john flann

Gilbert, regarding your quandary of delivering parcels to those within the UK and unable to collect could I suggest "pass the parcel". A member within easy driving distance of you takes it to '"B", who then takes it to "C" until it reaches its destination. A few new friendships might also be formed. And for those overseas could the services of Hatton's be enlisted?

Martyn, those Ratio kits are fiddly. Sooner you than me. I only got as far as building three or so of the 4 wheel coaches. And that was enough. But I'm sure you will make a go of it. i can't speak of 'correct' colours. I don't worry over much because so many circumstances come into play. Doing what seems 'right' is the way I do things.

I'm happy to see this thread as it's the first time I have dealt with Harburn Hobbies. Residing in the USA it was all on line, an excellent site clearly set out and easy to follow, order giving straightforward as was payment and prompt, by return virtually, air mail delivery at a reasonable cost. On arrival I was very pleased with the quality of the goods. They will eventually be seen on Hintock. HH were a pleasure to deal with and next time I need something Hatton's can't supply I'll look to them. A very satisfied customer.

Tony, happy to see you and your layout here. Welcome. i look forward to following your thread. All god wishes.

Robin you see what I mean!. Whatever, it's early afternoon here, a pleasant 70F, (its been over 90+ for weeks) sun with a few clouds. Pointed comments maybe, but kindly meant. I mentioned topography because that determines the level of the railway (with other considerations) and its relationship to sea level. It, of course, isn't relevant here but in the real world extremely so. The wall to protect the railway would thus need to be at a height above the highest tide in bad weather.Here we are only concerned with appearances. But even so we want to be credible. I'd really need to see it to say what the height should be-in other words what looks right-but I would suggest no more than one third of the height of your baseboard.

Robin, I haven't been closely following your thread recently (for reasons mentioned to you privately) but I think you mentioned re-building your sea wall. In so doing have you amongst others, perhaps considered:- 1. its height? To my eye it appears excessively high. 2, the topography of the lands adjacent? 3. is the '"water" alongside the raging Atlantic or a placid tidal estuary? 4. cost of the initial works and their subsequent maintenance.? All matters very much in the mind of the original builders of the line. If you have, then kindly disregard this post.

Andy, glad you feel ready to build anew. I look forward to seeing your progress.Nice simple and interesting track plan. You should get hours of pleasure from this.

Richard, how about a mirror? See what I did on Hintock.

Then if they are ashpits understandably 'mucky.

Mullie, they were, of course, dirty places but still business like. If you haven't seen it you might care to look at www.lostockhallmpd.uk/sheds.html for some ideas. A veritable source of useful photographic information. PS-the link doesn't seem to work but googling will.

Well Mullie that certainly looks mucky. But were things ever so bad as that?

Well said Rick, you are quite right in that much more is probably seen than directly acknowledged. And, when posting I forgot to inquire whether the Beatty was pulling or being pushed. If the latter I think the crew would have been in for a rough ride at any speed. Also the 'virtual train' on MRC was a nice bit of fun. More to the point it illustrated the relationship and connections with other railways.

Rick, as ever a good show from you. What else? You make a valid point about the time and effort required to put such a show such as this on, even a selection of still images takes time and I sometimes think that effort needed is not always appreciated. Thank you for taking the time and making making the effort.

Why be apologetic about another GWR layout?

Nick, I'm so glad that you had such an enjoyable weekend with MM and I like to thank Andy for those very atmospheric pictures. Nowhere near as good as being there, but in the circumstance not far off. I also saw a 'Duke-Dog' I think, was that so? It looked entirely at home on MM and set me thinking as to whether I could justify one for Hintock. Maybe I could.

I've just found this and delighted with what I have seen. I look forward to more. Regards,

Jim, you said you were wanting information about the Butter Factory, (I assume that is distinct from the Creamery) but have you tried the County Archivist? In their archives is bound to be a set of OSS's, and these will show at the least the ground plan of the Factory and the surrounding area. The best scale for you would be 1/500, the 1/2500 would be ok as would the 1/1250. The first two are older, the last more recent. The cost is nor prohibitive, you would not need the whole sheet, just ask for what you need. Regards,

Rick, I have wondered for a while when this day would come. I like too the subtle weathering of the WC. Too often too much. That seems about right.

Rick, what will you come up with next? Interested in your comment about 'couplings' for I have often wondered how you managed with your diverse and large amount of stock .There is no excuse for such different standards but that subject is both contentious and a bit OT. So I'll leave it. As always I enjoy the show!

Always looks good, Nick and it appears the customers were taking a serious interest. Discerning obviously. Glad you had a good exhibition-and I hope you enjoyed it.

Adrian, I haven't looked in on Westerham for a while (busy with Hintock) and I'm always delighted with what I see. You take a lot more pains with your scenery than I do with mine. Excellent stuff. Regards

Rick, I haven't looked at Penhayle Bay in a while and what a treat it was to do so today. I know I've said it before but I never cease to be amazed by the size ad scope of it and always impressed with your showmanship and energy. Thank you for the treat. (And I now see the loco shed appears to have become a diesel depot.) Kindest regards, On edit, PS.i meant to add that in1944 at the height of the German V1 and V2 attacks on London my parents decided I would be safer elsewhere and I went to stay with friends in Bath. There I 'collected engine numbers' at the GWR station (nothing ever seemed to happen at the Joint LMS/SR station) and I saw regularly IKB in all its glory- it being splendidly turned out. Happy memories!

Thanks Nick, I quite understand, please see the PM I sent you.

and a PS, to avoid damage en route, the pipes would be laid in a cradle and packed with straw. Cast iron suffers little once laid, I think exterior paint of whatever nature would not make much difference. These are 100 year pipes, but they are susceptible to fracture. The pipes came in various lengths and diameters, and as pointed out they needed handling and the equipment then available to lift, convey and lay them in every day use was smaller than today.

OK, Nick but they look too 'copperry' and burnished to me. I still stick to my re-collection they were darkish grey/black. Why should they need to be painted, they are going to be buried deep down and there is no need of painting either the inside or exterior, what purpose would it serve?