tamperman36

The ETHELs (Electric Train Heating Ex Locomotive) were 3 former class 25s with the traction equipment isolated. When they were first converted they were blue and grey to match the coaching stock, they were then repainted in Rasberry ripple intercity livery and also fitted with grills over the windscreens to protect them from low flying lumps of coal when working behind steam locos. The blue and red class 24 was part of the RTC loco fleet.

In the past chipboard was the material of choice by very many modellers as it was cheap and readily available, much in the same way as certain other building materials. Over the intervening years some of these materials have been found to be highly toxic and banned and others have been improved.Plywood is one of these materials which has improved, it is now much more stable to use as a baseboard, creates less mess/dust when cut. Chipboard and MDF should both be cut using a mask as the dust can cause breathing issues. Ply is much lighter size for size than chipboard/MDF, however at the end of the day the OP asked for advice and this was offered, its up to them if it helps or not.

Early to mid 80s definatley blue grey,late 80s early 90s intercity started to appear with a set of charter stock mk1s and the odd mk2 air con in inter city with white roofs. The west highland mk1s in the original darker green and cream were actually based at Bounds green London and once the steam services finished in Scotland (end of summer timetable) they could be found on other charter work. I believe there may have been a set of chocolate and cream set of mk1s and of course the infamous Pilkington special K set.

Been watching the camera over the weekend and noticed a loco had been deposited in the sidings at the far end of the station. Decided to keep an eye on the camera today and caught the Deltic being taken away top and tailed this dinner time, any idea of what the locos were that dragged it away?

Crewe station is accessed from a road bridge, as is Keighley. On a slightly different layout Dewsbury has access from above down to a footbridge at one side of the station and down to platform level at the other side and leading out to the track which comes in over a viaduct.

Looking great, really catches the feeling. The Doctor needs to sort out his TARDIS parking, he may find it a little hard getting away.

I would not try taking the loco apart unless you are confidant doing so, that is not a simple job for a beginner it takes patience and knowledge to dismantle and reassemble these modern locos.

The NEM coupler box is moulded into the bogie frame itself, you should be able to pull the tension lock coupler out but it will put up a bit of a fight as its designed to be able to pull a full train.

A Bachmann 37 should have NEM coupler pockets as standard which you can get a Kadee coupling that is a straight forward clip in replacement, all you need to do is get the correct hieght. I believe they are 16,17,18 and 19s Vitrains 37s and 47s do not have NEM coupler boxes which does cause a few issues.

From what you have said and the pictures I would go down the route of a little cyano glue on a cocktail stick on the end of the axles, however before you do that clean off the axle ends as some lubricants can prevent the glue working.

Weathering is very much an individual thing as to how you want the finished item to look . There are many techniques and different products out there to use, I use several different modelling products but also you can think a little out of the box and look in pound shops for things like makeup brushes, art shops for charcoals, pastels, pencils and paints. The main thing is to use a photo whenever possible and be patient. Just remember we all started from scratch and everybody made mistakes along the way.

With the modern mechanisms and gear trains fitted in modern locos and units these days you don't get the drumming problems as much as you did in the past.

Another possible option would be to fit a power bogie under a brake coach to give a little extra power to the train. The idea has been done elsewear on this site if you want some more info.

This is unfortunately the problem if like myself you like modelling track plant, there is a major lack of rtr plant available and what you can find is usually HO scale so we are left to hunt down kits or scratch build. Its about time this situation was addressed by a big manufacturer please.

I must say I like the idea of a 6 function decoder but the idea of it resetting its speed to zero and restarting for a momentary loss of track power seriously puts me off. 6 function with stall protection would be a real improvement.

IMHO it appears to be some sort of machinery carrying wagon, hence the slight depression in the center. I would believe it should have some tie down loops either on the deck or solebars.

You could look at making 2 different scenic layouts with the back scenes placed back to back down the center of the space, each designed so you could use it as a separate layout when required. You could then make return loops which would stay in your loft space to give you the ability to just sit and watch trains run.

Dependant really on the size and amount of static machinery, it would be quite possible the larger sites have a small power plant on site. As for the quarry vehicles , you can find both diesel or electric powered machines and also some diesel electric ones.

So who thinks that the collectors club may get a RES liveried version? If they do I could even be tempted to join.

Scorpions and scimitars are/were usually carried on warflats as they don't need the well to keep them in gauge, warwells usually carry larger vehicles but as has already been said, British MBTs are way over our loading gauge.

Can we have original livery versions of the 144 and 143 next please Charlie?

I have been wondering for a while why these days that we are all getting photocard driving licences, why can't they put details of insurance and then make these cars with keyless operation only work with a valid and insured driver. These cars could be built with data readers built in and the photo licences given an appropriate data strip.

The class 90 looks nice at a quick glance, look forward to the production models (eventually)

That's great news, hope he keeps improving. I'm sure we'd all like to wish him all the best and cant wait till he feels upto some modelling.

Another point is that with modern technology modern locos are fitted with computer self diagnostic systems which show if there is any faults, just like modern cars, so when they are next in for an exam they will check the system and if a fault shows it will be sent for maintenance. Otherwise basic exams and fuel can be done on a concrete pad on a siding.