ianathompson

There was a problem with this practice, as I recall from an article in Trains or some such American magazine. One of the American car companies complained about the railways delivering cars with corrosion and damaged paintwork. These had left the factory in pristine condition. Upon investigation it seems that they had been marshalled behind stock cars containing pigs. The pigs urinated copiously in the stock cars and the urine had been sprayed all over the cars, causing the damage. I note that the stock cars are in at the front of the train pictured. I hope that there was nothing delicate in the following "cars". Ian T

You did better at this than I did then! I still see, and often drink, with my former 3rd year (now year 9) pupils but their parents obviously did not hold me in such high regard. In fact one salient feature of my teaching career was the parent who offered to fight me at a parents' evening. I was quite acceptable to this idea, (made a difference to the boring normal routine) and even went so far as to remove my tie before inviting him 'to bring it on'. i played rugby every weekend at the time, so was quite amenable to a bit of fisticuffs. Unfortunately the other parents were appalled and dragged him away before we could begin to enjoy ourselves! Ian T

Wow! I am impressed that you have one with the cover still on it! There are many of Beal's books on my "Modelling shelf" and plenty of those by Maskeline, his predecessor. This is the typical British "take" on American layouts. Magazines such as Model Railroader, to which I subscribe, hands up, propagate the idea of the monstrously large layout as an ideal. They obviously exist but I suspect that the press over represents them. One disadvantage would appear, to me personally, to be their reliance upon a large "crew" to realise their potential. Fine. If you wish to spend your cash so that others can enjoy you railroad go ahead and do it. I struggle to come to terms with this philosophy. The great layouts of the past were a product of their time, when there were few alternatives to concentrating upon and building one single layout. Modellers during the fifties and sixties were much more financially straitened than today's modellers and they often had little choice other than constructing one layout. It is very easy, today, to flit between one theme and another because so many commercial models are available and disposable income is much greater than it was in the sixties. I have followed the outdated "lifetime path" but, even so, have erred from the true calling and diversified into ancilliary interests. I look forward as to where this debate goes! Ian T

I suppose that you could watch Atherton Labernum Rovers if they were away. Ian T

Again I am guessing but I would have thought that the M&GN station would have been a better bet as it is only just round the corner. One of the platforms from this station has been preserved, just outside the Jewson warehouse, and can be seen on Google Earth. The Great Eastern station, across town, has been obliterated, although it is commemorated in a street name. This station, as I recall, was unusual in that it only had one through platform face. Passenger trains that had to cross either ran through the station and revesed into the bay or they ran into the bay and reversed out. The path of the GE can be traced by diused bridges at the north end of the town but there is now little trace of the M&GN. Ian T

I cannot tell you the answer to this but it might be possible to find out. I don't know if you quoted Fakenham deliberately but it has the only gas works museum in Britain. They might have kept the ledgers. I must admit that I have never visited the museum but we used to go into a pub across the road sometimes, after playing cricket. Ian T

The Creature is likely to be in service for some time yet, even if it gets relegated to shunting or snow plough duties. The BoBo, acting as spare engine today, seems to have thrown one of its traction tyres so that will need attention. This loco is more likely to be retired because it is too small when compared with the other locos. It has already had a semi-retirement but was called back into service as demand increased. Ian T

Have you been looking at the AFK system? This sounds familiar as the 'Person in charge'. Not too sure about the qualifying adjective 'superficial' though! Ian T

