Alex TM

Hi, Try Modelmaster Transfers; they took on the former Cambrian transfer sheets, and there may be something on the engineering wagon sheet to suit. They also do a variety of sheets for pre-nationalisation brake vans that remained operating in your chosen period. Here's a link to their site: https://modelmaster.uk/ No connection with them other than as a satisfied customer. Regards, Alex.

Hi again, Talking to another driver in the last week, and he was telling me that the 385s also have suspension issues tough we didn't get the chance to discuss this. Train crew are really quite chatty when they realise that you are reasonably well informed, and have a genuine interest in their work. Thanks for all the contributions. Regards, Alex.

Hi Marlyn, That's a nice piece of work. Any thoughts about what sort of stock you want to run on it? Regards, Alex.

Just a quick query: Any particular side's net? Just asking .....

Hi everyone, Until tonight I thought that VAR was some form of long wheelbase van with through air and vacuum piping ...... Regards, Alex.

Interesting. Didn't notice it today, but will look for it next time I'm in town. Thanks.

Hi everyone, Finally back on RMWeb after an absence of a few months. Had to head to Glasgow first thing this morning, and got to travel on one of these: Two units in service forming the 08:30 Glasgow to Edinburgh, and 09:30 return; only one refreshment trolley. Had an interesting chat with the driver about both these and the forthcoming 385s. I've been on these units before when I lived not too far form London, but on the E&G they are given the chance to race a bit. The downside seems to be that somewhere over 45mph they start to bounce quite a bit, so hold on to your coffee .... The on-train 'Barista' described it as the 'smiley' train. Regards, Alex.

Hi Dava, Thanks for that. I may have a look around and see what crops up. Regards, Alex.

Hi everyone, I have just been given models of three locomotives from the above manufacturer; they are Mallard, Duchess of Sutherland, and a French 'Nord' pacific. I have a couple of questions about them, for which I have found no useful answers elsewhere: 1. Can anyone tell me what scale they are made too (look around 1:100 to my eyes)? 2. Are they reasonably accurate? 3. What other models, if any, were in the range? Thanks in advance for any help. Regards, Alex.

Hi Paul, Pub interiors could be tricky - you could use the Queen Vic, or the Rover's Return but I suspect using a real one for research may prove a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Regards, Alex.

Hi everyone, I have just again been looking at the December 2016 RM, and the download kit of the grain silo. Can anyone tell me what sort of time period this building would be suitable for? Thanks and regards, Alex.

Jim, That certainly deserves a groan ......

Hi, I wonder if we had the same architect? The house looks big from the outside, but just wait until you try to move furniture in ..... Regards, Alex.

Hi folks, Just to continue with the laxative thread ..... every couple of years I have a full medical however one year I was asked, among the usual questions, if I'd ever had a colonoscopy. No, I replied (a fatal mistake). The laxative product used is known a 'cleanprep' and, apparently, tastes of strawberry - now I do know what the latter both taste and look like, and cleanprep is nothing like that. Suffice to say, I was given the bed next to the loo ...... I also discovered that it's an effective way to dehydrate you even when you are drinking litres of water at a time. The next time they asked I told them 'yes' and that I never wanted to go through that ever again. The funny bit came when I came round from the sedative - apparently I had serenaded the rather pretty nurse with a song with her name (Elouise) - it seems I have a reasonably good bass-baritone voice - but only when I am truly out-of-my face on NHS intravenous anesthesia! Regards, Alex.

Hi, Thanks for the question. Work was somewhat busier than anticipated over the period from the start of December through until this week. This is usually a busy time for me, but this year it went a little nuts! I did get some modelling done but it wasn't in connection with this. Let's just say that over Christmas I have seen enough bauxite paint to last a lifetime - lots of NCB stock being built, converted, and painted. Nothing of any consequence has happened since my last post on this thread. No modelling, but some more images found as well as scale drawings for a couple of small buildings from the W&U. An East Anglian route would still be my preference compared with a Great Northern one. I hope to get some done soon. Thanks and regards, Alex.

Hi, All that's missing is that chill wind, and the newspaper blowing along like tumbleweed ...... Truly atmospheric piece of work. Regards, Alex.

Hi everyone, The flu jokes are funny - until you know someone for whom it was the last virus they ever caught ......

Hi Jim, Useful trick. I do something similar, though I think I may have learned it from you back in the days of a certain club. Just one question: will you need more space to accommodate all those ex-NBR C classes that you'll be wanting? Regards, Alex.

Hi everyone, Just watched this, after my sister pointed the programme out to me. Jim, I have to disagree with you - Sir Alan and co are far more irritating! The programme led to my wife (not a modeller or rail enthusiast) asking lots of questions about railways and engineering - I would regard this as a plus. Although I disagree with Jim, I would uphold his right and freedom to disagree with my comments too! Honesty and right to free expression make this forum a force for good. Regards, Alex.

Hi Jerry, You may have to change the name to 'Damfine Yard'. Regards, Alex.

Hi Jonathan, Welcome to RMweb. That track looks fantastic; only the tie-bars on the points give away that it's not something like EM or P4. The wagon turntable is really quite clever, too. Good luck with this. Regards, Alex.

Hi Gordon, Great video. I think I may know who laid their track ....... Alex.

Hi, I think this is the layout some of us are thinking of: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/81305-portwey/ It was in the RM. Regards, Alex. Edited to note that two of us posted within seconds of each other with the same info.

Hi Rob, Sounds an interesting concept. Had the line been real, I would not have envied anyone who tried to get the scheme going; just look at the physical challeneges, let alone the weather. You may find it interesting to look up bcnPete on this forum; his layouts based on Kyle, and Coombe Junction, may offer you some inspiration (albeit he works in 2mm finescale). As your skills develop have a look at places such as Plockton or Duirinish for some interesting suitable small station buildings. As for stock, class 26 with a couple of coaches and a van or two sounds about right; if the line had survived it would have moved on to class 37 power in the '80s. HAve a think about industry, too, as that may give you some further stock ideas (e.g. fuel oil for trawlers, etc). Good luck with this. Regards, Alex.

Hi Jerry, That'll be two of us then! Regards, Alex.