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steveNCB7754

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Everything posted by steveNCB7754

  1. steveNCB7754
    Thank you very much. To my eyes, that looks almost identical to the one on the cover of (and seen in action sequences in) the DVD I mentioned at the beginning of this post (i.e. at Beynon Colliery). Presumably, it served an identical purpose. Interesting, that (unlike the one at at Beynon Colliery) there is no external walkway - once you have entered, the only view you would have had is through the windows. On the other hand, it is in a poor state of repair, so if derelict, could have had parts/features removed. Very interesting.
  2. steveNCB7754
    Hi Dave, I am still as puzzled as you and am ashamed to admit, that I have done little to investigate further. Taking your observations about the practicalities of wagon-checking, got me wondering whether (by the time of the photo on the DVD I mentioned), the building had already become redundant. Perhaps in the days of wooden-bodied, private owner wagons, it was easier to spot who's wagons were either arriving (and whether properly empty or not) and of those owners wagons leaving, what type/grade of coal they had in them. As I am sure you are aware, colliery screens had several 'lines' ('roads') producing various grades of coal and waste/rubbish. In D K Jones' excellent article in 'Steam Days' magazine ('Mountain Ash: Steam On My Doorstep - But I Almost Missed It!'), he describes the four roads at Abergorki; No.1 - The Duff Road No.2 - Peas & Beans No.3 - Small & Large Nuts No.4 - The Slurry Road Presumably, in those earlier days, a skilled person, with a keen eye, could spot the difference between the types of 'product' passing by/under that building, without having to get down from it to have a closer look? Just speculation of course - hopefully somebody will come up with the real purpose of the building in due course. As to that other Mountain Ash system building you mention; I have accumulated quite a few images from various sources of that area, but I have not come across the type you mention. Will have to keep my eyes open for a copy of the book in the meantime - the title/authors seem familiar, so I am sure I have seen a second-hand copy somewhere.
  3. steveNCB7754
    Hi Dave, Echoing somewhat, the sentiments expressed by others, congratulations on the last year and continued success for the future. Building on the success of the OO-gauge J94/Austerity (I bought the NCB Mountain Ash #8), any news on the O-gauge version(s)? Regards Steve N (now tempted by the 'dark side')
  4. steveNCB7754
    Wish I could help with the bogies, but my 'modern era' SAR stuff is a little sparse. Presumably (on the same website you mention) , you have seen these; http://www.sa-transport.co.za/train_modellers/ngloco/91.html ...and this, which might help with scaling (from photos); http://www.sa-transport.co.za/trains/narrow-gauge/ng_info_pictures/91-000.gif Steve
  5. steveNCB7754
    Hi Chris, Having just followed your link to the Fowler conversion blog ('Ixion Fowler Diesel Conversion - Bodgers Away'), I came across BrianR's (br2975) post there (#20), showing the John Fowler WD 0-4-0 'ROF Bridgend No.4'. What interested me, was the provision of headlamps at both ends, as I am thinking of including such things on a loco of my own. However, my question/observation is regarding that actual loco's headlamps. There appears to be a solid rod running from an actuating lever on the side of each lamp housing, back to the cab front (possibly also a support/guide halfway along the bonnet as well?). Can it be that the driver on this loco can alter the angle of these lamps, from a distance setting to perhaps even to looking down towards the couplers? Might be to help the shunter during operations at night? Interesting inovation if true and one I have not seen before - maybe this could be controlled by DCC on a model (LOL)? Steve EDIT: Just had a thought, they aren't 'blackout' hoods are they?
