Mulgabill

I have done/ am doing, an exercise(ish) extracting locos allocated In / around, Bristol, Glos, Cornwall. (Based on UK Rail Database listings). My aim, to find suitable loco numbers for my allocation, preferably those that were shedded in more than 1 area, I can reveal that this (admittedly not entirely reliable), shows no 28xx/38xx as having been allocated to Penzance, Truro, or St Blazey. I would surmise that was because they could be rostered to work balanced turns, in /out of the duchy, probably overnight. Hope that helps TONY

I should add, that Foxy was well prepared for todays events. He was practising his fire setting skills last Saturday ( causing Odney to be held at Williton). And just to be sure, twice again, on Tuesday, apparently. Todays BBQ oportunity should have been a doddle. TONY

We were unable to ascertain the statutory waving at Doris (the caravan) as you passed, and look at the outcome. Rob's mates held up the train! I can report that we (myself & MrsMB) have been taking it easy ahead of tomorrows excitement. To liven things up we have just done our LFT tests, all good. I have checked goodies for bring & buy. I even have some ideas for numberplates etc from 247, that's an excercise I'd started at least twice pre-covid. Don't have many £1 or 50ps, but that just means I'll have to find more to buy!. ROB do you need any help setting up etc, I know I'm a bit bit late offering, but wasn't entirely sure about the driving, 'til recently. But I do feel as though I'm a relative local now. (And hopefully, if you've remembered, I'm guaranteed to be taking some new items home, without having to be at the front of the charity queue. Will have a chat tomorrow, but just let us know if you need extra hands. TONY

Likewise, I use the Toolstation version. There is also the added benefit that once dry, it can be easily softened, by soaking with water, and scraped loose. Should serious errors be identified. All the best TONY

The observant will have noted that I have succeeded in reinstating a few pictures, working backwards in time. I will continue this, as time allows, but please let me know if there are any that you would particularly like sooner. By way of "news", yesterday we traveled to the caravan, via Heaton Lodge Junc (near Evercreech Junc, this weekend). I expected a large, overhyped, layout. We found a stunning example of what we strive for, well worth the time, money and effort to see it. If you've seen pics, or videos, my impression is that they come over as a bit bland and washed out, the real thing is far better than that. Both myself and Mrs MB think it is well worth making the effort to see this. Plus we had the bonus of Bournemouth West, Evercreech New, Wimborne and a couple of other layouts. Also got a L&Y Pug from Ellis Clarke for a reasonable £20, doesn't really matter how well it runs, as it's far better condition than the example I already have. Also got a Scale link GWR Footbridge kit. How did we follow that - we went to Somerset Railway Modellers "exhibition" at Washford, saw some more good layouts, including Bradford on Tone (Hornby Mag Apr 22), all belonging to the club. And what a great welcome, such a friebdly bunch. We also managed to meet up with DonW from on here, which was great, and bought about 6 modelling books. So it's been a good weekend all round. All I need now is a camera! Cheers TONY

Planning on being there, travelling via Heaton Lodge Junc, tomorrow. Will you be there Don? If so where might I find you? Have been meaning to invite you round for a coffee, at the caravan, but was awaiting some entertainment (trains) to become available. Cheers TONY

Copied from Helstonish topic, equally applicable, if not more so, here. Posted just now Just an acknowledgement that Helstonish has survived the RMW Hiatus, but updating and back dating may take a while. Prior to the apocalypse, we had our own disaster, in the 2nd storm (who's name I forget) a rogue wave drenched No2 Daughter and myself, but more importantly my camera. It survived a few hours, allowing downloads of the days breaking wave pictures, but refused to play the next day. This incident seems to have been terminal. So new pics will have to await alternative arrangements. The outage also coincided with the commencement of another new layout, at the request of 2 grandsons. This will probably be written up on the Huckford Road topic pages, although it is as yet unnamed. For info it is approx 9'4" x 9' and app 22" wide i.e.L shaped. 2 fiddle yards app 3' long have been built, plus 4 baseboard frames and some legs. The building of legs continues, their mountings will follow, and then we'll turn to 9mm ply for the beds. I am instructed that this will be a transition period layout, to include a (feature) bridge, and dock/harbourside. Think Fowey + a potential Porthleven Harbour, but I could do with an extra 1-2' on one leg to help get around the 90deg corner. Any suggestions welcomed, and any thoughts or comments to keep this active also. Cheers TONY

