ianathompson

Presumably that is the one at Nocton? I used to drive past the site regularly without realising the light railway history. In answer to the other question I don't think that many Norfolk people would regard Linolnshire as being in East Anglia! Ian T

I would not claim to be an expert on the subject but I have lived in the area for forty or so years. I can remember when some aspects of the tramway remained but many have now disappeared. Re oil for rural facories. I am not aware that there were any rural factories near the W&U tramway, although I could be wrong. It would be a plausible incoming load for an adapted latout. The photo above, taken a couple of miles awy from Upwell shows a typical local field, last winter. (I have my owm fenland tramway on the go.) It can be found here (to remaind myself as much as anything!) Re lime. The whole area of the Wisbech and Upwell tramway crosses fenland. This was once marshland and the soils refelect this, as seen above. The soils in the area are the very fertile black soils that are capable, with certain rotations. of producing three crops a year. I would be surprised, although I could be wrong, if any lime or fertiliser was incoming. Re sugar beet. I worked as a shift chemist at Wissington during the "campaign" for a couple of seasons, twenty odd years ago. Refining sugar requires a large scale industrial facility. Ely and Lynn shut because they were too small and hence inefficient. The Wissington factory is, I have heard it said, the largest sugar factory in Europe, if not the World. Processing beet is a complex job involving many stages before sugar is refined from it. To give a simple idea of what went on in the mill end, where I worked. Beet came in onto the "pad" before it was sent, via a flume, for dicing into small pieces. These were fed into a boiler, which was effectively an archimedes screw. They were in there for 10 hours and dosed with Hydrochloric acid before they came out. The "raw juice", which we had to sample, was like liquid mud, rather than the syrup that many people imagine. The remaining beet from the boiler was the "exhaused slices". These were sent for drying and turned into animal feed. We had to sample this. Line was added to the mix to neutralise the acid applied in cooking. The "spent lime" was used as fertiliser locally, but not in the fens. The factories were all rail connected and would make a good industrial model in themselves. For those that did not realise the Wissington factory operated an extensive light railway network. This was much larger then the wisbech & Upwell and reached far out into the fens. Hope that this is of some interest. Ian T

From memory the buffet service was only offered from Inverness to Rogart Halt. The buffet staff, who I presume came from Inverness, detrained at either Golspie or Brora from the down train to catch the up train. This provided buffet service from Rogart southwards. It is a long time since I went to watch Brora Rangers back in the day when the Brora signalman cycled between the two point cabins and the block instruments in the station building! 1982 perhaps! So long that I was hardy enough to doss down on Inverness Market Place for the Satruday night. It was enetrtaining but I don't think that I would survive that experience nowadays! Ian T

What is this guestimated total of 15,000 people? Is this for one settlement or for a whole area? The population of Downham Market in 1891 was 2537. This was for a quite substantial market town. The 1891 population of Lynn was18360. Interestingly the Kelly's Directory offcically calls it Lynn, as is used locally today. Prepared as previous posting was posted. Ian T

The next update for the session has been posted. In the light of comments I have prorvided links to various maps and other info. It now takes a little while to load all the photos. The latest photos are available here. 125. The calm before the storm. The goods going forward is a long train today and there is no way that it can hide in a siding. It is perhaps fortunate in that the loco exceeds the booked power category. The usual loco would have struggled with some of the shunts and probably would have had to take longer than was actually the case. 129. Eromarbordo has been a little neglected of late but there is no time pressure here. The extra loco and van have pulled onto the quayside so that the railcar can get out of the way of the shunting. Fortunately there are no hoppers for the grain unloading pit so the railcar can foul this siding. The outgoing traffic is determined by throwing the dice, as are all traffic flows. The difference here is that the throw takes place “in session” and varies from day to day depending upon the time of the tide. This is the height of the fishing season but today the load can be dealt with by one train. Sometimes two are needed which causes chaos. The worker, alongside Maria Stella Maris chapel, has plenty of barrels and boxes to contend with. The chapel, dedicated to the fisherfolk, as its name suggests, is Way Station 1 on the via poenitentibus the randonno, or LDP (long Distance Path) that crosses the canton and contributes to the tourist economy. 146. The hulking great diesel is casually parked in the middle of y merkatubaxu, the main square of ‘Isuri’. The cab door is wide open and anyone could climb in if they so wished, although any one other than a crew member would receive suitable upbraiding from the resident populace, not that this deters the more high spirited university students! The matron walking across the square looks as though she could rigorously apply admonishment! The driver is probably partaking of a quick drink and snack in one of the local establishments before the connecting CFS train pulls in. 153. The FDV-RFK railcar pulls into Relforka to find the 2-10-2T waiting with the RFK-FDV afternoon goods. This has been retimed to run earlier today because of the race traffic. It should be able to keep out of the way of the mixto although it is normally booked to follow it. It is not running with a full load so that should help, although the loco is a well known Diva. Ian T