It has been a little while since I posted as I had to go into hospital for an unpleasant biopsy. A period of disillusionmentt then followed and enthusiasm waned. Following this short interlude activity has continued so here are the latest photos. 193. Time is passing and the evening railcars have pulled into the Basabazaro at Fenditavalat. The loco from the cattle special can now find a path to Rivabordo before the mixto arrives. The AFK railcar will push the CFS trailer up the slope to allow the CFS railcar to get to the front of its train. The AFK railcar provides the schools’ service over the Altingablecaŭtoj for the two Lyceoj. 195. The schools’ railcar is one of only two timetabled crossings at Caladonno. Originally there were none. The loop was a late addition to the layout plans, designed to accommodate wagons shed from trains too long to enter the short loop at Fenditavalat. The train is, of course in Narnia here, but the Thalnian authorities have struck an agreement to provide education for any Narnian children resident within the enclave on the strict understanding that Talking Mice, Centaurs, Unicorns and other outlandish creatures are not included within this remit. This is supposed to be an enclave for normal people and the stationmaster is encouraged not to come onto the platform too often for fear of upsetting nervous travellers (photo 137). 196. The Kasatritikakamparoj goods crosses the fields in the valley bottom as the afternoon wears on. Relforka have added a load of bricks onto the tail of the train, which are bound for Lacono. This is a common practice as train loading limits on the lower part of the line struggle to accommodate the traffic on offer, but it is not too popular with the train crews. The “creature” (from the Black Lagoon) is quite elderly now and the crew are worried that it may struggle on the restart from Sojonno stop. In actuality the train had to be reversed to take a run at “wet leaves” curve although it is well below the load limit set for the loco. I did consider “sanding” the track (i.e. adding a big piece of lead onto the loco, rather crude but effective) but this loco’ mechanism already screams under load and seems inclined to disengage the gears under duress. I suppose that it owes me nothing. It is around forty years old now and was crudely hacked about for another project all those years ago. The remnants of that disaster were assembled into this loco, creating an idiosyncratic character. The creature was given its head, charged the curve and had to be reined in on the straight as it galloped away towards Boursson. 202. Control has called a relief train, running as 9802, to take some extra refrigerator vans down to the coast. This train is now timetabled to cross the early running branch goods at Breĉo de Glissent. The train is also carrying a load of fuel for the fleet’s bunkers. The layout’s supply of standard gauge wagons could easily equip a moderate sized SG layout, although they would need attention to their couplings and, in some cases, running gear. It is one of the advantages of having followed the same theme for a number of years. Most were acquired piecemeal from second hand stalls or E-Bay, although there are one or two expensive examples in and amongst. The entry of Brawa and Lenz into the O gauge market has broadened the scope but they are relatively heavy and expensive models and form a minority of the available stock. A couple of scratchbuilds round out the choice. That's all for now folks! Ian T

It has been a little while since I posted as I had to go into hospital for an unpleasant biopsy. A period of disillusionmentt then followed and enthusiasm waned. Following this short interlude activity has continued so here are the latest photos. 193. Time is passing and the evening railcars have pulled into the Basabazaro at Fenditavalat. The loco from the cattle special can now find a path to Rivabordo before the mixto arrives. The AFK railcar will push the CFS trailer up the slope to allow the CFS railcar to get to the front of its train. The AFK railcar provides the schools’ service over the Altingablecaŭtoj for the two Lyceoj. 195. The schools’ railcar is one of only two timetabled crossings at Caladonno. Originally there were none. The loop was a late addition to the layout plans, designed to accommodate wagons shed from trains too long to enter the short loop at Fenditavalat. The train is, of course in Narnia here, but the Thalnian authorities have struck an agreement to provide education for any Narnian children resident within the enclave on the strict understanding that Talking Mice, Centaurs, Unicorns and other outlandish creatures are not included within this remit. This is supposed to be an enclave for normal people and the stationmaster is encouraged not to come onto the platform too often for fear of upsetting nervous travellers (photo 137). 196. The Kasatritikakamparoj goods crosses the fields in the valley bottom as the afternoon wears on. Relforka have added a load of bricks onto the tail of the train, which are bound for Lacono. This is a common practice as train loading limits on the lower part of the line struggle to accommodate the traffic on offer, but it is not too popular with the train crews. The “creature” (from the Black Lagoon) is quite elderly now and the crew are worried that it may struggle on the restart from Sojonno stop. In actuality the train had to be reversed to take a run at “wet leaves” curve although it is well below the load limit set for the loco. I did consider “sanding” the track (i.e. adding a big piece of lead onto the loco, rather crude but effective) but this loco’ mechanism already screams under load and seems inclined to disengage the gears under duress. I suppose that it owes me nothing. It is around forty years old now and was crudely hacked about for another project all those years ago. The remnants of that disaster were assembled into this loco, creating an idiosyncratic character. The creature was given its head, charged the curve and had to be reined in on the straight as it galloped away towards Boursson. 202. Control has called a relief train, running as 9802, to take some extra refrigerator vans down to the coast. This train is now timetabled to cross the early running branch goods at Breĉo de Glissent. The train is also carrying a load of fuel for the fleet’s bunkers. The layout’s supply of standard gauge wagons could easily equip a moderate sized SG layout, although they would need attention to their couplings and, in some cases, running gear. It is one of the advantages of having followed the same theme for a number of years. Most were acquired piecemeal from second hand stalls or E-Bay, although there are one or two expensive examples in and amongst. The entry of Brawa and Lenz into the O gauge market has broadened the scope but they are relatively heavy and expensive models and form a minority of the available stock. A couple of scratchbuilds round out the choice. That's all for now folks! Ian T

