DOCJACOB

I know, got the book as an Xmas preasent and was amazed to see the image. I guess as rare as hens teeth north of the border though Paul Bartletts site has images of one at Kidderminster in bauxite. If I ever get to wagon number two my wicked sense of humour may be kicked into action! Did you get my e mail request as a mate offered to do some resin casting for me, I need to make the "masters" and the NBR point lever was a possibility? Just need the sizes please?? I could do some scaling off pictures I have but the "real deal" would be better??

Finally managed a few hours at Ludborough today and an interesting selection of jobs. There is a large shunt pending tomorrow so a few jobs needed done on the wagons: The donor grain wagon deeded my temporary botch job on the brakes sorted. Found a load of appropriate sized boats (mean bolts) on stores van so made sure they are with the other spares now. The Sturgeon needed oiling as it was due to give up its load of rail and sleepers. Didn't really look forward to that job but after the first one it was a breeze, a really cute bit of design, sprung loaded bolt holding the front plate and oiling pads with a clever reservoir. A rumour to continue the aquatic departmental theme is a Walrus or Sea Cow will be arriving to join the Trout and the long time resident Dogfish. Part of the consequences of the large shunt is the GWR tender that has been in the loco shed will be going for painting. I'm known as a scottish railway fan so its enough for me that's for a large GWR loco ??? 2-8-0 The boys involved (not me as no idea about welding) have done a brilliant job and a bucket load of work. and as a bit of fun I enclose 2 images. Finally before heading off I treated myself to a shovel out of the ash pit, anyone who's done this before will understand; recent rain, then no wind and a dry day to work.

Firstly apologies to any followers but had a bit of a "mare" recently and spent much time sorting out an area of wet rot in the kitchen. This weekend would also have been a write off but ended up at Leeds University collecting my daughter on Friday rather than Saturday so time to play! Quite a lot appears to have happened especially as she has moved back to the West siding and in the process has got coupled to another wagon . This was one I didn't recognise, but not that surprising as appears to have arrived from Rother Valley Railway and is the unique LNER DE 549931 25t Ballast Hopper. Basically did a few tidying up jobs, put some more screws in, shortened some bolts, tried to paint some small areas, noticed I'd missed some paint areas/bits earlier in the year, oiled round including the axle boxes again and not much more, by about 1:30 it was getting really cold so packed away. Seasons Greetings to all

Firstly the image of E86997E at Blyth with Fox bogies. I also enclose a mix of images of the relevant working. Broadly speaking all the images (regardless of 2 coach or 3 coach woking) I've seen have both 1st and 3rd class seating but in different proportions. Scan 7 Brake Composite and Brake 3rd Scan 8 Top image Semi Corridor Composite and Brake 3rd Bottom image Semi Corridor Composite, Brake 3rd and ? Brake Composite at rear Scan 10 Brake Composite, Semi Corridor Composite and Brake 3rd Note difference in order between scans 8 and 10

See someone was looking for coach numbers. Here is an image I've only seen once

Glad you liked the photocopies. I too would like some RTR 7mm NBR or CR but I won't hold my breath! I don't view it as a "can of worms" more a continued debate,as I guess the majority would view the Arrochar-Craigendoran push pull as a C15 and 2 coaches, we can see thats not exactly true.

Last comment for the day and another "exception that proves a rule" example. The image is of our already discussed Arrochar-Craigendoran Push Pull workings. This time we have a Mark 1 BR Full Brake in the consist. The caption says push pull working though I fail to see how this could be as I'm not aware Mark 1 full brakes would be compatible for full prototypical push pull working? As a rule the locomotive went chimney first from Arrochar so technically push pull working wouldn't be required? ADMIN - scanned photo deleted, copyright issues.

On a bit of a roll now and I remember seeing some "blurb" on the Buckinghamsire Railway Centre Website about the Dia 56 LNER 3rd coach they have. If the stated numbers of 22218, 82415 and E82145E are correct (and there may be some debate here)then it is one of the push pull conversions from Scotland, all be it ended its life on GE section.

If you search further in the forum section: Try Specialist Sections, Railways of Scotland, page 3 there is a bit on the same LNER coaches. I have have scanned the page clearly showing one of the ??? ex Arrochar Brake 3rd coaches in the North East area, in service use and wearing Fox bogies (honest)

I've got the MRJ article if you let me know your snail mail address. At he risk of being labelled pedantic the model rail article shows one of the ex scottish push-pull coaches already wearing Fox bogies prior to its departmental life. Additionally there is a flitting image of the driving trailer on cine film (DVD Railways of Scotland Vol 10 Glasgow Part 2 I think) Finally to almost prove that every rule has a exception here is an image I found on-line. The sharp eyed will see the brake section of the coach is next to the locomotive ADMIN - to comply with forum copyright rules please provide a link rather than upload the photo.

