The Bigbee Line

edited after iphone posted with no text: I was susprised by how early the wooden troughing was replaced by Concrete. One wooden trough was the oil filled cable supplying the Substations, the other trough contained the cables to send the control signals to the Substations and TP huts. Lots was replaced in the early 1960's

Sounds good. The third rail will have received a good coating of de-icing fluid in it's lifetime. Hence the dark colouring.

That's what happen when you have a snatch. Usually the coupling fails first. Usually down to "inappropriate use of power and brake". If you are braking a long train and then apply power before the brakes have fully released, the resultant snatch can break the train in two.

Been away for a couple of days. Great progress Pete. Really like the pictures. Very inspirational.

I passed out as a guard at Ashford, Kent, in 1981. I worked 16 and 21 ton minfits to Ashford and Canterbury West (from Tonbridge on the 0748). Ashford then had a pit and unloaded installed.

In the early 1980's there was a freight from Tonbridge, I think it was 07h48. It was a Y path via Canterbury West or Folkestone to Ramsgate. When I was learning the road I went with the train via Folkestone East and I'm sure we detached some 100 tonners. Conveying heavy oil fuel for the Cross Channel Ferries. Any ideas where it was unloaded.

After looking on Google it is Connel Ferry, sorry about the mis-information about Mallaig. It must have been on day two of the trip after I had been to Oban.

Two images taken whilst on the way to Mallaig in the late 1990s. Any idea of which station?

When with Railfreight Distribution in 1997 I visited Morris Cowley. After the visit I dropped in on Littlemore. A single siding with a small ground frame. There was no run round so trains reversed in, then travelled to Morris Cowley to run round.

Dave, Are you going to post the rest of the 'East Kent' article?

Give us chapter and verse as I'll need to do the other side of the same bridge.......

What you can see is ordinary red oxide primer..... Nothing special, easier to get hold of than maroon. Wagon repairers only have a small palette when it comes to repairs.....

Pete, I've got a single slip on the way. It will be used on another 6' x 1'6" set up. Look familiar?

Pete, Stupid question and late in the day. When you chose the viewing side, what made you choose to have the gas Works at the front?

Pete, Looking Good. Is the idea to shunt wagons up the Gas Works incline and leave them on the level section at the top? Looking forward to the third rail appearing.

Not a bad price for the wheelsets and underframe though. Not sure if this one has been spotted - an Airfix Mineral http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRAINS-MINERAL-WAGON-B-R-16-TON-AIRFIX-HO-OO-MODEL-KIT-DJ-/200670605550?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2eb8e670ee for £40, bargain

You have inspired me to get my finger out with a shed. An inconveniently placed tree is getting the chop, literally, tomorrow. I'm getting an 8 x 14. Just working out the best place for the door.

If I change it will be to O gauge. Not industrial but a short line interchange with a main line. A line running from the shed into the garden is on the cards so O would be good. I think I need to give myself a good talking to....................

Nice looking shed. I'm currently sourcing one and your looks very nice. I bet there's a few readers that will be green with envy.

Mertr0land said More sheeted 16T’s St. Mary Cray (near). 31692 & down goods. 3.6.59 by Roger Joanes, on Flickr What's under the sheets? I am wondering if it's 'night soil' from London. Any other ideas?

Would making the ladder rests smaller help the illusion. I did some yard lamps and used the post as one pole of the supply (pardon the pun). As they were larger I got away with Athearn Bulbs from their diesel locos and a washer as the shade. Nice layout, another thread to read when I have the time.

I'm up to page 21 on this excellent thread. I hadn't read much before as I'm easily distracted and this thread could distract anyone. My brother has lived in Preston before and the buildings remind me of visits 'up north'. In the 1980s I did a two day trip with my son. Day two was from Preston to Leeds on a DMMU, the driver had the blinds up, so we had great trip. I can't remember too much except that it was up hills and down dale in a big way, very exiting. Wish I had a digital camera in those days. I am looking forward to an evenings reading. Particularly like the brake vans, thanks

Clive, I might have missed something. What do you use as primer? Does you friend use the Halfords Volo (is that Volvo) Dark Grey as a top coat or primer.

I took the part finished underframe to the Norwich Model Railway Club and it was running night. I clipped the worm and motor back into position and tentatively applied some power. It's a little quick off the mark, but had no problem propelling a raft of wagons around the track. I was very impressed. https://www.flickr.com/photos/55938574@N03/13434951305/in/photostream/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/55938574@N03/13434947945/in/photostream/

This is an example from a guide in 4 languages to help ordering spare parts. Its a pdf, so PM if you'd like a copy