Andy R

21 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Andy,

 

We're in 'drought' conditions here! Though it's not been very warm.

 

I should also have thanked those who've bought models over the last month and a half (in some cases paying more than I asked! Particular thanks to Al in this respect, who bought all three locos you donated). Chris, of Bomber County Models, should also be thanked for the very good prices he gave me for RTR items donated from a few sources.

 

Right now, I have absolutely nothing to sell on behalf of CRUK or bereaved families, but monetary donations still keep coming in..............

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Wonderful effort by you Tony and Mo- to keep up the momentum of contributing to this cause over many years.

My personal thanks to Al ( obviously I don’t know Al personally) for buying my three donated GWR locos from Tony and hopefully enjoying upgrading them for use.

regards Andy R

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

Readers might be interested to know that this morning I sent off a cheque for £900.00 to CRUK.

 

Over the last six weeks, this includes donated models being sold (thanks again, Andy and Ben), direct donations into our CRUK box on our stand, donations for my fixing models, donations for my tutoring and donations made by visitors placed in the CRUK box on the end of Little Bytham. 

 

Thank you all for making such generous contributions; and there'll be more to come! 

Very pleased to read this Tony. Very happy to have helped… from a cold and damp NZ winter 🥶 

Test

53 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

I'm delighted to report that the three non-motored GWR locos which were donated for CRUK have now sold; for more than I was asking!

 

Many thanks, Al.

I am equally delighted Tony. Great outcome. Steady stream of visitors to the shed I notice. Oh what fun. What better way to spend a day? 

regards Andy R

3 minutes ago, Andy R said:

 

 

My apologies...seem to have hit wrong button with my earlier reply. Try again.....

Tony; thank you for the most comprehensive and informative reply to my query regarding kit built loco values/prices. Yours and other responses will guide me as I try to sell some more in the UK on next visit next summer.

With regard to the donated locos, I really hope these do not become a 'burden' for you. That was not the intent of course; rather to assist in getting further money for CRUK. Ill keep my figures crossed on this and hope they will go to a good home and generate some pounds for CRUK.

regards Andy R

16 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

In answer to your second question, Andy..............

 

With difficulty at times!

 

A few examples............

 

 

 

This was a loco (as with all the following) which came from the estate of a deceased modeller. As it stood (literally), it was a complete dud with respect to its working. It's mainly scratch-built (with a Comet tender). In order to make it 'valuable', I mechanically rebuilt it, and fitted £80.00's worth of DJH motor/gearbox combination; then sold it for £200.00 (my contribution being my time). I couldn't imagine anyone buying it as a non-runner.

 

 

 

Two DJH 'Duchesses'; the top one rather grotty, the bottom one much better. Both ran (the lower one very well), yet I sold them both together for around the cost of a complete unbuilt DJH kit. Could I have got more? Possibly, but I'm not 'in business'. 

 

 

A twin-Portescap-driven LMS Beyer Garratt. I had a potential buyer for this, but only if it were in BR guise..........

 

 

So, I asked Geoff Hanes to do just that; which he did, perfectly. It then made £250.00.

 

 

A selection. By far the most-valuable was the Bradwell J27, being beautifully-built and a lovely runner. The others were 'adequate', and all went to happy homes. 

 

One might have thought that, there being no RTR-equivalent, the D20 might have been the most-desirable, but it wasn't 'top drawer' so to speak. By the way, the moment an RTR equivalent appears, the value of a kit-built loco for the same can plummet (as was the case with the forthcoming G5).

 

 

A bit of a paradox in a way. Not a bad build of a DJH A1, and quite well-painted, but a horror story as a runner- ear defenders being needed!

 

I sold it to a friend (at a low cost because of its poor running - in had three 'speeds'; stationary, fast and even-faster!) and he considered re-motoring it, but decided against it (even though he detailed/weathered it). 

 

So............

 

 

I bought it back off him, rebuilt the frames/pick-ups and installed a new motor. I'm happy to say, it now runs on LB, though it wouldn't have done prior to my 'fixing' it. 