The next update for the session has been posted. In the light of comments I have prorvided links to various maps and other info. It now takes a little while to load the photos. The latest photos are available here. 125. The calm before the storm. The goods going forward is a long train today and there is no way that it can hide in a siding. It is perhaps fortunate in that the loco exceeds the booked power category. The usual loco would have struggled with some of the shunts and probably would have had to take longer than was actually the case. 129. Eromarbordo has been a little neglected of late but there is no time pressure here. The extra loco and van have pulled onto the quayside so that the railcar can get out of the way of the shunting. Fortunately there are no hoppers for the grain unloading pit so the railcar can foul this siding. The outgoing traffic is determined by throwing the dice, as are all traffic flows. The difference here is that the throw takes place “in session” and varies from day to day depending upon the time of the tide. This is the height of the fishing season but today the load can be dealt with by one train. Sometimes two are needed which causes chaos. The worker, alongside Maria Stella Maris chapel, has plenty of barrels and boxes to contend with. The chapel, dedicated to the fisherfolk, as its name suggests, is Way Station 1 on the via poenitentibus the randonno, or LDP (long Distance Path) that crosses the canton and contributes to the tourist economy. 146. The hulking great diesel is casually parked in the middle of y merkatubaxu, the main square of ‘Isuri’. The cab door is wide open and anyone could climb in if they so wished, although any one other than a crew member would receive suitable upbraiding from the resident populace, not that this deters the more high spirited university students! The matron walking across the square looks as though she could rigorously apply admonishment! The driver is probably partaking of a quick drink and snack in one of the local establishments before the connecting CFS train pulls in. 153. The FDV-RFK railcar pulls into Relforka to find the 2-10-2T waiting with the RFK-FDV afternoon goods. This has been retimed to run earlier today because of the race traffic. It should be able to keep out of the way of the mixto although it is normally booked to follow it. It is not running with a full load so that should help, although the loco is a well known Diva. Ian T

A new scematic map has been produced in a horizontal fromat. It is hand drawn because the printer refuses to print. I have also put the menu at the start of the new photos so that you can toggle between the map and thr start of the photos section. The appropriate web page is here.

A new scematic map has been produced in a horizontal fromat. It is hand drawn because the printer refuses to print. I have also put the menu at the start of the new photos so that you can toggle between the map and thr start of the photos section. The appropriate web page is here.

Apologies. Because the layout is next door and because I know all about it I tend to make assumptions. I have a friend who comes an operates occasionally and he has difficulty understanding it even when he looks at it! I have had a little play on the website controls and have one ot two ideas about improving things. Just got to do them now! Ian T

Just out of interest the web page has been updated to now include a map of the system in response to comments made elsewhere. Ian T

These were also reproduced as a book. Back to the Scottish buildings. As someone with a soft spot for the GNoSR (and a closet Deveronvale fan to boot!) they are fantastic and really capture the area. I did reproduce the rose tinted stone effect for my N gauge layout, based on the GNoSR reaching Inverness, but I have now forgotten quite how I did it! Ian T

