Great West Road - transfers & I’m not talking football!

[southern42]

You mean Ray cant make DCC operated jumping figures!!!! hhahah

 

Bodge.

 

Morning Bodge

How about ....

making your little people walk around the platform, just for starters?

 

http://faller.de/App/WebObjects/XSeMIPS.woa/cms/layout/lid.223/bid.3349/index.html

 

All walking at the same speed keeping the same distance.  Not sure it's a starter for me.  Maybe good for a local charity run round the football pitch if you've got a layout big enough.

.....or.....maybe....er.....nah......ummm?......trainspotters clambering around the yard?....Now there's an idea. 

 

Polly

[Coppercap]

Haven't noticed anyone mention it yet, but you'll soon be able to travel on the Brentford branch in style;

http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/news/news_special.html

 

 

I didn't mention it coz I'm gutted.  We're exhibiting Camel Quay that weekend.  I'm not gutted about that - looking forward to it - but I am about missing out on the chance to go down "my" branchline on an ex-Southall SRM.

Hopefully, you good folk will fill it up and the proposed 2nd weekend can then go ahead and I (and others unable to manage the 1st weekend) can bag a ride.

Thanks, Coppercap.....and keep drumming up bizzness, eh!  :locomotive:

 

I also want to get to Southall Station before the PLANS for its redevelopment go ahead.  Not quite sure if they'd be pulling down the two- (previously three-) towered building or not.  If they are, I need to get the camera out there before it all changes forever.  Perhaps some of you know and can fill us in. 

 

http://www.crossrail.co.uk/route/surface/western-section/

 

Looks like GWRd will really be stuck in the (ex-GWR / BR) dark ages.

 

Polly

 

Well, I've booked on the 13:00 train on the Saturday, so if anyone else has, please shout.

Will take a few photos of the station for old times sake, before it all changes (probably for the better in all reality, and as much as I like what's left of the old station, it looks like it's going to go), then most likely go down to 'Three Bridges' or Glade Lane to see the Railmotor again.

While in Southall, among other things, I will also be visiting the cemetery where my great grandfather is buried, and to find his grave (dad thinks he can remember where it is). He was a driver at Southall from 1900 to 1925 when he retired, and I'd like to think he drove the Railmotors at some point. I know he certainly drove Metro tanks in and out of Paddington. Will also take dad (age 89 now) to see "the house where I was born", and it may be his last opportunity. Southall's not what it was (is anywhere?), but just about all the houses where members of the family lived over the years are still there.

[southern42]

Well, I've booked on the 13:00 train on the Saturday, so if anyone else has, please shout.

Will take a few photos of the station for old times sake, before it all changes (probably for the better in all reality, and as much as I like what's left of the old station, it looks like it's going to go), then most likely go down to 'Three Bridges' or Glade Lane to see the Railmotor again.

While in Southall, among other things, I will also be visiting the cemetery where my great grandfather is buried, and to find his grave (dad thinks he can remember where it is). He was a driver at Southall from 1900 to 1925 when he retired, and I'd like to think he drove the Railmotors at some point. I know he certainly drove Metro tanks in and out of Paddington. Will also take dad (age 89 now) to see "the house where I was born", and it may be his last opportunity. Southall's not what it was (is anywhere?), but just about all the houses where members of the family lived over the years are still there.

 

Coppercap, that's great news.  It's a great and beautifully restored train - and something Castle showed us on our June visit to Didcot is that the backs of the seats can be pushed back and forth so that you can face forward in both directions of travel. Neat!

Enjoy the visit, and feel free to post pics on here if you wish.  I'm sure you'll have a very receptive audience!

 

Dear all.  That goes for any of you, too, if you're going.

 

I guess they won't be able to let you on the footbridge for a traditional photo opportunity, though.  On a Crossrail 2008 map of proposed changes it shows a new footbridge spanning the platforms but the old one seems to be staying put with some modifications or is that just until the work is done as it seems that it will provide access to work sites either side of the track.

 

The 2008 map is in the document below.

http://www2.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/export/sites/ealingweb/services/council/committees/agendas_minutes_reports/scrutiny/crossrail_specialist_scrutiny_panel/19may2009-24may2010/17_11_2009/Item_10_-_Southall_Station.pdf

 

There is more up to date info out there but I've not had a chance to check it out yet.