 

Here's my dilemma in a way. I don't have time to mechanically-rebuild so many kit-built locos which pass through my hands (a surprisingly large number [or is it?] which don't run well). Some need no more than a tweak, clean and oil, but, in many cases, a new drive (at least) is required. To factor that sort of cost in (and if I charged for my time!) would make many locos un-saleable. So, I do my best. 

 

 

Another 'problem' loco. Built from a Millholme kit for an A2/2 (Ugh!!!), it's got a banjo dome and a far-too-fat tender. Not only that, it's devoid of much detail and ran poorly. What to do? Hornby had not long released its RTR equivalent, so this went for around £75.00. It really was the best I could hope for, so thanks to a friend for buying it.

 

 

Another 'not so sure'.

 

Who fits banjo domes on to post-War LNER Pacifics? The builder of this SE Finecast A3 did. Not only that, it didn't run that well. 

 

So, off with the dome, fix on a replacement (which Geoff Haynes match-painted perfectly) and then make sure it ran.........

 

 

Perfectly, on Little Bytham. 

 

Not only that.............

 

 

I thought the original front numberplate was poor, so fitted one of Ian Wilson's Pacific types, and Geoff Haynes weathered her beautifully (which he has to be paid for, of course). I also substituted Markits bogie wheels - the originals (don't know their origin) were very fine - too fine for OO. 

 

Why go to all this trouble? Because it makes a loco much more-saleable at a greater price than left as they were (important to widows/distressed families, especially as 10% of all sales goes to CRUK). 

 

The most I've ever got for an individual model.............

 

 

Was £750.00 for this Finney A3 in EM. However, it turned out to be a better-looker than a runner, and has needed more spending on it and a lot of extra work (I feel a bit guilty, though I cannot guarantee the work of others). It's an excellent example of a 'glass case' model, which many kit-built locos I see are best at! 

 

Now, to those models you donated............

 

 

 

 

 

Not having any motors makes them more difficult to sell, though I tried at the weekend; with no success at all! Even reducing the prices to £50.00 for the tender locos and £40.00 for the 94XX, brought no response at all (other than 'If they had motors, I'd buy them straight away' at an increased cost, of course). 

 

I'll try next weekend at Ely. 

 

I hope the above answer some of your queries.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

Hi Tony:

I have to say that is a very comprehensive response, beautifully illustrated and with great information. I cannot thank you enough for the generous time and care you take to answer many such queries like this on WW's. You are a busy man indeed!

Yours and the other responses give me guidance into the future, when I next bring some other kit locos across to the UK to sell. Thank you.

With regard to the donated locos, I hope these don't become a 'burden' for you; That was not the intent, instead hoping to generate some money for CRUK. I really hope that happens, thank you for trying.

regards Andy R

16 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 05/05/2023 at 05:04, Tony Wright said:

Thanks for that Andy,

 

I had the pleasure of the company of two Australians today, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves (though there was one derailment!). They're on an extended 'railway' trip to the UK - travelling behind steam where possible (though the Royal Scot broke down at Lockerbie) and visiting as many shows and individual layouts as possible. Little Bytham was on the itinerary, and, at very short notice (thanks Sandra) the incomparable Retford this afternoon. 

 

Later in the afternoon, a friend from Stafford came (he was in the area), and he enjoyed himself running LB.

 

I'm delighted with the comments written in my visitors' book. 

 

Visitors are always welcome to see LB; there are more next week! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Tony;

Now back home in NZ. Reflecting on my visit to your wonderful layout I have a query or two:

1. Is it possible for you to post a couple of photos of the simple coach coupler system you use- between coaches and between coach and loco? They work so well and get rid of those ghastly rtr ones.

2. Do you have any advice as to how one puts a ‘value’ on kit built locos that can be put up for sale? How do you arrive at a fair price? Other group members may have a view also?

Cheers- Andy R 

NZ

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks for that Andy,

 

I had the pleasure of the company of two Australians today, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves (though there was one derailment!). They're on an extended 'railway' trip to the UK - travelling behind steam where possible (though the Royal Scot broke down at Lockerbie) and visiting as many shows and individual layouts as possible. Little Bytham was on the itinerary, and, at very short notice (thanks Sandra) the incomparable Retford this afternoon. 

