adriank

Thanks Craig. I'll bear your caution in mind. Would replacing wheelsets with RP25/88 be the way to go? I think Steam Era Models offer this option on some of their kits. Adrian

Thanks Gwiwer. I note they have a non-British layout gallery so I'll give it a go. Adrian

Sigh.

Of course it is still a free country but it's not simply market research that we're talking about here but the collection of deposits. If as you suppose, there were potential products which he had no interest in producing, how in all conscience could he accept deposits for them?

Thanks for the modelling advice Gwiwer. I don't get much pleasure from simply running RtR models and was thinking of using kits from Steam Era Models and others and scratch-building. I currently build my own point and crossing work in P4 and quite fancy the challenge of mixed-gauge track. Are there any clubs or societies supporting fine-scale modelling? My previous enquiry about the Australian Journal of Railway Modelling drew a blank. Adrian

My comment was hyperbole - exaggerating for effect - rather than a comment on luggage barrows per se. The point was that why prattle on about qualifying market research by asking for deposits when at the end of the day you're going to turn your back on the results and do whatever takes your fancy. Sorry you missed it.

Thanks to all of you for pointing me towards a wealth of information. I now have a lot of reading to do and will no doubt be posting further questions as they arrive. I model British outline in P4 and although this will remain my main interest, I would like to model an Australian prototype. I have lived here in NSW for almost 30 years so it's about time and retirement provides an opportunity. A few years ago I visited Tocumwal and was intrigued to learn about the broad/standard gauge interchange and think it would make an excellent subject for modelling with a mix of HO and EM gauge track and set in wartime or the immediate post-war period. There is obviously a lot of research I need to do, not just for Tocumwal but to understand the historical and operational context. Thanks for helping me to make a start. Adrian

There is an article on the CLAG site on converting the Hornby WC to P4 dated February 2005. As I recall, this project was undertaken to bail out an extremely unhappy and frustrated 'early expresser of interest'. I too would have purchased a WC/BB chassis and that for the T9 which I believe was mooted at the same time. Three chassis were proposed following Hornby's renewed interest in the Southern but only the M7 has made it to market. I have no knowledge of any collaboration with Comet. There is a very sad irony in all this when considerable demand is ignored in pursuit of cornering the 3D-printed luggage barrow market. Go figure.

There are track plans and plans of the principal buildings for Wareham, Swanage and Corfe Castle in 'Branch Lines of the Southern Railway' by Reeve and Hawkins ISBN 0 906867 01 0 which you might obtain from a second-hand book-seller. The book also contains information and track diagrams of the ball clay workings at Furzebrook siding where a 2' 8.5" gauge line met the standard gauge Swanage branch. There was an article on these workings by M. P. Turvey in the Feb 1977 Railway Modeller. Colin Penfold's article was for a 16'x8' OO layout and involved a number of compromises. Adrian

I would like to find out about Victorian railways and the broad gauge. Can anybody recommend a good source? (It's safe to assume I know absolutely nothing). Also, are there plans available of Victorian structures, locomotives and rolling stock? Any help would be appreciated. Adrian

Is this a good time to raise the issue of the WC/BB chassis? Wasn't it around 2005 that you first invited deposits? You told me directly at Scaleforum a few years ago that expressions of interest were strong and that the kit would definitely be produced. Yet still no product. How many deposits have you collected during this period and how many have been refunded?

I have recently tried to contact the AJRM but have received no reply. The latest posting on their website appears to be 2012. Is the magazine still a going concern? Are there any other clubs or communities for fine-scale modelling of Australian prototypes?

I have long regarded Ian Coleby's 'The Minehead Branch' 2nd edition also from Lightmoor to be the best line history I've read. The comprehensive drawings, plans and photographs are just what a modeller needs. If your volumes are up to the same standard, I'll certainly be buying them. Adrian

Great Western Railway Journal No 42 Spring 2002 had an excellent 26-page article on this station with great photographs and details of operation. 63XX Moguls and 2251 Class 0-6-0's were certainly used on the line. Gary Johnson at www.britishrailwaybooks.co.uk obtained a copy for me about four years ago. Regards, Adrian

Yep! I believe deposits were taken for it. When I spoke to Bill at Scaleforum - I think it was the year before last - he said it would certainly appear given the demand for it. Just didn't say when though.

Hi Bill, Could you please elaborate on 'can supply'? Are they actually available? I'd be willing to purchase a set of sides and ends but I'm a bit wary of paying a deposit given the continuing non-appearance of your BB/WC chassis which was promised several years ago. Regards, Adrian

Hi Tim, I emailed Chris a month ago about the Phoenix Ironclad push-pull coaches but have had no reply. Did you ever hear from him? Regards, Adrian