AJW98Productions

I'm dreadfully sorry to see that happen to your model mate. I hope the problem is curable. Thank you very much for sharing with us.

Thanks, Aire Head! I wouldn't have known this previously, so thank you for sharing. I think I vaguely remember reading that a few pages back, when I read through the whole topic, but thank you for reminding me. I love how through Tom's modelling of Ffarquhar, and the information that you and others have to share, there's so much for people to learn (particularly the uninformed like me). It's honestly really inspiring, everyone. If I may ask, what it be safe to assume that Ffarquhar quarry would also supply Hardcore/Ballast for the railway? Thanks a bunch for the info, it's really appreciated! I agree, the work and knowledge, plus eye for detail that is shown by Tom and others here is superb, it's really inspiring, and I likewise would encourage everyone to not listen to the naysayers. Because the whole project will turn out superb, and it's so inspiring to see! Also, Ben, I wouldn't say that's heresy at all, despite my love of the "real prototype" approach (and preference for it, honestly), I do occasionally get some fun by diving more into the fandom side of things. And I wouldn't say that saying Mavis and (Devious) Diesel are favourites is heresy. Everyone's got their preference. It's certainly a unique combination that I haven't heard of before, but it's still fascinating to know. But I fear we're drifting too far off Tom's topic here. A little unrelated, but Tom, I know you used to be working on the Skarloey Railway a little bit. If you don't mind my asking, how has this been going for you? I was unaware of where it was at when your hiatus began, and was just curious to see how it was/is going. Anyway, enough from me for now. I've gone on long enough. Sorry for the long message everyone. Stay safe out there, -Alex

Hi Tom, I'm looking forward to seeing how the wagons turn out! I really like your "real prototype" take on the North Western Region, and I'm looking forward to seeing how your version of it pans out. Enjoy the Fell Walking as a little break - I was lucky enough to visit England a couple of years back, and Yorkshire is a beautiful place. Anyway, as someone without a huge understanding of the real operations of British Railways, but is trying and wants to learn, and someone who also wants to model the North Western Region one day (sometime in the future), I must say that your work is something truly inspiring to me. For example, I wouldn't have known that large stone (presumably before it is cut to shape in the Ffarquhar yards?), would only be carried in 3-plank wagons. But now I do know that, and I also know I have some old private owner ones lying around from Hornby that I could convert into proper FQC/BR ones, one day... I agree with a decent amount of what Jesse has to say as well, though I know how tough such things can be while in a poor frame of mind, I'm glad you're feeling better now. I just want to say do what makes you happy mate. We all appreciate your work and efforts here, and can't wait to see what you've got for us down the road. But again, at your own pace, without overwhelming yourself with it, or making it too central to what yourself. Enjoying the little back and forth about boredom from drilling holes, and the yellow pages too. And Aire Head, wonderful idea to keep your children away from such - errr - content, as Firey Flynn. Take care out there everyone, and stay safe. -Alex

Hey Tom. I'm glad that you've taken a mental health break. I know first hand how much a hobby can become too much if it's where all your enjoyment is coming from, but I am glad you're doing better now. Your Thomas model is looking great, and the picture of Toby taking the "EBV" to Knapford looks wonderful. Great work on both, as always. I'm looking forward to seeing more, but I none of us would want it to be at your expense, make sure that what you're doing in this hobby is what makes you happy, first and foremost. If you need another break, feel no guilt in taking it, I am (and I'm sure everyone else here is too) glad it was a good rest for you. Take care everyone. Don't let your hobbies become too much for you, and stay safe out there, especially with the pandemic still going on. -Alex

That's understandable. I was trying to visualise where on 5741 a crest would fit and couldn't think of anything that would still allow for retention of the GWR lettering (though, I'd forgotten the steps are only on one side of the model. Regarding explanations for the GWR lettering, I quite like your and Aire Head's explanations. The thought of the North Western Region becoming a bit blasé does amuse me, I must confess. Anyway, musings over Duck's livery have probably hijacked this thread for long enough. At the end of the day, I think we can all agree on one thing. Dalby has a lot to answer for. Looking forward to how this will progress, the models and set so far feel lifted straight out of the books, well done Tom! -Alex

