Tim Hale

Rod, Many thanks and a very interesting prototype. Looking forward to the story unfolding. Tim

Thanks I didn't see the kit in Dave's list. Tim

Is the Alexander kit based on 10800 or is it based on a derivative? I am not an expert on early diesels but this looks like a great blog. Tim

Has anyone mentioned the problem caused by an intermittent comnnection between the pick-ups and the contact to the motor? This can provide all the symptons of dirty wheels etc. but the real problem is hidden under the wheel keeper plate - the pickups are not directly soldered to the motor but transfer the circuit via a tenuous contact between a vertical conductor (it looks like the tip of ball-point) and the pickup etch. The connection is supposedly maintained by pressure applied by the keeper plate. Invert the loco in a servicing cradle, remove the keeper plate screws and carefully examine the contacts - if necessary clean with a light abrasive. I found cause and cure for this problem when changing the rear wheel set on my WC. Tim

Hond neus, used to commute to Papendrecht in these.

RT Models offer vestigial steam pipes for the N

I realise that it is not de rigueur to espouse previous offerings of 48DS but the A1 Models etch plus the RT Models chassis is worthwhile option that is cheaper than the Judith Edge kit. However Paul shows that the Judith Edge product is rather good. Tim

One of the pleasures of West Dorset is the National Garden Scheme which provides access to many beautiful cottage gardens, such is their beauty that the model of the Waggon and Horses, from Scenecraft's Pendon collection, will become Hillside Cottage, complete with garden. To start the process, a base to accommodative the cottage and garden is cut from 3mm ply and 6mm softwood locating pieces are glued in place. The raised edges of the flower beds is simply cut from corrugated card, these will be blended in to hide the sharp edges before the base is painted in natural earth colours. More to follow......

Mini-Natur product

Quite a difference in size between the two buildings - yet both are supposed to fulfil the same function. Tim

Only if it was biting you.Tim

Now that is dangerous.... Tim

Has anyone encountered anything more exotic than a few birds and the odd native mammal? Surely with a worldwide community there might be the occasional man/maneater event to cheer us after the Italian drubbing or maybe an escapee from Isla Nublar*. Tim *Look it up

Dave, I do understand and I appreciate your effort to respond, many thanks. The iconic rail-built signals will be greatly appreciated by all modellers of the Southern and its successor whilst their lattice work predecessors are equally desirable to modellers of both NE region and exLSWR. The recent Southern releases undoubtedly makes us impatient for items that were once only an aspiration. Thank you Tim

Hi, This really is question for 'Dapol Dave' and it is a follow-on* to the query concerning SR signals - as you state, you are considering how to replicate this style of post, however do you have a target for the release of the Southern signals? Your response would, at least, be a comfort to the modellers of Southern outline who anxiously await confirmation that their interests will be satisfied. Thank you Tim *I did send a PM, as you suggested.

Thank you Steve, The last set is on its way to West Dorset.Tim

The scenery base is growing around the outer edges of the layout, I have persisted with 'glueshell' and it is beginning to look like a layout. The dips and wrinkles are covered with further layers of paper towel, fortunately this process is much easier as I apply the glue to the existing shell and merely lay the damp towel atop. All the outer edges should be complete by the weekend. Iain Rice was correct when he described this technique of building scenery, it is light and cheap but tedious. Geoff's (of Penhydd) advice has been invaluable, although I have omitted to use plaster at this stage and will wait until everything to dry and rigid before making a decision on further treatment - the scenery almost out of view has been painted with 'Hana' from the B&Q Colours range - wonderful stuff and just right for West Dorset. And scenery forms at the other end of the layout are now in place. Just three weeks of evenings and a Jubilee weekend - well spent. Tim

I am very pleased that the Southern will not be left 'in the cold' and Dapol's efforts will be much appreciated. Thanks to whoever sorted out the formatting of Post 234. Tim