MarshLane

Hi Peter, I think we need to work out exactly where the problem lies before playing with CVs. Once you know which loco or decoder is causing the issue, then it should be easier to narrow down the problem. Rich

Bit of an odd request, but does anyone happen to have lying around, stored in cupboards etc.. , any original TOPS system reports? If so, would you be willing to scan/photograph and email a copy to me? Myself and a mate, are playing around with a idea for something that could be a bit of fun for a model layout, but we're looking for the kind of data and layout that was on reports, really from the introduction of TOPS in the 1970s through to the current day. The type and date of report doesn't matter, we're looking to see as many types as possible - so power reports, regional reports, train consist, wagon or yard reports etc. We have several TRUST timetable/service printouts here, so this is just TOPS - locos, wagons, consist, works, depot, yards, areas, etc.. We don't want to take the original reports from you, and are not looking to borrow them - just a digital photo or a scan (as long as its basically readable) in a decent size as JPG file that could be emailed to marsh.lane@outlook.com would be appreciated. Anything sent, would be treated in confidence - we're NOT looking to publish the data, just understand what information was contained within said reports, and the style and layout. Feel free to shout with any queries, or PM me. Thanks for any assistance anyone can give. Rich

Look forward to seeing them on the next video. Did you do the repaint or was it done for you? Superb job, either way! Sorry for the lateness in adding the 'likes' ... was sat on the ECML at 125mph reading it on the phone earlier! Can't 'like', 'agree' or anything from the phone version! Rich

Thanks Jinty, Yes I actually understood the principles and action behind all of that! Ok, I'll see what powders and the like I can find at Bristol (or on the web afterwards if there's nothing there) and I'll delve in an have a go ... you may get some queries! Rich

Nice, yes 37350 is on my list too ... but being O gauge the pennies are even tighter! I'm hoping to add a second pair of 20s this year (if I can find them) but I don't know whether to go tinsley 'celebrity' green or Thornaby railfreight red-stripe! Rich

Hi Peter, Ok I'll openly admit I'm still learning myself with decoders but a couple of queries. Depending on the system your using. I think if you consist the two decoders one becomes master and the other the slave. Does it matter which is which or do you get the same result both ways? If it doesn't matter which one, is it the same decoder that is lagging behind or responding differently. If it's just one decoder have you tried the decoder in a different loco, just to prove whether it is the decoder or loco that is at fault? I'm assuming other decoders are fine, which would rule the DCC system out of the equation? Rich

Oh very nice Simon. Best era of the diesel motive power if you ask me! Rich

Glad to hear all went well at Stevenage ... and photos of the layout in action from the weekend? Really hope I get to see it at an exhibition! Rich

Thanks Chris, Going to have to acquire some - far better outcome than the spiders nest I usually end up with! Rich

After all the changes Andy, I'm pleased that you've got to operate, scrap that, play tonight! Looks like you've had fun. Rich

I've been sat pondering and looking at these for the past 20 minutes! How did you do it then? Presumably your working from photos, and I'm guessing the 'muck' areas at the bottom is black watered down paint? It is it just powders? Rich

Hi Mike, Thanks for that background that's really interesting. I must dig my old TOPS paperwork out and take a look. Did tags change at each yard then (i.e. 74D at Aberdeen was Mossend, while at Exeter Riverside it related to Tavistock Junction) or were the tag codes standardized throughout the country? Wonder if a list still exists anywhere, in the interests of documenting it for historic reference? Rich

Hi Kevin, Fantastic thread - lots of useful background information. I've seen many references to TOPS Tags over the years - could you possibly give an insight into how the 'tags' worked or were used? My TOPS days on the railways were very limited, working in a control environment, it was more train planning and finding out what loco was allocated to my local enterprise working for a photo! Rich

Paul, Would be worth you joining Martin Wynne's Templot Club - http://85a.co.uk/forum/ - and pop a message on, he's really helpful and will be able to tell you exactly how to do it! Its free! Rich

Hi Paul, Look forward to following the build on that. Rich

Hi Simon, Great layout - only just come across it (I do seem to keep missing some layouts at times!) - like the video programmes too, well done. Something else to read in my coffee breaks now Rich

