MartinRS

I used DuckDuckGo to search for 'planning portal Newton-le-Willows railway station' and came-up with this and other sites. For some reason I'm having problems opening the PDFs.

First of all thank you for letting me know that the J50 is to be shipped with a front coupling. Watching Hornby videos has a low priority for me at the moment. I'm slightly confused by your assertion that the model has been photo-shopped. If that is the case then I'm left wondering why Hornby didn't photo-shop a coupling onto the front of the model. (No I'm not going to ask Hornby). You asked me why I didn't ask about the front coupling. When I looked at the Hornby site a few days ago I saw a large photo of a couple of J50s 'on shed' which lacked front couplings. The locos looked aesthetically pleasing, but was not what I wanted. (https://web.archive.org/web/20240415125113/https://uk.Hornby.com/hornbytt120) The individual photographs of each variant on their pre-order pages also show the lack of front couplings. My post was made with the reasonable expectation that the product, which Hornby are offering for sale under their pre-order scheme matches their image on their web-site. Why wouldn't I expect the planned product to match to the photograph, after all, there is a raft of consumer legislation which deals with misleading information?

Not having much free time at the moment I've not visited any railway modelling sites (forums or manufacturers) for some time. I was pleased when I recently had a quick look at the Hornby site where I saw the J50 was soon to be released. I was pondering whether to pre-order either the large bunker version or the small bunker version (both in BR livery), then I thought I'll order one of each! They moved coal, shunted goods wagons, and sometimes hauled empty passenger stock. Having done a web-search and seen various photos of pre-production models I have changed my mind. I am certainly keen on modelling in TT120 though I am concerned about the way Hornby appear to be aiming TT120 at the train set market, by which I mean anyone satisfied to run a train round and round in circles on the floor, putting the track away after each session. (This is not a criticism; that's how I started out and I realise some people's circumstances mean that a permanent layout is just not possible). I think it was in a video, sometime before the Class 08 was released, that Hornby suggested TT120 as being suitable for creating a layout on a windowsill. I posted a comment (probably on this thread) pointing out the lack of front couplings on their range of pacifics, the only motive power available at that time and the absence of an affordable turntable. On 18 march 2023 GenericRMWebUsername, presumably quoting from the Hornby TT120 magazine, attributed the following comment to Hornby: In response to demand from modellers, Hornby will also be announcing several additions to its proposed 2024 range. A need for 0-6-0T locomotives for use on goods trains and also to allow operation of end-to-end layouts, is to be addressed with a brand new tank locomotive - details will be revealed next issue. All of the photos of pre-production models of the J50s show the absence of a front coupling. If the production model ships without a front coupling I'm certainly not going to buy one and will be wondering if the people at Hornby commissioning the model actually know how railways operate.

What's the point in those not modelling in TT:120 making repetitive negative comments? It's not as if TT:120 modellers are posting dismissive comments about the poor gauge to scale relationship every time a new OO product is announced. I think I covered why Hornby failed to followed up with lots of other rolling stock quickly in response to your earlier suggestion that Hornby have increased bargaining power with Chinese producers.

Speak for yourself. I'm sure, with the obvious range of knowledge, skills and experience that's apparent looking at what some people have built and displayed here on RMweb, in all sorts of scales, that a serious (however you define that) model railway can be built in any scale. Would you post your comment here on a thread about a scale with even less commercial support than TT:120? There is a thread debating what defines a train set and what defines a model railway on RmWeb. Here's an intresting contribution.

The range of OO products has grown during the period when classical manufacturing dominated the scene. TT:120 has come along in an era when 3D printing is available, even at home. Have a look at these threads: As I understand it, both of the above models are being designed with correct scale chassis. My own view is that providing modellers are willing to accept compromises on things like wheelbase lengths it is more likely that a wide range of body-shells will become available (driven by demand from TT:120 modellers, rather than well catered for OO 'scale compromisers') once we see a larger availability of different wheelbase lengths of both steam and diesel chassis. AI might also play a part in the conversion of plans into 3D printer ready data. Another movement, and I don't know when it started is the concept of creative commons. Have a look at these fantastic models from Iron Mink, and remember, once a design has been released into the public domain or by a similar licence it can't be revoked. I stumbled across a number of 3D railway files at archive.org if you have any concerns about web pages and their contents disappearing. Now here's a thought. What if someone was to recreate the adjustable chassis found in this publication. https://archive.org/details/model-railway-and-engineering-catalogue/mode/2up I can't give a page number as I'm using my mobile as a W-Fi hotspot and it looks like my telco has blocked the site. Stay with us for another couple of decades and I think you will be surprised at what is available.

Aargh!!! Sorry about that. I'm assent rich but cash poor at the moment and bogged down in a bureaucratic nightmare. If I do miss out on the early 125 at least I'll be able to console myself that it's not green. Oh well. I agree with your opinion on the Class 08 introduction apart from the bit about DB AG, whatever that is! My own interest in BR stock ended when they introduced of the blue large logo livery. If I'm honest I lament the introduction of yellow warning panels to previously bewhiskered DMUs! The Class 08 will open-up a whole new range of layouts that can be built with far more interesting operating potential.

