pm so the K4 is obviously returning to the Plant on a running-in turn.

 

A pigeon's eye view across the loco depot towards the station, with all the north end signals on view. I'm working on completing the rear of the 'old' shed building. Paul has been busy over the winter working on some of the station buildings on the down island platform.

 

Down at the south end, taking advantage of a lull on the mainline, the goods yard pilot scurries across from Down to Up yards with its trip working.

 

See you at St Neots if you can make it

Edited February 19, 2017 by LNER4479