A number of new pictures have been posted on the website. It seems that some of you don't visit it very often and rely on the posts in this thread to keep yourselves updated! Lazy b----rs! There are around 120 photos on the wbesite and perhaps a dozen or 15 here. Go on! Press Visit the wbebsite. You know you want to! 90. A special train is following the railcar, running under reporting number 8732. In American practice it would be called second 1114 and in British terminology it would be a relief train. The Legate and the centaur have retreated from view for the moment. It is to be hoped that the Legate does not alight on the twisted spire of St Anaktix seen in the foreground, whilst searching for the run away troll, as one of his predecessors is alleged to have done. Quite where the AFK dredged up that ancient dowdy carriage from is open to question. It does, however, contain a makeshift bar in the rear vestibule which is a welcome facility for the thirsty race-goer. 102. As soon as the fish van is placed in the train, at the front, the crew waste no time in pulling out for Boursson. It is awkward to get a shot of the bridge so this is probably the first water level view. There is a distinct hump in the structure which was protected by the Mediaeval tower. The tower itself is protected by a retrospectively added Perspex shield, having being caught once or twice before it was in place. The cattle wade in the shallows on the inside of the meander whilst the current passes through the left hand arch beside the steep undercut bank. End of geography lesson! One of the patterns is obviously the wrong way round. I have contemplated putting fixed fishing nets behind the bridge but suspect that this would make the scene too crowded. 111. The URT-RFK goods wastes no time in getting away once the passenger is in. The loco is already onto the lifting span of the bascule bridge crossing the Spegulalaguno. It was booked away at 08.43 so it is running 90 minutes late. The ferry is much too close to the bridge to be credible but it is a case of modeller’s license. The bridge itself stretches credulity as it is supposed to span a ribbon lake, most of which are exceedingly deep. 120. Shunting operations have to be suspended whilst the CFS train pulls in to connect with the express. The CFS train is simply a shuttle from the Orbonaklifo station, to use the correct title, across town which will connect with AFK service, giving a through transit to Krelm on the Ruritanian line. It mainly runs to convey the Post van. The pans are meant to be touching the wires, so it pays not to look too closely. The old bloke on the left is still tinkering with the engine of the taxi. Ian T

A number of new pictures have been posted on the website. It seems that some of you don't visit it very often and rely on the posts in this thread to keep yourselves updated! Lazy b----rs! There are around 120 photos on the wbesite and perhaps a dozen or 15 here. Go on! Press Visit the wbebsite. You know you want to! 90. A special train is following the railcar, running under reporting number 8732. In American practice it would be called second 1114 and in British terminology it would be a relief train. The Legate and the centaur have retreated from view for the moment. It is to be hoped that the Legate does not alight on the twisted spire of St Anaktix seen in the foreground, whilst searching for the run away troll, as one of his predecessors is alleged to have done. Quite where the AFK dredged up that ancient dowdy carriage from is open to question. It does, however, contain a makeshift bar in the rear vestibule which is a welcome facility for the thirsty race-goer. 102. As soon as the fish van is placed in the train, at the front, the crew waste no time in pulling out for Boursson. It is awkward to get a shot of the bridge so this is probably the first water level view. There is a distinct hump in the structure which was protected by the Mediaeval tower. The tower itself is protected by a retrospectively added Perspex shield, having being caught once or twice before it was in place. The cattle wade in the shallows on the inside of the meander whilst the current passes through the left hand arch beside the steep undercut bank. End of geography lesson! One of the patterns is obviously the wrong way round. I have contemplated putting fixed fishing nets behind the bridge but suspect that this would make the scene too crowded. 111. The URT-RFK goods wastes no time in getting away once the passenger is in. The loco is already onto the lifting span of the bascule bridge crossing the Spegulalaguno. It was booked away at 08.43 so it is running 90 minutes late. The ferry is much too close to the bridge to be credible but it is a case of modeller’s license. The bridge itself stretches credulity as it is supposed to span a ribbon lake, most of which are exceedingly deep. 120. Shunting operations have to be suspended whilst the CFS train pulls in to connect with the express. The CFS train is simply a shuttle from the Orbonaklifo station, to use the correct title, across town which will connect with AFK service, giving a through transit to Krelm on the Ruritanian line. It mainly runs to convey the Post van. The pans are meant to be touching the wires, so it pays not to look too closely. The old bloke on the left is still tinkering with the engine of the taxi. Ian T

The sea has never really been defined despite being referred to as Mare Nostrum. Altonia is an unlikely geographical amalgam whose location is deliberately obscure! Hope that this helps! Ian T