Firstly she has moved and is now adjacent to the previously discussed signal. This is a bonus as I can get electrical power using one extension cable only though the downside is I have to be very careful walking round as the operating wire for the signal is in place and will trip up the unwary! Yet more bolts to shorten and screws to insert, it seems never-ending. To top it off last week I broke one bit and blunted another as some of the unfilled holes need drilling through both the wooden side and the hopper frame. I then decided to look at another job, as you see the brake lever guide/support has received a hefty clout at some time. I considered a track jack and brute force to bend it back but that didn't really sound 100% sensible or safe I took a trip to the sidings and "robbed Peter to pay Paul" so to say. Initially warmed it, then sawed nuts off at the back and then gave it a really good clout, and off it sprung. Brake lever secured and "prize" taken back for cleaning up and possibly installing next week. Took over 2 1/2 hours! as the sawing was fiddly to put it mildly. Heard in passing all 3 may/could be reunited soon so guess this thread (and my work) has a long way to go!

Basically more of the same. It was a little easier as this time I remembered my "mole gripper" and after loosening the bolt and driving it back I got the mole gripper" to hold the end. I little easier than before but still a slow job. I did have a stoke of luck though as needed a couple of handles to go on the roof in line with the steps at the end. I guessed these had been lost and till now I had no idea how to solve the problem as the 2 others don"t have them anymore. Inside the wagon (see earlier interior post) we have a load of planks to level out the hopper and while replacing the bolts one of the planks had to be lifted. Lo and behold one handle! Stuck my head into the hopper void and spotted the other.

Further to post 30 I offer this humble item. Normally at Brocklesby it was double headed 37's on the iron ore trips to Scunthorpe but late 1990 saw a regular double headed 47's on oil workings. I have others but currently this is the only one I've dug out. For the record 47.423 (Sceptre) and 47.???

Seemed to spend hours doing what appeared to be very little. Firstly the roof has had its second coat of white and I would have posted an image but it seems to have attracted the whole fly population of Lincolnshire this AM. Todays minor problem is bolts that cant be shortened in situ using an angle grinder or a hacksaw. Solution obviously remove and shorten? Firstly I would thank whoever put bolts in originally; we firstly loosened (fairly difficult due to limited access) the nut, until the coach bolt spun in the hole, bashed it back into the van, hacksawed the head off and finally removing the left over thread. Then measured a new bolt to size, took it out again, shortened with hacksaw then re inserted and replaced nut and washer before tightening up Total time over 1 hour! There are 4 to do and my patience was wearing thin after the second. Also found today 3 additional bolt holes that needed drilling and the reason they had been left was they extended into the hopper frame and helped hold the body to the frame. I also took the time to insert some screws that were missing. The hold the angle iron to the planks. I did 2 corners and the end total 40. Whole days work and you would do well to spot it in passing!

I agree an inspirational pice of modelling and reminds me of the images I saw of my first 0 guage layout in an old Railway Modeller; Cromford and high Peak While on the subject of industrial track quality I offer this self explanatory image from the "bible" on the Wemyss Private Railway The locos too were usually spotless, even towards the end, and as child I well remember No 15 (currently Earl David) with gleaming paintwork pounding past the Wellesley Washer.

Comments noted and as replying Excuse 1 is null and void, Excuse 2 dont like Cornflakes, Excuse 3 Been taking Daughter to Leeds University where she has enrolled to do Geology (I persuaded her Medicine is for "numpties" and thus Geology is a better career move for her) I should have hired HGV and then would have needed to do less journies! I did get down very briefly early one AM and was caught by one of the "jobs worth brigade" standing on a chair to do some painting. I then received the "perceived wisdom" of not working above 6ft. I was tempted to argue but life is too short and my blood pressure currently under good control! The mentioned book is on my Xmas list and the same website has some craking images at Cameronbridge in the Railways of Scotland section. I feel suitably "chided" and will endeavour to work and post images! Best wishes and those signals and ground frames are coming on a treat, but a CR frame to work NBR signals? Regards.

Finally after a number of personal commitments got back to this project. First two images are before and after of my start to attempt at un-doing a peeling problem with the initial "primer-undercoat" used many years ago. I suppose after all these years of continual preservation confronting the same job twice was to be expected! Next we headed up the ladder to the roof and its a bit worse than I expected. There are no hinges for the hatches and one hatch cover is definitely not original. The good news is that Joe Public doesn't get to see this area closely so a bit of "fiddling" can be excused. Brushed the masonry paint as I may get away with just one coat, I've had a further look and unfortunately another visit will be required! I think the health and safety issues of clambering on top of the van roof with a pot of paint, brushes and no safety rope are best forgotten. ( no comments/hints please )

For the record it also spent some time in Hull Dairycoates depot mid 80's, quietly rusting in a siding there. Ended up in Binbrook when Daircoates was cleared. I do have an image somewhere from an openday, and another "grab" shot while my wife was driving along A63.