 

It seems great to have grandfathers who worked on the railway but I can't help feel it must have been a very hard life.  I hope I can depict some of that on GWRd.

 

Polly

[Coppercap]

Coppercap, that's great news.  It's a great and beautifully restored train - and something Castle showed us on our June visit to Didcot is that the backs of the seats can be pushed back and forth so that you can face forward in both directions of travel. Neat!

Enjoy the visit, and feel free to post pics on here if you wish.  I'm sure you'll have a very receptive audience!

 

Dear all.  That goes for any of you, too, if you're going.

 

I guess they won't be able to let you on the footbridge for a traditional photo opportunity, though.  On a Crossrail 2008 map of proposed changes it shows a new footbridge spanning the platforms but the old one seems to be staying put with some modifications or is that just until the work is done as it seems that it will provide access to work sites either side of the track.

 

The 2008 map is in the document below.

http://www2.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/export/sites/ealingweb/services/council/committees/agendas_minutes_reports/scrutiny/crossrail_specialist_scrutiny_panel/19may2009-24may2010/17_11_2009/Item_10_-_Southall_Station.pdf

 

There is more up to date info out there but I've not had a chance to check it out yet.

 

It seems great to have grandfathers who worked on the railway but I can't help feel it must have been a very hard life.  I hope I can depict some of that on GWRd.

 

Polly

Polly,

Did you see this page at all?:

http://www.crossrail.co.uk/benefits/changing-spaces-building-communities/urban-realm/london-borough-of-ealing

 

Back to the Railmotor, I went down to Cornwall to travel on it when it was working on the Looe branch. While the Brentford branch is not as interesting in operation, and certainly not as scenic or long as the Looe branch, it does have a historical connection for the Railmotor, as they did work on the line when new. I'm going on it to both support the GWS and to travel behind (or is in IN?) steam for the first time in preservation on the Brentford branch. Oh, and to imagine it's my great grandfather driving it! We did travel on the branch well over 30 years ago when the GWR Preservation Group ran a Bubble Car on it (first time for dad then too, as he didn't ever travel on it when it carried passengers), and then another time we had an unofficial cab ride on a waste train with double-headed class 31s.    

 

Working on the railway couldn't have been all that hard for some, as my great grandfather had enough energy when at home to father SIXTEEN children! My poor great grandmother, she was pregnant for about 25 years!  

Edited August 23, 2014 by Coppercap

[southern42]

Polly,

Did you see this page at all?:

http://www.crossrail.co.uk/benefits/changing-spaces-building-communities/urban-realm/london-borough-of-ealing

 

Back to the Railmotor, I went down to Cornwall to travel on it when it was working on the Looe branch. While the Brentford branch is not as interesting in operation, and certainly not as scenic or long as the Looe branch, it does have a historical connection for the Railmotor, as they did work on the line when new. I'm going on it to both support the GWS and to travel behind (or is in IN?) steam for the first time in preservation on the Brentford branch. Oh, and to imagine it's my great grandfather driving it! We did travel on the branch well over 30 years ago when the GWR Preservation Group ran a Bubble Car on it (first time for dad then too, as he didn't ever travel on it when it carried passengers), and then another time we had an unofficial cab ride on a waste train with double-headed class 31s.    

 

Working on the railway couldn't have been all that hard for some, as my great grandfather had enough energy when at home to father SIXTEEN children! My poor great grandmother, she was pregnant for about 25 years!  

 

Coppercap

I hadn't seen that link.  Thanks.  Can't say that a sheet of glass has as much character as the current building.  I also want to model the platform building in the old style such as still stands at Hanwell.  Presumably, that's going too.

 

Southall (far left)

http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/s/southall/southall%28alsop_by8.1909%29old4.jpg

Hanwell

http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/22777/hanwell_station.jpg

 

Polly

[Castle]

I'm really sorry that you can't make the first weekend but you will be pleased to know that the sales are going REALLY well... There are a number of factors to consider with regards to the viability of the second weekend, not just the sales, but I will let the good people of RMWEB land know as soon as I have any official confirmation either way.

Hi All,

 

I am sorry to say that there is now only the one weekend of runs at Brentford. So, if you want to go, get booking...

