Wright writes.....

[New Haven Neil]

Slightly off topic, but thinking about that tractor.....how about this?  Not sure what it scales out to, can't be far off 2mm?

 

Oh, one thing - it's live steam.  Yes. Really.  Not my work but that of a dear friend who doesn't populate these pages.

 

[Tony Wright]

52 minutes ago, Atso said:

While not in the same league as Mr Haynes regarding the quality of the paint job, below is an almost complete N gauge GWR County that I've been building for a customer. A few more bits to fit and then I can put a coat of matt varnish down to finish it off.

Steve,

 

I'm sure if I were a modeller in N Gauge, a modeller of the GWR/WR and one of your customers, I'd be absolutely over the moon with that County!

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

Today I had a visit from members of the Ilkeston Woodside MRC.

 

What a great time we had running trains on LB. 

 

Some locos were brought to run, and how interesting they were.

 

 

 

First out of the box was a Bachmann BR C1, detailed and weathered by Pete Abbott.

 

 

 

He also brought this pair of Kernow diesels, again detailed/weathered by him.

 

 

Another Kernow diesel also appeared.

 

 

As did Kernow's latest little Tram loco.

 

 

This beautiful PDK J17 was built/painted/weathered by Chris Trafford. 

 

 

The builder/painter of this rather nice Nu-Cast Scottish K2 is unknown. The pony wheels are to be replaced.

 

All the locos shown above ran superbly.

 

Gentlemen, thank you for your hospitality, friendship and downright good company today. And, a special thanks for your most-generous donations to CRUK. 

 

 

 

Edited April 9, 2019 by Tony Wright
spelling error

[Mallard60022]

Hate to be picky Tony, but it is Kernow as In Cornwall.

Those Bulleid Diesels are beautifully finished as is the C1; RTR yes but what a quality loco.

Two very neat kit builds as well. What a great cast of visiting engines. Such fun.

Phil

[Tony Wright]

28 minutes ago, Mallard60022 said:

Hate to be picky Tony, but it is Kernow as In Cornwall.

Those Bulleid Diesels are beautifully finished as is the C1; RTR yes but what a quality loco.

Two very neat kit builds as well. What a great cast of visiting engines. Such fun.

Phil

Be as picky as you like, Phil,

 

Is there a place called Kernow in Cornwall? I presume that's where the firm is based. 

 

I think the models are made by Rapido, and they are very good.

 

I'll alter the spelling in my post.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Clive Mortimore]

5 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Be as picky as you like, Phil,

 

Is there a place called Kernow in Cornwall? I presume that's where the firm is based. 

 

I think the models are made by Rapido, and they are very good.

 

I'll alter the spelling in my post.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Hello Tony

 

Kernow is Kernowek (Cornish) for Cornwall. 

[Bucoops]

5 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Be as picky as you like, Phil,

 

Is there a place called Kernow in Cornwall? I presume that's where the firm is based. 

 

I think the models are made by Rapido, and they are very good.

 

I'll alter the spelling in my post.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

Kernow is Cornish for Cornwall

[Barry Ten]

Here are a couple of RTR projects I've been working on. Both are Hornby locomotives that were bought more than a decade ago, but

have had very little doing to them until the last couple of weeks.

 

 

This T9 is from the original release which I think was around the end of 2008. Shortly after purchasing it I dropped it and did some damage to

the front footplate, as well as dislodging many details. These were repaired but I still needed to make good a few cracks in the footplate, as well

as replace one of the delicate lamp irons from the front. A new lamp iron was fashioned from brass rod, filed to shape. I also rectified the two

assembly errors which had crept into this model but which were corrected on later batches, namely the ejectors between the wheels being

fitted the wrong way around, and the tender frames being similarly back to front. Once that was done, I wanted to give the boiler a bit more

depth and sheen, so I did my usual thing of applying weathering pigments with cotton buds, then cleaning them off fairly vigorously.  This leaves

some grime in hard-to-reach corners but keeps the main areas fairly clean, suggestive - I hope - of a loco that's being well looked after even while

working hard. The polishing effect helps to add a degree of lustre which isn't there on the factory finish, which I feel tends to be overly matt (more

so with Hornby than Bachmann, though).

 

 

I took a different approach to this mid-2000s King, which had Hornby's usual very flat and drab rendition of GWR green. This time I attacked the model with T-cut, applying it

with a cotton bud then almost immediately using a clean bud to polish it off - again, going quite vigorously. Although it can't do much for the basic hue, it immediately starts helping the finish by giving the green some lustre, and this process can be continued as much as you like. I went easy around the lining but I didn't notice any tendency for the T-cut to start lifting it. Once that was done, I applied a small amount of grime and again polished most of it off. Other than that, the model's had nothing doing to it besides the addition of some cosmetic front-frame extensions to reduce the daylight between the frame and bogie.

 

I haven't changed the bogie wheels but those tender wheels will have to go - they're hideous! They seem OK on C+L bullhead track but bump along Peco's stuff, presumably because of tiny variations in the chair height. Quite why Hornby were still putting such daft flanges on stuff only a decade or so ago is hard to understand.

