martyn11post

Another one for the Xmas list (not sure which year) and the poll please. A little niche, but they were probably the pinnacle of industrial steam development The Bagnall New Standard 18 0-6-0ST https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W.G_Bagnall_0-6-0ST_%22New_Standard_18%22 Victor/Vulcan/Valiant (401/2/3) SCOW/Austin/NCB

Dear Santa... please can I have a GEC Stephenson or any other steelworks based shunter

Interesting image of 'Pant' on Ebay currently Must have been towards the end of her life as the front buffers have been removed. Pant was built later than Arthur Keen and Sandyford, but has the later stylised windows in the cab, which must have been more challenging for the crews, especially in the confines of a steelworks.

Not sure why the media has gone into hysteria around smart meters, it has its flaws, but I've found it quite useful. I've had one for 3 years now and happy with it. Does what it says on the tin. Gives meter readings and let's me know when I've left the gas on... which has been useful on two occasions. One when the gas boiler got stuck on (timer broke) and the other when the oven started leaking. Now true, I would have found both at some point... and not necessarily the selling points the energy companies were going for... It also lets me know when the tumble dryer has finished, as it is in the out house, saves me make unnecessary trips in the rain in winter! The two flaws the Government made upfront, was not standardising the physical meters (make it easy to change suppliers) and trying to make it compulsory/push targets which has driven this you must have a smart meter. For some it will work, for others it won't. As for saving money, I probably have changed my habits around leaving the heating on all day (there was a clear benefit of using the timer), leaving the oven on for extended periods and the use of various electrical appliances. Probably one-off hits, but I worked out it saved me around £50/annum from typical £500/annum (with recent price hikes that's probably been wiped out!) ...and thank goodness I no longer have to crawl into the cupboard with a flashlight to get a reading to correct yet another bonkers estimated bill based on the duckworth-lewis method of energy usage... I'm building a model steelworks, not a lifesize replica...

Thanks all, for your wonderful suggestions. I'm embarrassed to say I've lived in or near Cardiff for 12 years and had totally forgotten the mainline is elevated on a series of bridges with the valleys line rising up and over! The bridges in Splott isn't something I've seen before, but fascinating to see especially as you have plate and brick adjacent but at different levels. The Malvern line is what I had imagined in my head as a design, really clear when you see it in Google street view and very useful. Thanks, Martyn

Thanks all, some really good examples. Particularly useful on Google to go onto 3D Mode and 'see' how it fits together Now to get the creative juices into action! Regards, Martyn

Hi All, I have an interesting problem, which I hope to solve by copying a prototype as there is a prototype for everything (I hope). Basically my railway (plan) has 3 levels (call them high/mid/low). The low line disappears into a tunnel (hidden sidings), the high level is the main layout and the mid was planned to be the viaduct/bridge. Are there any real world examples where a viaduct would have two lines converge, one climbing / one falling to a common height that I can use for research/inspiration? Or would it be separate viaducts in the form of a 'Y' joining together? Thanks, Martyn

Worth watching last week's BBC Click which has a report from the test track (first 7 mins): https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0b7x8gl/click-sustainable-states

Amazing to see the detail and stages you go through Mike. Out of curiosity, what rubber do you use to make the moulds below?

Thanks Mark & Arthur for pointing me in the right direction. Now to buy some lorries! Cheers, Martyn

Hi I'm trying to identify the lorries seen from 2.55 in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j0Hf7uxBvw&t I think it may even be two manufacturers, but the images are a bit blurry. My knowledge on old lorries is non-existent! So any help much appreciated. I'm trying to recreate them for my steelworks layout (under development!). My assumption is the same lorries may have also operated at Llanwern's sister plant of Ebbw Vale. Thanks in advance. Martyn

I believe replacement tanks for pickle liquor (hydrochloric acid). They were there temporary ahead of replacing the original tanks. Regards Martyn

Current Port Talbot(& Llanwern) signalling (current) is two red lights alternate flashing (vertically mounted) at crossings. Entrance to sheds are Red & green light again vertically mounted typically above the door/roller shutters. Some have now been replaced recently by standard 3 aspect signals (although not seen amber in operation.) Also half barriers have been installed on hot metal routes.

The works 'tour' of 1960s versus today... well they did at least have helmets and gloves!

Hi, Not sure if any on else is having the same issue with the subscription service, but I'm yet to receive: 17 IC 125 & 21 King & 23 Caledonian Single. (I also haven't had 25+ but I seem to get them two issues behind...) Is anyone else having a similar problem or could supply me contact details to enquire. (I think I had a note say there was a delay with 17?) Thanks, Martyn