Simon Bendall

Volume 10 in the Modelling BR series will shortly be available, this one covering Diesel Depots and other related subjects, such as stabling points. This looks at the development of maintenance facilities since the 1960s, setting out the different approaches taken by the regions and how this influenced their layouts and operation through to today. Also covered are fuelling points and the many ancillary structures found on depots that contribute towards creating a convincing layout. The 116 pages are copiously illustrated to give inspiration as well as featuring modelling projects and layout ideas. As ever, thanks are due to those who contributed, including Terry Bendall, Nick Gurney, Ian Manderson, James Makin, Clive Mortimore and David Ratcliffe. On sale date is 5th October and it can be pre-ordered now from the Key Publishing website Sample pages below

These 3D prints are an option https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284859610018 Need a bit of work on the corners to fit over the Hattons spigots.

They appear every now and then on the Carlisle-Crewe infrastructure circuit https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=88 6k05

37401 is currently taking one KUA and two FNA from Kingmoor to Kilmarnock, wagon repair trip rather than in traffic though. Just need Mary to complete... 😉

Anyone for a 92 and shorty Mk.5 sleeper set to Perth? 😲 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjFEwj1MfeM

Thanks! A post 1996 one is a possibility and one that I would like to do but would require a few gaps in the livery selection to be filled first, maybe one for next year if the publisher is game.

My second book looking at the BR shunter fleet is on the way, due out next Tuesday. This picks up from the first volume and covers the 1990-96 period as BR gave way to privatisation, bringing an array of new liveries. Class 08s and 09s are the focus but a smattering of other types are included including the last Class 03s and Class 97/6s. The format is the same as the first one, 96 pages divided up on a regional basis and mostly in colour. Can be pre-ordered now from the Key Publishing shop . Some sample pages below once again.

Its divided up on a geographical basis rather than by class, the intention being to picture the various types at work and rest rather than give a history of each class, which has been done before.

If you do Gareth, I've got pics and some measurements of the cradles.

Another option for DW80975 in its Intercity days is a transit move as part of a parcels train. Not the greatest shot but with four GUVs at Exeter in 1989.

First ones appeared at the end of 1994.

Its back to wagons for number nine in the Modelling BR series, this time covering engineers wagons of the privatisation era, beginning in 1994 and running through to today. Like the previous BR era volumes, it looks at the various ballast, rail and sleeper wagons in use during these three decades beginning with those that transferred from BR to Mainline, Loadhaul and Transrail before passing to EWS. Subsequent chapters then explore all the new builds and conversions that later appeared for Railtrack, Network Rail and the freight operators to varying degrees. There's the usual mix of prototype info and photos allied to modelling projects. Also included is a detailed history of Railhead Treatment Trains and their operation over the past 20 years. As ever, thanks are due to those who contributed, including Gareth Bayer, Terry Bendall, Mick Bryan, Mike Cubberley, Timara Easter, James Makin and David Ratcliffe. On sale date is 25th May but it can be pre-ordered now from the Key Publishing website Sample pages below

6701, 9802, 10580 and 10693 received teal for the franchise launch in April 2015, these were the only two MK.3 sleepers 6700, 6703, 9497, 9800 were painted in 2018 when hired from Eastern Rail Services.

One Class 121 had white/blue, 55034, there was a trailer as well IIRC https://www.railcar.co.uk/images/3347

Anyone for a 37/4 on a two coach Mk.5 sleeper in passenger service 😲 http://www.flickr.com/photos/tayrail/52860316037

A little plug for my very first book, which is a pictorial look at BR shunters during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. The images are divided up across six chapters by region, mostly in colour and almost entirely previously unpublished. Largely features Class 03s, 08s and 09s but other types still surviving such as in industrial use also appear. Out this week from the Key Publishing shop here 96 pages, £16.99. Some page samples below.

Class 18s clearly hunt in packs, 18002-010 doing very little at Wolverton. https://youtu.be/b3d67oYJvz8?t=186

Another new bookazine for those interested - a continuation of the locomotive theme, this time considering freight locos from 2000 through to today. The usual mix of modelling and prototype features that take in the fleets of EWS, Freightliner, DRS, GBRf, Fastline, Advenza, Colas, DB and DC Rail with a mix of ex BR types and modern replacements ranging from Class 08s to Class 68s and 70s. There's a mix of projects in 2mm and 4mm and thanks are due to Anthony Ainsley-Sutton, Alex Carpenter, Timara Easter, Chris Ibbotson, James Makin and Andi Walshaw for their contributions. Should be in Smiths etc from today while it can also be ordered from the Key website here Some sample pages below.

Most operational DB 92s no longer have shoegear.

92015 did its WCML test run on Wednesday.

It certainly did one and possibly only one http://www.flickr.com/photos/46402143@N06/5187446554

It did, black 9s were carried up to December 1987 then changed, unknown as to why. If you want it as running in Cornwall, blue 9s it is 😎

Yes, they foul the plough brackets otherwise.

A couple of the local Teesside scrap workings, lots of loveliness here 😎 http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndedman/21732119098 http://www.flickr.com/photos/185822405@N04/49451319353

Funniest Deltic I've ever seen, maybe its the prototype for the Dublo one. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266084594887