There's a lot of 08itus about ... don't be too hard on him! Rich

Jinty, Firstly ... never apologize for posting pics of superb modelling, and your weathering is always a delight to look at! Secondly, there is the 'oh wow, wow, wow' button when you want it! They're stored pending work! Well pending me finishing clearing the loft and getting on with track building! I'm having a wander to Bristol on Sunday, so am going to try and search out some weathering powders, as well as looking at airbrushes - having acquired the 37 kit, I'm going to need to paint it, so decided I may as well start practicing! It's all your fault of course, well, you and Andy P your weathering and repaint are inspiration. Seriously, I think because so many of us are one-man modellers, having rmWeb spurs you on, or encourages you to try things you'd previously though nope! There's that back up and support there, which is really nice. But once I've got the powders, I'll use one of these wagons as a starter and see where we go. The VDAs will still be heading to North Wales tho! Rich

Jinty, I have two points, the serious one first - you had better get that video taken down quickly mate, that is going to cause you no end of trouble ... I mean once the authorities see locos being thrashed up and down the platform with their windows covered in, and the driver not able to see signals, let alone where he's going - your for the high jump!!! Sorry, sarcasm toned down ... sounds great mate. Another superb effort from Paul. I am a Zimo convert to be honest, I think the audio quality and clarity (which I admit also depends on the quality of the recording equipment and mics) on the Zimo chips is miles above Loksound - and I've got both here. Plus the flexibility and configurability of Zimo chips just astounds me as to what you can actually do. As for the carp video, well didn't see any carp but I think you did very well to keep a reasonably steady camera in one hand an a DCC controller in the other .... but did I hear a faint cry from the layout of 'neglected, neglected' as that 25 went past ???? Well done. Rich

Really nice neat wiring Chris! Almost a shame its hidden away underneath! Can I ask, what have you used to secure the 'looms' to the baseboard? Rich

This is one of the things I really like about rmWeb - the help that people give and the open sharing of information. Over the past couple of weeks, I've been researching Doncaster Works test train formations, looking towards the new 'BIG' layout. Id just assumed that prior to the Mk2 set which came about in the mid-1990s, that it was all Mk1s, but I came across this photograph (Flickr link) of 37027 at York Yard North in March 1981, that made me do some more digging. Turns out that prior to 1983/1984 the train comprised of seven LMS BG vehicles dating from 1939! So I started a thread (click here if you want a look) on the LMS Coaches part of this site, to see if anyone could offer any more info, or suggest suitable kits. The LMS not being one of my area's knowledge. The response was brilliant, and thanks to a swap of information, I've now identified the coaches, their background and possible kit options from a couple of people including Sidelines and Ian Kirk Ain't it good to share! As a well known brand says ... 'Every little helps' Rich

Ooh your beating me with Class 20s! Cannot wait to see your progress with this - Shirebrook was one depot I never saw in real life but in recent years have seen endless pictures, so looking forward to following a long! Rich

Hi Jim, Oh the extension looks good! Is this to act as a fiddle yard, or to be extended further around the garden? Im assuming the latter given where the pointwork is at the bottom. I've ordered my 37 kit, so just waiting on it arriving now! Body first tho, so will be a little while before I get round to the bogies - need to have a chat with a few people about motors and gearboxes I think. The fact that I've got 9ft trains, and grades is pushing me towards ABC, but not sure if its worth the extra expense, given the comments about the alternatives. I agree with your comments about the incentive from other modellers on here, and I also find that the community spirit, friendship and encouragement from fellow modellers on rmWeb also spurs me on and gives me an incentive to make it happen. Its nice to share! I've got a set of Heljan Mk1s for some of the passenger workings on my new layout, but can see the potential for an Easybuild charter set (Intercity white roof perhaps - or maybe push the boat out with the colourful Pilkington K Set!) once the 37 is complete. Trouble is there's so much you want to achieve, and so little time to achieve it!! Really like Ayr Road tho - and look forward to seeing more of the extension. Rich

Hi Jez, Wow - that really does look superb and the quality of the build and scenery, given the small scale of N gauge is wonderful. You have far more patience than me! I love anything 1980s/1990s and steel works stuff especially ticks the boxes. Great to see - kept dipping into it at work today when I could! Looking forward to your progress. Rich

Hi Gareth, Just catching up on the Abbotswood Thread - do you mind if I ask what the new banking arrangements are at Bromsgrove - I thought there was that little freight up the Lickey now, that banking had basically been abandoned??? Phil, well done on the YouTube achievement - amazing to hit 1/2 million views! Mind you, its an amazing layout, so we shouldn't be surprised that people want to see it! Rich