 

All the best,

 

Castle

[Coppercap]

Coppercap

I hadn't seen that link.  Thanks.  Can't say that a sheet of glass has as much character as the current building.  I also want to model the platform building in the old style such as still stands at Hanwell.  Presumably, that's going too.

 

Southall (far left)

http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/s/southall/southall%28alsop_by8.1909%29old4.jpg

Hanwell

http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/22777/hanwell_station.jpg

 

Polly

 

I'm pretty sure what's left of Hanwell station is grade II listed, and will probably substantially remain, and it would be a greater loss historically than the existing Southall station if it were to go. I wonder how people felt about the original Southall station building being replaced by the current one? (When it was four-tracked?)

[southern42]

Hi All,

 

I am sorry to say that there is now only the one weekend of runs at Brentford. So, if you want to go, get booking...

 

All the best,

 

Castle

 

Castle,

Thanks for letting us know.  Sadly, I'll have to wait for another opportunity to get down the line but we have had some brilliant rides on the SRM itself, as you know, and it will leave two seats available for others who may not have had the chance to experience it, so can't complain.

Best wishes

Polly

[southern42]

So, let's get cheerful, again, and talk GWRd locos.

 

44932 plus stand-in support coach (Mk2A BSO for a Mk1 BSK) had a test run this evening. [Thanks, Tender.]  Looking good.  Sound chip on my Christmas wishlist.      Will have to look into what's available - 2011 version, of course.

 

And this came up after watching a Notting Hill youtube video - it presumably remembers previous searches!

So here is 4464 Bittern, with both tenders and shiny coaches, looking very smart in its brand new 4492 Dominion of New Zealand livery and carrying the Great Britain IV headboard [must get/make one of those] as it heads off on Day 1 of the tour.  I hope there'll be enough room on the layout for a few shiny coaches - I'll make room!

 

 

Polly

[southern42]

After yesterday's BBC Radio 4's bit about Fanny Johnson, 14 year old trainspotter in 1861, and someone's mention of The Railway Magazine's coverage in the August issue, and finally checking out the NRM website, I bought the said issue of RM.  The history of trainspotting article starts on page 47.

 

I've not read it yet, but there are two photos which will be very useful for finding and painting 4mm figures for GWRd.  The first one is from 1961 so we have a few trilby hats and lots of cloth caps.  These, mostly, seem to have gone out of fashion by the time of the second photo taken in 1967.  Interestingly it looks warmer (on the day) in March 1967 than it did in the April 1961 photo so some differences in attire - mostly jackets (shirt and tie) rather than overcoats, a gentleman in dark green sweater and mustard trousers - very "60s"!, and I've just spotted a lady in pink - now there's a giveaway!

 

Link to the NRM Trainspotting Plan a Visit web page.  

[Here's hoping we get to see it.]

Exhibition (as far as I can make out) 26 September 2014 – 1 March 2015 but please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

BBC "trainspotting" video:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28934268

 

And a group of enthusiasts visiting Southall shed in 1963 on this link:

http://www.whathappenedtosteam.com/national-railway-museum-trainspotting/

 

Polly

[southern42]

Yesterday, we had an excellent visit to Llangollen Railway's Along Western Lines Gala Weekend.

 

Didn't quite get it right for the morning's double heading.  With the aid of the timetable, we planned to see it arrive at Carrog but the locos uncoupled beyond the platform and we were down the other end so no photo.  The first photo is cropped to zoom in as I wasn't as close to it as it seems.

 

 

Lesson learnt - should've gone to specsavers Berwyn or Glyndyfrdwy to see it.

I did manage to get a pic of the two locos on adjacent tracks as the train arrived on the platform before continuing to Bonwm top and tailed.

 

 

We did get it right for the afternoon's shunting of the freight train, albeit in the rain!

Black 5 hauls freight train into Platform 2 at Carrog.

 

3802 detaches brake van

 

and gives it a shove to free wheel into Platform 1.

 

3802 picks up wagons and uncouples from the Black 5

 

then backs the train up to the brake van and departs for Llangollen.

 

 

 

Got to transfer that to GWRd.....simple, absorbing... Now that's something.

 

Polly

 

[Andrew P]

Yesterday, we had an excellent visit to Llangollen Railway's Along Western Lines Gala Weekend.

