Signaller69

Thanks, I must admit that was a big part of the attraction, with all the variety. Martyn.

Thanks Nick, excellent news. I was going to ask if it was ok to post this response when you messaged me, but you've beaten me to it!

The layout control panel facia is almost done, just waiting on a few more switches from Eileen's Emporium, plus coloured switch sleeves. Also the class 100 has had transfers and a few further details added. It seems to have been strengthened with a class 107 vehicle today, in true Scots style!

Transfers have been applied along with the headcode box surrounds and Hornby class 110 exhausts (on the DMBS) and gangways. Lavatory water pipes still need adding to the roof/ends of the DTC, to wrap around the track pin which will form the inlet.

This. Having just bought an SLW 24/0, my concern is the long promised 24/1 (which I and many others have been patiently waiting for - and hope of a 25/0, neither of which have ever been done) will get pushed back again with the race to get the new 25 out, in a market soon to be awash with 25/2s? I totally get the quality arguments, there is no doubt the SLW loco will be the best. But I'm a bit disappointed at this announcement given the slow progress of the 24/1 by comparison.

A long shot - would anyone know the coach number(s) of the BR blue 57' Second class Mk.1 suburban coach(es) used for the Steam Specials in 1977? A web search has returned nothing. I wondered if it/they may have gone on to be preserved elsewhere but have found no connections from those preserved on various lines. I have only ever seen photos of one in a DVR train but there may have been more than one used apparently - I'm guessing displaced from Kings Cross Suburban duties and loaned to the DVR by BR? Failing that, numbers of any BR ones still in service in 1977 would be useful. I have repainted a Bachmann coach for this role: A Roco type close coupler has been fitted to one end, with a Kadee to go at the other. With the Mk.1 BCK it is coupled to, this will form the passenger stock. Not specifically for Dunnington, but I have almost finished building a class 100 DMU; however, the DVR Directors hired one from BR for a final run on the line in 1981 so it could justifiably appear: I may set the layout up to have a play and do a couple of small jobs in the near future too.

Talking of Mk.1 suburban stock, I need to check what colour the seating was in the 70s. Will have to dig the Mk.1 "bible" out later.

Indeed it did Andy, thankyou again! Never mind, had I known you wanted yours in blue I could have done that too! Hey ho!

Jim, Fear not, that coach is for my "Dunnington" layout; the DVLR used one with a couple of BR Mk.1s for their steam service in 1977. It just made sense to spray it at the same time as the DMU. Martyn.

The class 100 has had its blue coat applied. After a swap around of bogie frames, the front bogie still needs the coupling and mount removing. Elsewhere, having swapped my Replica long Mk.1 suburban for a short Bachmann one, this has had a coat of blue at the same time as the 100, in readiness for use on "Dunnington". It was pointed out some time ago that my trusty old Highland 24/1had incorrect Drivers side windows so these have now been corrected to the sideways sliding type. Talking of 24s, a SLW un-numbered loco has joined the fleet, so with the Bachmann 24/1 I now have 2 new identities to sort. Plenty to do as always!

Have PM'd you.

After a call from SLW a few days ago confirming it was about to be posted, my un-numbered loco arrived today, well worth the wait and simply superb as expected, complete with a helpful list of possible candidates too. It hasn't been run yet, but very, very happy so far!

Hi James, Just checked the photo, it's a Shellstar (door rather than curtain side) van, will PM photos to you in case they are of use though. Martyn.

Hi James, Many apologies that I had completely missed your thread until now. Just spent an enjoyable hour or so scanning through your projects, lots of interesting stuff there from start to finish so will be following from now on. I do like the Fertiliser wagons; I'm sure a book I have has a decent photo of a blue curtain sider, if you are still looking for small lettering info I will dig it out and check? All the best, Martyn.

This is very true, my chop & stitch DMUs have such errors too. I find the body profile issue isn't too obvious in most cases, particularly as they are generally viewed from the side. Certainly a worthwhile compromise to achieve something not otherwise easily available though. Talking of rulers having nothing straight to refer to, reminds me I need to buy a new "engineers square". I know I can cut a well marked, straight line. But several projects now seem to have shown that my existing one seems to be set at about 87°, so as much use as a chocolate teapot.

Hi Clive, don't worry, we will form a "Release Clive now" Committee and do similar dances. We could bring RMweb to a halt for literally seconds. Or join you in the sin bin.

The 108 bodykit is one they still show in stock. How about doing a 107 from it? Or a 114 if you can find some extra window sections perhaps?

The chassis has had the exhaust pipes picked out and the engine equipment given a dry brushing of silver. Interiors have had a blow over with dark grey paint. The DTCL uses the Hornby 110 moulding, cut lengthwise and widened by 3mm to better fill inside the bodyshell. New cab control desk were added. The roofs have had vents added and a coat of paint, and the yellow cab ends have been sprayed along with the headcode box etch. I feel all is coming together nicely now.

This is true. I used Mk.1s for mine, Trix of course, so the body profile is slightly out. Hopefully SF don't use Mk.1 sized windows.

Very neat, not much chance of them falling off when handling either! Trying to solder etched hinges into place would fill me with trepidation, but your solution looks more manageable, if I can drill holes in the right places....

That's interesting, I hadn't heard about that. The dilemma is if I get one it will no doubt show up the errors on my 2 sets. Hey ho, will have to think about that one! Good that they are doing them though.

The 126 has the fuel tank behind the cab end bogie on driving vehicles (similar to a loco fuel tank) istr.

One of the jobs I like least with etched kits is adding door hinges. Just cutting them off the fret without them flying off into thin air is bad enough, but picking the things up and dropping them in exactly the right place on the model I find a particular test of patience. My method for fixing them in place is to place them on the body then use a drop of acrylic varnish as a fixative, using the point of a small paint brush to move the hinge into place. If anyone knows an easier method I'm all ears! Small pieces of fine plastic rod would work just as well though. As can be seen the bodies were primed with an etch primer first and will get another thin coat before painting proper commences. Door Handles and grab rails still to be fitted next; needless to say, the etched grab rails I have (PC and Comet) do not align with the holes so fine wire will have to be used. Class 100's either had a single marker light on the roof or 2 below the cab windows; I went with the latter as they are marked on the etched cab ends. Small slivers of plastic tube were used to make the light housings. The kit provides etched 2 character headcode blind surrounds, which will be added after painting.

I'm sure I have seen someone doing etched ones on here; I thought it might have been Kylestrome on his seminal Class 25 thread here: but having had a quick gander through it seems I could be mistaken.

Ouch. I think that may be more work than I would want to undertake to be honest. Thanks for the information.