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Right time for another update! i have completed the planking on both boxes although not quite as quickly than I had hinted in an earlier post but nevertheless quick for me. I have also started work on the balconies and stairs for each box. The first series show the smaller 'White Notley' box The latter three show the box placed in a more realistic setting. Sorry about the quality of the photos the light was not that good when I took them earlier. This is the bigger 'Cressing' box I am quite pleased at how these are turning out. Once I have finished the steps I will then complete the roofs. Not sure yet as to whether to make the slates out of thin card or from sheet plastic. Card is easier to cut but plastic easier to fix. The balcony on the 'Cressing' box will have a British Railways poster board affixed to it as per the prototype and I should be able to include some authentic posters as I have a number of photos that provide details. More soon Paul R

I still have those bogie frames suitable for the 313 if you are interested. Paul R

Ah yes Colin but that could also be the result of you superb and exquisite modelling! The quality of your work is simply stunning. In terms of the next 4mm model we have of ourselves overlooked more modern stock. A 375/377 has a number of options which could be catered for in a model and a number of different liveries. As could the 313/314/315/508/507 or PEP derivatives. Which given you suggested you would be building one is a sure fire bet! Paul R

I reckon we might see a 4COR before we see a 4SUB - the sales potential would be better I suspect albeit the SUB would be on a number of people's wish lists Paul 4

You're making a really good job of that. You will be glad you fixed the window issue. May have been only a couple of mm out but that would knaw away and you woud regret it. Been there myself on other models. I had a boiler which didn't quite sit right on a steamer. You couldn't really tell from most angles but it got to me in the end and I had to unsolder it and reseat it. I felt so much better afterwards! I know not everyone woud agree with me but each to his own Paul R

Yes it's one of my favourites too Paul R

Is it failed or being piloted due to low power and can't get up the hill? I just love seeing your photos of Wencombe! Paul R

Rod Yes they would be the ones. Interesting that they are possiblym going the Parkside underframe route. I preferred the heavier ABS white metal option although I accept that these were neve as detailed as they could aveen whereas you can't fault the Parkside ones. I am part way through an ABS LNER open and compared to a simular Slaters version the brake gear is not nearly as good. However a few extra bits should sort that out. Paul R

Didn't I hear or read somewhere that Freightman kits were due to be coming back following the purchase of the range after Frank Titcombe's death. These were great kits. I have one van built and several more in stock. Paul R

Is that the new Bachman Class 40 on shed Dave? Paul R

There is a bogie bolster sitting at the end of a siding in Crowborough (Uckfield Line). It's been thre so long there is a tree growing through it Paul R

It's too hard to resist isn't it. That's why I have a 7mm version on a Gret Eastern branch line! How am I going to explain the Warships when Heljan make them? Paul R

Rod Your ballasting has come out really well . Layout coming along nicely. Kep up the good work! Paul R

Shadow Yes they are very alike - I see what you mean. Quite expensive for what thy are I thought. Paul R

Thanks Dave. As you say some quite close bits here that I think will certainly do the job. I think the Peco crane I have is too large and too heavy for the limited space I have and for the sort of goods that could reasonably expected to be handled at this location and with the facilities available. I also have a Mikes Models crane which is much more compact but still too heavy for the site. The other alternative would be to scratch build and this could either be of soldered construction or styrene. The central base is more difficult either requiring the use of a lathe or 3D printing! On another point I love the model loo! Paul R

Thanks Shadow that's really helpful. I am going to have a browse through the East Anglian books which have the Frank Church collections in. These may have some more photos of the various installations and will post if I find anything Paul R

Thanks for these Shadow. I also saw them on the Little Dunmow thread. The crane is a very smimple one which should be simple to replicate. What I particularly like is the compact base. Thanks for sharing. Yes I would be interested to see the others Paul R

Well at long last I have got the Western out of the box only to find that part of the very flimsy brake gear has broken off and is not able to be glued back together. However all is not lost as Howes have some spare mouldings listed so I have sent for a couple of them. One to repair the damaged part and a spare. I have had the body off and refitted the front screen glazing panel that had fallen out and here are the results. The first shot is my favourite The Western passing over the level crossing on its way back to Witham. Head on view A bit further over the crossing This shows the loco on the van train And from the other side Well thats all for now as its gone back in the box! Progress on the signalboxes has been fairly rapid and planking of the sides is underway. I hope to complete this work over the weekend if I have time and will post more photos then. Each plank is being cut and fitted by hand so its a bit time consuming but the finished result will be worthwhile. Anyhow all for now - enjoy the photos even if they are completely implausible! Paul R

Given the necessary thickness of the castings flush glazing the cab won't be that easy. Have you given that any thoughts Paul R

I had the pleasure of seeing Newhaven at Tonbridge last year and can confirm it is stunning. RMWeb live would be a fitting finale to the retirement from the exhibition circuit. Go on Andy ak the question, Paul R

That sounds like a plan Ian. 36ft is long but not overlong for Gauge O. I think Black Notley will be 28ft when it's finished and ready to go out. The unfortunate thing is I can't get the layout up in one piece at home. However I will cross that bridge when necessary. As for removable tail lamps, I've not sen it but it should be entirely posible by drilling out underneath. Paul R

I never tire of seeing this layout. Superb Paul R

Colijn You might want to have a look at this for your next project http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/79025-a-guide-to-using-the-silhouette-cameo-cutter/page-17 regards Paul

Right I promised some photos of the signal boxes with the roofs fitted. I am quite pleased with these as the roofs really start to make the model prototypical. These first two show the station/crossing box in its proper location. The roof is not sitting down correctly which you never notice until you see the photos. There is nothing actually wrong here! This next one shows the smaller box placed in the same place to get a half decent photo Looking at these I am left with the impression that the smaller box fits the location better. This next one is of the rear And one of both of them side by side Having studied a photo of Lavenham box today which is the same as the Cressing box but in wood, I am now thinking that the planking here will be clapboard as it will be closest to prototype. Next job here will be the bargeboards and facias. The planking is to be left to nearly the last thing as I continue to ponder planking. I also need to make a start on the steps and verandah. Glazing will be the last job after painting. I would like to use real glass from microscope slides but this is dependent on me being able to cut them effectively. Has anyone out there on RM Web any previous experience of using real glass in models? All for now Paul R

I always thought these were impressive wagons Paul R