tractionman

Hi Andy, Here's the link http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b08rb16k/tornado-the-100mph-steam-engine Just watched it, amazing footage on the footplate and lineside at that speed. What heroes enginemen were in years past doing that for a living and in routine service. All the best, Keith

Apologies if this has already been posted here, but in case not folks might be interested to see BBC iplayer has a documentary about the 100mph Tornado run, but it's only available to view for a short while longer. The film was made for BBC TV in the north and not nationally broadcast. Cheers, Keith

I reckon of all the UK outline mags, RM has the widest coverage of scales, gauges and periods. This month there're two layouts featured representing current mainline modelling, which I think is fair, with reviews of the Heljan Peak and DJ Models' class 71. I like the mix we get from RM. Enjoying my read! Cheers, Keith

Ah but according to this https://www.measuringworth.com/ukcompare/relativevalue.php?use%5B%5D=CPI&use%5B%5D=NOMINALEARN&year_early=1962&pound71=729&shilling71=&pence71=&amount=729&year_source=1962&year_result=2017 "In 2016, the relative value of £729 0s 0d from 1962 ranges from £13,460.00 to £48,140.00" Cheers, Keith

Pop the values into this http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/blood-pressure.aspx It'll give you a sense of where your blood pressure sits and whether a trip to the gp is in order. My BP was 265 over 180 a few years ago and my gp sent me straight to casualty where I spent four miserable days while the medics tried to get me down to a less dangerous BP. Worth keeping an eye on. Cheers, Keith

There's mention here of a former model shop in Allesley Park, which is southish http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/34134-coventry-model-railway-shops/ Cheers, Keith

I can't think of a model shop in the southern parts of Coventry, unless it's Biggin Hall Crescent you're thinking of, Keith? There was a model shop too in Spon End but that's more west than south. I drove past the old GEC site a few years ago, where the sports fields are, and a sign advertised that day a public event on the model engineering line, so I think it's still operating. There was a small miniature railway circuit too once upon a time in the War Memorial Park, run by the GEC club I think. My dad took me on it once when I was very young, the line has long since gone. I've often thought since, how many other miniature railways have we lost over the years, has anyone compiled a 'Passengers No More' type listing of the lost miniature lines? Cheers, Keith

I too would be interested to read about other's 'experiences' of footplate experiences on preserved lines - it's a big birthday year for me this year and I'm considering asking for my present from my family to be a day on the footplate, but having trawled many lines right across the country I was slightly put off -- not by the price -- by the number of 'fellow' footplaters there would be sharing the experience with me! I whittled down a long list to two narrow gauge lines -- the Talyllyn and Welshpool & Llanfair -- based on price, length of journey/interest, being able to have my family travelling in a carriage behind, and going solo (with the crew) on the footplate. Beamish and Foxfield also seemed to me to offer good value solo experiences, both of which also appeal to me for their industrial railway locations. I've had a couple of footplate rides in the past, and on both occasions I was not met with the friendliest of crews, who more or less ignored me! So this also makes me slightly wary, I'd like a crew who at least talked to me as part of the 'big day' even if for them it is all fairly routine. Anyhow, any suggestions/recommendations would be welcome - I haven't booked anything yet... I'm easy about whether it's diesel or steam, big stuff or little - as long as it's a memorable occasion and my family are part of the day too. cheers, Keith

The water tower looks a bit like the one at Birmingham Moor Street station http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/b/birmingham_moor_street/index25.shtml rebuilt from Tyseley according to the inf on Disused Stations website. Cheers, Keith

Gaugemaster offer free postage if you spend more than £15, and locos bought from Track Shack are sent free, likewise some from Rails of Sheffield too. All the best, Keith

Buying modelling stuff over the counter is so much more satisfying than this online malarkey, at least for me it is, plus the joy of browsing, worth a few extra squids I reckon even if things are to be found cheaper elsewhere on the web. Don't get me wrong, I buy plenty online, as my nearest model shop is across the water or in Dublin and two hours away, but whenever I'm back in GB shopping at a proper model shop is a bonus, even if only come away with a few bits and bobs. All the best, Keith

Now, this is rateable stuff... Nicely chilled, and very drinkable. Cheers, Keith

This might be of use https://www.railexpress.co.uk/review-allocation-history-of-br-diesel-multiple-units-part-3/ All the best, Keith

According to Wikipedia : 'Prior to tracklifting, an episode of The Avengers was filmed at the station in October 1968.[14] The episode was called 'Noon Doomsday' and the station was renamed 'Langs Halt' for the filming.' https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanbridgeford_railway_station All the best, Keith

Great pics, imagine having that view (last photo) at the bottom of your back garden! Marvellous stuff. Thanks! cheers, Keith

Hmm, I nearly just sat on this...

McCullough's are still here Brian, still a few Hornby items in the shop window too! I wonder, John, whether you might be as well to sell the 00 layout as a job lot through the classifieds of The Spectator, I've seen others sell on model railway stuff there. It'd save on postage costs. All the best, Keith

There's a picture up now on Hatton's http://www.hattons.co.uk/283644/Heljan_1411_Class_14_National_Coal_Board_Ashington_No_4_in_NCB_blue/StockDetail.aspx Good to see. Cheers, Keith

Yep, just had an email from Rails https://railsofsheffield.com/class-28-metro-vick-d5710-br-green-2812-Heljan-JJJA33550.aspx Cheers, Keith

Many moons ago, the neighbour of my best school friend spent a small fortune laying 00 gauge track in quadruple around his back garden. Alas he'd bought track made with steel rail so it all went rusty within months... All the best, Keith