There are around 50 new photos on the website. I often wonder how many forum readers actually access the website! There are a mere three included in this post to act as an enticement! The rest, for those that are interested, are available here. 57. The shunting is finished and a couple of vans stand in front of the kiln used for smoking the fish. The van behind the VW is a pain in the butt for crews as it is a 6 wheeler. This, and a companion, was built in the very early days of the layout, back in the early eighties. It seemed like a good idea at the time but was never repeated. They are the bane of everyone’s life because, unless there is another 6 wheeler, such as a flat or a coal wagon, in the consist, they reduce train capacity. The van beside the buffers has opening doors and, as can be seen, is loaded with fish boxes. It is swapped with another van, from wherever it ends up, so that it begins its journey on the quaysides. Once the crew have finished shunting they will disappear into a local café for breakfast. They are not booked away until 09.30 so the job has its compensations despite the problems! High tide is at 09.45 today so some one else will have to deal with the loads from that. The time of the tide and the loadings change from operating session to session. 65. “Isuri” is a singular city and it is quite common to see cattle wandering the streets. This herd have been in for morning milking and are now making their way across the merkatubaxu back to the pastures, via the horse trough. The CFS schools’ train has arrived and dropped its pans, in the background. It will be towed down to Rivaborda by its AFK counterpart to avoid running round. It has pulled forward today, on the instructions of Terjalo, the staciaĉefo, because its counterpart has a trailing load. The bus makes a connection with this train, which is not solely reserved for Lyceo pupils, as there are few connections in these mountainous areas. The cattle were a feature of Fenditavalat’s predecessor, which occasionally went to very local exhibitions. One person observed that I seemed to spend more time moving cattle about than I did trains. 72. The roving photographer catches the local from the same spot as he snapped the express. This is a much more heterogenous affair as might be expected from a secondary service. The 2-8-2T loco shows Swedish and Swiss inspired features but it still needs a lot of work to finish it off. The first coach is a strengthener based upon a Sardinian composite, the second an Austrian Brake 2nd with radial axles and the third a compartment 2nd based on a French prototype. The TPO, in maroon, behind the tree, is based on a Portuguese vehicle and the postal tender on the rear is another Sardinian vehicle. They are all built on the “flexi-scale” principle so that the overall effect is not too jarring. Ian T

There are around 50 new photos on the website. I often wonder how many forum readers actually access the website! There are a mere three included in this post to act as an enticement! The rest, for those that are interested, are available here. 57. The shunting is finished and a couple of vans stand in front of the kiln used for smoking the fish. The van behind the VW is a pain in the butt for crews as it is a 6 wheeler. This, and a companion, was built in the very early days of the layout, back in the early eighties. It seemed like a good idea at the time but was never repeated. They are the bane of everyone’s life because, unless there is another 6 wheeler, such as a flat or a coal wagon, in the consist, they reduce train capacity. The van beside the buffers has opening doors and, as can be seen, is loaded with fish boxes. It is swapped with another van, from wherever it ends up, so that it begins its journey on the quaysides. Once the crew have finished shunting they will disappear into a local café for breakfast. They are not booked away until 09.30 so the job has its compensations despite the problems! High tide is at 09.45 today so some one else will have to deal with the loads from that. The time of the tide and the loadings change from operating session to session. 65. “Isuri” is a singular city and it is quite common to see cattle wandering the streets. This herd have been in for morning milking and are now making their way across the merkatubaxu back to the pastures, via the horse trough. The CFS schools’ train has arrived and dropped its pans, in the background. It will be towed down to Rivaborda by its AFK counterpart to avoid running round. It has pulled forward today, on the instructions of Terjalo, the staciaĉefo, because its counterpart has a trailing load. The bus makes a connection with this train, which is not solely reserved for Lyceo pupils, as there are few connections in these mountainous areas. The cattle were a feature of Fenditavalat’s predecessor, which occasionally went to very local exhibitions. One person observed that I seemed to spend more time moving cattle about than I did trains. 72. The roving photographer catches the local from the same spot as he snapped the express. This is a much more heterogenous affair as might be expected from a secondary service. The 2-8-2T loco shows Swedish and Swiss inspired features but it still needs a lot of work to finish it off. The first coach is a strengthener based upon a Sardinian composite, the second an Austrian Brake 2nd with radial axles and the third a compartment 2nd based on a French prototype. The TPO, in maroon, behind the tree, is based on a Portuguese vehicle and the postal tender on the rear is another Sardinian vehicle. They are all built on the “flexi-scale” principle so that the overall effect is not too jarring. Ian T

I left teaching after the usual shenanigans with idiot managers and went on the railways. Never had any issues with mixing hobby and job. I used to take stuff into the signal boxes that I worked and built or painted it between trains. It was surprising how many people were interested in it and how many workers were interested in the railways generally. Ian T

