Tom F

Guilty as charged!

'That b*gg*r David just nipped in front of me! Doesn't he know we can't brake!' Yelled driver Bill Thwaite

Just replied (apologies in the delay)

I have a Hornby modified Toad, with Ruabon branding in BR Grey. Only loco in green was a 74XX which retained grubby green throughout its life. I was modelling late 1950s so most things are black.

Afternoon all. I have some developments. A large number of the Pannier's are now sold to my friend Geoff Taylor, along with one of the Bala Toads. I do have left one 74XX, 57XX and a 58XX. Additionally I have three kit built coaches, E147, E157 and E167 Non corridor Brake's. The E157 and E167s are not available as kits. I had the sides commissioned by Worsley Works and the rest were made from Comet components and built by jwealleans of this parish. Ideally I'd like these to be sold with the layout but I understand that might not be possible. I almost decided to not sell the layout and stock over the weekend, but I was then reminded of the new projects I really want to work on...... now is the time to let it all go.

David is back this morning to check on the Shorthorns.

They are a fantastic range Rodney! Which reminds me I should really finish the rest of my kit piling up!

Thanks Chris, they are the Rodney Stenning Talyllyn style bolster, which I think is now under the Dundas Models label.

David Vickers, farms high on the hillside looking over the Benglas and Hawin Dooiey valleys. The farmstead has been in the family for several generations. David has a prize herd of Sudrian Shorthorns which graze the valley floor, which gives David access to the forestry tracks. With the cattle all accounted for, David heads back up the Scaca Fell track with his two border collies, Fly and Nell. Just in time for tea and piece of home made fruit cake, baked this morning by his wife Julia.

Simmering in the exchange sidings. Fireman Ben Taylforth has the footplate to himself, while driver Bill Thwaite has a wander up the yard to have a chat with a few of the quarry lads.

More War Department arrivals pass by the forestry crossing.

Thank you for all the kind comments. I am genuinely touched. There will be some stock available, but at the moment I'm unsure how much. Geoff Taylor (of Barmouth Junction) is now working on Bala Junction and it looks like he maybe having some of the stock, but not all of it. I'll have a better idea in a week's time. I'm very much hoping someone maybe interested in Cwm Prysor. The space in the shed will certainly help with my current 'Sudrian projects'.

Emerging through the woods, No. 3 'SIR HANDEL' passes by with a mysterious goods train.....little branding other than the initials 'M O D'. In 1953 the MOD approached Sir Handel Brown II, regarding the purchasing of the Ward Fell Quarry. The quarry had recently been closed, and its future looked bleak. Negotiations took time while the site was cleared of the last workable slate. The MOD still had one of its ammo dumps in situ at Ward Fell from the War, so began increasing its goods working as well as bringing in other large amounts of infrastructure. "The Whitehall boffins think we do not know what goes on behind their locked gates. Let them think. It is not the first time they have underestimated the Sodor grape-vine; but their secret is safe with us. If you, dear reader, are Sudrian born you will know it already; but if you have not had that good fortune then we regret that we cannot enlighten you.'' W. V. Awdry

Farewell to Cwm Prysor…. I have made the difficult decision to sell Cwm Prysor. I feel the layout got mixed up in the baggage of my Dad’s death and it’s time to let it go and move on. Feel free to get in touch if anyone is interested. Some of the stock maybe available for separate negation.

With it now being revealed that Crovan's Gate has a triangle. Locos can be depicted smokebox or cab first. It evens out the flange wear after all! No. 2 make a start away from Ward Fell with another load of slate for the Wharf at Crovan's Gate.

Morning folks! On with the war department brake. Hope to get it finished over the coming week.

No. 2 'RHENEAS' propels W.D vans towards the Ward Fell ammo depot.

By late 1940, it had become clear that this war wasn't going to be over any time soon. The War Department, looking to increase its number of ammunition depots across the British Isles, made contact with Sir Handel Brown, owner of the Ward Fell Slate Quarry and Skarloey Railway, enquiring as to the purchase of some of the old disused slate workings. Sir Handel Brown, wasn't too keen to sell off parts of his quarry, with slate production increasing due to wartime demand. However, he did wish to do his bit for king and country and agreed to a lease of the old workings to the W.D. Goods work was already increasing on the Skarloey Railway, with timber and the aforementioned slate production. With this new addition of ammunition trains, it became clear very quickly that the two old engines No. 1 'SKARLOEY' and No. 2 'RHENEAS' wouldn't be able to handle the work alone. The Government, in this time of national crisis agreed to the loan of two diesel locomotives to the railway. However, until they arrive (which could be some time).....No. 1 and No. 2 will have to cope as best they can....

Something is going on at Ward Fell....all very hush hush....

All set for weathering. 1940s and 1950s/60s branding.

I've worked on a van an evening over the past three nights after work, adding the black strapping. The weathering will hide any of the 'rough around the edges' bits, but the next job is transfers. These sides and ends, represent the 1940s W.D livery. The other side and end being plain grey to reflect the MoD branding, for the 1950s/60s. The wagons will be rotated for this later operating period.

All can be revealed. @BritishGypsum4 and myself went on an adventure.....a rather damp adventure.

Just the brake gear to add, which I’ll do tomorrow evening. Superb kits to build! I’ll get these three finished and then start on the next batch (including the brake).

Funny you should mention that! More tomorrow....

Thanks Chris, well I have a little more to show: Some mysterious shunting manoeuvres have been spotted at Ward Fell. Superb kits to go together. Tonight I'll add the top opening roof sections and brake gear, ready for painting.