Marshall5

I'm pretty sure that 46443 was in unlined black at withdrawal and went to the SVR in that condition. The photo below from April1969 shows it before repainting into lined black. Ray.

England's only remaining gasworks at Fakenham, Norfolk has been preserved http://fakenhamgasmuseum.com/ and some period photos here https://fakenhamcommunityarchive.weebly.com/the-gasworks.html Ray.

I agree, as dated photos show 1450 at Oxford (6/62) and Tiverton (7/62) in lined green, late crest and no top feed. I found a photo of 1450 in black with early crest (with top feed) at Marlow but that was in 1954. I'd be tempted to think that the loco is misidentified rather than the date. Did the loco in the photo have a top feed? 1462 and 1466 both worked the Tiverton branch in 1962 and both were in black with early crest up to withdrawal - but both had top feed ...... What do you think? Cheers, Ray.

If I have to spray (in the garage) in cold weather I leave the rattle cans in the airing cupboard overnight and warm the model with a hair dryer immediately before spraying. Ray.

Interestingly (to me anyway!), preserved Standard 2 78018 runs with the tender chassis (it had a new tank) from Ivatt 2 46464. Ray.

A lovely model. I was hoping that Robert might do it in 7mm scale. Here's one in 12": 1' scale. Ray.

I think we are getting confused here. Slaters standard axles should be fine for Peco track. I think the OP needs to update us once he has checked the coupling rod centres and put spacer washers on the axles. Ray.

This is a 7mm scale G.W. Simplex I built from an Impetus kit c. 30 yrs ago. Ray.

If the wheels are correctly seated on the axle shoulders and are running true I would suggest checking that your coupling rod centres are exactly the same as your axle centres as Rosspop describes. Apart from 'crossing drop' (which most people just live with) you shouldn't have a problem with Slater's wheels on Peco track as this is probably the most commonly used combination used by 7mm scale modellers. Best of luck. Ray.

We'll just have to agree to differ - no big deal. Ray.

Well last week IoM Railways tried to convert 2 tram horses into 'reindeer' by the fitting of red plastic 'antlers'. Not very convincing IMO. Cheers, Ray.

Sorry but I have to disagree with some of this. If the deflector plate (scoop) is in the correct position any secondary air is directed down to mix with the combustion gases above the firebed before passing over the brick arch and into the tubes. Thus the secondary air is thoroughly mixed and heated before reaching the tubeplate. The firedoors are often left 'cracked' open to admit more secondary air in order to reduce smoke and G.W. locos are fitted with a flap which can be left in the raised position with the firedoors wide open for the same purpose. Similarly it is not usually necessary to close the doors between each shovelful unless the loco is steaming poorly and it is common practice to leave the doors wide open for the entire 'round' to be fired only then to be partly/wholly closed. IMO this whole 'leaving the doors open causes leaky tubes' is a bit of an 'old wives tale'. Again, sorry to disagree. Cheers, Ray.

Hi Mol. Sounds like an interesting project. I can't remember if you've had this photo of Kitson 73 given to me by my late friend Jim Peden but I've attached it anyway. Presumably you're aware of the Hunslet and Hudswell (long & short tanks) in Dave Ragstone's Agenoria kit range http://www.ragstonemodels.co.uk/agenoria.html . I believe these are examples of the earlier (and better IMO) Agenoria kits. Looking forward to following the Kitson build. Cheers, Ray.

I'm thinking that that's the 7mm scale Lionheart by Dapol 45xx. Ray.

I don't think it's a silly question - we can all learn by asking questions. The issue of black smoke from steam locos is one that is going to be increasingly under the spotlight. Certain coals will produce more than others but adjusting one's firing technique to suit the coal being used can reduce the problem. In the photo above it appears to me that the fireman has put on a heavy round of coal shortly before the driver has shut off for the station slow/stop. As the regulator was closed the fire would be starved of air and combustion would be incomplete releasing black smoke. Possibly the slow/stop was unexpected or there was poor communication between the driver and an inexperienced fireman. I was on a FS steam hauled special from Lecco to Milano via Como in June 2019. The photo below shows the 740 running into Lecco with a 'clean' chimney. Cheers, Ray.

Wouldn't Fenchurch St. services be served by Plaistow shed? Ray.

I haven't got many from the era that you are modelling but a lot of mid 60's B+W negs of the old steam shed that were left to me. Anyway here's a few more from 1980 that show the area in your model... Ray.

That looks familiar....... Ray.

The official change date was May 1950. Obviously it would take several years for all stock to be standardized with the numbers at the right hand end. Ray.

Of the 75 Austerity 0-6-0ST's sold to the LNER and classified as J94 six were sold into industrial service between 1963 and 1965. Of these 2 are preserved, 68077 and 68078. As far as I am aware none of the ex LNER (J94) locos ever worked in the Lancashire coalfield. All the Austerities in that area were purchased secondhand from the WD or built new for the NCB. Bold and Bickershaw collieries had regular steam working into the early 80's. Ray.

They retained their GWR bogies. Ray.

Here's a few more for Dan's list. 1600 NCB Risca 7/59 to /63 1607 NCB 9/65 to 1/69 3663 NCB scr before 1970 7714 " Penallta 7754 " Mtn. Ash 9600 " Merthyr Vale 9692 " Mardy 9424 Open Cast site /63 to12/70 9480 Used by scrap merchants lifting RS&B line. 68089 (Y7) sold to contractor rebuilding Morecambe sea wall 1952 scrapped on site afterwards. Ray.

Et voila.... Ray.

Rustoleum red oxide primer is reckoned to be a pretty good match. Ray.

The wheel dia is 3' 9 1/8". Sorry but I can't help with the wheelbase. Ray.