The session has proceeded at an unusually brisk pace, partly because I have had to self isolate before a hospital appointment. The latest batch of photos is now available. 137. Caladonno has officially seceded to Narnia, on account of its permanent winter. The maps and the “backstory” have been modified accordingly. The Narnian Nuncio, having been informed that the Aŭkeratuo is aboard the train has dropped in to pay a ceremonial visit and exchange fraternal greetings. Meetings between the pair were somewhat fiery in times past but peace prevails nowadays. The enclave covers a restricted area and has become a retreat for those humans not enamoured by the otherworldliness of their fellow “countrymen”. It is well known for its magical potions and elixirs which ensure its prosperity. There are no customs formalities and by international agreement the AFK has free right of passage across the territory and its employees may come and go on railway business as they please. In a reciprocal gesture Urchyllu, a Narnian centaur, is employed as stationmaster here, something of a break in the tradition of employing the wives of PW gangers to look after the stations. He is giving the ’Right away’ in the traditional flamboyant manner by waving the Narnian streamer to warn passengers to board. Once this is achieved he will blow the hunting horn in his left hand authorising departure. The AFK trajnaĉefo is keeping a wary eye on proceedings from his compartment. It is all a little too NFN;~ Normal for Norfolk Narnia for his liking. 146. The loco is forced to leave two vans standing behind the train on the RT (main through road). Shunting here is difficult because of the steep gradient, as was noted in photo 84, but it is probably more apparent in this side on view. As the ice on the Lagabianco melts and the snow drifts waste away, the two birds fight over a fish. You will have to imagine their screeches and the nip in the air! ‘Summer is y comen in’ but it is short lived in these rarefied alpine pastures and the brutal winter will soon return. 153. Previously the mixto had to arrive in platform 2 but it could not pull forward to the end of the platform as the crossings are used by the incoming railcar. The complicated shunting has allowed the mixto to occupy the full length of the main platform, as befits one of the three main up trains of the day, whilst leaving the crossings clear. 165. The impending problems at Urteno are resolved once the railcar departs. There is no path for the additional banker and its train so it reverses into the coal sidings to wait for one whilst the goods train is shunted into the ‘goods loop’. The original timing for the extra banker “crossed” the path for the goods train. The goods train usually terminates at Lacono but runs forward if there is sufficient traffic to justify it (60 tons minimum). These “air crossings” were common in German timetables into the seventies and eighties and relied upon staff reading their daily notices thoroughly to ascertain which trains were, and which trains were not, running on a particular day. Eventually the inevitable happened and there was a “cornfield meet” where the two trains crashed into one another. Ian T

