brianusa

That colour scheme looks faintly like the C & O of some years ago. Perhaps some "yardee" (do they still call them that?) took a picture inside at the naming. Keyham sidings don't look long for this world. Brian.

"I'm feeling full, hope there's a toiler floor in this carriage". Brian.

<< staff had placed a notice on the compartment door and attempted to secure it to prevent it being opened. >> If I had seen such a sign on the door, if it was that urgent I would have tried another carriage then told the guard. If people ignore signs which are obviously there for a reason and then find a problem, don't make a mountain out of a molehill. Mother and child emerged with no harm done but now the long arms of the law and lawyers will blow it out of all proportions. Certainly as has been mentioned it shouldn't have been left like this, but it was and it would have been interesting to find out what the sign actually said! Brian.

Why the frosted windows on one end? Brian.

Some of us will probably never be able to meet all those pictured, but it would still be nice to know who we communicate with on RM and put a face on the signature. Brian.

<< SOSJ was/is on the main line that took the sensible way to Exeter . The other route(s) were far too wiggly and went to the wrong coast. .>> In all our trips to the Capital in the halcyon days of 'real' train travel, it was always the 10AM off Friary arriving sometimes at Waterloo or invariably Surbiton where resided relatives, for a cheap holiday! I was a bit young although remember most of the route even today but can never remember if there ever was a restaurant car in the train. Mother probably made a pasty! Never did ride the 'wiggly' route in those days. Brian.

In those days there were plenty of leafy branch lines, think Wenford Bridge, which would have made ideal cover. The only pictures I have ever seen are of guns mounted on wagons along with vans, presumably full of ammo with a NE 4-4-2T in the middle. Brian.

Like the photos. IPhone(?) pictures keep getting better and better; I shall soon have to throw my trusty Nikon away! Brian.

It could/may have happened; in an emergency anything is possible. In the middle forties a Dean Goods ventured as far as Laira and never was seen again but I saw it myself when I should have been playing football or something, at the sports field by Tavistock junction. So it could of happened at Brent in your period as well, Rob. Good excuse for variety! Brian

While this thread is still extant in spite of its title, up till now things are calm. One of the worst things about an intolerant society is that there is no give and take. Each is convinced that the cause they espouse is the right one with little compromise, which would be letting the side down. It is in politics, sports, religion and sadly in the many battles raging in different parts of the world. It is exacerbated by social media and so called fake news as exemplified by the US president and his cohorts, which is a classic example. On the other hand, individually we are all entitled to think for ourselves and not be bullied into an agreement with something we do not agree with or approve of. There's no such thing as my is the right way! Brian.

Thanks Steve about the info on 'the' book from Amazon UK. I finally bought one for my self as I have bought four already for friends and relatives but never until now for myself. The prices I've seen put me off but I'm glad to have finally got it. Brian.

While being an advocate for any railway reopening, I'd be surprised if this one even has a chance. Valid reasons have already been stated and while it would be nice if every disused line were reinstated, reality and common sense would dictate otherwise. Its not likely that any more timber will be loaded; Riverside has had what was left. Brian.

Mike, in the last few years roundabouts have sprung up in our little town due to increased traffic and at least here, are known a roundabouts. In this instance its probably due to their newness and publicity over how they are to be negotiated. There were a lot of problems at first but now they've settled in as part of the traffic pattern and one can feel reasonably safe that you are not going to be broadsided. While the old term exists, its mostly related to secondary streets and not the main roads known as 'arterials' Brian.

A lot depends on your circle of customers. The scale enthusiasts probably like them weathered while the larger audience may like them out of the box and squeaky clean, so go where the most customers are. Brian.

Thanks Rich, one of my favourite threads. Looks like things may be bucking up! Brian.

The bench looks like part of the fence! Seriously, do you really let ones wife buy a present for you? Wives are great for socks, ties, etc, but anything serious, its best asking for a gift card or even cash! Especially for our trains; how many times have you got the wrong building for the wrong railway in the wrong colours? We've all been there along with the best wishes of the in laws who get you the wrong gauge track etc. But they all mean well and most times exchanges will make it all right, but cash is king! Brian

None of the above! Although the Star is the closest IMO. Considering all GW locos should be the same green, surely there should be some standard to paint by, but this is difficult as it depends what's available at where and when it was produced. Obviously not from the same paint pot! Brian.

I presume you have read the Book of Shaugh Parish, now OOP but available for silly prices. Other than that, sorry can't be of much help. However, if you can stand some critique of your plan, it would be better if the dry and the mill were reversed. The river flows from the tunnel end with the dry on the left and the leat flows from just past the bridge to the water wheel at the Mill, if this is important. Incidentally, the railway stayed on the same side and not crossing the river in this area but modellers licence wins! Interesting project! Brian.

As it happens my relatives worked the old Shaugh Mill for Lord Roborough, the Lord of the Manor at the time you mention. There was a clay dry near Shaugh Bridge which I knew very well as I played there with a boy of my age who lived there with relatives. The East end had a small living space attached where they all lived. AFAIK, nothing moved by rail at that time and before. There were settling ponds up the hill and a track connected the area from the Mill which is still there and which passes property still owned by relatives by the 'new cut' road connecting the bridge with the village. Prior that the old road ran in a different direction via the old iron mines and thence from the Mill to a weighbridge near the bridge over the river. Before the Halt was there, a siding was in its place serving iron ore which was carted in from the Dewerstone railway tracks which never connected to the station. 1930 may be a bit too late but modelers licnce, etc...................... Brian.

New train, old signal; lovely combination. Only in Cornwall! Brian.

Faced with bus competition, probably not worth it. These days the commuter catchment area between Exeter and Plymouth is slowly melding together as both cities expand and anyone living in that middle area could easily commute to either. It is really only practical for rail service if residents of the South Hams for instance, decide to take the train but they are well catered for from Paignton and Totnes so any new suburban service would have to contend with scarce pathing and you know how that goes! Too bad Brent is not there anymore; could have been useful for Middle Earth! Brian.

I wouldn't go so far as that. Rich, it may be something less of a problem especially as running is allowed, albeit at a slower pace.. Could be a problem for through steam excursions though! Brian

What can be said about such news? Sorry, doesn't really do it but in this medium not much else can be done except to wish you both well. Over the years, I've enjoyed your pictures and commentary and hope you will not forget your own well being at this time, as many of us are inclined to do. Brian.

After reading a few of these posts, I have to ask why not get portable A/C units. They may not be as good as a whole house A/C, but surely better than nothing. I've heard the usual reason many times before, "I doesn't happen very often" but with the temps being what they are back home, I would have thought the investment worth it, especially in this day and age of global warming. We live in a temperate zone, but in the summer it can get over 34C at times which is why playing trains indoors with the A/C cranked up sure beats the alternative! Brian.

Could this be termed a 'saucy lady' photo? But now we've nodded back to Brent and Prairies so all is as it should be; free of all distractions! Brian.