71000

Tony , You're quite right. So I'm now plotting how to get to NZ, kidnap Jack and his models, and fly them to Spain so he can put them on my layout........ 71000

PECO BUFFER STOPS

STOKE

Ian Indeed the little Class 02. I have a mainland version in BR lined black (30225), but it isn't the colour, so much as the interior that intrigued me. The model has a tiny coreless motor, similar to a mobile phone vibrator motor, and the whole loco weighed in at just 153g. Very light ! Above: My little Class 02, on the workbench for a few mods and extras. So like all my locos I virtually immediately take them to pieces to see what makes them tick, before giving them a "Load Haul" test up one of my layouts, long 1 in 100 gradients. Which are required as I have included "Worting Junction" and "Battledown flyover" on the layout. My little 02 was quite surprising for such a small and light model, as it happily pulled a maximum of 4 Bachmann Bulleids weighing 608g. As the inside of the body shell has quite a lot of free space, because the motor is so small. I added another 6g of lead shot weight, which allows it to now take 5 coaches (weighing760g) up the same 1 in 100 gradient without slipping. As to the "OO works" D15, I'm green with envy as I somehow missed out on that model. Their website currently says "Sold out", and the LSWR Drummond D15 just gets into my era (1958-67). If the D15 is as good as my "OO works" Drummond 700 class 0-6-0, which hugely outperformes the newer Hornby version by roughly 120% (I have examples of both models) the D15 should prove to be a good performer. Above: My "OO Works" ex LSWR Drummond Class 700 0-6-0, on the first scenic section of my current large layout, during its "Load haul test" where it happily hauled 12 coaches up a long 1 in 100 gradient. The possibly better detailed Hornby equivilant only managed 5, so had to have extra weight added to make it useful, as I need to run full scale length trains on my exhibition layout. See "Basingtoke 1958-67 (87ft x 24ft) Layout and stock", in the RMweb category "Modelling Real Locations". Which also includes "Load haulage Tests" of many steam models. 71000

I

Well I'm happy with my "Gate stock" in BR(SR) Crimson. For my layout "Basingstoke 1958-67" (87ft x 24ft) which you can see in the category "Modelling real locations" elsewhere on RMweb. However I have already made a number of "mods" to my Set as seen in the accompanying pictures. Above: First minor issue I found was that the footboards are too wide, and likely to catch the platform ramps on the ends of my platforms. The bogie on the left is "as supplied" while that on the right is after I narrowed them down by 2mm. Above: Next minor issue was the cab front accessories provided. I replaced the vacuum and steam heat hoses with ones a little thicker, and added a proper working screw link coupling purely for visual purposes as my fleet is normally Kadee fitted. Above: Next step was to improve the internal colouring and the method of seat installation. The floors were sprayed Halfords Matt black and the seating given a more reddish brown "moquette" typical of the 1950's. (A before and after comparison). Above: The problem of the seating interior mounting method which has protruding screws in little mounting towers, was abolished and the seating glued to the chassis, as I could find no reason for them to be parted in the future. This did require a piece of plasticard under one end of the seating as there is central recess in the chassis floor partially revealed in this shot. As if a thin metal weight had been envisaged, but not fitted. Above: As the vehicles are "opens" and look rather bare internally I thought I should shove a few HO scale passengers inside, HO because you don't need to chop off their feet to fit them. Note also that the incorrect bench seat provided at the inner end of the DVT (lower vehicle in picture) has had the centre removed so that passengers can now get at the ganyway connection !! Above: The set re-assembled, which also shows the closed up gap between vehicles pssible on my layout as I have minimum radius curves of 5ft. My impression of the model overall, is that it is very good. The minor niggles I would say are minor. And to be fair to "DJ Models" I think this is the first time they have attempted real period coaching stock, with all the awkward potential detail pitfalls this presents. I think they should be congratulated for taking the plunge with such an unusual prototype, as we are not yet blessed with many RTR period coaching stock types. Although Southern modellers seem to be doing better than anyone else so far . 71000

Well "Rails of Sheffield", are doing lots of nice models at very nice prices, and quite a few have been speeding their way to deepest darkest Southern Catalonia (Spain). Here's one I have been modifiying..... Above: Recently arrived is another Hornby "Black 5" for my "Inter-regional" fleet. This one came in LMS livery at a very nice price. So I have already re-sprayed, re-lined, reduced the loco to tender coupling length and internally increased its weight. And its now just waiting for "decal fix" and a little weathering. This model and many others from "Rails" can be seen on my exhibition layout "Basingstoke 1958-67"(87ft x 24ft). Layout and stock seen here on RMweb in the gategory "Modelling real locations" Thanks to the prompt staff at Rails. 71000

Kernow on their toes as usual ! Ordered a good quantity of kits and bits last Monday evening (19th Feb), and the Spanish Post lady was hammering on my door the following Monday morning, in deepest darkest Catalonia. Above: Already nearing completion a Ratio (Cat No 528) GWR water tower. This is for my exhibition layout "Basingstoke 1958-67" (87ft x 24ft) to go in the ex GWR "North Yard". Layout construction and stock can be seen in the category "Modelling real locations" here on RMweb. Thanks again for the excellent service. 71000

STOKE

SPACE

STOKE 1958-67

Mike,

And Peco

Middlesea John. Better check out progress of "Basingstoke 1958-67" in "Modelling real locations" ! Above: The first 25% of the layout, showing much of the Fiddle Yard. The far end being 45ft from the camera, and the state of play last September, in my Workshop. So I have plenty of room for all Jack P's collection of beautiful locos....... Since construction began on 3rd January 2017. I have completed 110ft of Baseboards (around 66% of the total). Over 300yds of Peco track laid (70%). 64 Peco points installed for the Fiddle Yard, and 19 handbuilt points on what will be scenic sections. So only 110 more handbuilt points to go...... 71000

Mike,

Mike,

Bike2steam ! Ah ha, yes "Lord Rowallen" withdrawn 12/67 from Carlisle Kingmoor shed. Thanks. 71000

Steam,

That nasty white stuff !!!

Mike,

Rob,

Baz,

Rob,