Bailey Gate

I've had two orders from Scaletrains, both have wandered around USPS in the USA then come to a grinding halt on the tracking system. Both have subsequently just turned up on my doorstep, one with and one without an email from RM advising me of delivery. BTW very pleased with both my purchases, SD40 and an SDL39. HTH Geoff

Ordered on Friday early afternoon and delivered first thing this morning, a really big "Thank You" for such excellent service even at the best of times let alone now! Credit to Royal Mail too, and our brilliantly unflappable local postman!

I put a Stanley knife blade in the slot which is usually enough, they do try my patience but worth it for the improved look of the bullhead.

I use plenty of the blue sheets at work to form voids in cast concrete, just be aware that the thicknesses can and do vary and are not guaranteed. Saying that it sands well if necessary, albeit a tedious and messy job. To stick it I use nothing more than double sided tape, far easier to align than using glue. HTH Geoff

Would this be of use, although I have no idea how easy they are to find... https://www.hattons.co.uk/10676/corgi_trackside_inc_lledo_diecast_vehicles_dg175005_scammell_handyman_low_loader_and_transformer_load_wynns_/stockdetail.aspx HTH

Filled up with fuel in Yeovil this morning and the cashier took a pen and circled the VAT amount on the receipt, maybe they are pre-empting the complaints!

Not my era, nor my area of interest, but just has that "something" about it that I really like... Cracking work...

Is this the one in question? http://magazineexchange.co.uk/cw/Hornby-magazine-october-2008-issue.html

Maybe worth trying the shop at Shillingstone Station, they do have some of the models but not sure about the signal box. Geoff

A bit more progress All track down in the station area, and a single circuit available to just watch trains go by. Up line still to lay but have been too busy having fun! Still not sure whether to go for a traverser fiddle yard, or a fan. The former will give me more length at the expense of time to make it, the latter is simpler.

Had a good day on it today, have most of the main lines through the station down and working and have laid out roughly where the sidings will be. Having something running really does rejuvenate my enthusiasm! Back to work tomorrow after my enforced break, light duties only, so hopefully can get on and make the corner pieces for the baseboards

I still remember the first time I came across the station here, would be mid eighties, and surprised to find a level crossing in a dip at the end of a long straight road. I didn't know then that 20 years later it would be my local station. First 33/4TC to run through. and my first attempts at the distinctive crossing gates

Only when wet, although my garage is well ventilated and it disappears quickly. Saying that if you don't like it you may well notice it more than I do! Geoff

Have just been laying track and another vote for Copydex, weighed it down for an hour and it's stuck firm... I may be the only one who likes the smell though! Geoff

Thought as I'd started to actually do something it would be a good motivator to start a thread on here. Baseboards having been built for some time the unwelcome visit of a minor heart attack has given me several weeks of recovery, so a few tentative steps have been taken in track laying. Pleased to have the first train moving, albeit for only a few feet, but encouraging nonetheless I converted my garage to an extra space and put in a stud wall so have approximately 11' by 9' to use, which will allow me to fit Moreton (Dorset) around three sides. MRC (I think) had drawings of all the buildings which are a great help, so will be trying my hand at recreating these. Will be set between 1960 and the early '70s, so I can run my 33/4TC combinations or steam depending on my mood... Moreton also had pre war connections to the sand pits, and a brickworks, and in my reality these will still be working. I may draw the line at the nearby airship station though! First movement, yes I know it's a 71, but I was squinting and it became a 74 to me Geoff

North Dorset RailwayTrust AGM today so we took the opportunity to wander around the station, not having been for some months it was fantastic to see what has been achieved since then. The shop and museum are much improved with both having better displays and the museum moved to a more spacious location. A lot of hard work being put in which is really bearing fruit. For once I didn't come home laden with books as I seem to have run out of shelves. But as a family we now appear to be part "owners" of the soon to arrive 08, about three quarters of a tonne of it

Thanks both, Halfords used and no problems. Geoff

Deal and Ringwood seem to fit the bill perhaps? https://transportsofdelight.smugmug.com/SHIPS/Ferries-and-Steamers/SHIPS-OF-THE-SOUTHERN-RAILWAY/i-pVCqQ4h

Is there a recommended primer for pewter or will my usual Halfords rattle can be ok? Thanks Geoff

Transfers ordered 4pm yesterday and here on the mat this morning! Would like to add my vote for their excellent service Geoff

Had this with mine from the first batch, a quick email to Dapol and received very quickly, then promptly received a second set from Hattons where I bought it!

As I recall it was aimed at commuters to Southampton from Wimborne, Verwood, West Moors and Ferndown. Having done that run for a while I can see why an alternative, any alternative, to the A31 "carpark" in the Forest would be tempting. What a tragedy the Old Road isn't still available with the massive growth in housing since it was closed.

I thought the suggestion of Ringwood to Brockenhurst was made by NR several years ago. The idea being to have Ringwood as a park and ride site to take traffic off the A31 through the New Forest. Geoff

Running stock? Oh, is that what the round bits underneath are for, I did wonder!

I'd be more than happy if they would do what DJM intended and developed a 74 from the 71.