w124bob

The big selling point for me (way back in 1993!) was and still is the correct scale/gauge relationship and couplings that resembled the real thing. Another big plus was tight curves don't look silly on small switching layouts and lots of colour and great weathering opportunities. When Kadee introduced their scale couplings that made things even better, I cut the trip pins off and use a cut down kebab sticks for uncoupling. Downside is the difficulty in getting the small stuff now. Actually the really big selling point for me and US railroads, was ALCO's!

Weathering is with Tamiya acrylics, powders and isopropyl alcohol, pictures taken on Dewsbury Midland (Manchester Model Railway Society layout)

Well it's been a long wait since I posted the Warcop clip, prolonged by the livery issue on the Railfreight barrier van. But I finally have my dangerous goods train complete(I forgot the airpiped brake van for the pictures).

Many moons ago when the very first run of non DCC SD7/9's appeared my BN SD9 failed within about 2 years with the same problem, an SW of similar vintage is still running without issue! Thanks for the info I've avoided P2K GP's for this very reason, despite there being some Ebay bargains around at the moment.

Now with added number board digits, from D1717 on a sheet of pre TOPS class 47's from Fox.

I really need to do the number boards on this and most of the rest of the fleet. Whilst rummaging through various UK transfers in my stash, I've noticed that the Fox transfers sheets for pre TOPS locos are a good size for HO loco number boards. They do several for the various Dxxxx class 47's and both type faces can be used. The transfers on MSC (MidWest Shippers Commercial)17 came from the Railtec O gauge alphbet set.

Another Geep added to the roster, actually done sometime ago .

Just a bit more progress on the depot end, ballasting mainly. I have a BLMA yard office to go in and I've started to scratch build a pair of fuel filler gantries to go in bottom right of this photo just off camera betwen track 1 and 2 (RS 11 is on track2). A drone photo showing some depot visitors!

Drivers surname wasn't Holt by any chance?

Did you get stung for any customs and RM admin fees, just noticed the seller is in Europe despite the price quoted in $. Some interesting other stuff there too, Alco engine block looks particularly tempting!

I'm getting to the stage where I want to install cosmetic switch stands( about 8) but really don't know whats appropriate for an '80s era diesel depot. This being the UK there is also the issue of whats available. Firstly when did those modern big yellow handle style appear in the US, also anyone scratch built any style of switch stand?

Just had an email from Rapido , the Railfreight barrier version is one of the two with issues so I'm happy to wait now. I thought I'd missed something in the order process.

If you're a real Yorkshire man I assume the wheel sets were purchased secondhand!

Can anyone confirm whether the Railfreight barrier version is in stock or is it still in transit?

Big red Alcos(well MLW as well), whats not to like! The C630m is stenciled for the Veteran Alco Leasing company and had the CP markings patched out(Humbrol red oxide), now just needs the new 630 number adding. WNYP 432 is out of the box Bowser with just a subtle amount of weathering, both have Lenz decoders.

My brother routed a 323 up the Kenilworth branch, it was to clear a platform at Coventry, that didn't end well!

Another thing to remember is the cl45/46 only had one exhauster which would have had to work harder(in Vac)thus adding to the general background racket.

Been a fan of his for awhile, he's shot really good drone footage too.

A very cruddy CSX Geep and my favourite Alco Ex Lehigh and Hudson River C420 now running as R & W 203, this and my ex Long Island C420 are probably my favourite locos. I'll post pictures of the high hood Alco soon.

Tongue in cheek, perhaps Marklin could do a proper HO Thomas range as well!

It would run with no issues, however I suspect the US market would much prefer an Apple Green LNER livery as this would be a closer match to the condition it went over then on it's ill fated tour.

And there's more RS11 roof weathering for an ex KB&S liveried loco. In R&W world 183 along with a second (182)where purchased from Conrail as 7652 ex PRR and 7598 ex New Haven examples(these RS11's where the closest to the Atlas tooling). Here is 183. The weathering effect was done by dabbing (not brushing) Vallejo 71.040 burnt umber and whilst wet adding small amounts of isopropyl alcohol, as the alcohol evaporates this is the effect you get.

A trio of pictures showing the track plan

I'll have to clear the layout of crap first, I've been doing ballasting and track painting so it's a bomb site at the moment. Total scenic length is just under 8ft x 2ft and because it's in the attic room, back scene height is only 9 inches, front height from baseboard to sloping ceiling is 2ft . I'm going for the full Iain Rice cameo style with probably only about 18 inches of front baseboard to top valance. Control is currently MERG dcc with over 60 locos on the books! This is the main reason for going down the diesel depot route, the layout will be an oversized diorama. My Flickr site, I've posted a few piccies from my old HO layout plus lots of Brit stuff https://www.flickr.com/photos/28630680@N06/albums/with/72177720305132352