gresley

Hi Gilbert, Need any help ? They're certainly putting the pressure on you. Stuart

Mark, Thanks for the link. However, it is not very useful. The video is ruined by the music. Unfortunately, it drowns out most of the possible sounds of the loco. gresley

According to "The Locomotive Exchanges" by C J Allen, the following express locos were used on the Waterloo-Exeter route: Merchant Navy Class, 35018 British India Line Princess Coronation Class 46236 City of Bradford Royal Scot class 46154 The Hussar A4 class 60022 Mallard/ 60033 Seagull Hope this is of some use to you. gresley

I see that, according to the views of the new Bachmann chassis in the Hornby magazine, Bachmann do NOT intend to make these chassis available seperately, so that means no replacements for existing locos. Shame. They would undoubtedly sell like hot cakes. gresley

Also, forget the myth about having more time on retirement. It just is not true. Ask the other retired people. They'll all tell you the same thing - namely that they have LESS time than before. gresley

Herbert, Quite right. Thanks for the correction. Old age is definitely here !!!!!! Stuart

It gets my vote too. Brilliant. I must admit that if my layout was as god as No 1 was, I doubt if I would have had the courage to demolish it and start again. Gilbert, what was it that Gunga Din said ????? Stuart

Gilbert, Your yards look like my engine sheds. Chock-a-block with stuff. Stuart

Gilbert, What other goodies have you got "up there" ? Stuart

Gilbert, What was that about a quart and a pint pot ??????? Stuart

AAaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh ! Oooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh !!!!!!!!!!!! Just practicing for the OFF. Stuart

Unfortunately, yes. Still, I might manage a quick trip to the lineside, just like the old days. Stuart

Gilbert, forgot to mention: My lovely BR Blue, single chimney A4 arrived yesterday. Together with the teak gresleys it looks just great although it should really have the Thompsons. Of course, it will be "The Capitals Limited", not "The Elizabethan" !!!! All I need now are the catering vehicles Stuart

Gilbert, In the words of a true northerner, "I'm gobsmacked". !!!!!!! Absolutely fantastic. I'd love to put my name on the list of Operators, but I suppose it will be a case of "waiting for dead men's shoes". Stuart

Gilbert, Puts my effort to shame. Certainly a different league. Maybe I should try belting some of the golf balls instead !!! Stuart

Yes, I can remember seeing the Alton Towers layout. Was quite impressed because at that time there were very few permanent layouts on display. Reckon it was around 1958/59 when I saw it. gresley

Bill, Sorry, I don't know anything about him. However, although it is not strictly yiuzr subject, you might like to know that the current largest HO model railway in the world is situated in Hamburg. The buildsing of it started some 8 years ago and it is estimated to be finished in around 2014. HOwever, that which is already finished is certainly worth a visit if you are ever in Hamburg. gresley

my own advice would be to wait until you are settled again in the UK. There are so many possible problems which you only know about when they occur. I moved house (within Germany) and was very glad that my railway stock (including track, points, etc) was all packed in boxes at the time of the move. What's packed up is relatively safe from "collateral damage" before, during and after the move. As for a suitable scale, I certainly think that TT would be an ideal if there was a wider selection available (bot British as well as Continental). I tried N Gauge but soon found that it was too small and finnicky. (must consider that you don't get younger !). Therefore I finished up with HO/00 (mixture of continental and british). Whatever you choose, I wish you luck. gresley

It's the perennial problem again - what to leave out I'll talk to you directly again soon.

Hi Cheesy, Regarding your comment on the DC Kits window. Have you compared the windows of 26000 with the others ? Don't forget that 26000 was the original prewar loco and differed from the later production ones. I haven't seen the kits, but I did work on the bodies of the EM1s and EM2s when they were being built - long time ago. I was in the C&W Dept at Dukinfield and they were in the next bay of the workshops, where MetroVicks were installing the electric motors, etc. gresley

It has just occurred to me. What track are you using ? My Peco Ramps are installed in Code 100 track. I suspect that Code 75, being finer, is also lower, which may well be the cause of vehicles not passing freely over the ramp. I do not have any Code 75 track. I have a combination of Peco 100, Fleischmann (also Code 100), and Roco (Code 83). gresley

I presume thatthe Hornby Uncoupler Unit is a simple ramp, operated by a switch which raises/lowers it. Have you considered the Peco Uncoupling Ramp ? Very simple both to install and use. No electrics. No magnets. Can be installed within 1 minute, and at almost any place you wish. Works with all TL type couplings. gresley