 

Later in the afternoon, a friend from Stafford came (he was in the area), and he enjoyed himself running LB.

 

I'm delighted with the comments written in my visitors' book. 

 

Visitors are always welcome to see LB; there are more next week! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Those Aussie’s are on a ‘dream’ holiday- lucky them!
All the visitor book comments I read were highly appreciative and deserved.

Andy 

PS- thanks for mailing back the cap.

10 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Good evening Andy,

 

It was our pleasure, and thanks for your hospitality at lunchtime.

 

As usual, Little Bytham performed faultlessly, but I didn't; too busy wind-bagging on my part to set the correct roads/switches at times, but all great fun. Thanks for driving so diligently.

 

And, particular thanks for your donation for sale on behalf of CRUK of the following three locos.........

 

 

A 94XX; SE Finecast kit, I think.

 

 

A County 4-4-0; again, I think, SE Finecast.

 

 

And an Earl (I think it's an Earl, judging by its name). This is built from an etched brass kit.

 

You say you bought bought them from the estate of a deceased NZ modeller. Nicely built/painted, none has a motor/gears, though the chassis are free-running. I probably don't have the time to fit motors, though it shouldn't be beyond any half-decent modeller's skills to do so. I'm holding fire for the moment to assess what's best (though if anyone is interested, and would like to venture a tentative offer, please PM me). 

 

Once again, many thanks for your generosity. Enjoy Stamford tomorrow morning, and have a safe journey back home.

 

Did your pictures turn out?

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

Tony- it was very enjoyable. Yes locos made by a friend who died and I acquired from his estate. Couldn’t get their original boxes at that time. I hope someone here in Uk can finish them and donate funds to your worthy cause. Photos fine and a great record of my time there.👍
Andy R

As a regular reader ( but not contributor) to WW’s I would like to record my thanks here to Tony for inviting me to share most of today with him in his shed; running Little Bytham and trying to set the world to right as well. But, the latest news updates confirm that we didn’t successfully right the world… but we did enjoy working through the train sequence and chatting over numerous topics. 

Tony and I have never met before. Tony invited me to see his layout on this latest trip to UK from New Zealand via WWs. I’m glad he did and that I accepted! 
Thank you Tony and Mo for hosting me. It was great fun. 
I will try and make it again on subsequent trip. 
Andy R. 
PS; local Stamford beer tastes ok 👍

On 19/03/2023 at 03:56, Tony Wright said:

Good afternoon Rodent,

 

I've never ever contemplated making 'working' doors on models, but I have built some wagon/van kits with open doors...........

 

 

 

A standard Parkside 12T van with its door modelled half-open. Geoff West's little porter will have to open the door a little wider to get that barrel in. 

 

 

Bytham's coal was delivered in a wagon, and then dumped on the ground to be bagged by local merchants.

 

 

 

The coal merchant's name is a piece of sheer self-indulgence (courtesy of a friend).

 

The wagon once stood on the end of a siding of John Houlden's East Ranford. 

 

As a birthday present on one occasion............

 

 

 

 

I modified a standard Bachmann 16T mineral wagon for Ian Wilson, just cutting out part of the floor.

 

 

To see service on his Edenham branch. I also cut out one side door.

 

 

As with all these examples, they're just static models.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

Superb modelling of little every-day (once) scenes there Tony. Cant wait to see these details in the forthcoming visit. Thanks for sharing.

Andy R

9 hours ago, Jesse Sim said:

We’ve got to keep him on his toes! 

Crickey….I’m having my first visit to ‘Wright towers’ in early May, travelling from Kiwi land. I’m worried now that there might be a “naughty corner” for us ANZACs…..😎

I’ll take my chances……..Andy R

Les- we had no issues with the cyclone here at home; just pool cleanup. Some slips in vulnerable places around harbour. Little and often modelling better than none Les.

The videos were a bit of fun from friend Kevin who likes playing around with such things.

