Davey

To me that looks like the front end of an Experiment class. A POW should be showing the mainframes ahead of the smokebox. Davey

It's for a new locomotive pool they're creating. Davey

Around the West Midlands, 4F's were Duck 6's as opposed to the ex LNWR Super D's which we referred to as Duck 8's. Davey

Black 5's, or 'Blackies' as we called them around Birmingham, seemed to have regional nicknames. As I recall, 'Mickeys' seemed to be the nickname of choice around the East Midlands. Davey

Hi Simon, I'm sorry to report, that since my last post, way back in December 2019, I have made no further progress with my H1 build, and in all honesty the project has totally stalled. Many thanks for your enquiry. Best wishes, Davey

I would question whether 'Flying Scotsman ' is indeed the British public's favourite locomotive. I think it's more a case of the media pushing that agenda. To the many thousands of line-side spotters from the mid 50's until the demise of steam (my era), their favourites were the ones they saw at their favourite locations, in my case the Princess Coronation class that graced the WCML. Davey

Tony, If I may be so bold, I suspect that the GWR 4-4-0 is in fact an ex Midland & South West Junction locomotive and not an ex Stratford on Avon & Midland Junction locomotive. Regards, Davey

Thanks David for your suggestion regarding Real Time trains. Obviously I need to do some further research. Regards, Davey

Many thanks Brian for your comments and suggestions about a possible suitable location area. Regards, Davey

I've just finished watching a short video on You Tube, showing the drivers view on a train running from Haltwhistle to Carlisle Citadel on the Tyne Valley Line. What struck me, was how photogenic the line is and it got me to wandering if there is much daytime freight traffic that uses this route. I'd be grateful, if anyone with knowledge of this line, could give me some idea if a photographic trip North for the purpose of photographing freight trains would be worth considering. Many thanks, in anticipation. Davey

Thanks, I think you could be correct. Davey

I'm not 100% certain, but I'm fairly sure your correct. Just north of Tipton Owen Street station there was a triangular junction off the Stour Valley line on the 'Up' (to Birmingham) line. The wagon repair works were located within the triangle. The third leg off the triangle was a loop down to Wednesbury (ex. LNWR) which connected the the ex. LNWR line from Dudley via Great Bridge to Wednesbury. Davey

So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing David. I hope the many wonderful memories you have accrued through the years will be of some comfort to you at this devastating time. With deepest sympathy.

Hi David, hope you make a speedy recovery. Best wishes. Davey