 

Al

 

[Woodcock29]

Tony

 

The little J70 ex GE tram engine that visited you yesterday is produced by Rapido for Model Rail. Kernow just happen to be selling them as well.

 

I got mine a few days ago via a friend with a Model Rail subscription as its cheaper that way.

 

Regards

 

Andrew

[Tony Wright]

10 hours ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Hello Tony

 

Kernow is Kernowek (Cornish) for Cornwall. 

Thanks Clive,

 

My ignorance level is diminished just a bit! 

 

I assume it has Celtic origins? Or had I better shut up? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

7 hours ago, Woodcock29 said:

Tony

 

The little J70 ex GE tram engine that visited you yesterday is produced by Rapido for Model Rail. Kernow just happen to be selling them as well.

 

I got mine a few days ago via a friend with a Model Rail subscription as its cheaper that way.

 

Regards

 

Andrew

I should have known that, Andrew,

 

I was told where it was from, but forgot. I think I'm right in saying that the Bulleid diesels were produced for Kernow.

 

Bachmann produced the C1 originally for the NRM I believe. 

 

I think what was shown yesterday was the 'correct' attitude of modellers I respect who are quite happy to 'exploit' what an RTR manufacturer produces, but immediately make it 'their own'. Yes, the wee J70 had only just been bought and had nothing altered on it (though the dreaded tension-locks were immediately removed for the photo - thanks Pete). They make it 'theirs' by losing the couplings, weathering, detailing, adding a crew, adding lamps, coaling a steam loco's bunker and, if necessary altering its identity. They do it by themselves, for themselves. They are modellers, not just 'box-openers' or commissioners. 

 

What was also illustrated yesterday (and proven by your post) was my personal ignorance of modern RTR. Ignorance of not knowing about the origins of Kernow has now been addressed, but I'm quite happy to remain in complete ignorance of which manufacturer makes this or that. We now have retailers and publishers (via third parties) becoming RTR manufacturers themselves. It's all a bit bewildering. As a one-time, full-time model railway journalist, it was my duty to keep in touch. Now, I just don't bother! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Clive Mortimore]

15 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Clive,

 

My ignorance level is diminished just a bit! 

 

I assume it has Celtic origins? Or had I better shut up? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Hello Tony

 

Your assumption is correct. This is quite an interesting read, it has a section on Kernwek grammar. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornish_language

 

It is all Edward VI's fault it died out as a living language.

[Tony Wright]

19 minutes ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Hello Tony

 

Your assumption is correct. This is quite an interesting read, it has a section on Kernwek grammar. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornish_language

 

It is all Edward VI's fault it died out as a living language.

Thanks Clive,

 

Now, a further question, and one from your era.

 

 

Do you or anyone else know exactly where this is, please? 

 

All that's on the print is 'Durham 1978'. It could well be the only named Class 46, but where is it in the Durham area? Relly Mill, or further away? It looks like some tracks have been removed.

 

As for the working, are these HAA hoppers?

 

Many thanks in anticipation. 

[MarkC]

10 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Clive,

 

Now, a further question, and one from your era.

 

 

Do you or anyone else know exactly where this is, please? 

 

All that's on the print is 'Durham 1978'. It could well be the only named Class 46, but where is it in the Durham area? Relly Mill, or further away? It looks like some tracks have been removed.

 

As for the working, are these HAA hoppers?

 

Many thanks in anticipation. 

Yes, that's Relly Mill. The photo has been taken from the Stonebridge, looking towards Durham; the train is heading south. The trackbed on the right is the original ECML alignment; when the Bishop Auckland and Ushaw Moor routes were closed the curve on the main line was eased, using the old Bishop Auckland route alignment for part of the way. That's what the locomotive is effectively on. Just above the signals you can see, bearing away to the left, is the alignment of the north to west chord of the junction; this allowed trains from Durham direct access to the Consett line via the Lanchester  Valley.

Edited April 10, 2019 by MarkC

[Chamby]

12 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Clive,

 

Now, a further question, and one from your era.

 

 

Do you or anyone else know exactly where this is, please? 

 

All that's on the print is 'Durham 1978'. It could well be the only named Class 46, but where is it in the Durham area? Relly Mill, or further away? It looks like some tracks have been removed.

 

As for the working, are these HAA hoppers?

 

Many thanks in anticipation. 

 

Tony, this looks just like the merry-go-round trains that I used to see in the East Midlands in the seventies and early eighties, though I have no idea of the location.  The wagons were indeed referred to as HAA after TOPS was introduced.

 

Distinguishing between classes 44, 45 and 46 can be tricky sometimes, but I suspect this one is probably a class 45, given the split centre headcode: but Clive is probably more knowledgeable than myself in this regard.  The crest above the nameplate indicates it is probably one of the class named after a regiment?

 

Phil

[johndon]

Looks like a 45 to me, you can just make out the crosses on the underframe tanks which weren't there on the 46s.  The only named 46, 46026 also had, so far as I know, a single headcode box and not the split ones in the photo.

 

John

 

[grahame]

Here's one of those Toby Tram types in N/2mm that I built from a white metal kit. It's in grey primer - I don't recall ever getting around to finishing or painting it.

