Bernard Lamb

A few posts ago I made a comment about the track work at Peebles. This led to some discussion concerning the details. This was posted before, but in view of the comments on catch points I feel it is worth revisiting. http://georgestrainpics.fotopic.net/p65501659.html Bernard

Sinilar,yes, up to a point. I quoted the differences in the wheelbase earlier in the thread and obviously the weight distribution has to fit onto the appropriate wheelbase. I find it interesting how a lot of people do not see the differences between these two classes. The diesel fraternity throw their toys out of the pram over dimensional errors of about a tenth of these. I will not be buying one yet. Right name but wrong period on the first issues and far too much on my plate to start carving one up. Bernard

The NBR seemed to have a certain penchant for unusual turnouts. As well as this example at Peebles there was, or possibly still, is half buried under rubble, another strange beast at Colinton on the Balerno branch. I do not know the technicl term but basically it is two turnouts facing in opposite directions on top of each other. Rather like a slip but the two tracks diverge from one line rather than incorporating a crossing. In the 18.83 challenge a few years ago there was a model of Colinton that included this formation. Bernard

The industrial loco is quite well done when compared to this. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ENGINE-SHED-WATER-TOWER-BUILDING-WEATHERED-LOOK-/270657437685?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item3f0470bff5 Bernard

Page 133 of Robotham, Branches & Byways,Southwest Scotland and the Border Counties, has a pic of 76050 from a very similar position, from 1964. There is also in the book a shot of two 78s in the station but at the other end. If anyone can come up with a shot showing two locos and the sign I will buy them a pint. Bernard

On Thursday while changing trains at Willesden Junction I noticed two Virgin coaches at the rear of the depot. This was from the Stratford- Richmond high level platform. They had, by the look of things, been there for some time, but were in remarkably good condition and far cleaner than this model. Bernard

I don't see why not. You would need to invent some ficticious history about what it is used for. Another possibility to individualize it would be to add some doors on one or both sides. Bernard

I could not see anything in the RCTS Green Book on a quick flick through. Photograhic evidence shows several locos had them fitted in the late crest period. bernard

Not seen any mention of this on RMweb. I saw it a couple of weeks ago and thought that it would make a good focal point for a diaorama to display a few bus models.I don't know if it is a specific prototype but it has that 1930s look. London Transport, country area, would see it quite at home, or even a family likeness to Chelmsford. Not cheap at around £36 but the finish is quite remarkable for a RTP product. The roof is particularly well done and the brick work, while possibly being a tad on the orange side,has well picked out mortar courses. Couldn't resist trying it out in a mock up arrangement. I see it as having great potential. Bernard

The line was always very well maintained. Probably the colours of the film emulsion contribute to the model like effect. OTTOMH The 9F is one of a small group allocated to Carlisle Kingmoor in 1964 to work trains to Ravenscraig steel works. Limestone traffic I believe. Note the revised lowered top lamp iron position. If one of them was used for this duty it begs the question as to what other trips they undertook when not required for their official duties. Bernard

Just look at that track work. A catch point in the middle of a standard turnout being just one unusual feature. Try building that in 00. Some good pics in the Robotham books if you want more. Bernard

You win the prize for the finder of the weirdest item on ebay contest. Seen it all now. Bernard

Srange that you find HMRS do not match. I have done a Brit and a Clan by altering one digit and although there is a slight colour variation the size is a perfect match. I am sure I read in one of the mags. that they came across the same situation. i can't rember which loco they were doing. It looks as though you will have to remove all the numbers. Bernard

At a recent exhibition a dealer had several of them marked up at £12.50 each. I thought that was a bit expensive. Bernard

Not as specific as mine. It will become 60540 Southsider. Grandfather born in Drummond street and his father born in Flesh Market Close. Bernard

According to accounts that I have read. Very drafty. That's why they had to alter the cab. The story goes that they copied an LMS idea. Forum rules forbid me to comment on what I have heard re the maintainance side of things. Rather difficult to keep 'em running would I think be a good summary. I have also heard that in some locations they were replaced by the Fairburn tanks on the harder duties. Not the greatest loco ever built but I like the chunky look of the things. As they seemed to get all over the place, in particular on parcels trains, no excuse is needed to run one. Quite often the machine was not a local one. A Neasden loco 67783 on a Carlisle - Newcastle train is an example quoted in the RCTS green book. Bernard

Refer back to my post 533. It's the piece of paper that's worth all the money. Or not as it seems. Bernard

You are responsible for getting peanut butter all over my key board. Couldn't resist having a browse while eating my lunch. Fascinating and not just for the Waverley page. It could start a new trend of people attending exhibitions with stop watches to check that the trains are running at the correct speed. A new hobby for the rivet counters. Bernard

More from Bruce M. http://www.railbrit.co.uk/articles.php?recno=31 Heresy to some, but I have always thought that the route should have been over Mosspaul with Langholm being on the main line. Bernard

The opposite situation to Edinburgh. There the authorities want to put up wires for the trams. There they had the cheek to go ahead with the plans to string the wires across the road, using the buildings as supports, rather than errect posts. When the citizens of Leith Walk heard about it they were a bit miffed. As it is a conservation area you cannot put so much as a brass nameplate on your door. Edinburgh trams or Cambridge bus lane. Which will see a service first? Bernard

While reading up about prototype DMUs in anticipation of getting my hands on a Craven I came across a reference to three Hawksworth coaches being painted dark DMU green and used to strengthen sets. That would be an interesting variant. Bernard

Can a limited edition of an item commissioned by a retailer be described as new when bought from some body else? To me it has to be second hand. Unopened and/or unused possibly but it strictly has by definition to be second hand. Bernard

All he has to do now is amend the description 'pullman carriages'. Bernard

A reference to the sidings here. http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/284421/details/stobs+camp+sidings+railway+exchange+sidings+and+signal+box/ Bernard

I usually read The Railway Observer some months after publication. In the April edition there is a reference to finding a few lengths of light rail during excavations for residential development at Acreknowe. These could have been from the tramway that served Stobs Camp.I knew that there was a signal box at Acreknowe and that there was an army camp at Stobs but knew very little abouut the area until I found this. http://stobs-camp.bizhat.com/index.htm Page two has the only direct railway related photo. The last page has a now and then shot that I find rather interesting. If you relate the number of troops in some of the photos to the amount of supplies that they would need then I imagine that the railway would have been very busy at various times in providing for there needs. For Waverley fanatics only, but to me an insight into the history of the line and the people it served. Bernard