A few more from the Grimsby area; Top is the rest of the afternoon at Brocklesby, then West Marsh sidings in the snow, and a single image on the un-gated crossing on the line into Grimsby Docks Also I've started another thread about the Grimsby Tioxide works with my own photos

6/92 was a bit of a good time if you were in the Grimsby area. The two enclosed images are at Brocklesby Junction prior to closure of the platform to passenger access. There was also a regular pair of 20's working on a stainless steel run from Sheffield. Slab into Grimsby Docks and coil as the reverse working. I've got many images and even at this late stage I've Marsh sidings Grimsby with 2 pairs of 20's, the green 20's at both Brocklesby and Immingham Depot, some 20's on the Ilmenite working between immingham dock and the British Titan Products I'll get scanning some more

An early start. Firstly an image for Lochty of the starter at the south end of the platform at Ludborough. Its not got its arm yet as some major track works are planned here and if it was fitted now it would take anything off at coach cant rail height. One of 3 somersaults at LWR. I did mention I was unhappy with the bolts on the wagon plank and I changed them next (honest; a subtle difference as the are bigger) Finally as the rain started it was plan B. Ended up warming up, oiling round, coaling and generally giving TLC to Spitfire the Barclay 0-4-0 tank in preparation for the running day tomorrow. Here she is going to bed. Finally been advised masonry paint will be another solution for the roof, as its much cheaper and water based so easier to roller guess whats going on the roof next!

Thanks for the comment, I sort of drifted into "wagons" and yes I look at the siding and sometimes feel sad. Realistically I recon I'll save 2 grain wagons out of the 3 and on the +ve side its better than none! Hope to get cracking on the roof and then god knows which one. I have a few ideas for quick fixes and at least they would be presentable to the public and not some escapees from a scrap yard! By the way signals look great, we have a few GNR Somersaults at Ludborough and they look good to, though one has been placed incorrectly I think (I'll send an image) I also put a link to your work on the North British Railway Study Group Forum for you

Not much to report due to holidays. A rather nice cruise round the Baltic to be exact. I have been thinking about the next job though and have a possible solution. The roof is currently covered in some sort of bitumen felt, but it is black when ideally it needs to be white. I recently had to paint some Schreiber fitted wardrobes, and was advised that Zinbin shellac based primer adheres to most things. Well nothing ventured means nothing gained so out with a trial piece of roof. Amazingly it seems to look acceptable. The enclosed image top-bottom is: raw roofing felt, primer only and finally primer and a generous coating of undercoat. I think the rollers will be out next weekend?

Totally agree Roy regarding the metric issue and unloved wagons but as you say needs must. The bolts for the steps were a special order and when I went in the first question was what's it for? Once they saw what i was doing they were really helpful. The grain wagons arrived at Ludborough 15 years ago in the state of disrepair seen earlier. I got involved by default and its sad to say 2 wheels were primered a number of years ago. So long ago in fact it was better just starting from scratch again and do all 4 I think we have already opened a discussion on which is the biggest problem facing preservation; money, volunteers, time etc. Finally on the spring issue one of my helpers hoped that all the trouble we are going to re-hanging a door wont go to waste. Sad to say that she may after a few days in the limelight join the line of rusting wagons and possibly come out for the rare photographic event only. She however will start from a better state than the others.

I've been doing something a bit different this week. Firstly the ex LMS Tube wagon from 1938 (492136 allegedly) was missing the top plant to the door. This wasn't pleasing to the eye so time to source a plank to fit. Nothing remotely likely to suit so during the week visited our local architectural salvage yard. Found an 8 foot length of teak, 2 inches thick and 8 inches wide. It then just got a whole lot better as the asking price was 3 ice creams for his grandchildren when they next visit the railway! Needless to say it was rapidly stuffed in the car and taken home. The door is 57 inches wide so a bit of sawing and painting and Saturdays main job was sorted. A bit of fettling was needed so had to climb on and off the wagon quite a few times, pretty unpleasant as currently its a mobile coal store. No power that far down the siding so had to carry it back and forward for drilling. Despite my best efforts and a prolonged search in the stores coach the bolts currently fitted are not 100% satisfactory. A quick cuppa and out with the paint brush so the Grain wagon now has black wheels.