Yes, I remember it well. (It did take GF several re-designs of the pannier's motor and gearing for them to get-it-right though, and those N Gauge sprung U bend couplings turned me off UK outline N.). I even leaned towards modelling the GWR myself back in the 70s. (Don't worry; I'm cured and have fully recovered having discovered something Greater (Central Railway)). I think it would be difficult not to agree that the railways, and railway modelling have changed since the 70s. BR Blue (small logo TOPS) represented modern image back then, preceded by BR Blue (pre-TOPS), preceded by British Railways (ferret and dartboard) etc., back to pre-grouping. I don't even know how many different post BR Blue liveries there are. If Hornby concentrated on just one period and just one company then many modellers would feel excluded. This issue was raised earlier in the thread. It's just a matter of time before you will be able to run trains of your your preferred type, or you could extend your interest or even engage in the suspension of disbelief. This subject has cropped up several times now. We are in danger of going round and round in circles, just like Nellie's pick-up goods, my very first train set. Didn't you make exactly the same point back in January 2023?

Or post here

There are photos of both the helicopter and the satellite (and track-side trip mechanism) here along with a glimpse of the instructions for the satellite. http://www.tri-ang.co.uk/2020/2020 Battle Space.html The sites Battle Space page is here http://tri-ang.co.uk/indexbattle.html I suspect the track-side trip mechanism is part no x.317 shown here http://www.hornbyguide.com/service_sheet_details.asp?sheetid=192 Photos of the underside of two wagons can be found here, one with an intact lever, the other with a broken lever. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373877534083?hash=item570cd66d83%3Ag%3AVKkAAOSwARZh4uGy&mkevt I had one of these many years ago. Is the lever on your wagon (operated by the trip mechanism) intact? Edit below: You wind the mechanism by rotating the black circular plastic moulding on top of the flat wagon IIRC. Take care not to overwind it.

I do wish there was more diversity in the available range of locos but had Hornby gone with Edward Beal's advice then it would have given established (overseas) manufacturers of TT:120 opportunities to cherry pick iconic models such as Mallard and Flying Scotsman.

Well I'm glad that Hornby have produced the HST motive power units in Executive livery. Had they offered the model in the original livery I might have been tempted to step out of my nice green comfort zone again! Executive livery is too much of a leap forward so I'll be content to wait for the forthcoming green Class 08. The 'what's inside' tab at the HST Hornby web page says the product is 2 x Diesel Locomotive. I assume that's a powered car and a dummy car rather than two powered cars? I would have thought that Hornby would release this model simultaneously with the various mk3 coaches available for pre-order. Has anyone seen pre-production models of the mk3s yet at any of the recent exhibitions? As for the comments about Sam's Trains and the recent poll results, which I haven't seen first-hand, it strikes me that 11% is a large percentage of UK model railway enthusiasts involved in TT:120. I take it the poll respondents are a self selected sample of registered FB users. Even if that is the case 11% is about twice what I would have guessed if asked to estimate the number of owners of TT:120 products. That's a high percentage considering the relatively recent introduction of UK outline TT:120.

I do remember a local pub had a dwile flonking trophy. It was an old tin chamber pot, nailed to a cut-off snooker table leg. The game, which I never saw played, involved people pelting each-other with beer soaked rags, so I was told. I have no idea what the rules were. No change of shoes was necessary though a change a clothes was probably a good idea. It sounded like a waste of beer to me!

I wouldn't be too concerned about the rail type. The worst case scenario is you have to remove the old rails by cutting the chairs on the inside of the track to remove it if it won't slide out easily. Just cut a length of rail from a piece of straight set-track to length, pack the underside of the rails (if required) and fix it in place, maintaining the correct distance between the rails with a couple of roller gauges. I've thought about doing something similar with and old Tri-ang 3mm TT turntable to convert it to TT:120.

Are you sure it's not the secret laboratory where they developed the Fusion Bar?

How does that work then? I thought you only paid tax on income above your Personal Allowance.

Penistone? Many years ago I was at college with one of the technical staff at the local newspaper. He told me they had to write a patch after several unfortunate hyphenations caused by the newly installed computer type-setting system.

Perhaps they'll emerge from their subterranean lair and eat the rich? 'Won't be long now with the way things are going.

Jacques Brel?

Can you post Hippo porn on RmWeb?

