Phil Copleston

Amen to that

Great shame - I enjoyed his tv show in the 70s when I were but a nipper.

Another era closes!

And so say all of us!

What if it sort of makes a whooshing sound and has a panto?

Mallard60022: Of course. Something that makes a whoooshing sound works for me too, so long as it comes with flanged wheels and track! :-)

Are you going to add this to the topic running on this subject, SUs are sooo transient and not really the place.

Castle: Indeed, we are very lucky here in the UK with our intense mainline steam operations. But we don't have anything QUITE as impressive as a Big Boy. Image the ultimate steam super-power lash-up possibilities to come, comprising UP's Big Boy and Challenger double-heading a modern double-stack freight charging up Sherman Hill... something like this:

Mod6: The link to UP's Big Boy announcement has already been posted to the 'topic running on this subject' you mention (sometime after mine), but got rather lost on that forum. Anyway, I see nothing wrong with briefly announcing 'breaking news' of this significance on my SU, particularly as it's clearly of interest to a wider audience.

Thread in "USA and Canadian Railroads" contributions welcomed!

NOT monetary, I hasten to add!

Bring it down here and run it over the Nullaboor. That'll give it a good stretch!

Have a good weekend. Best to Maurice :-)

Thanks. Home at last. It was most enjoyable, albeit frustrating at times (teething probs with the layout). Some lovely layouts there: P4 'Bodmin' was as exquisite as ever, and 'Evenstoke' a sheer delight. Bob Barlow came by the say "hello", and the Good Captain turned up to amuse us all! Maurice returns a cheery wave too, David. And of course, I managed to acquire my obligatory "something S scale" from the second-hand stands, so it was all well worthwhile...

Even better when you have a workbench to build them on :-)

She's 'of this parish' as they say. Avatar shows long flowing locks - (holding a dog too I think but my eyes aren't what they used to be - and to be honest, neither is the rest of me!)

steve22: Ahhh I see. Thanks. Sounds like you need more porridge!

I've been thinking exactly the same about Hom scale

Have an excellent weekend, Phil. Give my regards to other 2mm chums!

Oh I intend to, David. Mark and Jerry will be on the stand as well, helping to push the credulity of some visitors passed their limits! he he

Just don't get so engrossed you forget to leave for the show...

Good point Michael, I'll put away my ABC and pencil now! Looking forward to that breakfast, Jerry. And Julia - yes, see you there! :-)

Better than Lanson and a view of the A30 then Phil! Enjoy!!

Excellent, Kim and I are coming up too so see you tommorow

Double excellent! See ya tomoz :-)

Stuck with spaghetti here :-(

Would prefer yours to theirs, Mikkel!

Hey you two neigh-sayers - we had a great time this evening, and the curry was deee-lish! Eleven of us was there, including Andy Y and the good Captain, of course )))

Both sons are determined to book a cab ride. Ah, the fantasies of youth...

If it all comes off, it's gonna be massive!!

Sure is, guys! And I'll be saving the pennies to see an operational Big Boy too, should it happen. There have been rumours and plans about restoring a Big Boy before. But this time I think some credence should be given to the fact that UPRR want to re-acquire a 4000-series 4-8-8-4 for operation, and that the story is being carried by the respected 'Trains' magazine. We await with bated...

Thanks for your encouragement guys. Yes Jerry, I have a full schedule of 'drilling and grinding' planned for 2013 ...and beyond! (but Horsetan will be relieved that I've given up the home-dentistry, he he)

Yes but you need to FINISH THE WORKBENCH! Sorry, shouted a bit there :-)

I know, I KNOW: Finish the workbench. You're quite right, David. Sometimes I need shouting at... :-)

Engines must not enter the potato siding, superb prog! Thanks Phil!

You're most welcome, my fellow webbies! Enjoy your antidote to Xmas parlour games :-)

I agree BlackRat. Although I thought the two recently-broadcast programmes - "The Golden Age of Steam Railways" - presented our interests most intelligently (apart from the bloke in Programme One surrounded by a train set and Lionel boxes!), and without the usual mocking tone. Well done BBC Four!

Excellent news. Let's hope that it comes to fruition.

That wouldbe great, wonder if they would loan it to the West Somerset for a season:-)

Jerry

Sure Jerry, I'm sure UP will be very accommodating to your suggestion! ;-) Can you fit an N scale one on Highbury Colliery? :-D

That would be amazing. Always seemed to be a dead cert that no Big Boy would ever run again. Would go down a treat on the Pontypool and Blaenavon.

Didn't one of them run on the Somerset and Dorset?

Bring it to Oz and let it run across the Nullabor. That would be a wonderful sight.

Nooooooooo.

Sounds like a particularly bad piece of planning, Mr.C :-(

Indeed. As well as the S scale goodies, Jerry and Kim are taking 2mmFS 'Tucking Mill' (its 1st dry run before Warley, I believe), and that nice N-gauge 'Bodmin' layout will be there too. Bad planning, Mr.L? It's catastrophic!! :'(

Possibly so Phil but they do pay for the facility.

Yipee