EmporiaSub

The IOWSR have suspended their First Class.

I wasn’t aware face coverings were mandatory on station platforms? As far as I’m aware, the legislation is once you join a train, bus etc.

Another one opening. https://shop.morris-models.co.uk/latest-news-4-w.asp The list of ‘restrictions’ will make the social side of visiting difficult too.

When Accurascale kept asking for suggestions, I kept dropping hints for a Presflo. However, now that is unlikely to happen, then I’ve pre-ordered 3 already....

And in true GTR fashion, the service on the West Coastway, east of Barnham, doesn't bear any relation to a Saturday service.....

Now the turn of Dapol. https://www.Dapol.co.uk/shop/preorder/N-Gauge-Preorder/Class66-CaptTom

Yes, still available to order, so I did.... I have a tenuous link, it’s a General Motors and I model US railroads with GM stuff, in HO....!

Even one of the TOC’s is approaching retired Operations Control staff to see if they’d be interested in going back to cover for self-isolating, sickness etc.

I had pencilled in (and in some cases booked hotel accommodation) to visit various railway events throughout the year. As they approach the time I would be going, so I’m donating the cost of my ticket towards them. Its the least I can do for them.

A couple from my archive..... Sometime in the early 1970’s. Mid 1980’s.

Even more politics than when I left nearly 3 years ago.... I’d had enough of it then, so no thank you.

Or the other time one Saturday morning, all was ok, cold and dry. Came out in the afternoon and there was snow on the ground! Made walking back down the hill a little more entertaining, especially with carrier bags of goodies.

19th December 1973. It was one of those trains I used to ride, for 52 haulage, between Reading and Oxford!

An excellent show, though it did appear at times to be relatively empty. Came by train and the show bus, glad of that as I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to walk it from the station! Bought a few items too.

Still modelling US HO late 1960's, but I've started buying some British O scale stuff that reminds me of my youth! The HO layout is a permanent feature of the guest bedroom, and allows for one person operations style, but after over 20 years doing it, I'm beginning to feel I want a change of direction. (Before that I did German N for the best part of 25 years). I also lost a good friend I used to keep in contact with / visit, out in Oregon, until he passed away suddenly. I'm still active in the BRNMRA and we have layouts we exhibit, so my stock will still be required.

Will be interesting to see if those who post comments on Facebook etc about wanting an O scale HST actually follow through with their want. As for me, it is too modern, I’ve enough to contend with from Heljan!

And there was me thinking you were talking sense and referring to the DfT..... Then I realised otherwise and switched off.

That was the 17.04 ex London Bridge. When introduced it was a dual portion train for both Uckfield and East Grinstead. It was generally formed of 4 coaches of just about any type!

Troop trains were another form of traffic that brought 33’s to the Oxted line in the 70’s. i can only find one photo, but they came from afar as Longtown, and often loaded to 12 coaches. They went to Crowborough, but had to go on to Uckfield to run-round (or in reverse when returning from Crowborough Camp). Often the local service was delayed unless Crowborough Signal Box was open.

Earlier days it was 19.12 Uckfield to Oxted, run-round, and ECS to East Grinstead, but not Fridays! Used to stable most of the sets overnight at East Grinstead. This was later changed to New Cross Gate, Friday nights the train went to New Cross Gate, to form an ECS to Brighton on Saturday morning. There was one working in the morning, 07.29 East Croydon to East Grinstead, the stock came ECS from New Cross Gate, whilst the loco was from the 01.45 Didcot to Bricklayers Arms van train, with a crew change at Norwood.

Earlier days it was 19.12 Uckfield to Oxted, run-round, and ECS to East Grinstead, but not Fridays! Used to stable most of the sets overnight at East Grinstead. This was later changed to New Cross Gate, Friday nights the train went to New Cross Gate, to form an ECS to Brighton on Saturday morning. There was one working in the morning, 07.29 East Croydon to East Grinstead, the stock came ECS from New Cross Gate, whilst the loco was from the 01.45 Didcot to Bricklayers Arms van train, with a crew change at Norwood.

And if repeated enough times on the internet, becomes the ‘truth’....

Kevin Had many a ride on it down at the bottom end of the line, often in the cab on its return journey... Then, when I started work, on the railway, and was at the training school at Beckenham, ‘found’ myself on it on the way home. I remember the last journey, I was a member of the UMRC at the time. I've got more photos too, just didn’t want to go overboard!

A couple of photos of 33's working the 17.20 London Bridge to Uckfield service. One approaching and the other departing Crowborough, sometime in the 1970's.

An excellent show, as always! A good selection of layouts, though I’m biased, I like the smaller ones generally. They give me ideas.... I got there about 30 minutes after opening, the queue was still along the path outside, but it moved quickly. Didn't seem quite so busy this year though?