Just an acknowledgement that Helstonish has survived the RMW Hiatus, but updating and back dating may take a while. Prior to the apocalypse, we had our own disaster, in the 2nd storm (who's name I forget) a rogue wave drenched No2 Daughter and myself, but more importantly my camera. It survived a few hours, allowing downloads of the days breaking wave pictures, but refused to play the next day. This incident seems to have been terminal. So new pics will have to await alternative arrangements. The outage also coincided with the commencement of another new layout, at the request of 2 grandsons. This will probably be written up on the Huckford Road topic pages, although it is as yet unnamed. For info it is approx 9'4" x 9' and app 22" wide i.e.L shaped. 2 fiddle yards app 3' long have been built, plus 4 baseboard frames and some legs. The building of legs continues, their mountings will follow, and then we'll turn to 9mm ply for the beds. I am instructed that this will be a transition period layout, to include a (feature) bridge, and dock/harbourside. Think Fowey + a potential Porthleven Harbour, but I could do with an extra 1-2' on one leg to help get around the 90deg corner. Any suggestions welcomed, and any thoughts or comments to keep this active also. Cheers TONY

Trees?

It would, of course, be entirely permissible, and appropriate, to practice on a Bachy version of the 350. We could even contrast and compare. Just don't ask me to do the photos, there was a storm related incident adjacent to Blue Anchor (WSR), and the SLR no longer wishes to play. TONY

My thanks also for that link Paul. I found good pics of shunt ahead sigs, 2 days after finally adding mine to Helstonish, and a yellow ground sig as well. Has given me an idea for an improvement before any pics get taken. TONY

Probably a couple of following revenue earning trains to pass. On LM that should take about 7 - 10 days, long enough for the driver to get his war paint fixed. TONY

Do like this workmanlike, treat. BUT, I find myself missing the really filthy example that used to work hereabouts. Is anybody else feeling withdrawal symptoms? TONY

Hopefully with Robins forbearance, please could I draw your attention to my last post on Helstonish here If you might have any interest in a 4mm Toplight Kit. Thanks TONY

Whilst away at the caravan last week I came across an item of possible interest, in an emporium. PC Models 57' Toplight Brake Composite Corridor Diag E95 1927 livery (?) Marked at £30 I don't know whether this is a good price, and frankly I suspect the kit is beyond my present capabilities. Hence it was left on the shelf. However it would be nice to find it a good home amongst the RM Web community, so if this is of any interest, please let me know. TONY

Why would you want a 350 without it's R ?????? TONY

My lateral thinking on this, came up with a suggestion that you might try aligning your full backscene roughly along the lines of the last pic. But with rounded "corners", whilst retaining the 90deg mouth (Minimising the required opening). This could be hidden more easily, and subtly by trees. Would be interesting to see a mock up, and would lose the need for an unprototypical tunnel, perhaps. All the best TONY

Paul, I don't know that I can help re the actual layout. But, taking today's post, and your previous one, which referred to alternate viewing side. I suggest that perhaps you should first ask yourself, what is the view that inspired this? Therefore, what view do I (you) want to present? Hence what "tweeks" can be made to balance the set up, with regard to that viewpoint.? I suspect that your progress so far, may have taken you away from the inspiration that you started with, and it may help to take your viewpoint a few steps back. If that doesn't make any sense, I won't be offended if you say so. At the end of the day it's a version of rule 1, it needs to satisfy you first and foremost. All the best with your deliberations. TONY

My understanding is that these are new(ish) , specified specifically as they give better performance, and longer durability, for the marshy location. The trackwork is modern flatbottom to latest specs. So the trains can get to the crossing, but there is a rather long list of "partners" who have yet to agree what to do re the barriers. TONY ps But we are getting 9466 back for the last 2 yrs of it's ticket!

