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I went to buy one in my local model shop last week but they hadn't arrived at that point ....ended up going back for a nice Class 50 that I'd seen, it's going to be an expensive September....and probably October....and November.....and December.....etc.

Likewise .....would just like to say thankyou for the excellent prompt service, placed an order very early yesterday morning for x7 N gauge OTAs which I have literally waited years to get hold of some and was pleasantly surprised to find them in my post today. I'd like a few more soon, along with some Tube wagons....just need a few more pennies ! Regards, Ian.

Coming along very nicely, Ben, mine has temporarily stalled due to shifts and a holiday but will hopefully restart on Sunday before work gets in the way again on Monday. I see from your other post elsewhere that his is sat on a temporary brake van chassis. Regards, Ian.

When I was a 'small' kid back in the 70's (as opposed to the 'big' one I am now) one of my brother's friends dads used to build kits of WW1 planes to a very high standard and had them displayed all up the stairs and around the landing, a superb display which I've never forgotten. Over the years I've bought several kits and magazines for myself to try and replicate some of these.....but, as ever, haven't quite got there yet. Would love to see some photos please, Jerry, when you've completed some. Regards, Ian.

Have just had a look at my copy of the Donald Binns book and can recommend this as a good source of information; 40pp, several track layouts for different periods up to 1985 (two of the quarry sidings in 1909 and 1985) are drawn plus history and many photos along the line with a few of the quarry terminal. Published in 1990, so that's the limit of any info and photos, my copy cost £6 s/hand from one of the dealers at a show so shouldn't break the bank. Regards, Ian.

The only layout design that springs to mind is the one done by Paul Lunn in Santona's 'Model Railway Planning and Design Handbook' which is for a 6'×4' proposed double sided '00' layout, the same design possibly was featured in the Dec 1997 Railway Modeller. Paul suggests 'The Yorkshire Dales Railway - The Grassington Branch by D. Binns as one source of information plus several issues of Rail Magazine which give minor references.

Morning Garry, Regarding the Warship windows, rather than painting them black you could try 'colouring' them in with a HB pencil which gives a nice sheen effect and is simple to do, I've used this method on a couple of Zvesda lorry kits. Regards, Ian.

Why can I hear the deep thrum of diesel engines in my head as soon as I look at the photo of 37 065 at Morpeth ?

Have just looked through the Bachmann website (Farish diesels and steam locos) this morning and have noticed that some items seem to have dropped off the 'radar' for the moment, notably for me the blue 08 ? As to be expected in these strange times proposed arrival dates for other items seem to be constantly changing which for me personally is not too bad a thing as I have several items ordered that were at one point nearly all due to arrive in a short space of time......which would have taken some explaining to the wife !

Yes Barry , noticed them this morning ....just not quite sure as how to work them through onto the S&DJR ??

You prefer using Superglue over Liquid Poly, Grahame ?

Yes, you are correct, I can also make them out on the photo of No.42 when enlarged on my tablet, thanks for the info, I will try and include them on the model. Regards, Ian.

Regarding the ballast .....either of the two on the left hand plate in the lower photo for me. Cheers, Ian.

That's what convinced me to order one yesterday having initially baulked at the price ....then I saw a photo of class 33 'Swordfish' in Frogonset Black livery hauling her and I thought '"you know what....it's actually quite a cheap 'complete' N gauge train !" I did think about starting a new thread entitled 'Who's Pulled Caroline' ....but thought better of it.

Regarding the drawings, does anybody have any suggestions as to what or why there are the 2 rectangles on the roof either side of the double doors, they don't appear on the etch and I can't see any sign of them on either of the 2 photos that I have. Also, on the subject of livery for these 2 vans Russ Garner always refers to them in sections relating to the Goods Brake Van Register for which in his Livery section the description is :- "1886 - 1930 Various shades of grey from pale through to medium lead grey for all bodywork, including solebars and headstocks, with ironwork on the body picked out in black. The underside was black. Lettering was white, sometimes shaded black, possibly for photographic purposes. Internally as for covered vans." (base wood.) To back this up there is a photo of GBV No.15 on p.4 which whilst it is the same style larger van as No.6 it 'appears' as a similar shade to our van No.42. Regards, Ian.

OT got cancelled this W/end so I've made a start on one of the etched Mousa Models Mail vans. Haven't built anything for a while and struggled to get going until I changed solder when I realised that Carrs Green is 183' + (not 145' as I thought) and my 15w iron wasn't coping very well, much happier with 145' but still a lot to do yet.

S&DJR 6 wheel Mail van by Mousa Models (Bill Bedford.)

I'm sure that I've read on here somewhere in a thread about Road Vans that different sections of the van were allocated to different destinations and that these vans would be in a certain position within a train so that platform staff could quickly identify goods to be taken off or loaded as required. I therefore read into this photo that there were 3 sections of this van allocated to Burnham traffic for which it has been used twice. (But I maybe wrong !) Regards, Ian.

Mmm, good question, Jerry, I've currently got the Mousa Models etches that I photographed earlier in the thread now on the workbench (but won't get started on them until next week now due to work) and had decided that I was going to paint it the greeny grey shade that I have other wagons painted in but now you've put doubt in my mind. It is definately a darker colour than the open wagon at the coaling stage. Regarding the Casserley shot, I did point out to Ben that the ducket is lower down on the wagon in the photo and wondered if it had been modified at some point ....or is it the mystery Mail Van No.41 of which we know nothing about other than 2 were ordered from Derby (Garner.) As I have 2 sets of etches I may do one of each version. I'd be interested in others opinions. Regards, Ian.

I have found one photo of what I suspect is the end of this 'type' of vehicle although I am slightly cautious as the ducket appears to be in a lower position, but it does support the 7 footsteps on the one end. If you look at the side view photo that you've posted you can see that on the left hand end there is a grab handle on the roof and also a verticle one on the edge of the end, you can also just make out the sides of the footsteps. (These don't appear to be on the drawing.) This photo appears in Celebration of the Somerset & Dorset Railway by Alan Hammond, p.80, the vehicle being behind Scottie No. 2887. (I will PM you regarding this.) I believe that I have also seen another photo featuring this van in the background somewhere but as of yet I haven't managed to refind it but I will keep looking as it will also help me when I build my kits. Good luck with the model. Regards, Ian.

Photos of the Mousa Models etches for Mail van No.42 (and possibly No.41.)

Hello Ben, Don't think that I can help with any photos but I have two sets of Mousa Models etches (3mm scale) for this vehicle. I'm afraid that I can't get to them until Sat but if they reveal anything I will try and post a photo of them. I will also check the S&DJR stock register and see if it gives any photographic sources, although I know that the view that you have posted is in the book. Cheers, Ian.

I think that It is a new anouncement. Typically I have already bought or got on order several IC Mk.1 coaches to change into this livery....but also typically....I haven't got around to it yet !

That looks like it might be a 'Championship' winner, Garry ?

I hope that the good Doctor is as impressed as we are !