UK trip does include a ride on Severn Valley railway, Snowden Mountain railway and Festineog.👍🚂

Hey Les and New Years greetings.

Sorry we didn’t meet up.
Yes we try to drag in the younger engine drivers on the Drivertrain layout and it seems to be popular- especially when they get a certificate!

It was a very successful show financially for the club after several cancelled shows. New venue helped.

Hope your excellent modelling continues to bring joy?
I have ‘bursts’ of enthusiasm. Small group running night last night was fun here. When terminal area finished the next thing I’d to install the central train turntable which is made and stored in garage awaiting its move into train room. This will eventually allow whole trains to be turned and sent back to terminus.

Im also slowly installing KD couplers on rolling stock ( not easy when no NEM pockets. A work in progress. Experiment with neodymium magnets set into track underway to assist uncoupling rather than using expensive KD magnets.

Thats an update on the layout.

Back to uk family in April/ May and setting up a visit to Tony Wrights Little Bytham.

cheers, Andy

New year greetings from NZ. More detailing on the boatyard/ goods yard scene at Melcombe Regis; the seaside terminus of my layout. The water is ready for water effect with Deluxe Aqua product ( no association).
 The white rail fence was constructed in brass by a friend and weathered by me. A new addition is the red brick industrial building behind the boatyard and  adjacent to the track leading off scene. This was an old cardboard kit salvaged long ago which I have reclad in Slaters brick plastic card and weathered. It will just provide another background scene to the station. 

thanks- Andy R

Superb scenic work. Inspirational.

Andy R

Hi- the rocks are really well done.

Andy R

Absolutely superb collection of layout photos I’ve just looked through in the last few pages Tony. Thanks so much for sharing them particularly as I’ll never see many of them when living in NZ.
What a wonderful way to spend one’s working life; visiting, discussing and photographing superb modelling. And you build your own layout and stock as well….!

Im in awe I don’t mind admitting. 
regards Andy R. 

15 hours ago, t-b-g said:

One of the good things about the internet in general and RMWeb in particular is that we can interact and get involved with people from all over the place. People we may never have even known about without the wonders of modern technology.

 

So although nothing is perfect, we have much to be thankful to Andy York (and everybody involved in keeping the forum going) for.

Absolutely agree with this Tony. Without this forum connection I would not have been able to make contact with you and fulfil a long time aim of seeing Buckingham Central in all its glory in your shed. The fact that I can arrange that and travel from NZ, then up north, then spend time talking and (hesitantly) running Peter Denny’s masterpiece at least twice so far, is testimony to this wonderful forum’s connectivity. Long may it continue!

And to add, Mr Wright has invited this average kiwi modeller to see the famous Little Bytham… looking forward to organising details.

 Thanks Tony G and Tony W… from down under.

Andy R

And as Covid isolation boredom really sinks in in our Sydney apartment/ hotel thingy, Ive reached back into the files and found another couple of shots; the County Class 4-4-0 heading a passenger stopper out of Hawkinsfield Junction toward the seaside terminus of Melcombe Regis. 
At least there’s test cricket later….

Post Christmas 2022; 

Stuck in Sydney with Covid after t trip over from NZ to visit family. Annoying, and travel plans disrupted!

While in isolation and hopefully recovery I thought I would reach into my photo files for a couple. 
Dean Goods pulls out of Hawkinsfield Junction yard heading west towards the viaduct, and then onto viaduct.

Estuary scene at edge of the seaside terminus called Melcombe Regis is nearly finished now. Little details like the life buoy and boats have been 3D printed by a friend. Now I want to find a suitable workman ( kneeling or bending over) beside  the dinghy on the quayside, and finally pour the estuary water. I’ve got some DeLuxe aqua bottle mix for that. 
A couple of today’s shots…

Aren’t the H & M duettes amazing pieces of kit! Mine brought in 1980 from the old Hattons in Liverpool while travelling in uk on our OE… still going strong for my small, DC only branch line layout. Simple and effective. 

Thanks Les. Nearly finished scene now- just needs suitable people, details like rope, tools etc and repainted/ old boats from somewhere. These following photos show progress after couple of days.