 

 

G.

[Niels]

1 hour ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Hello Tony

 

Your assumption is correct. This is quite an interesting read, it has a section on Kernwek grammar. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornish_language

 

It is all Edward VI's fault it died out as a living language.

Interesting.

Zasawzneck in Cornish meaning saxon speaking.

Any relation to sassernach that I once heard in Scotland?

It was no praise.

[Tony Wright]

40 minutes ago, Chamby said:

 

Tony, this looks just like the merry-go-round trains that I used to see in the East Midlands in the seventies and early eighties, though I have no idea of the location.  The wagons were indeed referred to as HAA after TOPS was introduced.

 

Distinguishing between classes 44, 45 and 46 can be tricky sometimes, but I suspect this one is probably a class 45, given the split centre headcode: but Clive is probably more knowledgeable than myself in this regard.  The crest above the nameplate indicates it is probably one of the class named after a regiment?

 

Phil

Thanks for that, Phil,

 

But could it also be 45 022 LYTHAM ST. ANNES, the only one not named after a regiment or member of a regiment. Didn't that have a device above the nameplate as well? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

44 minutes ago, MarkC said:

Yes, that's Relly Mill. The photo has been taken from the Stonebridge, looking towards Durham; the train is heading south. The trackbed on the right is the original ECML alignment; when the Bishop Auckland and Ushaw Moor routes were closed the curve on the main line was eased, using the old Bishop Auckland route alignment for part of the way. That's what the locomotive is effectively on. Just above the signals you can see, bearing away to the left, is the alignment of the north to west chord of the junction; this allowed trains from Durham direct access to the Consett line via the Lanchester  Valley.

Thanks Mark,

 

The caption has been sent off to Irwell.

 

I get this all the time. A picture is sent through from Irwell Towers with the usual - 'Where, what, why, when?' I'm usually OK with ECML steam-era pictures, but thanks for your confirmation of the Relly Mill location. 

 

A further question, if I may, please? Does anyone know about the cement traffic workings on the railways through Chester in the '70s? 

 

Isn't the interweb a fantastic resource at times? 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[CF MRC]

50 minutes ago, grahame said:

Here's one of those Toby Tram types in N/2mm that I built from a white metal kit. It's in grey primer - I don't recall ever getting around to finishing or painting it.

 

 

G.

I also made one in OO for my children’s layout using an ERTL Toby the tram engine body and a Spud (?) mechanism. It used to ertl round the tracks with speed control achieved by it going on two wheels on the corners and loosing pickup momentarily. 

 

Tim

 

 

[Fat Controller]

47 minutes ago, Niels said:

Interesting.

Zasawzneck in Cornish meaning saxon speaking.

Any relation to sassernach that I once heard in Scotland?

It was no praise.

Or 'Saesneg' in Welsh..

[Bucoops]

6 minutes ago, CF MRC said:

I also made one in OO for my children’s layout using an ERTL Toby the tram engine body and a Spud (?) mechanism. It used to ertl round the tracks with speed control achieved by it going on two wheels on the corners and loosing pickup momentarily. 

 

Tim

 

 

 

Sounds very similar to our O gauge Hornby tinplate escapades as a child! Literally a Flying Scotsman at times!

[Fat Controller]

1 hour ago, MarkC said:

Yes, that's Relly Mill. The photo has been taken from the Stonebridge, looking towards Durham; the train is heading south. The trackbed on the right is the original ECML alignment; when the Bishop Auckland and Ushaw Moor routes were closed the curve on the main line was eased, using the old Bishop Auckland route alignment for part of the way. That's what the locomotive is effectively on. Just above the signals you can see, bearing away to the left, is the alignment of the north to west chord of the junction; this allowed trains from Durham direct access to the Consett line via the Lanchester  Valley.

Wasn't the curve eased in preparation for the HSTs arrival? One of Lynne's colleagues at TTTV used to live in a house overlooking the curve. 

The train will be going between yards, as the 45s/46s didn't have slow-speed control to enable them to load/ unload using the MGR system. Trains to Northfleet cement works used to work like this, picking up a Slow-Speed-Fitted Brush in the Cricklewood area to work the train through the unloading hoppers.

[Clive Mortimore]

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Clive,

 

Now, a further question, and one from your era.

 

 

Do you or anyone else know exactly where this is, please? 

 

All that's on the print is 'Durham 1978'. It could well be the only named Class 46, but where is it in the Durham area? Relly Mill, or further away? It looks like some tracks have been removed.

 

As for the working, are these HAA hoppers?

 

Many thanks in anticipation. 

It is a Crompton (Class 45) two window center headcode display which puts it in the batch D30 to D67 or D137 as it is a namer. With a regimental nameplate, there is a round badge above the name. It is not D53, D60 or D61 as they had been refurbished and had the same triangular grille and a one piece headcode window as a class 46. It also appears to be a class 45/0 as I cannot see a ETH fitting, so I would guess at 45 014 (D137) as the other named 45/0s were split headcode locos except D60 but as that is already excluded because it was refurbished. So it is "The Cheshire Regiment". With the headcode displaying 0000 I would also date the photo as 1976 to early 1977.