The session has made reasonable progress so far. The latest images, three dozen or so, are available here. 14. The cement train stops at Glissent’s home, as required by the rules. It then sounds the whistle and pulls forward, prepared to stop short of any obstruction, following which the trajnaĉefo will work the lever frame for the up goods to pass. 18. There’s trouble at mill down the branch. The scenery and water surface of the tidal creek at Eromarbordo were covered in talcum powder. This was used to provide texture on the platforms at Lacono, directly above. It has slipped through the cracks undetected and coated the backscene and “water” in an unwanted white film Cleaning is underway. The bridge was designed to open if required but it will not complete a full swing to 90º because the backscene is in the way. Unlatching the alignment bolts is a real pain, as well. The bridge can be removed in absolute emergencies but it was not deemed necessary here. 22. Whilst the lower part of the line is busy throughout the 24 hours the upper part usually has 5 or 6 hours without activity. Fenditavalat receives its morning alarm call as the shunter enters the square at 04.55. We are now almost in summer and the contraption runs without its hood to prevent overheating, much to the consternation of various members of the populace who are concerned by the possibility of children’s unguarded fingers meeting the whirling fan. The townscape has evolved a little with Y Fako Erdkundo, the Geography Department, having “reinstated” the 18th century terra orbis, a little known relative of the famous mappa mundi, hanging somewhat threateningly over the Basabazaro. As the perceptive will note it is rather before its time as it includes Australia and New Zealand. The railway receives an annual bill from the Scolari Vallisfissura, the Mediaeval University’s senate, to ensure that the globe is kept in pristine condition despite the exhaust from the steam locos. 37. Inhodza has driven the Isuri shunter up to Caladonno where it is met by Urchyllu the centaur waving his flamboyant Narnian streamer. There is a need to load a wagon of logs for the paper factory. This will have to be done by afternoon at the latest because trains are scheduled to cross in the short loop here. This was not always the case but times change. The Isuri crew are used to the untoward antics of the Narnian enclave’s staciaĉefo, although the AFK management prefer him to stay out of sight as much as possible as he unnerves the passengers. It is not every day that normal people see a talking half man half horse total idiot. Unfortunately employment of local Narnians was a term agreed upon when the railway was built across the benighted snowbound enclave. 42. With the train arrived at Ithilrak the banking crew are delegated to do the shunting, much to their chagrin. Sacansa, the statiaĉefina, like most of the Marronĝaccan speaking mountain women is not some-one to be messed with and she gives the crew their orders in no uncertain terms before she walks back to work the frame. The crew, being Thalnian speakers from Lacono, have a limited grasp of what is being said when Marronĝacan is used, but it does not take much imagination to grasp her meaning! It is of no surprise that the door is closed and the window only partially open! Ian T

The session has made reasonable progress so far. The latest images, three dozen or so, are available here. 14. The cement train stops at Glissent’s home, as required by the rules. It then sounds the whistle and pulls forward, prepared to stop short of any obstruction, following which the trajnaĉefo will work the lever frame for the up goods to pass. 18. There’s trouble down the branch. The scenery and water surface of the tidal creek at Eromarbordo were covered in talcum powder. This was used to provide texture on the platforms at Lacono, directly above. It has slipped through the cracks undetected and coated the backscene and “water” in an unwanted white film Cleaning is underway. The bridge was designed to open if required but it will not complete a full swing to 90º because the backscene is in the way. Unlatching the alignment bolts is a real pain, as well. The bridge can be removed in absolute emergencies but it was not deemed necessary here. 22. Whilst the lower part of the line is busy throughout the 24 hours the upper part usually has 5 or 6 hours without activity. Fenditavalat receives its morning alarm call as the shunter enters the square at 04.55. We are now almost in summer and the contraption runs without its hood to prevent overheating, much to the consternation of various members of the populace who are concerned by the possibility of children’s unguarded fingers meeting the whirling fan. The townscape has evolved a little with Y Fako Erdkundo, the Geography Department, having “reinstated” the 18th century terra orbis, a little known relative of the famous mappa mundi, hanging somewhat threateningly over the Basabazaro. As the perceptive will note it is rather before its time as it includes Australia and New Zealand. The railway receives an annual bill from the Scolari Vallisfissura, the Mediaeval University’s senate, to ensure that the globe is kept in pristine condition despite the exhaust from the steam locos. 37. Inhodza has driven the Isuri shunter up to Caladonno where it is met by Urchyllu the centaur waving his flamboyant Narnian streamer. There is a need to load a wagon of logs for the paper factory. This will have to be done by afternoon at the latest because trains are scheduled to cross in the short loop here. This was not always the case but times change. The Isuri crew are used to the untoward antics of the Narnian enclave’s staciaĉefo, although the AFK management prefer him to stay out of sight as much as possible as he unnerves the passengers. It is not every day that normal people see a talking half man half horse . Unfortunately employment of local Narnians was a term agreed upon when the railway was built across the benighted snowbound enclave. 42. With the train arrived at Ithilrak the banking crew are delegated to do the shunting, much to their chagrin. Sacansa, the statiaĉefina, like most of the Marronĝaccan speaking mountain women is not some-one to be messed with and she gives the crew their orders in no uncertain terms before she walks back to work the frame. The crew, being Thalnian speakers from Lacono, have a limited grasp of what is being said when Marronĝacan is used, but it does not take much imagination to grasp her meaning! It is of no surprise that the door is closed and the window only partially open! Ian t