 

Didn't quite get it right for the morning's double heading.  With the aid of the timetable, we planned to see it arrive at Carrog but the locos uncoupled beyond the platform and we were down the other end so no photo.  The first photo is cropped to zoom in as I wasn't as close to it as it seems.

 

IMG_3347 56521 at Carrog.JPG

 

Lesson learnt - should've gone to specsavers Berwyn or Glyndyfrdwy to see it.

I did manage to get a pic of the two locos on adjacent tracks as the train arrived on the platform before continuing to Bonwm top and tailed.

 

IMG_3348 45337 and 56521 at Carrog.JPG

 

We did get it right for the afternoon's shunting of the freight train, albeit in the rain!

Black 5 hauls freight train into Platform 2 at Carrog.

IMG_3415 Freight train at Carrog.JPG

 

3802 detaches brake van

IMG_3435 3802 with brake van.JPG

 

and gives it a shove to free wheel into Platform 1.

 

3802 picks up wagons and uncouples from the Black 5

IMG_3439 3802 picks up wagons.JPG

 

then backs the train up to the brake van and departs for Llangollen.

IMG_3446 wagons coupling up to brake van.JPG

 

 

 

Got to transfer that to GWRd.....simple, absorbing... Now that's something.

 

Polly

Morning Polly, wow some great shots there Gal, but I guess it was Ray that did the movie as it looks like your standing down the Platform a bit.

 

I want to go back again one day, its such a lovely ride from Llangollen.

Is the new extension opened yet?

 

Bodge.

[The Stationmaster]

Yesterday, we had an excellent visit to Llangollen Railway's Along Western Lines Gala Weekend.

 

Didn't quite get it right for the morning's double heading.  With the aid of the timetable, we planned to see it arrive at Carrog but the locos uncoupled beyond the platform and we were down the other end so no photo.  The first photo is cropped to zoom in as I wasn't as close to it as it seems.

 

IMG_3347 56521 at Carrog.JPG

 

Lesson learnt - should've gone to specsavers Berwyn or Glyndyfrdwy to see it.

I did manage to get a pic of the two locos on adjacent tracks as the train arrived on the platform before continuing to Bonwm top and tailed.

 

IMG_3348 45337 and 56521 at Carrog.JPG

 

We did get it right for the afternoon's shunting of the freight train, albeit in the rain!

Black 5 hauls freight train into Platform 2 at Carrog.

IMG_3415 Freight train at Carrog.JPG

 

3802 detaches brake van

IMG_3435 3802 with brake van.JPG

 

and gives it a shove to free wheel into Platform 1.

 

3802 picks up wagons and uncouples from the Black 5

IMG_3439 3802 picks up wagons.JPG

 

then backs the train up to the brake van and departs for Llangollen.

IMG_3446 wagons coupling up to brake van.JPG

 

 

 

Got to transfer that to GWRd.....simple, absorbing... Now that's something.

 

Polly

Not exactly what I would call 'shunting' but no doubt interesting to watch for all that and nice pics thanks Polly.

[southern42]

Morning Polly, wow some great shots there Gal, but I guess it was Ray that did the movie as it looks like your standing down the Platform a bit.

 

I want to go back again one day, its such a lovely ride from Llangollen.

Is the new extension opened yet?

 

Bodge.

 

Evening Andy, thanks. 

As we drove past Corwen East Station, there was some work still going on around the platform.  Trains are currently running to the site of the former Bonwm Halt between Carrog and Corwen so not far from the end of the line, now.  Something new for us next year.  They already have their Santa brochure out.  No doubt we'll be waiting for the post-Christmas Mince Pie Special!

 

 

Not exactly what I would call 'shunting' but no doubt interesting to watch for all that and nice pics thanks Polly.

 

Thanks, Mike. I only use the word as described on the menu.  It was a bit different and fitted in between passenger trains.  Not a great many people there to watch it - most had gone back on the previous train.

 

Polly

[southern42]

I have been fruitlessly looking out for the February 1960 issue of The Railway Magazine on second hand book stalls for some time, so when I came across it on Ebay last week, it was duly ordered (Buy Now) arriving yesterday.  The article I wanted is: R.K. Kirkland, The Great Western & Brentford Railway.