The session has proceeded at an unusually brisk pace, partly because I have had to self isolate before a hospital appointment. The latest batch of photos is now available. 137. Caladonno has officially seceded to Narnia, on account of its permanent winter. The maps and the “backstory” have been modified accordingly. The Narnian Nuncio, having been informed that the Aŭkeratuo is aboard the train has dropped in to pay a ceremonial visit and exchange fraternal greetings. Meetings between the pair were somewhat fiery in times past but peace prevails nowadays. The enclave covers a restricted area and has become a retreat for those humans not enamoured by the otherworldliness of their fellow “countrymen”. It is well known for its magical potions and elixirs which ensure its prosperity. There are no customs formalities and by international agreement the AFK has free right of passage across the territory and its employees may come and go on railway business as they please. In a reciprocal gesture Urchyllu, a Narnian centaur, is employed as stationmaster here, something of a break in the tradition of employing the wives of PW gangers to look after the stations. He is giving the ’Right away’ in the traditional flamboyant manner by waving the Narnian streamer to warn passengers to board. Once this is achieved he will blow the hunting horn in his left hand authorising departure. The AFK trajnaĉefo is keeping a wary eye on proceedings from his compartment. It is all a little too NFN;~ Normal for Norfolk Narnia for his liking. 146. The loco is forced to leave two vans standing behind the train on the RT (main through road). Shunting here is difficult because of the steep gradient, as was noted in photo 84, but it is probably more apparent in this side on view. As the ice on the Lagabianco melts and the snow drifts waste away, the two birds fight over a fish. You will have to imagine their screeches and the nip in the air! ‘Summer is y comen in’ but it is short lived in these rarefied alpine pastures and the brutal winter will soon return. 153. Previously the mixto had to arrive in platform 2 but it could not pull forward to the end of the platform as the crossings are used by the incoming railcar. The complicated shunting has allowed the mixto to occupy the full length of the main platform, as befits one of the three main up trains of the day, whilst leaving the crossings clear. 165. The impending problems at Urteno are resolved once the railcar departs. There is no path for the additional banker and its train so it reverses into the coal sidings to wait for one whilst the goods train is shunted into the ‘goods loop’. The original timing for the extra banker “crossed” the path for the goods train. The goods train usually terminates at Lacono but runs forward if there is sufficient traffic to justify it (60 tons minimum). These “air crossings” were common in German timetables into the seventies and eighties and relied upon staff reading their daily notices thoroughly to ascertain which trains were, and which trains were not, running on a particular day. Eventually the inevitable happened and there was a “cornfield meet” where the two trains crashed into one another. Ian T

You will find most of these in Altonia. It is not,however, to everyone's taste by a long chalk, as I am well aware. At the risk of thread hi-jack, It can be accessed from here, if you are so inclined. At least the realiisitic operation of trains is a priority in my parallel universe, as it is in the Johnster's. Ian T

Might be the case on many 'flat earth' model railways but for some of us this is our ruling grade. Ian T

The scrapped engine was something different and rather expensive, unfortunately. Its a bit of a sore point but plans are in hand for another attempt using much cheaper components. The electric's original chassis had to be discarded as it developed a limp that could not be cured. It was from a different manufacturer and had a different wheel configuration. Hopefully this version will give reliable service. It has just received its second coat of paint which has dried to a quite different shade from its first coat and is a different colour from the tin lid. Eventually it wuill be called in and completed. When this will be I cannot say. There are three or four other chassis waiting attention and I would like to put roofs on all the coaches. Ian T

I don't know whether you are joking or serious! There is an article about achieving this in February's Model Railroader. The participants in the documented session were in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, The Orkneys and Queensland. The layout was either in New York or New Jersey. As a dyed-in-the-wool Luddite, as befits a Yorkshireman, I can confirm that the AFK will not be following suit! Ian T

Another thirty or so photos have been added to the website. The file has now reached that stage where the file takes a little time to fully load so you will have to be patient if you want to see them! 96. Yet more woes! The bogie van in the Altingablecaŭtoj goods has a ‘hot axle box’. In reality it derailed a couple of times and when pulled form the layout it was discovered that one wheel set was wobbling as it was eccentric on the axle. A spare was inserted and the original set binned. The solutions were not so simple for the prototype, of course, and so the vehicle had to be cut out of the train. There are dice throws to simulate these problems, although I almost inevitably forget to roll the dice. The marshalling of the train was a bit of a dog’s dinner anyway due to the shenanigans at Urteno. It will now have to be pulled apart and remarshalled. 105. The CFS train pulls into Isuri just before the AFK express arrives. This train is usually a railcar but today it is loco hauled which will cause problems as the loco will need to run round this train. Evidently the CFS are having their own problems but this could cause a perfect storm today, what with the SG van on the express and the need to marshal the saloon into the down train. 117. Speaking of limits the FDV-RFK goods is at the maximum allowance and forms quite a long train for a model railway. The last vehicle is an AFK van behind the brown SG van in the distance. The train is running as closely behind the railcar as the signalling system will allow. 126. One of the pleasanter aspects of running a large multi-location layout is that the lulls on the prototype can easily be replicated. Whereas it makes sense, on a one station layout, to ‘fast forward’ the clock so that there is not a long pause there is no need for this on a larger layout. The local goods has left Boursson and the stationmistress has put the levers into the frame behind it. Now is the time to catch up with paperwork, telephone traders to inform that that their loads have arrived, unload wagons and maybe grab a quick bite to eat and a nap before the next train arrives. A couple of loads are picked up from the goods shed and an old man cycles up to the station to have a natter and collect a parcel. This figure was home made years ago and if I made another he would be in a much less active pose. The bicycle was bent up from a couple of paper clips. 129. Looking in the other direction we can see the special has not fully cleared the tunnel and that it will have to draw forward to complete the unloading. Cadsuiane stands on the promontory far above the railway. The village was well known for its intransigence in days gone by and stuck to the Julian calendar for years after the adoption of the Gregorian version. Even today, the inhabitants’ stubbornness is legendary, even in truculent Altonia. As for the Marronĝaccan dialect spoken, just don’t contemplate conversing there! Ian T

