MarshLane

Hmm ... there's always a snag! That one might have to be en route to the wagon repair depot Rich

Just in case anyone else is after a VEA, I've just realised its on Dapol's hit list for 2017 (or maybe 2018!!) of the wagon types to be produced! Rich

If I remember rightly, the locos worked through to Blaenau Ffestiniog, whether it was nuclear for the power station or explosives to Maentwrog Road, then ran round and propelled down the branch. I think the siding at Trawsfynydd could only hold two wagons, although I could be wrong about that bit. The loco was then on the right end for the return to 'the Junction'. Rich EDIT: This answers the question! http://www.2d53.co.uk/blaenauffestiniog/Trawsfynydd%20Branch%201.htm

Well at least if I can't get the chassis sorted out for some reason, then the body can now realistically go in a field next to the main line on the model! haha! Rich

Thanks guys, All the layouts were very good - but I have to say, that station model that was on the Lee Marsh Loco stand (I appreciate its a sales diorama not a layout as such) with a Patriot and Evening Star really is just awe inspiring. Amazing detail, and Im quite pleased with how I almost managed to keep that plastic 'early sample' sign out of the pictures thats just in front of the 9F! Thanks Marcus, It really was - there were two, but the chassis on the second had lots of detail missing (admittedly contained within the body) and the chassis itself resembled a banana more than an under frame! Almost bought the second body as a grounded example, but couldn't recall seeing any VEAs grounded. Still happy with that one, and its another wagon for one of the Speedlink trains! Hopefully somebody will bring a RTR or Kit version out at some point. This one is an Appleby Model Company apparently, but Im sure there's a kit out now, although its brass lol! As you say thought, plenty of inspiration ... and light on the wallet Rich

Oops sorry - missed that somebody. That is ******y big speaker! You do know that when you run that 37 through Talyllyn Junction, they're really not suppose to hear it starting off in Aberystwyth don't you! . Looking forward to hearing the outcome! You see, its things like this that make me think kit building is worth it ... by the time we've finished modifying everything and cutting bits away .... there'll not be all that much left of the original! Rich

Thanks for that ... added to my modelling notes file for future reference. If I'm going to start doing these I've two to do at some point! That will take a huge amount of courage tho! Now as for the size of this speaker .... <shouts>pictures pictures</shouts> can be heard in the background! Rich

Bristol was a good exhibition in my view. Some nice layouts, plenty of trade stands, and what appeared to be a good attendance - unfortunately I wasn't successful in the raffle!! Good to chat to a number of friends and traders tho. Some pictures from the layouts attached for the benefit of those who couldn't make it... Sorry I didn't get all layouts in, some were really busy each time I wandered round! Rich

I mentioned it yesterday, but didn't get chance to add a picture, this was the VEA van that was acquired - like I say, needs a little work before its usable, but not much. Rich

Hi Jinty, How have you cut the buffer beam out - is it just a cut away with a small saw ( ) or is it using a template of some sort? Jinty will confirm, but I think both are the Heljan ones Peter - they do look good unweathered, but with Jinty's skills .. move up to superb! Rich

They looked very good on the Skytrex stand I must say. Bit of weathering with talc and they will be ideal! Rich

Hi Jez, I have to say I'm not normally a fan of N gauge layouts, generally too small (for my liking) to be realistic, but I love yours! Superb job with weathering and scenery and the whole layout has that 'British Steel' feel to it. Very impressive. Rich

Evening guys! Thanks Andy/Brian good to meet everyone today, a good show I thought, and well worth the 10 hours travelling down and back from Bristol!! Nice to put faces to names! I'll certainly keep everyone up to date, as for time. A mere mortal like myself doesn't become immortal! Just keeps getting in the way! Arksey is the 'BIG' project, it is (or will be) a permanent layout that once done is there to be enjoyed ... hopefully! So I'm in no rush, just like to have plenty to keep my mind occupied or else I get bored! Also think if something is worth doing, it's worth doing properly and right! And there enduth tonight's sermon! Did manage to navigate Bristol without a huge expense! A set of lamps for the 08s from alan at Modelu, and a VEA van that had been made from an appleby model kit, and is in need of a visit to Duddleston C&W works ... but as it's not open yet, I'm going to have to deal with it myself!!! Just needs a new axlebox making and the body refitting to the chassis. But will go with the Speedlink traffic quiet well. Hope everyone else enjoyed their day/visit. TTFN Rich (Ye Olde Connor of McLoud land ... and no im not wearing a kilt!)

Hi Ken Oh wow! Only just come across your layout tonight but what a superb job your doing with it. Only been through a couple of times, and then courtesy of an east coast HST, but from pictures I've seen it's instantly recognisable. Looks great and I love the signal boxes! Superb work, can't wait to see more! Rich

See I knew there would be a No.3!!!!

Lovely J27 mate! Out of sync for wagon works of Talyllyn Junction tho isn't it? Or is this for layout three??? Looking forward to seeing what you do with the GUVs. Rich

TPWS ... and yup!

Didn't get chance to take any pics, or say hi to Steve, but the model looked amazing at Bristol. Full marks to LLC!

Spoke with Pete today, the Derby Lightweight is well on should only be a few months away. Definitely out this year. His words were ... it's there, it's great to go, now the 47 is done, it's full steam ahead on the Derby unit. Rich

Spoke to Dapol at Bristol today. The HAAs are in tooling, but no first pictures yet. Estimate delivery mid-2017 ish. The HEA is behind the HAA, and should be late 2017ish. That info direct from the guys on the Dapol stand. Rich

Spoke to Dapol at bristol today. They are doing another run of the early 08s this summer because they have been so popular and demand is so high. The next later version will follow early next year. Rich

Thanks mate - will do! Rich

hi Jinty, Well you had me sat on the edge of my chair going, "oh he's not?" ... "oh he can't be" .... "oh no, surely not that" ... "oh thank god he's not!" That all surmised the end outcome of what gauge you were going for of course!! Glad to see your sticking with O gauge and the whole project sounds good, and one from which we shall expect high standards. As for completing it by July next year ...well if you adopt the Andy P method of working, you'll be complete by April 2017 29' by 2.5' is quite a nice size for exhibition use I would have thought - long enough to explore different avenues, as you've described, but narrow enough to be easy to handle. Well done mate, looking forward to following along with sarcasm and whit ... well you go with what works, and I don't have your modelling skills!!! Seriously tho, nice background and plan to the whole thing, we need a track plan to visualise it! The Heljan diesel depot parts look quite interesting too... Rich PS if you think that's a 'war and peace' intro - wait till you see Arksey!!!

Hi Barnaby, Whether its any good for what your doing or not, but for the test bed in my study, I drew a lot of inspiration from Black Notley (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/12968-black-notley-br-eastern/page-4) pages 1 and 4, have a lot of detail on colouring and ballasting. Im happy with how its come out overall, and shall be using the same principals and system for my new Arksey layout - albeit with some powers and black paint to simulate the darker ballast where locos are standing etc... Rich

Afternoon guys, Just a quick update - Bristol on the horizon for tomorrow, CrossCountry permitting! A few things on the wants list, all minor bits and pieces really, mainly copper clad sleepers so I can start the track work for Arksey! On that note, to our illustrious track builders, while the first item will be pointwork, the second looks like it will either be a diamond crossing or double slip - so if anyone has any suggestions, ideas, hints or tips on building such things to put forward, please do shout! I'm going to keep the Arksey build on here temporarily, until there is physical progress on the boards themselves. But the clearing out process is continuing well, I'm now about 70% through it all! Rich