Unicorn1

One from Bishopscombe - the quarry empties being shunted into the bay so as to be out of the way; presumably to remove one problem wagon before carrying on to the quarry.

Q6 63395 backs onto its train at Grosmont, 29th September 2015

Hi Andrew Just catching up with this one, it looks great so far. As others have said the sweeping curves really ad to the overall scene. Just the sort of thing I'd like to do if I had the space! Following with much interest. Les

Alan, I suspect you've already thought of this - it would be worth keeping an 'empty' space somewhere near the platform to position a camera - I think you would get some great effects from the light coming through the trainshed roof and the platform canopy. All progressing nicely! Les

All coming together nicely Alan - enjoy your holiday! Les

Mike, I'm not suggesting that kit building skills are worthless, of course not. Perhaps that's the going rate now, I don't know. I am just genuinely surprised by recent prices. A very nice ex Varney kit of an LT went for £158 the other day for example. It will be interesting to see how much effect this recent - and large - batch will have on future prices. Les

Now I'm not very good with links, but here goes. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301650581463 I am just amazed that people are paying these sorts of prices. This kit can be had from ABS for about £45 (I say about because I only have the 2013 catalogue). Now I know you have to build and paint it - in fact I have just finished one of these, and may well buy a couple more! Indeed my collection of about 30 similar 'vintage' kit built buses may necessitate a call to the house insures! Les

Thanks Andy I do sometimes like to imagine that there are some 1/76 enthusiasts on the layout! In fact the two lads outside the shed are glued to the spot! Les

Well, I can't believe it's been six months since our intrepid photographer has visited Bishopscombe. But a recent visit has been rewarded with some shots of seasonal freight activity as well as the usual pick-up traffic, and a guest visitor or two. Here we see the local up goods heading over the canal. Following on behind is D6311, passing Bishopscombe Jnc. shed with a fitted van train of seasonal produce. The following day and the local down goods is headed by 5660. 5660 has run round, and shunts the brake van out of the way before dealing with the other varied wagons. The last couple of wagons are shunted. A short trip down to Bishopscombe Junction Shed for a glimpse of the ex GW rail car that has turned up, perhaps some rationalisation is being planned? (I want to get round to detailing the railcar some day!) here it is in the company of the local pannier and another seasonal helper in the shape of a Standard 3 tank. D6311 on shed at Bishopscombe Junction. well that's all from this visit, but maybe the photographer will return, and maybe even with a roll of colour film! Les

Indeed there was a rush to fit screen washers to older vehicles - but to this day it only applies to vehicles with fixed windscreens. If your vehicle has an opening windscreen there is no requirement for screen washers - wipers or not. Old London buses are a good example. Les edited because I was unable to quote post 1536!

A couple from Bishopscombe. 9738 shunting the coal And then waiting for some vans to be loaded

The 'Prince Albert' Made for my London suburban diorama Princes Park. Made from mount board and SE Finecast brick sheet. Not meant to be photographed up so close!

Hi Jules Always good to see Mayshill updates - the shed fits in perfectly. Les

Hi David What a great layout - have really enjoyed the thread so far, especially the pictures. I love the wide open spaces you have created, and the lighting looks good too. You have made me want to get round to building my Bristol bus kit - it's been in its box for over a year now! Looking forward to seeing this progress, and seeing some more great pics. Regards Les

Some more great pictures Les. The quarry idea is a good one - I adopted it for Bishopscombe and it allows me to run extra trains with different locos. Les

RHDR No 5 Hurcules, at speed near Dungeness.

Hello Les - from another Les in the UK! A lovely looking layout - and very good photos too. I think the scenery - especially the vegetation - looks superb. I will be following this with interest. Regards Les

Some more 'old' photos taken on the branch have come to light. Some are older than others, and there have been a few small changes since our intrepid photographer last paid a visit down the 'Combe.. On our way to the line we stop by the farm, the old farm cart provides a useful scratching post for the cowws A very rare visit from an ex GWR railcar, we just managed to get this shot from the hill One of the 'local' panniers retires to the shed A quick trip to Bishopscombe Junction Shed finds little worth photographing, but some interesting trains go past, including this rare visitor, Dukedog 9015, maybe the local Prairie has failed today? A quick dash back up the lane in time to see 9015 running round. It's time to go home, but on the way a chance shot of the guard on the down goods, taking in the busy scene below. Cheers Les

Fantastic modelling and a really great photograph too. Les

Nice one Robin. For the record the one on the right is made from a Radley Models kit, the one on the left is an EFE literally just taken out of the box. The 'semis' are Kingsway Model card kits, and I shouldn't handle them using the chimneys!! Les edited 'cos I cant spell.

It's March 1945 and brand new Duple bodied Daimler, D74 is about to work back to Highgate on a short 137 from Clapham. STL478 represents the older order on the 118, and is much more representative of the wartime fleet.

Mid the step on your way out....................................................

RHDR no 2 Northern Chief, 7th February 2009, Dungeness.

Lovely atmosphere. Les

Any one else had this experience yet? I've just taxed my 1948 A40 Devon at the Post Office - quite a surreal experience, no paper documentation other than the reminder, one quick scan, no money changed hands and I didn't get a tax disc! Even the nice lady behind the counter was slightly unnerved by the experience. Les