gresley

Hi Brian and BR(W), Regarding Brake vans fitted with roller bearings. There is a picture of Brake Van No B954874 (page 46 of British Railway Wagons No 5 by G. Gamble). The caption states " was built to diagram 1/507, lot 327, at Darlington works in 1959. It has roller bearings and hydraulic buffers." Alas, there is no mention of its use. gresley

Hello Brian, Apologies. I stand corrected. My source was a publication, NOT a BR pamphlet, and it states that the roller bearing fitted vans were put into service in 1959/60, on the Aberdeen - King's Cross fish trains specifically, there being 3 sets which worked in a "merry go round" system. gresley

I believe that the Insulated Fish Vans were not actually fitted with roller bearings until 1959/60. gresley

Alright Gilbert, so, no Fruit vans. I see the way things are going. 10 Fruit vans = 1 new loco (mixed traffic). By the way, there were NO Blue Spot fish vans in 1958, so be careful which ones you acquire. gresley

Gilbert, Fish vans, yes, but what about all those fruit vans as well ????? gresley

Hi Tony, Must say, you come up with the most difficult questions. Where do you dig them up from ???? Anyway, "you aint beat me yet". Bit complicated but here goes: Information quoted comes from 2 pubs, namely Great Northern Engine Sheds, Vols 1 and 3, by Roger Griffiths & John Hooper, Vol 1, Irwell Press, 1989, Vol 3, Booklaw, 2000. Vol 3 contains a photo showing remains of a section of roof after war damage, (page 79). Not very helpful. However, on page 81, there is a description of the building of Copley Hill Shed. "Copley Hill engine shed incorporated a number of features that were revolutionary for the GNR. First, the brick-built, 5-road, 305ft x 75ft depot was of the through type and featured a transverse pitch roof. In adopting that style of covering, the GN abandoned the then standard 'northlight' pattern in favour of a design used only once before on the railway, in 1862, for the 8-road satraight shed at King's Cross "Top Shed". Vol 1 contains a photo of top shed, (page 17). Whilst the building shown is not specifically named in the caption, the view, together with the description given on page 13 of the actual building of the new shed, seem to identify the roof of the building in the picture. "The new building was in brick, with a roof of a pattern new to the GNR - four slated transverse pitches, each with a smoke collecting trough running along the ridge for nearly the entire width of the building, and venting via a square chimney above each road." I appreciate that this is a bit long-winded, but hope it is of some help for you. Regards, gresley

Gilbert, Re your last sentence above: TOO RIGHT YOU WOULD !!!!!!! Stuart

Larry, Can you please help ? The GC coach behind the A5. Do you know the Dia No and also, do you know of a source for kits and builders ? Stuart

ScRSG, Have you tried the lamps from the 3mm society ? gresley

David, Thanks for those stunning pics in York station - the way it used to be. Brilliant !!!!! Stuart

David, According to Yeadon's Register, V2s,, the replacement of the monoblocs by separate cylinders began in 1956, the first loco so fitted was No 60886 during Apr/May 1956. (see pages 20 and 22). gresley

Last photo (Kings X shed L1 and V2 c1948 JVol 1317) I think that is an A3, not a V2. I dson't remember any V2s with seperate cylinders at that time. gresley

Dave, I can think of worse things to overload the bank account. B 17 AND another dozen coaches ? Is that all ????? Stuart

Alastair, Many thanks. Have now got a copy. gresley

Gilbert, You'd be surprised !!! I believe that there are even some mobile phones that you can do almost anything with - except telephone !!! and cameras, well . . . . Stuart

Fatneck, Many thanks for the pics. Any idea of the date of the first pic ? gresley

any photos of Hadfield West 'box ? Located on the western end of the Up platform. gresley

Yes there are. I've got some. Go to the 3mm Society. gresley

some how that dome appears to be slightly large (high). Is it right ? gresley

. . . . . he's already got his eye on the place next door. gresley

Coachman, Gilbert, Having watched your video of London Streets, I must say that it is VERY interesting. Of course, having "been there and done it " so to speak, it brings back many memories of a time when life was full of interest. Girls/Ladies all wearing skirts or dresses - they actually had legs that you could see (some more, some less), instead of the all pervading unisex jeans of today. Motor vehicles of a far greater variety. Streets not filled with litter, (I even spotted a couple of Council Road Sweepers going about their chores). People didn't throw their litter down as they do today. I suppose that there was a general attitude of "self discipline" and respect and consideration for both people and property in those days compared to today. It all made for a more pleasant way of life. Of course there was the negative side as well, but not so much nor so aggresive as today. Of course, one could go on, and point the finger at the reasons, but that is not for this thread. Sufficient to say that those who know TW, will also know his views. gresley

Personally, I think that the 50s were far more interesting than the 60s, when it all just fell apart. Well, certainly after about 1963. gresley

Yes, there were, and I've got some of them !!!!!!! gresley

One last comment on the above. I timed the "shrieking whistle". A full 12 seconds. gresley PS. Gilbert, there are also some recordings made at Peterborough in 1958. Very good and atmospheric. Nothing dubbed.

Amongst my library is a collection of Argo Transacord EPs and LPs. On the one entitled "Gresleyx Pacifics" Side two consists of recordings made at Retford South Crossing during August 1956. The second track has the following description: "The bells of nearby Ordsall Church are drowned by the shrieking whistle of A3 No 60088 Book Law, hurtling over the crossing with the Down "White Rose" (London - Leeds, Bradford)".. I can assure you that anyone hearing this would never say that the A3s had a "peep,peep" whistle. Having just descended Gamston Bank, I would estimate the speed to be around 70 mph at least. That crossing certainly took sopme stick !!!! gresley