ClydeIron

On this topic... can someone supply a good view of the underside of the bogie of one of the Jouef '40s? I've just been given one which has its centre sets of driving wheels attached - meaning it's a bo-bo right now - but am rather keen to see what exactly I'm missing in terms of the other four sets of wheels. I'm guessing pivoting axles on pony trucks? Hunting the spares could be rather interesting too... All help gratefully received! Chris

Just to add - in agreement to what everyone else has said here - this is a truly great shop, and well-deserving of your custom if you're passing through Stafford. It's not the same shop that used to be located on the Marston Road (older Staffordians might remember this) but in terms of service, stock and helpfulness is one of the best I've been to for a long time. Mike's been a great help in re-kickstarting my Dad's railway, and the old-school friendliness of the place (offering you a hot drink when you get in) is amazing! In short, thoroughly recommended!!

Don't forget the external steampipes + boiler port on this one - had them all the way through, even to Wigan CRDC!

I know, I know dull stuff, but someone might find it useful. 087 was a bit of an obsession of mine, I know her and 264 back to front pretty much Chris

You're not kidding! Still hunting - I got a lot of pictures of the scrap line at the same time!!! It's very frustrating... tractor-wise there was 087, 141/142 & 404. One intriguing thing about 087 - especially for modellers - there was no lower boiler filler port step on the bodysides. Most 37s always had the lower one left open, but the top two filled (apart from a few... 077, 222 for example which had a full set, including doors (and internal chutes!!!!). 087, however, had the whole lot welded up... C

No problem. All date from 1998 when I had a look round 087 (and everything else on the Crewe scrap line) with a view to purchase (this was before the official EWS tender list debacle). At the time she had only some minor bits removed and was in generally good shape, just life expired more than anything else. Had a look round 142 as well, which apart from one knackered bogie, was in much better shape! So yes, got some good nose shots, cab shots and external views. I'm hunting - they can't be too well hidden!! Chris

The 25 in concern, stopped with an earth fault if I remember, was 25083 - now preserved. It was the one that sat at Crewe for many years before making its way back north. D1630 in the Eltham crash became 47048, 47570 and finally 47849. It was going to be used as a body for the Class 57 programme, but when stripped prior to re-engineering, was discovered to have a bent frame - no doubt as a result of the prang at EWH. Hence its rejection from the 57 conversions. If you went to one of the Crewe works open days a while ago, the body was sat on a flat wagon awaiting disposal. Chris

Oh, really? My sincerest apologies then - I'm slightly out of touch!!! Yes, I don't think 146 will be altering any time soon! Incidentally I have some very good detail shots of 37087 when she was stored at Crewe South Yard in 1998/99. She had a few unique detail oddities, so if anyone's interested I'll dig them out. Her water tank and gauges still live on on 37264 though! :-) Chris

146, 254 and 294 also still retain dutch I do believe... Chris

Interesting shots of poor old 540 there - don't forget though 540 was ex-Research at one point, hence various blanking plates for removed MW gear on the front, plus odd buttons and bits and pieces in the cab as well. Had a good look round her when she was still in Crewe South Yard and we were securing 524. Shame she's in the state she's in now, although if I recall correctly inspection showed the generator had virtually melted. Chris