Another thirty or so photos have been added to the website. The file has now reached that stage where the file takes a little time to fully load so you will have to be patient if you want to see them! 96. Yet more woes! The bogie van in the Altingablecaŭtoj goods has a ‘hot axle box’. In reality it derailed a couple of times and when pulled form the layout it was discovered that one wheel set was wobbling as it was eccentric on the axle. A spare was inserted and the original set binned. The solutions were not so simple for the prototype, of course, and so the vehicle had to be cut out of the train. There are dice throws to simulate these problems, although I almost inevitably forget to roll the dice. The marshalling of the train was a bit of a dog’s dinner anyway due to the shenanigans at Urteno. It will now have to be pulled apart and remarshalled. 105. The CFS train pulls into Isuri just before the AFK express arrives. This train is usually a railcar but today it is loco hauled which will cause problems as the loco will need to run round this train. Evidently the CFS are having their own problems but this could cause a perfect storm today, what with the SG van on the express and the need to marshal the saloon into the down train. 117. Speaking of limits the FDV-RFK goods is at the maximum allowance and forms quite a long train for a model railway. The last vehicle is an AFK van behind the brown SG van in the distance. The train is running as closely behind the railcar as the signalling system will allow. 126. One of the pleasanter aspects of running a large multi-location layout is that the lulls on the prototype can easily be replicated. Whereas it makes sense, on a one station layout, to ‘fast forward’ the clock so that there is not a long pause there is no need for this on a larger layout. The local goods has left Boursson and the stationmistress has put the levers into the frame behind it. Now is the time to catch up with paperwork, telephone traders to inform that that their loads have arrived, unload wagons and maybe grab a quick bite to eat and a nap before the next train arrives. A couple of loads are picked up from the goods shed and an old man cycles up to the station to have a natter and collect a parcel. This figure was home made years ago and if I made another he would be in a much less active pose. The bicycle was bent up from a couple of paper clips. 129. Looking in the other direction we can see the special has not fully cleared the tunnel and that it will have to draw forward to complete the unloading. Cadsuiane stands on the promontory far above the railway. The village was well known for its intransigence in days gone by and stuck to the Julian calendar for years after the adoption of the Gregorian version. Even today, the inhabitants’ stubbornness is legendary, even in truculent Altonia. As for the Marronĝaccan dialect spoken, just don’t contemplate conversing there! Ian T

Par for the course?! Have had this one more times than I care to remember. Ian T

Just a short update. After an extensive search of likely and unlikely places the fireman/s bicycle has been found. It was lying in a hidden part of the network where it had fallen off the loco. Ian T