 

The bit of most interest from the point of view of rolling stock was the list of imports and exports of the current day which, hopefully, is close enough to 1961 to be of use.  I say this with caution as it also contains changes such as coal transfer from river to rail and coal giving way to oil for heating local industry. Nestle, for instance, converted to oil in 1959. 

 

 

[if anyone can shed light on the well wagon on the goods train I'd be most grateful.  Is this a regular wagon that has been customised as I haven't found (so far) another picture like this one? Is there a model/kit that will suit or act as a starting point?]

 

The article includes a few private companies such as Morris Motors Group and Firestone but not type of rolling stock though it does give the (falling) gradient as 1 in 102 and mentions electric token operation when the line became single track in 1956.  Line operation is something I will need to consider at some point.

 

There appears to be a few goods photos from 1961 which will be of help such as these ones.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Southall%2C_Ealing_geograph-2575873-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GWR_5700_Class#mediaviewer/File:Southall_station,_with_up_goods_passing_geograph-2946778-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg

 

Polly

 

Edit.  link to 2nd photo (the 1st link showed twice)

Edit: to remove a boo-boo !! :-}

Edited September 20, 2014 by southern42

[southern42]

And now for that pic of my Black 5 (for 2011 days) which I promised to post a little while ago.

It has been allocated to the display case as the box went with the sale of the coaches that came with it.

 

Polly

[Barry O]

Once you have given it a quick weathering wash that Black 5 will be even better!

 

Grabs coat, tin hat and sandwiches and heads for the door.....

[southern42]

Once you have given it a quick weathering wash that Black 5 will be even better!

 

Grabs coat, tin hat and sandwiches and heads for the door.....

 

Something like this, then.

 

A bit of sheen

 

A bit of dust

 

 

Plus attention to detail here

 

and here.

 

All smartly turned out

 

I'll bring something along to Warley to practice on.

 

Polly

[Barry O]

proper job!!

[7APT7]

Hi Polly

 

Nice YouTube Clips and great photos, hope Ray and You are both keeping OK...!

 

Jamie

[Andrew P]

Nice Pics's Polly, I now have a Love of Black 5's, I have 3, and one with Sound, I cant wait to start weathering again once my work bench goes in to the new Potting Shed for Bitton.

 

Bodge

[southern42]

Barry, Jamie, and Andy.

Thanks for your comments.

 

Now that would be excellent - a Black 5 with sound.

 

44932 on the Swanage Belle was a replacement for 34067 Tangmere.   We knew Tangmere was out of action but had no idea what would be on the train until it turned up.  So mixed feelings: disappointment at not getting the Spam Can but delighted to get a Black 5, especially a Southall one.

 

I also took photos of the whole rake of coaches to get names and numbers though I'll only have a few - but what a selection!  Pullman / Premier / First Class / Standard service are catered for, all with modelling potential.

 

So, a few in order from head to tail.

 

 

 

 

I find Railtour Info a useful site: http://www.railtourinfo.co.uk/coach.html

 

Polly

[Jock67B]

Evening Polly,

Great pics as usual but that Black 5 is gorgeous, both the model and the real version. I was lucky enough to have quite a few footplate trips with dad as driver in the fifties, the most memorable being Carlisle to Stranraer on the 'port road'! I've always had a love of them since and I bought one of the 'Great British Locomotives' versions to partly strip as one under repair in the model MPD I hope to build next year. They suffered from cracked frames around the horn-blocks as a class and dad showed me how they were strengthened by welding plates to the frames - a scene I thought I could replicate! Thanks so much for bringing back the wonderful memories,

Kind regards,

Jock (old f*rt of this parish!)

[Barry O]

Polly

 

if you want a sound fitted black 5 I might know someone with one or two second hand ones for sale...

 

Baz

[southern42]

Polly

 

if you want a sound fitted black 5 I might know someone with one or two second hand ones for sale...

 

Baz

 

That sounds interesting especially if it's BR.  Please PM me details.

It seems they came down in the 60s.

 

1965 : 44966 https://www.flickr.com/photos/70607220@N04/6467671111/

1965 : 44942 http://mikemorant.smugmug.com/Trains-Railways-British-Isles/GWR-and-BRW/GWR-other-tank-engines/i-TBkzgCC/A

 

Polly