  6. steveNCB7754
    Hi Phil, Excellent work here! South African Railways are one of my 'overseas' interests, more the steam era rather than the diesel/electric though. Have many books and articles stashed and have always fancied doing SN3.5 (s-scale on HO /16.5mm track) -- a project for my retirement though, I think. Keep up the good work. Steve
  7. steveNCB7754
    You realise Adele released a song about all this I presume :-) Steve
  8. steveNCB7754
    Swap the locos in your link photo, for a 2P (in front) piloting a West Country and it could be an Ivo Peter's shot of the 'Pines Express', south of Bath. Steve
  9. steveNCB7754
    That 'box' is looking fantastic, though I am a little concerned about that last step ('... its a doozie!'). Was also good to finally meet you in person, at the Southampton Show on Saturday - the weight of the Kerr Stuart was impressive (although conversley, of great concern to my wallet). Steve
  10. steveNCB7754
    Hi Paul, Glad you had a safe and productive visit. Ironically, this was to have been my first visit to an 'OGG' show (I even bought an advance ticket - serves me right), but unfortunately I picked up a 'stinker' of a cold earlier in the week and was in no shape to attempt the trip up on Sunday. Shame really, as I had spent quite a lot of time planning the visit and drawing up 'lists' of traders, things to look at, etc. Anyway, 'peak-snot' has now passed, so I was well enough to be able to struggle through the fog to work in Winchester today. Will have to look at attending something 'OGG' related later in the year perhaps. Steve
  11. steveNCB7754
    That would make a great 'test plank'/scenic board (fiddle at each end), with some scenic photography as a backdrop! Not quite sure how you would hide the entry/exit though - shrubbery? Steve
  12. steveNCB7754
    Thanks for the comprehensive reply and yes, you are right, I meant Andrew Barclay (same letters, different order LOL) and not Hunslet- another edit to my initial posting! If all such Sentinels were/are DH's, why do some suppliers advertise the Hornby 0-4-0 Sentinel as a '4wDM' then? Confused.
  13. steveNCB7754
    Hi Dave, Can I just double-check with you, the use of Sentinel sounds for a 'DH' loco. For my part, I am investigating the possibility of a Andrew Barclay 0-6-0DH (Mercian kit) as used at Mountain Ash Colliery and would want DCC sound. Apart from the obvious '35' (Hymek) and '52' (Western) 'DH' soundfiles out there (clearly not suitable!), I have not yet been able to locate one suitable for these smaller 0-4-0DH and 0-6-0DH diesels. My understanding was that the Sentinels are/were DM (Diesel-Mechanical), am I wrong, or did they do both versions? On the other hand, are we talking about a distinction between hydraulically changing gear (in an otherwise mechanical drive), as opposed to actually driving the wheels with a hydraulic 'motor' as well (i.e. 'true' DH)? Regards Steve EDIT 1: OK, I just checked the Judith Edge kits page, to find their Sentinel's are both 'DH' and so perhaps have answered my own question (DOH!). EDIT 2: Just ignore me, there are Sentinel DM and DH vids out there. So as long as Paul C's soundfile is indeed recorded from a DH version, all is well with the world. EDIT 3: Barclay, I meant Andrew Barclay NOT Hunslet (spent too long at the keyboard today, that's for sure).
  14. steveNCB7754
    Event Name: Bristol 'O' Gauge Group 7mm Exhibition 2017 Classification: Exhibition Address: The University of the West of England [uWE], Exhibition and Conference Centre, Filton Road, Bristol BS34 8QZ Day 1: 22.01.2017 Opening times Day 1: 10:00 to 16:00 Prices: £7.00 (Adult Guild Members), £9.00 (Adult Non-Guild Members), £7.00 (Adult Advance Ticket - Non-Guild Members), Wives/Partners and Children Under 14 = No Charge. Disability access: Yes Car parking: Yes Website: http://www.bogg7mmexhibition.com/268486985 Organising body: Bristol 'O' Gauge Group Organiser: The BOGG show team can be contacted at: Alan Neale (yhy80@alanneale.freeserve.co.uk), Bob Savage (treesarebest@hotmail.com), Bob Taylor (cyderbelt@blueyonder.co.uk) The Bristol 'O' Gauge Group 7mm Exhibition 2017 This is the premier South West, Gauge 'O' Guild event, taking place at the UWE Exhibition and Conference Centre. What's On (as of 27.12.2016): Gauge 'O' Guild Village 90 Traders (the most ever) 11 Layouts 2 Test Tracks 15 Demonstrators 15 Societies 8 Local Clubs 'Bring & Buy' Executor and Trustee Stand Seated Social Area Wheelchair Access BOGG have an offer for the 2017 door raffle: either the new Kerr Stuart 0-6-0T from Minerva (various liveries as Minerva's advertisments), or the Ixion Fowler 0-4-0 DM in lined GWR green livery (as worn by the Swindons works shunter). This year's layouts are; Frecclesham SR in the 1950's - 1960's, presented by D. Hagger & Steve Neill, Newport Gillian & Brown Industrial railways 1950/1960, presented