Davey

I'm looking for some information on the Bluebell based, preserved 0-6-0 'O1' class locomotive No. 65 and would be grateful if anyone could provide some answers to my questions. There are two circular holes slightly above the coupling hook, cut in the front buffer-beam of the locomotive. Photographs of No.65, clearly show these holes and a photograph on the Bluebell website showing the same locomotive, in Southern Railway days, shows the same two holes, so clearly it has carried them for a very long time. However a photograph of it in it's original form as a South Eastern Railway class 'O' does not show them, so I am assuming they appeared after it was rebuilt by Wainright into class 'O1'. So my questions are, (1) what was the purpose of these holes, and (2) were they common to all 'O1' class locomotives? I have trawled the internet for pictures of 'O1's, but unfortunately, none of the photographs I have found are sufficiently sharp to answer my question. Thanking you in anticipation of any replies I may receive. Davey

That rocky river scene is brilliant. Davey

OK, you can stop milking it now. Davey

I'm afraid I don't have much information for you, other than to say I have vivid recollections of seeing a Stanier 8F and a Fowler 4F crossing over the WCML on a bridge near Madeley some time around 1961. I also seem to recall, although I can't be certain about this, that I saw a Riddles 9F at the same location around the same time. Davey

I'm looking for guidance, from anyone that has built one of the kits indicated in the thread title. I know from various comments I have read, on some of the Ace Products kits, that their accuracy and ease of build can be quite variable, to say the least. However, I have heard favourable comments of some of the kits in the range. I also understand that the Maunsell Q class was formerly a DJB kit, which it seems had a fairly good reputation. As I am contemplating purchasing a Q class from Ace Products, I would be extremely grateful for any input from anyone who has built such a kit, and also whether anyone can confirm that the Ace kit has it's origins with DJB. Many thanks, in advance for your help and guidance in this matter. Davey

What a remarkable feat of civil engineering, carried out with minimal disruption to train services. Not a high vis. jacket in site, and very little regard for health and safety it seems. It would be interesting to know, what injuries, if any were recorded for the entire process. And, don't forget, all this work was carried out by a nationalised railway system When you think that in this day and age, with the sophisticated equipment available, that was not available then, why do rail projects take so long and not without considerable disruption to traffic? I'm full of admiration for everyone involved in the project. Davey

What a ghastly livery. Davey

Not another GWR duplication. It's about time other railways were considered! Davey

I'm inclined to believe that! Davey

Hi Peter, All I know about the kit is that it was designed by a Danish gentleman, who now sadly has passed away. Davey

Hi Simon, Many thanks for your interest. Unfortunately, the kit I am using for the basis of this model, produced by Laurie Griffin Miniatures, although not designed by him, is an absolute nightmare, and is sorely trying my patience! It has effectively now become a total scratch build. Fortunately, the kit came with a 7mm scale drawing on an A3 sheet, which means I have no means of photocopying it. However, if you are willing to cover the cost, I can get it professionally copied and post you a copy. Let me know what you think. Davey

That's what happens when you make Con tact with water! Davey

Now the lunatics have really taken over the asylum,.

What a wonderful piece of evocative film, truly spine tingling. Davey

Those guys obviously work for the CIA - they're working under cover! Davey

A bit extreme I know, but if they catch these mindless morons, cut their bloody hands off and teach them a lesson that others might learn before they do the same stupid thing!

Sorry to be pedantic, but that's not an un-rebuilt Royal Scot. It is in fact a Patriot Class, sometimes referred to as a Baby Scot. Davey

If only we could turn the clock back and live in times like those again, where the pace of life was slower, and railways catered for peoples needs, and all at an affordable price. Davey

Did the visitors taste nice? Davey

A proper sensible livery at last! Davey

Hi Colin, I'm currently building a SER Kits 'O' Class, albeit to Scale 7 standards., which has necessitated me scratch building some parts of the kit, notably the locomotive main-frames. However, concerning the etches I have used, they are well designed, and fold up easily, where necessary. The written instructions are easy to understand, and should you encounter any problems, the proprietor of SER Kits, Dan Garrett is very helpful at offering advice and suggestions if difficulties are encountered. Wheels and motor have to be purchased separately, but Dan points you in the right direction as to what is required. I'm so pleased with the kit, that I am shortly to place an order for another 'O' Class 0-6-0 and an 'A' Class 4-4-0. I hope this information is of some help to you in making a decision. Dave

This is not in any way racist related, but could it be polish modelling?

And the new tenants just love their weed patches! Davey