John Isherwood

1978 is the year that Jeremy Cumberland (above) quotes as being when integral tail lights were permitted on DMUs. I profess no personal knowledge in that respect, but was around through the 1950s / 60s / 70s, and gained the impression from close contact with railways that there was considerable resistance, on all sides, to progress. Just the view of a layman, but public perceptions can be vital to any industry. John Isherwood.

I'm afraid that 'Baldwin 30762's post suggests that he is very confused - or is, in fact, 'rue-d-etropal'. Either way, the message to the latter person is, I'm afraid, that you are 'flogging a dead horse'. A collection of intellectual property is one thing, but it is effectively valueless unless potential purchasers can see images of the ultimate models in printed form. I am far from the first to make the above point, and this is not the first time that I have made it. However, I return to the subject in the hope that the gentleman in question will accept fact, however disappointing it may be for him. John Isherwood.

What you have recounted is, IMHO, the essence of why the 1960s - 70s railways were entrenched in the past. Whilst railway technology was undergoing probably the greatest updating in its history, the Rule Book was static between 1950 and 1978. Where is there any evidence that management and unions had any wish to work together to improve public service and working conditions, in order to take maximum advantage of the benefits of modern technology? It is incredible that 19th Century tail lamping practices continued for twenty-eight years, with all of the extra workload and expense involved. Was there no mutual motivation to move with the times and gain the benefits? I can see that the Rule Book is the bedrock of rail safety, but such essential documents MUST be regularly reviewed, with a willingness on both sides to eliminate outdated practices. John Isherwood.

I would have thought that a crane would be quite likely. Most such apparatus was painted with micaceous iron oxide paint - that slightly sparkly, mid-grey paint - widely used on railway bridges, etc. John Isherwood.

I think that 'Hayfield' is being deliberately obtuse - and that some people are rising to the bait! John Isherwood.

I can't speak for him, of course, but Stewart MAY be prepared to give the chassis a clean / remag. John Isherwood.

Is it an early Zenith? Either way, it would be a shame to 'pollute' an historic model with a modern motor / gearbox. What's more, assembling and fitting something like a HL gearbox / coreless motor may not be too easy between those thick slab brass frames. Minimal intervention - a thorough clean and a remag. - would be my prescription. John Isherwood.

That motor is ANCIENT - pre-dating Romford and K's, I'd guess. It's interesting from a historical perspective, being contemporary with the (scratchbuilt?) chassis. It is possible to remagnetise motors - I believe a member here offers that service. It would be worth an enquiry, if it meant that the model could be restored 'all of a piece'. John Isherwood.

Looks like the model has been selectively foreshortened. John Isherwood.

....... unless you are intent upon NOT grasping it for some reason! John Isherwood.

The Airfix and Lima SIPHONs were, at the time, a revolution in body detailing and accuracy. OK, the chassis were 'generic', but that was easily remedied by those of us who cared. They, and the Airfix RTR coaches, sent me down the detailing / cut & shut road! John Isherwood.

Australia! John Isherwood.

Not that I will be indulging in this project* - but, if I were, I would either remove or fold under the lower flange, and solder a wire to represent the vac. pipe. It would probably, as you say, not be noticed - but I would know if I failed to do so, and it would 'bug' me! John Isherwood. * No reflection on the project - I have an absolute BAN on new acquisitions, due to age versus available modelling time / inclination!

Agreed - there is no substitute for money spent on reference material / publications. It is not possible to accurately model anything unless you have a reasonable understanding of its function. Far too often, new modellers feel that the cost of reference books and quality tools would be better spent on shiny new RTR models! John Isherwood.

I'm pretty sure that most dewponds were man-made; in a limestone area such as this it would be necessary to line the pond with clay to prevent the water soaking away. Of the dewponds that I have seen, most / all had a stone apron / lining above the clay, which presumably protected the clay lining from damage from cattle hooves, and to allow periodic removal of accumulated silt. John Isherwood.