HerbertHopkins

Glad you chose that loco and not 61662 - that really would be rubbing salt into the wound!

Sorry Gilbert, I haven't got a clue what you're talking about!

I think North Eastern locos usually came off at Grantham, I suspect this was purely for logistical reasons. Grantham shed was adjacent to the station so it was possible to turn, coal and water a loco ready for its return journey in a relatively short space of time. New England shed was about two miles from Peterborough North so it would have taken considerably longer to turn a loco there.

In 1958 Peterborough United (not Town!) were probably the leading non-league team in the country. They had a number of noteable FA Cup runs around this time and were attracting considerable support as a result. Football specials could, therefore, provide an excellent excuse for running locos that would not normally be seen in the area, should Gilbert wish to model them of course. As an aside, I know for a fact that Gilbert is a Lincoln City supporter who is not particularly fond of the 'Posh'!

Personally I think that 60110 would be an excellent choice!

Obviously preaching to the converted then. As you know, Banks (and obviously Peter Robinson himself) is a great music fan which would obviously be of interest to you. Have you read 'Piece of My Heart', The one where he reinvestigates the murder of a young girl at a festival in 1969? He mentions many of the big groups of the day who you would no doubt be familiar with. Who knows, you might even have played in one of them!

Hi Pete, I'm currently working my way through the Inspector Banks novels by Peter Robinson and am really enjoying them. Banks is an ex London cop who has transferred to a small town in the Yorkshire dales which seems to have a phenominal murder rate! The stories are full of twists and turns, not to mention the odd red herring, and really keep your attention right to the last page. I understand that Ian Rankin speaks highly of them, which is no bad recommendation.

In the past, for 'Blood and Custard', I've used 'VW Tornado Red' and 'Lada Cream' (not sure if the latter is still available though). A mate, who is old enough to remember this livery told me he thought it was pretty well spot on. Several years ago, Tony Wright suggested 'Ford Burgandy Red' as a good match for BR Maroon. I've used this ever since and think it looks about right. Hope this helps.

I think this might be a misquote. The actual words of the poem, IIRC, were 'You're a better man than I am Gunga Din'. I think Stuart is paying you a compliment!

Hi Gilbert, Things seem to be coming along at a pace now, don't they? Really pleased to see the progress you are making as, it seems, are many other people. Up to page 12 of this thread now which shows how popular this project is. I'll look forward to seeing it in the flesh at some point, hopefully in the not too distant future. Regards

Coming along nicely Gilbert, let's hope that Mr. Wright will be in a position to take some more photos as work progresses.

Very nice Tony, well up to Coachman's standards IMO. The only difference is, he would probably knocked that out while he was waiting for the kettle to boil!

Glad to see that things are going well. It's very gratifying when you have one of those rare days where everything goes right, makes up for the times when, it seems, everything is against you!

12 months already? Crikey, it's amazing how quickly the time goes!

Coming along nicely Gilbert, Norman's trackwork is absolutely superb, and I can see, in my mind's eye, how it will look when the platforms and station buildings are in place. With regard to the'unprototypical' trackwork south of Crescent Bridge, how about ballasting it and then build a representation of the old sheet store (which still exists and is now 'Furnitureland' or something IIRC) which could act as a scenic break? That way you wouldn't have to pretend that those lovely flowing points are not actually there! Look forward to seeing it in the flesh sometime soon.

My top three have also all been mentioned already. 1 Buckingham - I found this rivetting when I was a lad. Almost totally scratch built by one person over many years is certainly inspirational in my book. 2 Garsdale Road - With this layout I realised the sort of railway I would like to build - a simple through station where I could watch the trains go by. 3 Stoke Summit - For similar reasons to those above except that, here, they dispensed with the station altogether. Also, over the years, I've got to know the guys who built it well and consider them good friends.

Hi Tony, It looks fine to me and I'm sure that, when it's finished, it will be up to your usual high standard. Regards Rob

When The Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin

Sounds good to me

My guess would be a New England B1.

Perhaps, if someone produces a decent R-T-R V2, you could acquire one and suitably dirty it up so that it looks more like a Peterborough pilot. It would be a shame not to use the scratch built on a more suitable working, a relief express or a fitted goods for instance.

The V2 looks lovely Gilbert. I take it that this particular loco had been 'shopped' during the summer of 1958 and had just been released back into traffic. New England engines never stayed clean for long!

New job doesn't start 'til Monday, I'll keep you posted though. Nice photos of progress so far, I particularly like the one of your good lady holding the piercing saw. In fact, it's occurred to me that your modelling has come on in leaps and bounds since you got married. I'm beginning to wonder if Mrs G isn't actually doing all the work and you're just claiming the credit for it! Rob

Soldiering on or Soldering on? Happy New Year Rob

What a fantastic piece of modelling! I look forward to seeing further updates as work commences - well done.