by John Rodway The End of the Line An industrial line with a twist, presented by Tim Crockford, Gloucestershire Bakewell Street BR [W] 1960's, presented by Chris Hooper, Somerset Wykes River An 0n30 a narrow gauge offering, presented by Dave Riches, Weymouth Eldon's Siding A combined standard gauge & industrial offering, presented by Peter Hollins, Poole Winterly Wharf A GWR branch line, presented by John Shaw, Southampton Milton Abbas A fictitious S&D line, presented by John Bowden, North Devon West Wilts Club layout Anything & everything could be seen, presented by members of the West Wilts 'O' Gauge Group 3 Rail Tin Plate modelling A selection of items from Old & New manufactures, presented by Mike Thomas, Wiltshire Tanat Valley A Scale 7 layout (still awaiting confirmation of details) NOTES: i) Although the post code given is correct, following it exactly will actually lead you to the main campus entrance - so please follow the signs for the NORTH ENTRANCE which is just up the slope from main sat nav guided entrance, on the same side of the road (map available on BOGG website). ii) As it is at the weekend, parking at UWE is FREE. iii) Whilst the exhibition itself does not open until 10:00, the building's entrance doors will be opened at 9:00, allowing access to: the catering area, seating, toilets and to allow people to submit their items for the 'Bring & Buy' (profits of which goes to the show's charity, 'Children's Hospice South West'). iv) Advance Tickets: the application form will be taken off the BOGG web site at MIDNIGHT on Thursday 5th January 2017, to allow for processing and return of ticket(s) in time for the 22nd January. These tickets are available to any modeller who is interested in 7mm modelling and are not restricted to any one society or scale. Single 'Advance' and 'Group of 4 in a car' advance ticket holders are also entered into a free draw, which this year will be for one of the Group's commissioned Dapol RTR wagon. IMPORTANT: details are believed to be correct at the time of posting - potential visitors are advised to check before travelling, to avoid disappointment. Full and up-to-date information can be found on the BOGG website (http://www.bogg7mmexhibition.com/268486985)
  15. steveNCB7754
    Hi Chris, Fear Ye Not. New 'evidence' coming to light, after years of waiting for just the right drawing/photograph, is right up there with a RTR manufacturer announcing that they will be producing just the loco/rolling stock you have spent months scratchbuilding, as the final dull-coat is drying. Take the advice of the Bobby McFerrin song, 'Don't Worry, Be Happy'. Compliments of the Season. Steve
  16. steveNCB7754
    Thanks Rod for your encouragement. As I say, some disposal of 'OO' assets would have to be undertaken before I could even begin to think about it, but with a fair wind I think an RTR 0-6-0T would be achievable. At any rate, I have begun to plan a possible trip to the Bristol O Gauge Group Show in January (about 2 hours away from me) which, for some reason, my wallet has taken to be a bad sign! Steve
  17. steveNCB7754
    Just been reading through this thread and came across your excellent photograph. As soon as I saw it, I thought it reminded me of an image I had stored from the web, of a locomotive which was purported to be in storage at Mountain Ash colliery (image taken c.1967). Mountain Ash is of particular interest to me, but I had not come across any written evidence for such a loco (and certainly not a Kerr Stewart), other than mention of a mystery Andrew Barclay 0-6-0T (but no name, class or builders number) and to date I have not come across any 'in-service' pictures of it. Anyway, the picture I had stashed away, came from David Cooke on Flickr, here; https://www.flickr.com/photos/60790501@N04/5684522451/in/pool-76098788@N00/ Looking at it in detail, I think it is the same loco as in your photo (even down to the 'dodgy' chimney and the coupling rods stored on the running boards), albeit at an earlier time (it still has the dome cover for example). Dave Cooke has 'his' loco as being K3066 #18 in store at Mountain Ash, but you have said yours is captured at Aberaman, but in 1970. Certainly, I do not think there was a building as extensive as the one in your photo, at Mountain Ash (especially not the engine shed there!). David Cooke's photo is from a different angle, but the roof trusses do look very similar to the ones in your photo. On the other hand, there was only about 4km between the two locations, so maybe it was moved from Mountain Ash to Aberaman. Be interested on your thoughts though. Maybe this was only ever in store at Mountain Ash and was not in revenue service there. Regards Steve
  18. steveNCB7754
    That view could be near me in my neck of the woods (Poole/Bournemouth) - either at Studland (just north of Swanage) or at Hengistbury Head (Christchurch).
