jasp

It may be of interest that Bo’ness are hosting a Caledonian Railway weekend, 2-4 November with 419 and 828, the latter on a visit from Aviemore, along with the two Caley coaches and much more.Jim P

Good to see UM on RMWeb now and, as well as seeing it at Dechmont, I look forward to hearing about progress. A wee bit easier to load and transport the Burntisland! Jim P

David Sadly, the so-called “Transport Museum” in Glasgow is a VERY poor successor to that in the Kelvin Hall. It appears to have been arranged for people to see most stuff in the shortest time, and in a, presumably “trendy” fashion. In the previous venue, the museum was arranged in “themes” whereas now it just seems to be a hotch-potch of exhibits - you will see what I mean if you go there. In addition, ther is very little space around the exhibits, Fortunately, there is no charge for entry. One upside is that there is an interesting wee “boat” behind the, overpriced monstrosity of a building, which houses the museum. I will be interested in your views Jim P

If Andrew Swan's book is purchased from Caledonian Railway Association or Glasgow and South Western Railway Association, a CD with structure drawings, signalling diagrams etc. is available for an additional £5, or £8 + £2 postage if bought without the book - not available from other sellers. Jasp

Put smallish bits of coal in a can and bash with a bit of metal bar. Works for me. Jim

One way of softening epoxy, especially the 5 minute stuff, is to heat it with a soldering iron at relatively low temperature, around 100-120 deg C. and a little pressure on the item to be debonded. Easy with a temperature controlled iron. Jim

It is hoped that Andrew Swan's book on the Port Road will be available for the Perth Conference on 1st October, then at the Falkirk MR show and by mail order. Jim P

Why not cut a wee slot each side of the base to allow a bit more vertical clearance for the wheel tread? This could, relatively simply, be done using a cutting disc Jim P

I like the look of your "slight variation" which appears to address many of the Cleminson problems in 4mm scale in a simple and inexpensive way. Note to self: must build some of my 6 wheel coaches and try it! Thanks Jim P

Caley Coaches have some cast brass lubricators Jim

agt613 Sorry, I have just picked this up. The kit came from Falcon Brass more than 20 years ago. Probably ex Jidenco so some remedial work needed. Jim P

I have a kit built Brittain Oban Bogie and have, like another extremely fastidious modeller friend, not fitted bogie wheel splashers. We both model in P4 so there is virtually no clearance for splashers. London Road models have a CR 123 which appears to have cosmetic bogie splashers attached to the footplate which might be a solution. I should emphasize that I have not confirmed this with LRM, but looking at their demo model it looked like that Good luck with your build. I look forward to seeing your progress Jim P

An interesting turn. Was this a heavy coal train, given its origin and motive power? Jim P

Could have had my Protocab order today but as I am in Aberdeen till Tuesday - for the Aberdeen Model Railway Show, and work - keenly anticipate delivery next Wednesday Jim P

Just had an email that the first sets of Protocab kit are now about to be despatched. I await mine with great interest Jim P

A question which you may be able to answer: Heading toward Aberdeen,just before entering Arbroath station, on the flank of the bridge giving access to the goods yard, there is an old bell mounted on the wall - not possible to get a pic from the moving train. Do you have any idea of its function? Thanks Jim

I think it highly unlikely that any parts of the shed would have been painted at all, except window frames, never mind blue. The shed doors would probably have been creosoted when the shed foreman had someone spare. Jim P

Great stuff Richard. Interestingly, I recently mentioned " the coal man" to some young friends who were unfamiliar with the concept, presumably being used to central heating and he no conception of same. I remember getting a "hudgie", ie hanging on the very back of the lorry when it moved from house to house. The expletives and threats from the coal man were no deterrent. Full 1cwt. (remember them?) bags, none of this 25kg stuff. Thanks Jim P

I have been aware of Protocab since it's first outing at Scaleforum North but the batteries seemed rather large. Had an in depth look at Scaleforum North 2015 and am now completely sold. It will mean that I require a vehicle permanantly coupled to my locos but a price worth paying. Anyone looking for(unused)DCC gear? Jim

John now lives in Lydney. His 7mm range is now available from Alba Models. Jim

Ian Are the NB gas valve and alarm boxes anything like the CR ones? (pic attached) If so see my posting on the CRA forum under Modelling Resources or get in touch Jim P

Just caught up with this thread. The Caledonian had two types of road van, 4 wheel and six wheel. As far as I know the were used exclusively on the line(s) to Oban and were usually for parcels traffic. Drawings of these are available from the Caledonian Railway Association Jim

I note the use of a "Diamond Deb" nail file and am interested in the 0.7mm thick. Could you be a bit more specific as to the shape, size etc as there is a variety of these available on the web Thanks Jim

The NB book is due out early October - check the publisher - Stenlake Jim

Hi Whinge etc I remember seeing the P4Me coupling but can find no sign of it now - could you provide a reference? On the subject, what ever happened to Lisa of P4Me fame? Cheers Jim