Yes Andy the 6 Ton crane is one of the past years highlights. At the time it cost more than most of the locos on the roster. But the investment also marked the start of my aiming to improve on what had been achieved so far. That has in part contributed to a degree of disappointment, in that bits have been undone, and not entirely replaced. But these will get done, and at least progress has been made of late. With regard to Helston Museum, my wife and I did visit, pretty much as the layout was started. But I was not really prepared to maximise the info collected. It was more a case of of being aware of Keith Gowans 3mm layout, and needing to see it. The reality was that I found that to be excellent, if a little "tired". There was also a 2mm version, but a bit more rtr in style. Also we viewed what was on display relating to the railway, which was interesting, but I don't now recall many specifics. At the time I didn't think of enquiring about other resources, or photo's. In certain respects I think we visited almost too early in the journey of building the layout. I would certainly have had more questions once we had the basic trackwork down and into the scenics. Maybe the chance will arise to revisit, with the time to do some studying. I will certainly be interested in, and value your thoughts on, your visit. Particularly any info re the rabbit van, both how it worked etc, and what van(s) were used. I've also not pinned down the right hoppers for the serpentine traffic, but thats not reaally a museum question. I have been following your layouts development with interest, but I'm afraid the details re DCC etc go over my head, as I am unlikely to venture down that route. I am looking forward to your getting the automatic FY working, as that will be most impressive. So keep up the good work, and keep in touch. TONY

Here we find another trial working, with a view to excursion workings to follow 61xx arrives with the "new" non corridor set. And an Ivatt 2mt Tank arrives with the ecs of the "normal" excursion set, to date. These will be transferred to Helston on Severnside. On another topic, I note this morning, that I am to get a chance to compare my 94xx that , that was featured here a while back, with the real thing. 9466 is moving back to the WSR for the remainder of its boiler cert. ie 2 years. Good news. TONY

Andy - many thanks for your comments, it does me good to hear that I am hitting the mark, well enough, at times. I do feel that, on reflection, I rather lost my way in the 2nd year of the virus, and was not too productive. Especially given the available time, whilst hiding away. Hopefully I can address this, and indeed I do feel more positive, since the acquisition of the 16xx and non corridor set. Plus there are a couple of locos arranged for transfer, but these may be upgrades, rather than additions. I do also think I would benefit from a bit of pushing and prompting, from my friends on here. So any suggestions for things that might be added, or improved really would be welcomed. Your post really did give me a lift, so once again THANKS. TONY

Sorry Rob, It was a slightly off the wall comment. In the last pic there were sections of the railhead which are strongly rusted, giving way, abruptly, to a highly polished section. I know it was 'cos it's a work in progress, it just struck me like that at the time. (Quite odd really, I normally only see the overall picture). Incidentally, can you remind us (Me) which Lack units you use? I have just had a quick look and come up with a numbers of sizes / prices. In my defense< I should point out that I have never, as yet, had any dealings with Ikea. In principle, ever since they built their Bristol monstrosity, on Eastville Stadium, home of so many memories of youth. All the best TONY

Paul - many thanks for your response, which has been passed on, and included in the discussion re the next update. Although as I'm not in attendance it is tricky engaging in the discussion. Will try to keep you in the loop, but may need to take it to PM rather than publicise it in detail here. There were other notable visitors to the branch, as captured by our locals: First we see 1365 from a spell on trial working the Portleven goods, here running light to the harbour in the early morning light. And on the loaded return - For those who are not entirely familiar with the cartoon history of the area, although the branch was not extended to the Lizard, it did gain a sub-branch to the harbourside at Portleven. in order to lose height this lightly laid and steeply graded line left the Helstonish branch from a junction facing the terminus, and decended the Cober Valley (?) to gain the harbourside from the North. And arriving, with the engineers awaiting departure, at the end of their works. Whilst 1365 has departed, to return to Huckford Road, there may be pics of it's visit, still to come. As far as the model is concerned, there is now a version of the "timetable", which includes the Portleven goods. But at present there is no hard version, added to the layout. This may yet happen,, if/ when a proper rebuid of the fiddleyard occurs, but this is some way down the line. Meantime I have spent time improving the line-up of the FY approach, and most stock / locos handle it fine. But there are some who dissent, however I do seem to have got a Dapol Fruit D, kindly (?) passed on by Clive M, to make a clean exit. By replacing its errant wheelsets, with ratio plastic ones. (But how ridiculous that Hornby/Bachmann alternatives simply fall out, due to differing axle lengths!) Ironically 1365 wont handle the oblique join, so at present, is not suited to the Portleven trip. But I can promise further good news, as the upgrade to available stock continues. Details when the transfers occur, (tentatively 24th March). Meanwhile, I would welcome any suggestions, for upgrades that might enhance the layout, and how they might be achieved. All thee best from a very windswept caravan. TONY

Most excellent ballasting, but I'm alittle perplexed by the railhead wear pattern. Cheers TONY