NCB

I use Antex 25W soldering irons. Done me OK. I have 3 with different bit sizes. Only negative is that the last bit I bought was pre-tinned; don't know what they used, but it smells horrible and tends to deposit muck, although that is easing. Thinking of getting some tip cleaner. I've an idea that end-door wagons could wander, so not impossible in Mid Wales. Nigel (who has just emerged from 3 weeks holiday in Bronglais Hospital Aberystwyth )

Thanks for that. Better pic than mine. I'll pass the info on. Nigel

I believe the bridge is now open. Nigel

If Beeching had had his way then the bridge would probably have gone. Before the previous round of repairs, 1980s I think, closing the bridge was mooted. In this day and age I doubt if they could get away with it. Nothing wrong with wooden bridges. Flexibility can be an advantage. The West Highland line was built on floating brushwood over the bogs of Rannoch Moor. Think the Cambrian did similar over Fenn's Moss. Nigel

Does the bus from Machynlleth stop at all stations to Morfa Mawddach, then divert inland via Dolgellau then west to Barmouth? That diversion would take a bit of time. What they could have done was train to Fairbourne, Fairbourne Railway to the ferry, ferry across to Barmouth, and coach from ferry to Barmouth Station. Much more interesting!

Didn't know we had an annual photo competition Nice one. Is the chassis rigid or have you found a means of ensuring the drivers stay in contact with the track? Nigel

I've been contacted via Geograph by someone enquiring about the above culvert / bridge who thinks it may no longer exist. I haven't been that way for some time so don't know. It's what's shown in this pic of mine from 2006: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/901810 Wondered if anybody else knew. Nigel

Just bought this new publication by WRRC. A nice selection of drawings and related info, complementing those already available elsewhere. Well done, Jonathan and Ray. Nigel

Seems the bridge will remain closed until at least the end of December: https://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/article.cfm?id=138284&headline=Cambrian Coast line to remain closed for Christmas&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2021

According to Wikipedia, 1397 was withdrawn 1933, 1398 (ex 1400) was withdrawn1936, so could have been. Nigel

Remember reading how somebody rewheeled Triang rolling stock, but can't remember where I read it. It described using flangeless bearings from 3SMR to fit pin-point axles. That bit I'm OK with. What I'm not sure about is how you remove the Triang axles in the first place. Any ideas? Nigel

https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product/0184/ https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product/0179/ https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/product/0174/ Nigel

Looking very good Wayne. Can't wait to try them. Nigel

Very good news, Wayne. Thanks.

The trouble with pristine brass, or pristine anything, it's a shame to cover it up with paint or whatever. Pristine well-laid track can look wonderful, only to be ruined by paint and ballast.

If you've got the artwork, you could see if Railtec would print them for you. Somebody in the 3mm Society had this done and I think it only cost them about £10. Are you still working in EM (I've lost track a bit)? I ask because 250mm in 4mm/ft works out at over a scale 60', which should be easily long enough. Just a thought. Cheers Nigel

Maybe Dapol should think of producing more as kits. For example, a coach could be produced as a basic body shell, in various liveries, plus bags of parts for the user to fit, thereby economising on the assembly costs. Similar to the Stanier coaches they produced until recently under the Kitmaster label, but to modern standards with modern detailing.

What some systems, like Wessex before their demise, do is print a layer of white under every colour. This stops the background overwhelming the colours.

Chris I wondered about that. I actually came across a plan yesterday with just such an arrangement and was looking at it before I posted. Trouble is can't now find it I think it was in RM in the now available archives. Trying to remember the station. Think the ladies waiting room would have a fireplace but not the toilets. Nigel

Think they would have to be frosted. Some stations had a gents lavatory containing urinals, the ladies waiting room, and sandwiched between a couple of toilets, one accessed from the ladies, one accessed from the gents. A toilet containing a washbasin and space allowing the door to open could be quite long, although fairly narrow (4'-5'). By the way, just come across this rather nice GW/Cambrian model: https://www.keymodelworld.com/article/barmouth-junction-oo-gauge-model-railway

We (the 3mm Society) talked to him after the WRRC transfers were done, but we didn't manage to do a deal. In the event, we were already investigating doing our own transfers, so followed that route. For the Cambrian wagons I produced A6 sized sheets which were crammed with artwork, which we sell for £10, so very good value for money. We used Wessex Transfers to do them, which were very good and priced to be attractive for short runs. Unfortunately following the death of Rob Horton Wessex is no more, so I'll have to find another printer; think I may have one.

Hi Wayne Thanks for the reply. Thought it worth asking. I'll give it a go when the 14.2mm points come out. My current method is the Pendon one, using a moveable sleeper, and it must be easier than that Cheers Nigel

Don't think there's a problem with his redesign of the common crossing; think it's just as workable. Think it's a pity about the switches needing the fiddly bits added. I've shoved a comment on the thread asking him if he could rethink. One of the big attractions was that the switch rails and tie bar came ready to use with no additional work needed. Would suggest you get another (updated) kit to see what you think of it. Cheers Nigel

The Seaham is more or less done. Painting and transfers needed. But ... there aren't any transfers. Yet. Will be busy over Christmas Nigel

More or less done. Smokebox door and tank fillers fitted. Smokebox dart, vac pipes and coupling hooks needed, but they can wait. Next stage is painting, using Halfords grey undercoat and gloss black (gloss for transfers). My "spraying shed" collapsed and was removed a few years ago, which means I have to brace myself for indoor spraying. After that it's applying transfers. Ah... transfers. There aren't any! I'll have to draw up some. A job for the winter months! Will probably give this a rest for a bit. I have a laser-cut signal box to build and some 3D printed boiler fittings for my Rhymney M to do. And ... the list goes on Nigel