cctransuk

It is my understanding that the Peco 16.5mm. scale bullhead points require a switch to change the polarity of the frog. At least in the immediate future I will use the 'flick-it-across' method of point actuation, and so I am considering using these microswiches attached below the sleepers, and operated directly / indirectly from the tie-bar :- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5X-Ultra-Mini-Roller-Lever-Actuator-Microswitch-SPDT-Sub-Miniature-Micro-Switch/253653306378?epid=1443558719&hash=item3b0eea4c0a:g:LLkAAOSw8SpbC-UA I would welcome comments upon their suitabilty; given that I shall need approximately 70 switches, I would purchase 100 so as to have a reserve against failure. Regards, John Isherwood.

If you're going to enjoy being a member of this group, you really do need to get a sense of humour. Having fun and trying to raise a smile is part and parcel of what this group is about. Chill out, and don't take offence so easily - if you can do that you'll be amazed at the help that you'll get. Take umbrage at even the mildest attempt at humour, and people will loose interest in your postings. Regards, John Isherwood.

The ex-LMS kitchen car must be one of the easiest types to produce for the modeller - Airfix / Hornby 50' BG + Comet sides and other bits - no visible interior to speak of. Regards, John Isherwood.

Frankly, the TV series renditions are laughable - stick to the books and model them as the author intended them to look. Regards, John Isherwood.

I take it that's a twelve-wheeled dining car? Regards, John Isherwood.

Now you don't really believe that was what I was advocating - and if you do, what made you think that? Regards, John Isherwood.

They do indeed - and I have many of them; and they can be made to run with as little rolling resistance as lighterweight plastic or resin bogies. I was not commenting specifically on LB - rather against the general impression given that scale length authentic trains somehow have to be heavy, and therefore require kit or scratchbuilt locos. I was suggesting that any coach for which etched sides are available; (or any coach for which you are prepared to scratchbuild brass or plastic card sides); can be made to run sufficiently well that an RTR loco should be able to handle scale length trains. Some believe that this would be purely a process of reducing weight, and that was the basis of my suggestions. Personally, I believe that the principal factor is reducing rolling resistance, and this need not involve obsessive concentration on weight reduction. In summation, I do believe that those who choose to rely on RTR locos should still be able to operate authentic scale length trains, given ordinary modelling experience and careful application. Regards, John Isherwood.

With traditional coach kit building, maybe. However, if the approach of RTR donor coaches with etched sides is adopted, there need not be a significant increase in loading over unmodified RTR coaches fitted with pin-point bearings. If the roof profile offends, there is surely an opening for 3D printing / resin cast, if replacement aluminium extrusions carry too much of a weight penalty; (which I doubt). Similarly, cast whitemetal bogies are surely old hat in this day-and-age; lighter 3D printed / resin cast ones should be a doddle for those practised in those arts. The bottom line, though, is not the weight of the coaches but the frictional resistance which they apply - a free-running kit-built coach can easily present less drag that a poorly set-up RTR coach. Regards, John Isherwood.

Funny though - given the VERY close match between ICI corporate blue-green and Rail Blue - Dr. B. came from ICI !! Regards, John Isherwood.

Having just reviewed my photos of 10203, I note that the last photo amongst them, probably taken at Derby after withdrawal, shows that the loco was fitted, probably late in life, with a pair of standard 'trumpet' horns in place of the whistle that was carried for most of its life. Something to bear in mind if, like me, you intend producing a 'parallel universe' 10203 which survive longer that it did in this universe. I also note that, despite the engine-room drop windows being open, the engines are not visible in photos. Mine will receive a coat of the same 'grot' that will be applied to the roof. Regards, John Isherwood.

I'd guess that it's a cut-and-shut repair. If she fell into a turntable pit and bent the cab to that extent, the tender wouldn't have got away scot-free. Perhaps a scrap tender was cannibalised to repair the front end? Regards, John Isherwood. (.... or perhaps someone's been playing with Photoshop)?

Mine is scheduled for a grey roof and black wheel tyres - and Hornby Dublo / Peco couplers. Regards, John Isherwood.

Just a trick of the lighting - they're all primrose yellow. Regards, John Isherwood.

Herewith BR diagram. Regards, John Isherwood.

The bogies on the TIERWAG are the BR version of the GWR plate-frame wagon bogie, with a WB quoted on the BR diagram as 6'-7'' at 44'-0'' centres; (on a ferry wagon, I'll bet that the bogie WB was actually 2.0 metres). There were six BR TIERWAGS, nos. B909200 - B909205; though I believe there were some PO ones, too. Regards, John isherwood.

It's actually quite a good model of the BR Diagram 2/293 TIERWAG - predecessor to the Newton Chambers ANGLO-SCOTTISH CAR CARRIER; the latter was actually just an enclosed TIERWAG. The Ebay specimen is missing the central two deck section that raised and lowered to give access the depressed lower deck. I have not checked the Tri-ang moulding against a drawing, but it may well be that the Ebay example could be useful for correcting the inevitable compromises in the model. Very little can be said to have no use whatsoever in railway modelling - hence our carefully hoarded 'bits' boxes! Regards, John Isherwood.

Engine Detection Bar? Regards, John Isherwood.

It is indeed the 4mm. scale Dave Alexander kit - running on two Black Beetles. Regards, John Isherwood.

Just to keep you going ........... Regards, John Isherwood.

.... but after 18000 and 18100 / E1000 / E2001. Regards, John Isherwood.

Since older and more recent DC locos seem to have different power / control requirements, it is perfectly possible to have two or more controllers with a selector switched supply to the track. This way, the selected transformer / controller can be matched to the requirements of the loco in use. It works for me !! Regards, John Isherwood.

..... and I've got a slice of rail as a paper-weight - perks of arranging for the pumping station museum in Newmarket Road to have a set of pointwork from the St. Mary's Street terminus. Regards, John Isherwood.

Thanks all - very helpful. Regards, John Isherwood.

Yes. Regards, John Isherwood. Of course not - we look forward to numerous positive postings. Regards, John Isherwood.

Chuffing Hell !! For someone with six posts, you seem to be having a lot of bad luck in a short time!!! Two Barclays and two Dean Goods? Perhaps you may have more luck with model aircraft? Regards, John Isherwood.