brumtb

Excellent Graham Very atmospheric, well done. Tony

Does anyone have experience of a Rails Connect Next 18 decoder fitted to Victory? Mine runs fine on DC but barely moves on DCC with the above decoder although power is clearly getting to the motor. Thanks in advance. Tony

Helllo Graham For what it is worth I agree with your thoughts on the water tower ladder, It might well unbalance the overall picture. The buffer beam numbers may technically be a little large but as they're partly obscured by the buffer they're not really prominent. The merest wisp of steam and smoke would suggest the loco is gently simmering at the end of a day's work. The shafts of sunlight don't seem to match the expected angle from the windows, could they be lowered a little? A great painting. Tony

I really like this, it seems to have more of a "system" feel about it. Trains have more room to travel. The carriage shed is a simple solution, useful but not complicated. The setrack test track for the coaches is something to be taken forward, I feel. Ever onwards! Tony

Thanks to all for your kind words and encouragement, I'm quite overwhelmed! I've certainly had time for research and planning and a few online purchases. I did succumb to temptation and purchase a Kerr Stuart Victory from Planet Industrials and now have to fabricate a reason for one to be running in the Birmingham area post great war. That has resulted in some interesting research down side alleys! I hope to post this shortly. More long term is the construction of GWR 4-4-0ST number 13. I've been collecting as much information and as many photos as I can and am beginning to formulate a plan. So, there has been a positive side to my enforced lay off. There has also been plenty of time to think and realise just how fragile we all are and to try and make the most of every day. So, again, many thanks Tony

Two months ago, overnight, I lost the use of my right arm and hand. This put a stop to any modelling as well as most everyday tasks. Thankfully, some use is now returning and I can gently start modelling again. I'd just like to say thank you to all RMwebbers whose posts have kept my modelling hopes alive during a difficult couple of months. There has been so much inspiration but in particular thanks to @Edwardian for Castle Aching, @MrWolf for Aston on Clun, @Graham T for Chuffnell Regis (which I recently discovered and enjoyed reading the whole story), @Neal Ball for Henley on Thames, @Compound2632 for everything wagons and more! and @ChrisN for Traeth Mawr, all of who's posts I continue to look forward to. Hopefully I'll have my own progress to post again soon. Best wishes to all. Tony

I believe the 39s lasted until 1934 by which time they had been dispersed more widely having been replaced on Birmingham suburban duties by the Churchward/Collett large prairies.

Yes, @MrWolf I used the 2251 body, it was certainly useful. I used the Bachmann Lancashire & Yorkshire 2-4-2 chassis. The wheel sizes are a bit out but but overall I think it looks the part. I hadn't thought about the Airfix 61xx as a source of cab/bunker parts. Following with interest. Tony

Interesting @MrWolf are you following the RM article "A Birdcage for Polly"? By your 1930s era the 36xx class all had taper boilers as this one I built a few years ago. Best of luck with your project. Tony

Not all 56s were shedded in South Wales, Leamington Spa had four in 1930 and the same number in 1938 (3 of the 4 in 1938 were t the same locos as in 1930). Tyseley had 2 in 1930 but they had gone by 1937. Tony

Southern train deep in Great Western territory, Hatton, Warwickshire Hatton Station: A view from the road bridge at the Birmingham end of the station with ex-LSWR T9 4-4-0 No 313 on a down Sunny Coast express train (warwickshirerailways.com) and further in: Knowle & Dorridge Station: Southern Railways Class D15 No 465 is seen at the head of an up express of Southern coaching stock near Knowle and Dorridge (warwickshirerailways.com) and Leamington Spa - GWR Locomotives: 'Stranger in the camp' - LSWR T9 4-4-0 No 725 is seen at the head of an up south coast express (warwickshirerailways.com) Tony

Pleased to see you're going to attempt the MSWJR loco and number 13. I very much look forward to following your progress. No modelling for me, I'm afraid, since an injury just pre Christmas has left me with (temporarily I hope) no practical use in my right arm and hand (writing this is painfully difficult with numb fingers!). But it has given me plenty of thinking time to plan my approach to number 13 and collect as much info and photos of the loco that I can. It has therefore moved up my to do list and can't wait to get started when I'm able. Keep up the good work. Tony

Wow, what a transformation, I'm impressed and pleased that it has come together so well. I've certainly picked up some useful ideas along the way and look forward to seeing it completed. I lost the body mounting screw as well! Tony

I'm wondering/hoping that a Hornby Dean Single bogie might be suitable. I know I've got one somewhere......and some of the other bits you've mentioned as well. The only drawing I'm aware of is a basic one in Russell's Great Western Engines. I'm trying to gather together as many photos as I can. Happy modelling in 2023! Tony

Great candidates for imaginative modelling. My favourite and moving up my to do list is number 13:

Is there any news on when the 4mm name and number plates for the LNWR Improved Precedents will be available please?

We've got a lot to look forward to in 2023! Keep up the good work, Tony

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful 2023, Tony

As long as there is a version without shutters at all, as well! Happy Christmas

Nadolig Llawen Mr Price and all your helpers and of course the contractor Mr Chris. Tony

Merry Christmas Kevin and thanks for your dedication to daily posts! Is it that a scarecrow wouldn't be necessary for potatoes? Tony

Hi Rob I've been thinking about your J72 and finally remembered . Are you aware of the October 1986 Railway Modeller article about converting the J72 to M & SWJR 0-6-0T which went into GWR stock at the grouping? If you are interested PM me and I'll forward a copy. Tony

I think I agree with Kevin@KNP. The pub somehow looks out of place there and whilst the white box gives an idea of size it is probably more overwhelming than the actual building would be. The station master's house would seem to be a more relevant building and, perhaps, would better connect the station to the outside scenery. Anyway, whatever you decide keep going, i'm enjoying following your progress. Tony

Yes, Neal, they do look rather ungainly. The first 20 locos were built right at the end of the Dean era and the next 10 a year later in 1903. under Churchward. Some say they should all be attributed to Churchward, who was, of course, Dean's second in command. Initially fitted with parallel boilers, all received Churchward taper boilers and extended smokeboxes in the years before World War 1, which tended to exaggerate their ungainly appearance. Apparently designed as a more powerful replacement for the Metro tanks they were, again, very much connected with the Birmingham area commuter trains, for many years around half of the class was allocated to Birmingham area sheds although some were also used on London suburban services. Like the 3900s they were withdrawn in the early 1930s as the Collet Large Prairies were introduced. As short haul suburban locos they presumably were not thought to need large coal capacity. One final point, according to the RCTS, it was extremely unusual for the 3600s to appear on any sort of freight train. Happy Christmas Tony

Hi Chris, great work, I'm in awe of your attention to detail. All the hymn books in our village church are blue, they're pretty old though not Victorian. The heating system is, though, with approximately 2 inch diameter pipes running round the walls and along the aisles at ankle height (many is the parishioner who has had burnt shins, many years ago i melted the sole of my shoe) much as @MrWolfdescibes. All being ripped out now after at least 130 years to be replaced by a modern "future proofed" system which I really don't understand. But after 3 years of no heat at all in a 13th century building ( restored in Victorian times) as long as it works i, for one, don't mind! Tony