A NRM pdf on the subject of railway liveries suggests that the artwork of F Moore (pseudonym of Thomas Rudd) is a reliable source for early liveries. Why? I don't know, unless the NRM has carried out a comparison of surviving livery samples with his paintings. I don't know if he painted any locomotives in ROD livery. The pdf, which suggests other early colour sources can be found here. https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-03/resource-pack-liveries.pdf Didcot might be able to answer your question as they did have GWR 4300 Class 5322, preserved in ROD khaki livery as can be seen in this Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic photo by Tony Hisgett. Since May 2012 the loco has been in BR black livery. https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/72/5322-43xx-class The Hattons site (still up on the web) has a sample ROD livery as was used on the 2017 Oxford Rail Dean Goods. A contributor to RmWeb on the page below claims that Bill Aves, in his book on the ROD in WWI, says unlined all black livery (including buffer beams) was used on the Dean Goods by the ROD. Good luck tracking down a definitive answer !

There is a picture of an external ash-pit at Bordesley engine shed here. I can't see the arrangement of the rails at an ash-pit being that different to the rails at an inspection pit. The photo is undated though the accompanying article says the shed was modified when the Great Western Railway converted its northern routes to standard gauge if you are inclined to try and date the photo. It is difficult to see what type of rail is used though I would suggest it's flat-bottom. There is also a photo of Didcot Engine Shed here https://www.flickr.com/photos/105407643@N02/14561448317

The level of demand within the domestic Chinese economy post Covid has been slowing down due to fears over the unsustainable scenario in the debt ridden property sector and fears of a deflationary cycle. Generally such cycles result in reduced investment in capacity, a halt to recruitment by employers which has the effect of reducing existing capacity as people leaving employment are not replaced. The skewed demographics of China, the result of the past two child policy, is also having an effect on the availability of labour plus the reported reluctance new entrants into the labour market to take-up factory jobs. To quote Reuters, The rejection of grinding factory work by Zhu (a worker) and other Chinese in their 20s and 30s is contributing to a deepening labour shortage that is frustrating manufacturers in China, which produces a third of the goods consumed globally. Despite about 18% of Chinese aged 16-24 being unemployed at the end of 2022 over 80% of Chinese manufacturers reported under-staffing by between 10% to 30% of their workforce. Investigations by US, UK and EU governments into unfair subsidies of Chinese exports across a wide range of products such as excavators, electric vehicles, trains (real ones, not the Hornby models), can't help the overall feeling within China that demand is falling, no matter how many Hornby 16T mineral wagons I want! Sentiment about the future of the Chinese economy is not helped by the refusal of the Beijing authorities to step-in and to stimulus the economy as they have done so in the past, nor has Moody's downgrading of the Chinese economy. The US prohibitions on investment in certain sectors of the Chinese economy can't help the overall sentiment that the Chinese economy is faltering, with growth down substantially from the double digit increase of the early 2000s. The Chinese banks have invested substantially in the property sector in the past and are probably reluctant to take-on investment in new manufacturing capacity, despite the CCP encouraging them to do so. Most local authorities are within China are also on the verge of bankruptcy having been 'encouraged' to invest heavily in that sector by the CCP. Does the present complex state of the Chinese economy give Hornby a lot more bargaining power? Without getting into a discussion as to whether Hornby are a large UK manufacturer I don't see them as having much, if any leverage with individual Chinese manufacturers without offering to pay more for production slots, whatever the exchange rate. They are in competition for those same production slots with many other Western companies.

Apologies if I gave the impression that you suggested a 6-wheel coach etc. I was responding to several 'Fake News!' suggestions.

Looking at the evidence, with caveats about vehicle identification here is what the evidence says - Class 4575 - post 1926 Beach huts - post 1926 Triumph NSD motorcycle - post 1929 Morgan 3-wheeler - post 1932 Three letter regs. - post c1933 Ford V8 (1934 model) - post 1933 Ford V8 (1936 model) - post 1935 Vauxhall Standard 12-Four - post 1937 No slotted headlights - pre 1 September 1939 when blackout regulations came into force No Pillbox - pre 1941 All of the above suggest a date range of 1938 to 31 August 1939 as does the preponderance of objects dating from the mid 1920s onwards. I have seen some speculation that the OP's photo could be taken by the Frith photographer. My only observation is that the OP's photo has an aspect ratio of 1:3 and the Frith Collection pictures have an aspect ratio of 1:6, which makes this unlikely. I suspect the many Frith Collection pictures dated c1939 are a result of their researchers going though the same process as is taking place here on RmWeb, but without the speculation unsupported by evidence. As I have mentioned in an earlier post I have experience of dealing with inaccuracies in the Frith Collection, which have always been corrected promptly. That is not the only photo archive I have had involvement in correcting. There are three more and a forth, The Courtauld Collection where I have noticed miss-identified and wrongly dated photographs, but have not contacted them. I also gave the Secretary the the HOC Defence Select Committee a pointer has how to identify where a particular controversial photograph about a faked event was taken which resulted in the MOD phoning me to ask for help. (I declined though I did give the caller pointers in how to proceed. The MOD did use my approach using a different feature in the image). You will almost certainly have seen that photograph. I do know what I'm doing.