Tricky

Superb as usual Dave. This just gets better and better.

Well...even if you say its not your strong point, I reckon these are top drawer. Superb. I shall carry on checking on your progress for inspiration!

Giles, many congratulations to you and your team. Well deserved.

Thanks for all your replies, most helpful. In summary what I think I’m going to do is make up a track plan and signalling diagram based on another box. My box whilst based on Beeston is going to be called ‘Monks Gate No 1’ and is depicted just after the turn of the last century complete with portrait of the newly crowned Edward VII. I love the last photo posted of Hademore Crossing and will base the lettering on that.

Would you happen to have dimension of the board and letters?

The ballast ‘ground’ is wet by the way...!!

I also have a question: how would the box name have been displayed in say 1900? Style, colour etc? I’ve had a quick look in my signalling book but may have missed it.

Been working flat out on the box as I’ve realised it’s only just over a month to the closing date, with Cxxxxxxxs in between...! Externally almost finished apart from a roof for the loo, soffits and gutters. Internally, roof purlins and a small matter of some levers etc etc. The two sides of the roof are removable so all the innards will be on show. I’m contemplating the layout and type of levers still. I may use a layout from another prototype box of 25 levers and make up a name for it. Hopefully thus avoiding those more knowledgable than me pointing out my glaring errors!

Just having a quick read. Superb issue Barry. I think the photo on page 310 is one of the most realistic I have seen in a long time. Good show.

It's tenuous....

His real name is Shaun but he's always been known as Clipper on account of his oriental facial features.

Ebenezer and Horace have turned up to see what can be done about the dock wall. Not much in the way of Health and Safety in them days...

Looks like the invasion has spread as far as Bristol...

Oh dear. You are correct in your observation Stephen. That can only mean I haven’t blended the three layers very well!!

These little chaps flew over from Giles’ place.

Too long for Oolong perhaps...?

...although I may need to make him a bit less oriental-looking...?!

A bit like this perhaps...?!

Hmm. Fair points...the dray lettering was toned down from bright white. But, yes, the ‘Glass’ does possibly need a bit more toning down. All constructive criticism gratefully received...!

Nice.

Loaded...? Or unloaded...?

Have you forgotten yet?... Look up, and swear by the Green of the spring that you’ll Never forget Siegfried Sassoon

Amongst other things today, I painted this wheelbarrow. And lettered the dray, ready for final assembly.

Mmm ....Milky Bar. My favourite. Nice etchings too....

That’s a very useful starting point - thanks.