Holmesfeldian

And a 40ft-1" station plan...

I've managed to get my plans down from the loft - first up the 2 chain line plan...

Aren't they just ! The Midland Railway study centre has most of the Derbyshire lines in one shape or another but there are a few gaps (and of course by its very nature no Great Northern or Great Central lines).

And here's a larger version showing Willenhall station, showing the type of station features showed more clearly. The names displayed around the plans show from whom land was purchased in order to build the railway line. The numbers in a circle are the 'deed number' so the original sale deeds could be identified and retrieved for later inspection from the repository. 2 Chain Line Plans are true works of art, regardless of the location !

The station accommodation (plus locations of gradient posts, mileposts, signals, etc. will be on the 2 chains to 1" Line Plan. I have a copy somewhere which I'll scan for you. 2 Chain Line Plans are a boon for modellers wishing to explore a prototype in detail. Here's an example of such a beast for Whatstandwell showing the railway furniture locations and station building accommodation...

The Midland Railway Study Centre in Derby's Silk Mill (visits strictly by pre-booked appointment only) has various Bakewell documents and plans in it. Click here and enter Bakewell (case sensitive so capital 'B') in the catalogue field... http://www.midlandrailwaystudycentre.org.uk/ I have a few bits and pieces in my loft which I'll get out and scan including a 40ft / 1" rating plan of the site plus footbridge rebuilding plans.

I'm just re-starting my modelling interest after a long hiatus, mainly due to the excellent RTR models now coming out with sound and lighting. My interest is Derbyshire and will be modelling the peak line Ambergate-Millers Dale and would welcome updates on the Heljan Co-Bo as only an example with original wraparound windows would 'fit' so was wondering if there are plans for any after market detailing packs or body shells. As an aside, what do people think of the shade of green used on this and other early diesel types ? The colour slides I have seen suggest the hue of the early diesel green was more olive than brunswick. Thoughts?

Mark Alden's exhastively researched article on the Class 17 in Classic Diesels & Electrics magazine debunks this theory. It was considered that the RR engined examples were actually very good and reliable performers.