Mallard60022

I'm sure I've seen this cottage on a TV programme some years back. It was something to do with moving in and doing it up in the days before all those makeover programmes started!!! By the way Spams, superb buildings. I'm inspired! I'm also very envious of the layout. Sincerely, Phil R. 36E

Not only a 15 BUT an excellent coach in Engineers' livery too! Why did I not notice these things when it mattered? 36E

That light blue one with the small white dots and name to do with children was at Donny Decoy today, facing south at 11.15. (Sorry I don't really know anything about diesels). I was driving over the bridge from the M18 slip at Potteric so no pic I'm sorry. 36E

Ian: the ash ballast is, well, ash! Ash from the fire crushed down and sieved to a fine grain and then laid as normal ballast would be. Some different coloured ashes were used in different locations (e.g. where locos stand and outside the shed). I think some powdered chalk was also used to add different colours, such as the reddish tinge to the Down line where the full ore trains would deposit pellets along the track. Hope this helps, Arp Hi Arp and friends. I didn't notice this about the ash on first browse. I have a wood pellet boiler at work and the ash/residue is really good for various scenic uses including ash!!!! It is a bit messy and varies in consistency from almost dust to granules which would be good in 4mm for slaggy coal or slag or similar! Most of the stuff though is just the right scale for scenics, well in 4mm anyway. I also think it could be used by modern image bods as pulverised coal loads as on MGR. I could supply a picture of some of the stuff if required. Very sincerely, 36E

Oh YES. It's back. This layout has inspired me to extend and modify my pre used EM layout based in the NE (Trafalgar Yard) as well as spending far too much on NER loco kits and appropriate wagons for the era/area. I have to say that it is easily one of the best layouts scenically that I have ever seen and the photographs are great. On a lighter note there is, on this latest posting, even a piccy of a Northern bus. My late Granny of Consett (60's) would not use these as she preferred the Yellow buses (Newcastle City Transport?) which were ".... much more comfy hinny!" Keep the info comping Arps. Sincerely, Phil @36E

Every time I see new pics of this shed I am truly inspired! Interesting point - I never realised/remembered how close the main line came to the depot roads. Obviously not something you notice at 15 when trying to avoid the foremen! Sincerely, 36E

Old Hornby tender drive 9F I presume? Wonder if Mr G Arrow will adapt his mould to newer loco driven model? Thanks. Phil

That looks quite good. Which conversion? 36E

Oh wow! The 'external shots' take me straight back to the bridge entrance and looking down that seemingly so long stairway to heaven and would we be spotted by the foreman? This is just getting better and better. 36E

A friend of mine saw these parts; wow factor!!!!! Sincerely, and have a superb Festive Season. looking forward to seeing the finished item in 2010. Sincerely, 36E

Just right for me as I am just weathering my most recent kit built (simple plastic) wagons. I am too lazy to get out the air brush yet and so have used the brush technique Mr S demonstrated at a weekend workshop I attended at Hobby Holidays. First coat only so far! Lovely looking wagons and VG effects so far; keep the pics comimg please. 36E:)

To you many 'experienced' Clayton owners, a question. To convert my new machine to EM do I need to Ultrascaleise or can it be done otherwise? Alternatively, is it unwise to do anything to it in case it expires? Hope someone can help and if this needs to go in the Advice section, so be it! Thanks, p.

Great pics. So what does one of these beasts really sound like (the Utube clips are mostly rail noise)? Ta. Class 69

I'm so looking forward to seeing this when complete. Phil R 82E

Look at that; almost as I remember the real thing. Clank,boing; clank,boing - and chuffing in 3/4 time. I'll get my coat. Phil

The main line express milks from Devon to East/ Capital generally used light Pacifics and usually had a brake coach or coaches. Ns and smaller loco's worked around Devon & Cornwall; not so sure about elsewhere so it is a great excuse to browse loads of books!! Hope this is of help? Sincerely, Full Fat Bloke.