Clearwater

Quite right -who cares about th Chinese building HS2 when the real railway question is when the S15, Hatton King, Bachmann birdcage coaches etc will be delivered. If they can't make little models efficiently, how can they hope to build our confidence in their ability to deliver 1:1 scale?

I'd note that on MRD's website there are none of the southern green ones.. Illustrates Andy's point nearly. I wonder if that sold better as that's the livery the prototype is currently wearing on the Bluebell!

Wasn't Sir Murrough one of the final directors of the LNER?

Yes - I got your word play hence my comment. (I favourited your comment). Chemically speaking, the addition of an extra 2 after the oxygen (technically as subscript) makes inert water into one of the more corrosive and volatile compounds out there. Hydrogen peroxide is an aggressive oxidant and is, amongst other things, used in rocket fuel. There are other examples where a change of number makes a significant difference, eg O2 vs O3. As an aside, if you want a fun chemical experiment take a glass beaker of ordinary granulated sugar and add a couple of drops of concentrated sulphuric acid. The acid strips water out of the sugar leaving a tower of carbon.

H2O2 is hydrogen peroxide - highly corrosive, not sure what it'd do to DJM's finest to date!

I have just read (again) the literary classic that is Usborne Farmyard Tales "Noisy Train." Are you involved in writing it? It's the only explanation that makes sense as there is a duck to find on every page...

Yes- I saw one yesterday in Ian Allen's at the back of Waterloo

There's a good shot of kgv looking forelorn in Swindon post withdrawal in the Recentish Hayes book on Kings. Also the story of its eventual extraction from Swindon in the late 60s

Looking at the close ups of the picture, I'd say it was copper but not 100%. They were on the ground outside the refreshment cafe at Didcot. Perhaps one of the GWS volunteers on here can confirm? As an aside, Rob's photo above shows it to a certain extent, but Captain Kernow's pannier photo shows a massive variation in the green

Brings to mind the old weathering forecasting adage in North Wales "if you can't see Snowdon , it is raining; if you can see Snowdon, it's going to rain"

Hi Rob Will be interesting to do the side by side of the STEAM and Locomotion KGVs. On a separate topic, was there any sign of the Bachmann auto coaches? David

I think many of us in our/our father's/our grandfather's (delete as applicable depending on your age), we have a number of over exposed, off centre, poorly constructed photos and with any number of other faults that the professional and experienced photographer could pick up on. To me, that adds to the charm. It's as people saw them and recorded the moment

I got off at Grantham a couple of weeks ago. Was tired of standing and was fairly certain would get a seat on the following train. In their favour, at least the station does have a series of boards on ecml traction history and explains the mallard story

Just a point to consider. Even those who do possess the modelling skills to put together a kit often take years to do so.... Personally, I think hats off to kernow and others who are prepared to take these commercial risks. I hope it pays off for them as it's the best chance of encouraging them and others to undertake some of the more 'niche' locos beloved of the wish lists...

Isn't the logical solution for the 615am Aberdonian to be running an hour late? Suspect not unheard of in prototype plus gives the excuse for unusual motive power to be replacing a failed engine further north?

On Blackadder, Fry went to Cambridge whilst Atkinson was at Oxford...

If these puns continue, I'll have to consider stopping following this thread. If I do, thanks for the mammaries

This is really serious for Cameron. If he doesn't stop hamming it up, he'll be gone by Hogmanay

I have just been through Peterborough on the train. I prefer Gilbert's version....

Our local one closed a couple of years ago but had been running down for a while. I now go to a shop in Chelmsford but to be honest,I've not looked at train set prices there. They tend to be competitive on other items though and, in common with the non box shifters, does have some long sold out elsewhere items which I appreciate. The nearest place to me selling Hornby trains is Hawkins bazaar in Westfield shopping centre. Their prices seem full - eg western master set for 150 compared to 120 at a popular Liverpool shop.

To illustrate stationmaster's point, I was given a copy of the current Argos catalogue. Three Hornby items in it: 1) R1155 dcc pendolino set for gbp149.99 cf previous catalogue price of 179.99 2) No r number "Western Messenger" 'this includes a smart four wheel locomotive, a selection of wagons and a small coach. The oval of track with siding add operational interest as wagons are shunted to and fro' advertised as half price at 69.99 with previous online price of 139.99 Loco is a 0-4-0 in gwr green with Truro written in its tanks 3) Tornado Pullman Express. 60163 plus three (railroad I assume ) Pullmans. Priced at 99.99 down from 149.99 My son, who's three and half, has asked for item 3. Actually I don't think that's bad value and I'm impressed that he picked the best option of the three!

Brings to mind my apocryphal granny "if you've nothing nice to say, say 'owt" To the OP - good for you. It's your life, do what you want, not what others want you to do. Your true friends and family will support you.

Agreed but think of it this way, each one of those they sell at full price keeps the price of the King and collet coaches etc down

Not sure if it's appropriate to 'like' engines awaiting scrap. Even if we know that eventually there's a happier outcome!

It's catching. There's this at Paddington this morning https://twitter.com/oxfordshaun/status/645139786529906688