  19. steveNCB7754
    Chris, Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. That is very good news (the low amps, not that your handset is falling apart!) and gives me food for thought. Not least, that one or two 'surplus' items in my model railway stash would have to go in the first instance, to help pay for such a venture. Tempting though. Regards Steve
  20. steveNCB7754
    Hi Chaz, thank you. That is very interesting. For what I (might) have in mind - a small colliery 'vignette' - I would think a maximum of two 0-6-0 (more likely an 0-4-0 and an 0-6-0) saddle tanks, at any one time, would be all that would be required. So that is encouraging - the thought of not having to spend even more on the DCC controller side, would be great. Steve
  21. steveNCB7754
    Hi Chris, As you mention the decoder (Zimo), a brand I use in my 'OO' scale modeling, can I ask a question about the ones fitted in Minerva locos? Have looked on the Minerva website, but I cannot find any info on the current draw for the locos. My starter set DCC controller (Digitrax Zephyr Xtra), was bought purely for 'OO' of course but should I have a hankering to dabble in 7mm (and I am not saying I do), I wonder whether it would be up to the job anyway? The unit is rated at 3 Amps/16.8 Volts/42 VA, although the supplied power lead/transformer is only rated at 3 Amps/13.8 Volts. Do you know if my controller could handle one (or more?) of such 7mm beasts, or would I need to trade up to a better controller? This should probably have been asked on the DCC Help/Questions forum, but I would be interested to hear your thoughts. Steve
  22. steveNCB7754
    Thanks Hywel, for the info. Have not had much time to pursue this issue any further, other than scouring the limited mapping available online. Nothing I have seen at the supposed location, seems to match the juxtaposition of tracks, buildings and scenery seen in the photo. As someone who works in archives and has done historical research before, I really ought to go back to the source (B&R Video) just to check that they are happy with the photo's attribution(s), in case it turns out to be somewhere else entirely. Steve
  23. steveNCB7754
    Hi Paul, There is an article on just that subject (remapping), in the November issue of 'Model Railroader' magazine - 'Remap Functions For Consistent Operations' by Larry Puckett, on pages 62-63. Steve
  24. steveNCB7754
    Hi Brian, Thank you - that second link (Henwaun Pit) is brilliant, in that the aerial view (looking south) at least clinches the position of Beynon Colliery. Still not sure which is the building in question, but at least I now know which part of a map it is going to be in.
  25. steveNCB7754
    Thanks for replying. You are right, the elevation and the preponderance of windows does suggest some sort of production control structure. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a suitable map yet - the Library of Scotland website is a gem in this regard, but unfortunately the best series to show such detail (25 inch to 1 mile), has not yet been done for Wales. There is detail on the 6inch map (1948), but deciding where that structure might be, is proving difficult. There is a plethora of tracks shown in the Blaina area (unsurprisingly) and although I have scoured the valley from Brynmawr down to Abertyleri, I have yet to actually find a colliery specifically called Beynon. Maybe the OS did not get around to calling it by this newer name? Steve
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