greatcoleswoodhalt

Locomotion Models announced yesterday (07th) that No M700728 - preserved at Locomotion, Shildon - is an exclusive to their National Collection in Miniature range.

Locomotion Models announced yesterday (07th) that No 21408 - preserved at the National Railway Museum, York - is an exclusive to their National Collection in Miniature range.

A handful of Black 5 No 44871 operating yesterday's (06th) The Christmas Sussex Belle (1Z87/London Victoria to Eastbourne) - first seen crossing the Ouse Valley Viaduct, and then at Haywards Heath.

It appears to be squirreled away under Future Releases (found following the email link)... https://locomotionmodels.com/exclusives/future-releases/ger-s56-j69-class-no-87?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SKB%3AShop%2CLMAdventJ69%2C01.12.23&utm_content=version_A https://wfly.co/m6G3K?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SKB%3AShop%2CLMAdvent%2C01.12.23-DRAFT&utm_content=version_A

An email from Hattons today (30th) suggests these are "expected in Q2 2024".

“We want the Titfield Thunderbolt!” Watching the film again, I noticed an inconsistency - when the train passes the overbridge, the retractable chimney on Dan's house is on the starboard side, whereas when the train arrives in Mallingford it's on the port side... Doubtless noticed before, but confused me for the photo!

Surely it's not an SE&CR O1 Class... 🙈

Although designed for light passenger work, members of the SE&CR P Class were latterly used as shed pilots or as light shunting engines for wharves and other such restricted places. They proved to be exceptionally free steaming and capable despite finding little favour with railway historians generally. 'Pioneer II' stands at Great Coles Wood shortly after arrival on the Nuthatch Line in October 1969

I too can relate - shared a passion in aviation with my Dad (who started his working career with British Caledonian in 1971) and we would go 'spotting' around the country - I've now been in the industry for 15-16 years, which has all but extinguished any enthusiasm for it. Ultimately, this why I returned to the hobby...

Have to say that Rails of Sheffield have been excellent - quick responses and an immediate issue of a returns label last week. Received an email Thursday (28th) confirming a replacement had been tested/checked for defects and she arrived this morning. As mentioned previously, it's a fantastic model - a few glue marks (as others have commented on), but nothing too sinister that weathering won't hide. Initial disappointment put into context with 'Thought of the Month' in yesterday's newsletter - over 360 parts with most retailers selling at £127.50, give or take - everyone will have their own thoughts on what's value, but I can't knock that.

Thanks, Phil. Modelu were very accommodating and am pleased with the outcome. The handle and rivet detail are both impressive, highlighted when photographing at close quarters. Hopefully it has been popular for them (which may have sparked the LNER variant, also now available). Modelu attended their Model Railway Weekend in July, so will be interesting to see if they took the opportunity to scan anything... I know the intention was to create a few new products, such as bespoke crews for their locos and station staff in period dress. Re the location, yes, very lucky to have the railway on the doorstep (plus the Spa Valley a stone's throw away). The Engine Head Signal pictured above is a clue to where I grew-up, though an H Class would be more appropriate!

Having considered the options kindly suggested above, I eventually commissioned Modelu to produce the discs. The design was based on several pictures taken of an example at the Bluebell Railway.

My thought too, but no, nothing - entirely square, with no dents, etc (as was the box from Rails of Sheffield, who I've reached out to since). Had it been crushed it would have offered some explanation!

Alas, multiple loose parts on mine and the portside cab shutter wedged in position, despite the handy cotton bud recommendation by @NHY 581. The valves that hadn't broken were considerably bent, so a note to self to handle even more carefully in future lest they disappear... The downside for achieving such finesse, as despite the disappointment, it remains a cracking loco!

September, as per the Delivery Schedule - the Current Status reads "En Route".

The pre-production artwork only shows the optional load once, but possibly it will be included with all variations?

https://rapidotrains.co.uk/lner-lms-25t-machine-wagon/

The final check of the pocket watch before home

Cambrian sunset. Withdrawn in October 1960, Earl Class (latterly 90XX) No 9017 never carried her designated ‘Earl of Berkeley’ nameplates prior to preservation – in this illustration she is depicted shortly after arrival in Sussex, still in BR condition

As ever, it was worth the wait!

@Graham_Muz offers a novel way to assist children with their viewing...

The first to be preserved [at the Bluebell Railway] was LB&SCR A1X Class No 32655. No 9017 was their first GWR loco!

Great selection of images. Admittedly referring to preservation, I know the Bluebell Railway tend to use only one break van, shunting it to the rear of the train when running-round (which contrasts to most others). Would the SE&CR have used two to avoid this process, do you know?