Theo C. Cupier

Apologies if this is in the wrong place, perhaps the Pugbash thread would be more appropriate? Anyway, a short while ago I was lucky enough to be given, via our local 'Trash Nothing' website, a couple of boxes of aviation, military vehicle, and railway models which were destined to be skipped. I don't know any background to them, and have only just started sorting through them. Everything was just dumped in the boxes and has suffered accordingly, the WW1 planes particularly so. Here are some pics of the most intact of the static loco models, not sure of the identification, and the Triang standard track came with the boxes. These seem to be works in progress, no idea on the one the left with the extension behind the cab, and the cab profile of the one on the right seems familiar, GNR N1 perhaps, or maybe a Fowler? Another work in progress, a GWR Pannier I think, the only one on metal wheels. Still more in the boxes, but I would welcome any identification of the prototypes of the above models. Many thanks

There was talk some time ago of re-instating the eastern Platform ( old Platform 1 ? ) , not sure if that is included in this re-modelling.

JellieJan, that could very well be correct, the location certainly fits. I can make some enquiries when next I am over that way. The paper copy has a couple of images.

May be of interest to some members. Brake van to art gallery. http://www.whitehorsenews.co.uk/blog/2018/11/06/all-aboard-former-victorian-train-carriage-transformed-into-art-gallery/

Not in the same league as closing a major London terminus, but likely to cause some local disruption. Has to be done, I suppose and that's as good a time as any. I just wish they would get around to replacing the weight-restricted overbridge while they are at it. http://www.whitehorsenews.co.uk/blog/2018/11/06/westbury-station-to-close-over-christmas/

Update:- sadly, now confirmed as a fatality. https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17208018.a-person-hit-by-a-train-near-maiden-newton-has-died/

It appears that a person has been struck by at train at Maiden Newton resulting in delays between Weymouth and Yeovil Pen Mill. https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/live-trains-person-hit-yeovil-2194191

Not level crossing related, but this fits the stupidity element. I don't normally use faceache, but this was shared by one of my contacts, and I thought it may be of interest. This is the associated text.- " Absolutely unbelievable. Spoke to the 'Adult', his reply was 'the trains not due'. When I pointed out there may be others ie. Freight, empties, unscheduled etc the reply was 'The next ones not till 1638'. After speaking to the guard and explaining to the man that people are seriously injured and die doing this I was told (By the not so responsible adult) I was a do gooder and the lad just wanted to look at the track.....I can only try. "

A quick trawl through some holiday snaps turns up these. Taken at Holyhead in 2013, so outside your timeframe, and probably not of any use. I'll keep looking for some earlier ones, as we have been going to Trearddur Bay over Easter for over 30 years.

Those pics remind me that I took a few shots at Westbury last Tuesday, on my way up to Cheltenham to pick up the new motor. I know, apologies, a couple of interlopers to the 70 thread!

Going back to the pic of the three young ladies on 7808, it's probably just me, but the middle lass reminds me of a young Claire Barrett, from the BLR programme!

You're right about them cropping up at boot sales, This is a stall at the Westbury Transport Show a few years ago. I picked up a couple but haven't done anything with them yet.

Northmoor, I had a conversation along those very lines with two chaps from the ESR at their stand at the Mid-Somerset Show some years ago. They were completely non-receptive, feeling that any alternative routes would be distracting from their aim of reaching Wells, which they firmly believed was achievable. The missing Prestleigh viaduct would be the major obstacle to the S&D link.

The Stationmaster, on 10 Feb 2018 - 14:25, said: True, one leg of the triangle has been built over, however I think the plan is/was to have some sort of platform behind the Cheese and Grain theatre. I have no connection with the project, other than what I hear from family in the area, and they seem to think the overall plan is to tap into commuter traffic to Bath and even Bristol, via Westbury, which as mentioned earlier, gives access to the wider network.

I have similar reservations about the North Somerset Railway scheme not far from me. Most track still in place but there seems to be little support from the local council. I wish them well but not holding my breath.

Just realised it is already discussed on the Preservation thread.

The article suggests that they may have some involvement with HS2 as well.

Spotted this and wondered if it might cause a few problems within the rail community? The Defence community certainly seem worried. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-carillion/uks-carillion-to-discuss-rescue-with-creditors-on-january-10-idUKKBN1EV0IK

Depends what you mean by one shift. When I was active on CB, one of my regular late evening contacts was a HGV driver taking a wagon and drag (as he called it) non-stop from St. Austell to a depot in Tamworth. He reckoned it was one of the longest trips in the UK which could be legally done while staying within driving hours regulations. Truro to Stoke would seem to be longer than that, so probably two shifts, but I concur with the general gist of your post.

Just spotted the reference to Mac's Model Railroads in Helensburgh above. I worked with the proprietor, Bernie, before he retired from the Navy. Only visited the shop a few times as I had transferred down to Bath before it opened, and only got back to the area infrequently. When I lived in Scotland, I used to visit the Argyll Model Dockyard, under the Scotsmans umbrella on Argyll Street, Glasgow, and another model shop further up the street near Tollcross. Also remember The Modellers Den (TMD) and Eric Snooks in Bath, Stoud-Sims in Silver Street, Trowbridge, and Froude&Hext in Swindon. Oh, and Pleasures toy shop in Warminster, an offshoot of Paynes newsagents!

" And funnier yet the RT blurb tells us the participants are 'tetchy'. The lead presenter billed as the one known as 'Stuck Drawbridge' in our family. Something of a Marmite choice there; I am sure he is a pleasant chap in reality, but in excitable TV presenting mode a little too much after the first ten minutes. However, I have my own modest little layout to play with so that's alright." Having had dealings with Major Dick way back when I was still earning a crust and he was still wearing a green suit, I think " abrasive " is one of the milder of the descriptions applied to the character.

West Somerset Railway Santa Express 23 Dec 2017

Similar to the Santa Special set mentioned above, some of our local ASDA branches have had the Hornby Western Freight Hauler set on offer at £40 (reduced from £60). The ASDA direct site shows it as out of stock, and our nearest branch had sold out yesterday evening, having had four on display for the last week. Haven't yet convinced myself it is such a bargain, since the items don't really fit in with the planned (currently only virtual) layout.

Perhaps this should be in the Level crossings thread, one wonders why the runaway occurred. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morlanwelz_train_collision_and_runaway Perhaps the mods could move this to the Continental/Overseas area if more appropriate, thanks.

Need something to do with all those left-over bits from GBL models? How about a UK version of this sculpture? Perhaps for a location with a history of locomotive building. I can just see something like it outside the Swindon retail park! :-) More detail here