Yes. The more that my own layout evolves the more the same thought occurs! Ian T

Some months along and it is time for another report from the Little World of Altonia. A week and a half in the Cotswolds playing with Inverness Citadel hampered progress but a new session has now begun. It can be found here. A couple of photos are included to give some idea of the goings on. 4. Reaching into the passenger station to uncouple is not as easy as it used to be. The nameboards and the train indicator come off easily enough, however, so it is not too much trouble. It is just as well as the usual problems occurred after the line has been closed for construction work. A couple of touching and shorting rails were found, eventually, after an hour or two’s chasing, and a loose wire left a dead spot in some complex pointwork. I don’t know how it came loose as it was under the platform which was an untouched area this time around. Ballasting always creates problems both on the model and the real thing. 13. New kid on the block. The dismal saga of the Chinese made British outline 4-6-0 mechanism remains fresh in my mind. Don’t look at me or I’ll fall apart! The new chassis for the attempted Reseau Breton inspired loco is ¾ of a BR 78. The Fleischmann model had the back bogie hacked off and the body, which was going to be binned, was modified once again. The wheels are miles too small, hence my original decision to use a OO chassis rather than an HO one. It might find a role if it behaves. It is allocated to the KTT local goods, a favourite “running in” or testing turn. This also leaves the possibility of the displaced infamous “creature” turning out as a second pilot/banker when the anticipated mayhem occurs in the late afternoon. Of course one far reaching effect of hacking the Fleischmann chassis about was that I realised that a full chassis could provide the basis of a County Donegal inspired Baltic tank. Guess what now stands on the “round tuit” shelf?! Ian T

One month along and it is time for another report from the Little World of Altonia. A week and a half in the Cotswolds playing with Inverness Citadel hampered progress but a new session has now begun. It can be found here. A couple of photos are included to give some idea of the goings on. 4. Reaching into the passenger station to uncouple is not as easy as it used to be. The nameboards and the train indicator come off easily enough, however, so it is not too much trouble. It is just as well as the usual problems occurred after the line has been closed for construction work. A couple of touching and shorting rails were found, eventually, after an hour or two’s chasing, and a loose wire left a dead spot in some complex pointwork. I don’t know how it came loose as it was under the platform which was an untouched area this time around. Ballasting always creates problems both on the model and the real thing. 13. New kid on the block. The dismal saga of the Chinese made British outline 4-6-0 mechanism remains fresh in my mind. Don’t look at me or I’ll fall apart! The new chassis for the attempted Reseau Breton inspired loco is ¾ of a BR 78. The Fleischmann model had the back bogie hacked off and the body, which was going to be binned, was modified once again. The wheels are miles too small, hence my original decision to use a OO chassis rather than an HO one. It might find a role if it behaves. It is allocated to the KTT local goods, a favourite “running in” or testing turn. This also leaves the possibility of the displaced infamous “creature” turning out as a second pilot/banker when the anticipated mayhem occurs in the late afternoon. Of course one far reaching effect of hacking the Fleischmann chassis about was that I realised that a full chassis could provide the basis of a County Donegal inspired Baltic tank. Guess what now stands on the “round tuit” shelf?! Ian T