The Little World seems to have taken on a life of its own recently, what with the prospect of Narnian secession and the antics of the drovers. Progress is likely to slow over the coming weeks, however, due to cricketing commitments. https://myafk.net/operating-session-9 75. There was quite a bit of shunting to be done at the glassworks, which is at some distance from the station. The train is now pulling away from the river crossing slightly behind time. One of the more interesting aspects of a ‘system’ type layout is how the composition of goods trains changes as their journey proceeds. The hopper and the two vans of bottles behind the loco were picked up at Glissent and the train is now running at 140 tons rather than the 120 tons which left Relforka. The loco is rated for 160 tons but Relforka is a bit cagey about sending out trains loaded to the maximum as they can become overloaded along the way causing problems. In any case, as noted, they are short of wagons today and there are always the afternoon trains to mop up any excess. 83. The Fenditavalat goods is timed to depart once the railcar has arrived at Ospicio. There is no chance of that today. The loco enters the snow sheds to push the tanks into the goods loop. The ice is melting on the Lagunabianco and the snow is wasting away. The severity of the grade is apparent here and this loco can be ‘balky’ about reversing. This is not the place, on a vicious grade with slippery rails and a heavy load, for it to play up. Aside from the problems of the mechanism, which had to be dismantled from a class 47 and rebuilt, back in the day, another model railwayism is obvious. The loco has to pass the protecting home signal to carry out the shunt. Yet another example of pouring a quart into a pint pot. The holes in both the home and the distant were drilled to prevent the boards being moved by the wind, althought they would not appear to have been entirely successful in this endeavour. This was a common French practice in exposed locations. 87. The KTT goods stretches its legs on this long section of single line. It is passing the ES (enirasignalo or home signal) for Boursson which is displaying the “proceed at caution” aspect (the yellow diamond) because the train will enter the loop. The less than sophisticated controls are visible in the recess below it. Working trains over the AFK is no easy matter. The loco struggled to get around the notorious “wet leaves curve” with this load but kept going, ‘with the regulator “all the way across” and the gear dropped into the fullest link’. You cannot just set the controller and watch the train run smoothly along on this model railway! The train, having been photographed, refused to restart and needed prodding to get going on the grade. I deemed this as acceptable because the train would not have stopped here otherwise! The shelves below contain an assortment of oddments including the boxes of the relatively few painted figures that make it onto the layout. I must do more in this direction. 91. Beauty and the Beast. The bedraggled tractor that acts as Isuri’s pilot pulls the ceremonial saloon into the Merkatubaxu. The local police keep a beady eye upon the tractor, especially as it sheds its protective bonnet hood during warmer weather, thereby revealing all sorts of dangerous, whirring fan wheels to fascinate the youth of the city. The saloon is placed at the disposal of the Aŭkeratuo de Vallisfissura, nowadays a ceremonial post. Once the Prince-Bishop of Vallisfissura was a person to be feared, and with reason. Enough of the history lesson, except to note that Fenditavalat, modern day Isuritakaharano, was named Vallisfissura by the Romans. Given that the saloon was completed during the recess between sessions, as documented upon one of the narrow gauge web sites, it was almost guaranteed that it would appear in this session, so congratulations if you saw it coming! The Aŭkaratuo is going to to journey to Ospicio d’Helcaraxê to formally welcome the herds as they begin their sojourn in the High Reaches. Thanks are due to David Vannerley, of the 7mm NGA, for inspiring the rationale behind the saloon’s allocation to the ceremonial leader of the province. Ian T

