cp409067

* May I please ask what the chassis is under the right hand van in the above shot? CP

* Apply to Peco Publications and Publicity. If the issue in question is not available they may well be willing to supply a copy of the desired article. CP

* Thank you - this is an excellent idea and I hope it proves a success. And to state the obvious the brass strips could be chemically darkened whilst remaining electrically conductive. CP

* Agreed. I have done the same, did not see it May 1961, but could not find my copy of Nov 1961. CP

* There has been a thread here (scroll down this section) entitled - Chiltern Model Railway Exhibition - Stevenage 11/12 Jan 2020 - for some weeks. It details layouts attending, parking advice, etc. CP

* Excellent and most welcome news. CP

* Thank you. CP

* Thank you for this most interesting and informative photograph. May I please ask if the servo mount is a commercial item? And if so what is its origin? Thank you. CP

* In the interests of accuracy and to avoid confusion, should this not refer to the "King Alfred School"? The "Kings of Wessex School" is in Cheddar. CP

* In the interests of accuracy and to avoid confusion, should this not refer to the "King Alfred School"? The "Kings of Wessex School" is in Cheddar. CP

* As a seasoned exhibitor (in excess of 200 exhibitions and on three occasions having driven with layouts from the UK to Liepzig and back) I fully understand the issues of forward planning, distance, etc. For more than 25 years I have driven approximately 100 miles each way to ExpoNG (either as a visitor or exhibitor) and intend to do so again this year. The NG content at the Mid Wales exhibition this year is very attractive. Three of the layouts I have seen before and would be happy to see again. I would especially like to see Roy Link’s “Crowsnest Tramway” (making its first appearance) and would gladly drive the 160 odd miles each way for the privilege of doing so were it not the same day as ExpoNG. I appreciate that my viewpoint in this matter is that of a dedicated narrow gauge modeller, but I suspect I am not alone in feeling that this tragic clash of dates is both unfortunate and very disappointing. Yesterday the latest issue of Narrow Gauge & Industrial Railway Modelling Review arrived on my desk. On page 384 there are two (and only two) exhibitions of interest to narrow gauge modellers detailed. These are ExpoNG and Welshpool exhibition. For those unaware of the matter the editor of this most excellent journal is the aforementioned Roy Link. I rest my case. CP

* My post above was an expression of sadness rather than anger. However, that said I find the statement - "As we have to book the hall a year ahead we are not usually aware of any clashes ....." - an inadequate explanation. ExpoNG has been held in late October (and specifically on the last Saturday during at least the last decade) for more years than I care to remember. It is a fixed date on the calendar for narrow gauge modellers as should have been known. With so much attractive content this year I find the date of Welshpool Exhibition to be a very serious disappointment. CP

* Several layouts at this exhibition have considerable attraction for narrow gauge modellers. In addition there is the opportunity to visit the W&L Railway. It is therefore very unfortunate that the date chosen clashes with the annual ExpoNG held at Swanley in Kent. My own position is that despite living a 100 mile drive from Swanley and 161 from Llanfair, I would very gladly attend both events were it possible. CP

* I stand corrected. In the earlier mentioned shot these ornate structures did not appear to support the overhead tramway wires. But as above they clearly do. Whilst I agree there is hint of the work of Gaudi, I suspect (from the shape of the posts rather than the brackets) that these are relatively more modern. CP

* Thank you for this interesting reference. May I politely say that I would not describe the (overhead power) masts as "picturesque"? However, I would say that some of the lamp standards are "ornate". CP

* Agreeing that the gauge has been altered, I was not suggesting that the Peco L&B vans are under scale size. However, as the rest of my previous posting made clear I am advising that compared with quite a lot of stock and locos available for "OO9" (and inspired by or modelled on various prototype lines) they are small - as indeed were the prototype vans. I offer no generalisation about the size of "OO" figures - but I would suggest that the average adult male height is more than 5ft and therefore taller than the height of the van doors (both model and prototype) in question. On that basis I stand by my view that - "..... modellers should understand that in broad terms the Peco L&B inspired vans are somewhat on the small side". CP

* I understand that in the past (after WWII) 9mm scale on 32mm track was used in NZ to model 3ft 6ins gauge. I do not know (but would be interested to be informed) if this option has continuing popularity. CP

* I would politely suggest that this is too simplistic a judgement and does not completely reflect reality. Differences in the size of “OO9” models are not just a matter of the prototype gauge varying from 2ft, to 2ft 3ins, to 2ft 4½ins, to 2ft 6ins. The Peco van in question is based on a Lynton and Barnstaple prototype of nominal 2ft gauge. The Vale of Rheidol Railway was also nominal 2ft – BUT its loading gauge was somewhat bigger. If one compares, for example, a 4mm scale model of a VoR brake van with the Peco L&B van there is a considerable difference in bulk, width, and height – the latter is much the smaller. Conclusion: modellers should understand that in broad terms the Peco L&B inspired vans are somewhat on the small side. CP

* This looks to be an interesting event. Before considering applying for an invitation it would be helpful (please) to know the exact address where it will be held. CP

* See here - http://www.55ng.co.uk./ CP

* As an experienced modeller in "O9" (I have three exhibition layouts in the scale/gauge combination) I am very surprised to read the suggestion that stock is prone to derailments. Whilst it is true the height to width ratio might be problematic, the solution is of course in getting the centre of gravity low down. Put simply it is about providing weight in the chassis. "O9" has great potential for building detailed layouts that feature interesting operation in small spaces. But a word of warning it is seductive. CP

* No. Mark Twain. CP

* I have used the Greenwich couplings on the locos and stock of my "O9" layouts. Using the standard version I have fitted them by gluing AND inserting a pin through one of the holes in the shank. I note that the NEM version does not have holes in the shank. This comment is not a criticism of the NEM type. CP

* As can be seen in the photographs this exhibition takes place in what is not the usual sort of venue. Indeed, I know of no other where one operates a layout (I have been an exhibitor twice) under the gaze of a full size au naturel portrait of she who described herself as "the Protestant whore". Said picture is (fourth shot above) off camera and high above to the right of self in shirtsleeves and braces. Sadly I shall not be able to attend this year as a visitor - I am booked elsewhere. CP

* 20 May is a Monday! CP