After weeks of waiting, the scheduled work on Lacono is finished, for the time being at least. Hopefully it will not be too long before another operating session begins, although there are one or two outside commitments that will interfere with this ideal. The shadow box for the Parcels Office was finally knocked up in a morning or so, excepting the doors which were batch built. Having retrieved one of these from the closed position on the building, they are both now open. This enables a little more of the (crude) interior to be seen. The massive weighing machine at the back was based on a German prototype and knocked up from scraps. The dial came from the tube containing the roll of solder seen in the background. As per normal this space of about 15 cms by 15 cms is all that is clear on the workbench. The parcels office is seen in all its glory in position. The trolley has been ‘nicked’ from Relforka but there are plenty of other trolleys and luggage awaiting attention. Problems were experienced, as expected, when trying to hang signs etc from the roof. Eventually I decided to go for the line of least resistance and string “wire” across the trainshed. This shows the train indicator. Much thought went into this despite its simple appearance. The platform is way too narrow to allow a train indicator to stand on it. I did consider a simple mechanical version, lowered and raised on a winch but eventually went with this. It follows London Underground practice of the fifties and sixties when the incoming train was shown on a signboard lit by incandescent bulbs shining through stencils. It might seem hi-tech for the AFK but the underlying technology is simple enough for it to be credible. At least two other ‘wires’ are needed for the running in boards. The train indicator needs to be slung quite high to avoid passing stock. Guess how this was found out. Clue see those two carriages on the platform approach…..! The finished monstrosity in all its hideous glory. Having persuaded the thing to sit in place the right way up only one window panel fell out. A wrestling match then ensued to re-affix it to the existing screw holes. This was achieved somewhere in the fifth round of the bout. I have now discovered that one of the locating pins on the near side has dropped off so that needs attention. I was gratified to find that the “sky hook”, visible below the signal diagram, aligns with the holes in the glass. It is best not to look too closely at any other alignments as few match. I am afraid that it is a dog’s dinner but, apart from minor issues it will remain as it is. It has been smeared with “grime” in a forlorn attempt to disguise some of the worst excesses. The “Howling Wolf” motif of the Karamspur Brewery Company adorns the end panels. This version was produced many moons ago (yes, visual pun intended) and had thoroughly dried. A couple of more modern versions, recently printed off, smudged, even after a week or so drying, and had to be binned. The panel is supposed to be centred on the end canopy but it seems to be slightly out of kilter, as with everything else on this ill starred venture. I don’t know who can madly bark longer and louder, the wolf or myself. Ian T

Yes! I found a good "sawdust and spitoons" bar just around the corner. Not the sort of place frequented by cathedral choristers. Was annoyed, whilst grabbing a quick pint after mattins and eucharist, to discover that Harvey's was available but that I had not spotted this! Ian T

Once more some time has passed since the last post. A visit to Chichester Cathedral to sing the week end services there took up plenty of modelling time. It was a ‘hard sing’ but I enjoyed it. One or two congregation said that we sounded more like the cathedral choir than many of the ‘visitors’ so at least it was worth it! I have to be honest and say that the repetitive and troublesome nature of the train shed glazing has caused me to take my eye off the ball. The 4-6-0T was nominally scrapped last year when the chassis fell apart. I did consider binning the body but kept hold of it. A saw was taken to a Fleischmann 4-6-4T (BR 78) and the body was also seriously hacked about. It is seen here in a basic form with the buffer beam held on by Blu-Tac. The original was supposed to represent a Reseau Breton tank, which was one reason why I bought a larger wheeled British (Chinese built) chassis. At least this version is reliable even if it the wheels are too small. More work on this and it could find a role on the AFK. Meanwhile, purchase of a book on French railcars revealed an unknown (to me) prototype articulated standard gauge railcar. Hmm I thought, combine that with one of those Billard railcars with a conning tower stuck on top of a half cab front and we could be in business! Photos if as and when this monstrosity gets beyond the evaluation stage. Meanwhile the hole at Sojonno came to my attention. A new village gate and a re-aligned village street are in prospect with the Quiet Woman more prominent. The Quiet Woman was the village pub in Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd if I remember my A level English Literature studies correctly. Finally, the instrument of torture. Perhaps the Luftwaffe should have paid a visit! The glass panels are all in except the near side end, although some have a distressing tendency to fall out at the slightest provocation. There were supposed to be beer adverts on the end but these have disappeared. They might be added retrospectively. Hopefully it won’t be too long before this is finished so that its place can be taken by something else. Ian T