The Little World seems to have taken on a life of its own recently, what with the prospect of Narnian secession and the antics of the drovers. Progress is likely to slow over the coming weeks, however, due to cricketing commitments. The latest missive is now available. 75. There was quite a bit of shunting to be done at the glassworks, which is at some distance from the station. The train is now pulling away from the river crossing slightly behind time. One of the more interesting aspects of a ‘system’ type layout is how the composition of goods trains changes as their journey proceeds. The hopper and the two vans of bottles behind the loco were picked up at Glissent and the train is now running at 140 tons rather than the 120 tons which left Relforka. The loco is rated for 160 tons but Relforka is a bit cagey about sending out trains loaded to the maximum as they can become overloaded along the way causing problems. In any case, as noted, they are short of wagons today and there are always the afternoon trains to mop up any excess. 83. The Fenditavalat goods is timed to depart once the railcar has arrived at Ospicio. There is no chance of that today. The loco enters the snow sheds to push the tanks into the goods loop. The ice is melting on the Lagunabianco and the snow is wasting away. The severity of the grade is apparent here and this loco can be ‘balky’ about reversing. This is not the place, on a vicious grade with slippery rails and a heavy load, for it to play up. Aside from the problems of the mechanism, which had to be dismantled from a class 47 and rebuilt, back in the day, another model railwayism is obvious. The loco has to pass the protecting home signal to carry out the shunt. Yet another example of pouring a quart into a pint pot. The holes in both the home and the distant were drilled to prevent the boards being moved by the wind, althought they would not appear to have been entirely successful in this endeavour. This was a common French practice in exposed locations. 87. The KTT goods stretches its legs on this long section of single line. It is passing the ES (enirasignalo or home signal) for Boursson which is displaying the “proceed at caution” aspect (the yellow diamond) because the train will enter the loop. The less than sophisticated controls are visible in the recess below it. Working trains over the AFK is no easy matter. The loco struggled to get around the notorious “wet leaves curve” with this load but kept going, ‘with the regulator “all the way across” and the gear dropped into the fullest link’. You cannot just set the controller and watch the train run smoothly along on this model railway! The train, having been photographed, refused to restart and needed prodding to get going on the grade. I deemed this as acceptable because the train would not have stopped here otherwise! The shelves below contain an assortment of oddments including the boxes of the relatively few painted figures that make it onto the layout. I must do more in this direction. 91. Beauty and the Beast. The bedraggled tractor that acts as Isuri’s pilot pulls the ceremonial saloon into the Merkatubaxu. The local police keep a beady eye upon the tractor, especially as it sheds its protective bonnet hood during warmer weather, thereby revealing all sorts of dangerous, whirring fan wheels to fascinate the youth of the city. The saloon is placed at the disposal of the Aŭkeratuo de Vallisfissura, nowadays a ceremonial post. Once the Prince-Bishop of Vallisfissura was a person to be feared, and with reason. Enough of the history lesson, except to note that Fenditavalat, modern day Isuritakaharano, was named Vallisfissura by the Romans. Given that the saloon was completed during the recess between sessions, as documented upon one of the narrow gauge web sites, it was almost guaranteed that it would appear in this session, so congratulations if you saw it coming! The Aŭkaratuo is going to to journey to Ospicio d’Helcaraxê to formally welcome the herds as they begin their sojourn in the High Reaches. Thanks are due to David Vannerley, of the 7mm NGA, for inspiring the rationale behind the saloon’s allocation to the ceremonial leader of the province. Ian T

It is nice to see a properly thought out rationale underpinning a "might have been" layout. Too many layouts show a desultory grasp of their setting. Ian T

I'll give you a lesson next time, including the ones named in Marrongacan as well as Thalnian. I might have to consider inventing Narnian if the enclave develops. There is a dragon on order and a potential centaur conversion. I am not totally sold on this as it might just be a step too far. We'll just have to wait and see. Incidentally I have managed to fix the loose wire after half an hour's digging and soldering. Lord knows how it came loose! Thanks for the complements. It certainly is not perfection! Each session almost develops as a story, I suppose, which might be part of the attraction. Most of the tangles reflect the problems that we had in the signal boxes in real life, before I retired. The other important factor is that there is a comprehensive back story for the railway. I dislike semi nebulous justifications for fictional railways whether based on "might have beens" or those in a parallel universe. It can be found here. Hope that you can find time to read it. It is rather long as it was forty years in the making! Ian T

A lot more photos have been added to the website. 33. Cattle are already beginning to arrive at Breĉo de Glissent as the branch railcar runs round a couple of grain hoppers that it has fished out of the Co-op siding. There is not going to be much time for the down local goods to shunt here today as a result of the special train running. The cattle herd is symbolic at around a dozen figures and, although I do not know much about it, I expect that a single drover, rather then the four here, could easily handle that number. 50. Looking over the Gas Works Street wall at Lacono we can see that the URT-RFK goods is pulling in early. The AFK sees no point in running goods trains to time just for the sake of it. The train was ready to leave and there was a slot on the single line so it was put out. The enlarged layout is being used as envisaged in that the shunter is working from the north end, using the loop alongside the arriving train as a headshunt accessed from the double slip. The old layout would have been overwhelmed by the number of wagons currently occupying the sidings 55. As the loco is in Cadsuiane the train is deemed to have arrived. The train is parked on the mainline using a track brake. If it was not restrained it might well run away, although today’s train is not particularly free running. The large loco just clears the station building. This had to be moved a fraction, some time ago, to allow this engine into the yard. The two wagons in the siding are loaded with cord wood going to the paper factory. They will be dropped off at Ospicio for the new local train to pick up. The crew did not read their new timetable yesterday and left them behind causing problems later in the day. 61. The busses congregate at Fenditavalat, in their five times a day ritual, to feed passengers and post into the morning railcar. This will leave shortly before 09.00 to give connections between the ancient provincial capital, Lacono, its successor, and the Kernregio, the heartlands of Thalnia. Ian T