Liam

To try and answer that question I've had a look at the photos taken. No one appears to be resting their arms, but I seem to recall there being backs to the seats.

But don't forget that the fireman wouldn't have always been sat down - if he wasn't shovelling coal, he would be checking the signals or if stationary cooking the bacon!

28XX no. 2857 has seats (I know because I've driven it) and that was built in 1918, so definitely before the grouping.

If you have some 'windcutters' then you could try and recreate a prototype picture I saw of some on a winters evening in Normanton, Yorkshire with the setting sun above it - you could just hear the shoves and jostles of them being shunted! I'll try and find that photo.

And at Didcot? There probably wouldn't be time.

On the LSWR William Beattie ordered some Metropolitan 4-4-0ts for the Plymouth line in the eighteen seventies. The light track and shallow ballasting magnified the hunting on these locos. One fireman was thrown across the cab and broke his collar bone!

I hope 1501 doesn't do that to me!

Hmmm

 

Is there another issue?

 

Usually peak hour flows are tidal - starting at the outer limit of the service in the morning with fewer trains running outwards - until of course the evening when the flow reverses.

 

From this layout one might assume there is no intention to stable any units at Bromsgrove at any time to facilitate these flows?

 

Phil

That's a good point. I guess if they haven't already a turnback siding/loop will need to be implemented.

Ah, 1450. She's one of 'our' locos and a sweet little beauty!

That's a nice locomotive (the Radial). Only trouble is that unless the Severn Valley Railway Company saved the sole survivor in 1960 and also at the same time bought the line to the exchange sidings with Kinlet Colliery then I'll have to leave it.

I'm biased in that my favourite preserved station is Highley, but Carrog looks a nice station and you have the flexibility of running (pretty much) whatever you want with no one complaining.

Scott I know this thread is about a GWR branch but could we have a picture of your Radial?

And I'll go and fetch my dustpan and brush . . .

IMHO the 4 track formation should have been re-instated completely from Longbridge to Barnt Green

Rather like this:

http://www.warwickshirerailways.com/lms/mr/barntgreen/mrbg705.jpg

 

with those, outer tracks, electrified.

This would allow a completely independent approach from Birmingham direction to the Redditch branch.

Too many crossings though for today's track designers!

I thought it was 4 track though

A MPD will probably be easier and more interesting, with scope for some interlopers

I'm baffled as to why the cross city trains couldn't use the side platforms for reversing - it would make life easier for the XC trains through the main Centre platforms.

Perhaps we should exhaust the matter on the letter between XC and Network Rail.

Well Gilbert, what a milestone! I feel honoured to be part of the thread even though I'm a relative newcomer. But do you know who the lucky reader was?

813 and her sisters didn't enter BR ownership. They were all withdrawn by 1934 by the GWR who were starting to replace much of the pre-grouping GWR fleet that had been inherited from the pre-grouping companies with more modern engines.

If the owners take after WCR they might still out shop her in BR black even though it is fictitious.

Ah yes - but I suspect back in the day the GWR went via Hereford not up the Lickey....

 

And a quick peruse of the Trainline suggests that if I want to do the trip next Tuesday it will cost me....£372!!!!!

 

Phil

That would probably buy all the stock and most of the track for 'Kinlet'!

I was in Edinburgh today and shocked to find a service going to Liverpool Lime Street! I think Crosscountry should reintroduce the Penzance - Liverpool trains once operated by GWR (the old one that is)

We're forming a pressure group, Gilbert.  Once you've had a shower we will discuss terms

This IS one group I'm prepared to join - what position shall I assume?

Wonder what will look like in BR black. . .

Yet again, my heating system chooses to break down on a Bank Holiday. Great service from my Insurance company got me an emergency engineer within four hours, brilliant. Pump has failed, not so brilliant, and he has already used the only one he had on the van, less brilliant still. Get another on Easter Sunday? No chance. So, no heating and no hot water for some time.

 

Here is a picture of a coaling stage.

coaling stage.JPG

Plenty of coal there, but no good to me, as I don't have a grate to burn it in. Time to put on an extra pair of socks, I think, after which I shall return to the railway.

You could use the old trick of heating water. Get a brown paper bag, near fill it with water and light a small fire underneath. You would need to have a garden with a BBQ or firepit to hold the bag over

No!  I was already a fully appreciative member of said society but had decided it was best kept at a minimal level of reverence and noise in case I get chucked out of Swindon on my next visit.

You never know. I have a pal who nearly got chucked out of Bewdley for saying Hampton Loade was a nice station. For those of you that don't know, these are two Severn Valley stations.

Just a query, how do I get involved with BCB? I don't know if it helps but I live near the Black Country

All we need to complete a classic GWR scene is a Toad brake van.

Hmm, competition!

 

Or the N5 appreciation society has another member.

Who, me?

Am I right in thinking that I may have been behind a Western from Plymouth to New Street in the early 70s.

If one got to Leeds in 1977 and the Cheltenham Spa stop was very brief then yes you probably are right.