brianusa

Ah but that's the point! These big layouts in the US are for want of a better word, 'club' layouts where individuals (not necessarily in a club) build sections of the layout compatible with each other; in other words each section of track lines up with the next in any configuration. Or individuals can make modules to make a fixed plan of a favourite railway. In the UK for instance there could be a Penzance module connected to a Truro module and so on as far up the line as required. There would have to be selective areas left out unless of course there is an immense space.. Brian.

After all this information, when its all over, I should really like to know how things went! Brian.

Kev, having travelled the branch a few times in post war years and kept a lookout in diesel years, I may be able fill in things but no pictures sadly as I didn't even have a camera in those days! Brian.

Thanks Kev. Surely not another Hornby train here in GH!! Haven't been on Classic O for a while so I didn't know. Can you direct me to the posting please. Brian.

Haven't been there in a while but it was there then so what's the hold up, apart from the usual reasons; money, time, labour, etc. It looks better than average for restoration; don't know what you can't see but it appears to be all there. Surely it would be better to have a go than let it deteriorate further. But there are enough Halls, I suppose! Brian

Great picture Rob; could've fooled me. But its too clean, no pieces of paper or lumps of coal and bits of wood and weeds around. Maybe the track gang have cleaned it up already.

In my youth, I could never figure why there was a triangle and a turntable. Presumably pathing problems was a likely reason but what intrigued me the most was the fact that virtually every engine had to be coaled which meant a trip to Laira where there was the same facilities. Pathing again, as sometimes multiple engines coupled together departed. We've strayed from Brent again! Brian.

Hi Phil, a couple of your comments have stirred my memory (It needs stirring these days!) and I recall a gas wagon parked by 'the lane' at North Road at frequent intervals. Also on one of the sidings close by, there were invariably milk tankers from somewhere. Under the bridge, there was usually an Engineering coach with prominent bell. Never seemed to move but other than that, never seen any other stock there. In todays station layout there seem to be a couple of useless sidings by 'your' wall where once they held waiting locos Brian. Brian.

That Down main at Bodmin always seems to be weedy, even from earlier pictures while the Up line doesn't seem to suffer so much. It was the same when we were there years ago! Brian

Thanks to all who responded to my question and made an interesting thread. I never realised it was all so complicated; my impression was pick a good spot, back in and tie down for the night. Perhaps not, but there is a lot more to the exercise which in this day and age with the internet, photographers, and rail cams. Brian

The modern cab certainly updated these machines and brought them into line with contemporary GW practice. As for the Austin Seven, in those days the good doctor would be very proud of his car and it would be kept nice and clean. A certain Australian Doctor Blake of TV fame has a Standard Ten of a similar age and is immaculate with whitewall tyres, even. Rumour has it there is a Chevy Six under the bonnet! Brian

Happy New Year to all those who love 72D! Brian.

If you don't mind, we're not all from Canada Happy New Year anyway and thanks for letting any tinplate chatter into this hallowed OO thread Brian.

Fairly common, I once thought from trainspotting days, as a Bulleid with a couple of carriages on the Tavistock local from Plymouth was quite a common sight. Brian

Where would the Royal Train be stabled overnight if it ever went to Cornwall again? Virtually every suitable siding and branch is gone and the prospect of SBZ yard or Long Rock isn't that appealing. Brian.

Chris, looking at the pictures, there are the Beattie tanks at Wenford also Bodmin General and Wadebridge and some Moguls on the main line. Not a lot of coverage but fresh photos, at least I have never seen them before. Definitely recommended but then I'd probably buy the Devon phone book if it had pictures. Brian

Wonder where all this means to Tavistock yard? Brian.

Just finished a first glance at "The Railways of Devon and Cornwall around the Early Sixties" by Michael Clemens. Excellent book with pictures not seen before of both counties. Special interest here is the Southern coverage north of Exeter including a famous junction and the withered arm around North Cornwall along with other SR branches. Brian.

I must confess that when we come home, I tend to 'tip' more than I really should! With all the change in the UK especially Pound coins, one tends to unload them frequently and when tipping waiters, etc, we tend to tip US percentages whereas relatives seem to leave a lot of small change! Also instead of handing over small change to transactions, one tends to keep handing out Pound coins. At least I do, instead of ending up at Heathrow with pockets full of small coins. Brian.

Is that the privy behind the greenhouse? Brian

Just think, Riverside was once large enough for anything! Merry Christmas, Brian.

Before you all get carried away with this new hussy , I would remind you it's Jenny's birthday to day! Brian. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Phil. This article in the CRS should lift your spirits, or maybe not! http://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/headlines---latest-reports-and-photographs Brian.