brumtb

I've just seen this which looks very interesting. I don't really need another but think I'll try one! 4mm 00 GWR/BR 10/12ton Goods Brake Van Dia. AA 16 Toad kit. (smallbrookstudio.uk) Tony

Progressing well Neal. Tony

Here is Novelty now further "modernised" with fluted coupling rods, a single whistle and the carriage warming relief valve in the front corner of the cab roof. (plate 216, An Illustrated History of LNWR Engines by Edward Talbot). Tony

Plan 2 looks more manageable and if it gives you everything you need then go for it! I find it more pleasing to the eye than plan 1 as well for what it's worth. Tony

Great work Chris, its really coming together now. I'd go for option 2, to tone down the overall colour of the chimneys. Tony

Well done, my copy has been a constant inspiration since the mid 1970s. 50 years, wow!! Tony

Thanks @Edwardian for the suggestion, i see what you mean. Yes, the fluted coupling rods are available so I'll be taking that on board Tony

Lucknow to Novelty Out of the box Bachmann’s LNWR Improved Precedent, Lucknow is in an earlier condition than my 1918 to grouping modelling period. The first change was to exchange the tender body with one from the NRM model of Hardwick. I subsequently discovered that the tender body is available separately through the Bachmann Spares website! However, Lucknow was withdrawn in 1919 and I would have preferred a loco that ran throughout my period. I’d hoped 247 Developments promised range of names and number plates would have appeared by now but in their absence I decided to look for an alternative. Whilst reading various books on LNWR locomotives I discovered that 1682 Novelty was shedded at Rugby in 1920 which is near enough to Birmingham to justify its appearance on my layout. So, I obtained nameplates from the Bachmann LMS liveried model and custom numberplates from the Light Railway Stores. Buffers were something of an issue as early LMS photos of Novelty show the later Bowen Cooke buffers but I’ve not been able to discover when they were fitted. Some were fitted in LNWR days but many more by the LMS. However, Novelty received LMS red livery very soon after the grouping presumably after a general overhaul so until I know otherwise I’m happy to presume the new buffers were fitted by the LMS in the early grouping days. So, here she is passing through the layout. Tony

That sounds all too familiar, my bedroom was an unheated "conservatory" with a glass roof, the plug in heater made no difference whatsoever. Still, we survived, although no A levels for me either! Tony

Modelling has been slow over the summer months (too much to do outside) but a "ticking over" project has been the Midland Railway's Digbeth East Signal Box. This started as a damaged Hornby Skaledale model found cheap on ebay which I've repaired and repainted and added some extra detail. Now i have to excavate the scenery and install it on the layout. Thanks for looking Tony

Something I've used in the past is ordinary talcum powder. Used as you would a weathering powder it gives quite a nice faded look . Tony

Very well done, a real achievement and thank you for sharing your adventure. I do hope it has the desired effect as far as your health issues are concerned. Although i imagine you fee pretty worn out at the moment! Tony

I'm loving the travelogue already! We regularly have to take our daughter to Newcastle Royal Infirmary for treatment and this would be a good way to spend the day whilst we're waiting. Keep up the good work (walk). Looking forward to further episodes. Tony

God speed you on your expedition James. With all good wishes Tony

That's great, many thanks. Tony

Do you have a link to the chart please? Thanks Tony

Very well done, true modelmaking. Inspirational! Tony

I do agree, Brian Huxley's articles have been a real inspiration to me over what is now nearly 50 years! The original Plastic Prairie article in 1976, set me off on an ongoing fascination with the 39xx tanks. I've built two now. Thanks @Coach bogie for the full list, easily accessible now with the RM digital archive. Tony

Humidity in Warwickshire is 94%, mainly because it is raining non stop! Only 15C though. Enjoy your weekend. Tony

That would certainly be welcome! Tony

Thanks Chris, did you see the Cambrian loco? Tony

Thanks Neal, its not as bad as some (e.g. the 517) but still needs a fair bit of smoothing and probably a number of brass boiler fittings. Tony

Following earlier conversation on @Edwardians Castle Aching about industrial railways in the Birmingham area this loco body has arrived from Shapeways via Enwins Models . It is made to fit the Smokey Joe chassis which unfortunately means it is 1cm too long so some work (quite a lot actually) is going to be needed to get anywhere near a reasonable representation of the real Cadburys Avonsides. Then there is the chassis, I’m certainly not up to building an 0-4-0 with Walschaerts valve gear so will have to look at what can be done with available rtr chassis. It’s going to be a long job! Tony

No Walschaerts valve gear but useful 0-6-0 outside cylinder chassis are the Electrotren/Jouef tank sold through the Hornby International range. A useful 0-4-0 is the Dapol LSWR B4. I've used both successfully. Tony

What scale?