Thanks for replying and sharing the specific quote, Tom! I do still wonder as to how the North Western Region was able to get 5741 to carry GWR lettering, under the watchful eye of BR. But maybe I either need to reread IOS, or just let that mystery be just that. Either way, thank you for your speedy and informative reply, and I think the model of 5741 is fantastic! -Alex

Fantastic models Tom! The light weathering really does make them seem so real. I’m impressed with it on all of them, but especially nos. 6 and 7, it really elevates the already fantastic models. A bit unrelated, but I imagine there must be some kind of simple explanation for that I’m simply not privy to, for why no.5741 (or no.8 “Duck”) is carrying GWR lettering in 1959, especially amongst the other three, with their “cycling lion“ crests. The North Western Region was seemingly allowed a lot of independence compared to the other regions, I presume this is some kind of result from that? As, to my knowledge, it is documented in IOS that no.5741 “Duck” arrived in a BR livery. So unless I’ve forgotten any canonical reason allowing for the GWR lettering, I’d be curious about any headcanon theories anyone may have about the matter. That’s me getting off topic though, sorry about that. Whatever the case may be for no.5741, I must again congratulate you on your fantastic fleet of Ffarquhar locos, I’m very impressed with them all. And I look forward to seeing more of what you have to share with us in future -Alex

ACT, mostly modelling British Steam of about 1948-1951 currently, though may expand to other areas later. Hoping to (when time, funds and space are more permissible) expand further into exploring the North Western (Sudric) Region of British Railways, though, that specific exploration will be more likely set post 1950’s, into the CA era.

Fantastic work on No.1, Tom! You really captured him well, he looks very smart! The red coupling rods and cycling lion crests are a unique touch, but I quite like them -Alex

Thanks for your help Tom! I really appreciate it. Does the book go into any detail on why Thompson's A2 designs never qualified for BR Express Passenger Blue? The only qualification I was aware that a locomotive needed to meet, was that it reach the 8P threshold. Any explanations as to why Thompson's A2 designs did not meet this criteria, would presumably also be applicable to the Peppercorn A2's, which also were neglected when it came to the application of the BR Express Passenger Blue livery, if I'm not mistaken. Again, thank you very much for your time and your help on this subject -Alex

Before I get into the meat of this topic, I must ask that I may be forgiven if this is a repeated topic, I've tried to research into this via google - to not much luck - and the forum search has not presented me any results either. Now, my question. I was wondering if during the early BR Era, any of Edward Thompson's Pacific locomotives were painted into BR Experimental (Ultramarine) Blue, and if any were painted into the subsequent and short-lived BR Express Passenger Blue livery. I've seen some forum posts to indicate that A1/1 Pacific "Great Northern" was turned out in BR Express Passenger Blue, though I have not seen this tidbit cited to any reputable source, and almost seems like hearsay. As for his A2/2's and A2/3's, I have not found any information regarding whether or not they received BR Express Passenger Blue during their lifetimes. I am a fan of LNER Pacifics in general, and would love to have an example (or maybe a few ) of Thompson's Pacifics present in my collection. However, the bulk of my collection takes place during the "heyday" of BR Express Passenger Blue (roughly around 1950-1951, with some exceptions here and there), so I almost feel discouraged from being able to commit to buying any of Hornby's upcoming models of these locomotives, until I can see if they would fit in with my other express passenger locomotives of this era. If anyone knows which (if any) members of Thompson's A2/2 and A2/3 class were painted into BR Experimental or Express Blue, and when they were, I would be extremely grateful. Of course, if none were repainted into blue, I'd love to know which were the last examples to retain their apple green livery from the "transition" era of BR (roughly late 1948-early 1950). Again, any help would be extremely appreciated. And the same question applies for A2/1's that Thompson rebuilt from V2's, as - to my knowledge - this specific subclass was ineligible for BR Express Passenger Blue anyway, only being class 7P engines. Unlike the Class A2/2s and A2/3s, which were designated in the 8P category (also, yes I do hold out hope that we may one day see RTR A2/1s, and an RTR A1/1 too, but for now, one can dream). If you've managed to read this semi-coherent ramble, then I thank you profusely for your time, and hope you can help me out with this query. -Alex

Going Under - Evanescence

Bicycle Race - Queen.

Ride The Lightning - Metallica

Don’t Stay - Linkin Park