30368

I know next to nothing about the H&BR locomotive stock - what is the story behind these 0-6-2T? Looks a bit like a conversion of an 0-6-0 tender loco? Kind regards, 30368

Agree, really interesting prototype Darius. A very long time ago I was a member of the Southern House Rolling Stock Development Team. Within the team there was a small group of people, no more than two, who spent their time working out how they could meet operational and maintenence needs by, we would now call it, repurposing, old rolling stock. This would be one of their efforts I suspect. Once the drawings had been prepared it would be off, usually to Stewarts Lane Depot, where the work would be carried out in the old repair shop. I became involved, as part of my training, in the early 1970s. At the time, the SR CM&EE team were very independent of BRB Derby and probably did more design and development in house than any of the other regions. Kind regards, 30368

Wow, I see what you mean! Really detailed instructions. I shall take a look at the website. Kind regards, 30368

I have never doubted the fact that playing little trains is good for your wellbeing. The wonderfully balanced and sensible people that inhabit this website are the proof of this statement are they not? ............ Kind regards, 30368

Indeed, as my wife and daughters keep telling me. Sometimes I'm not sure it is all worthwhile..... KInd regards, 30368

Just waiting for the delivery of the final SEEP motor (I had to scrap 4 motors that were damaged during the move to Buxton) and then all points will have been motorised, at last! I was able to run the first train from the entrance to the fiddle yard board (not yet fitted but ready for points and track) through the site of Oakley station and on to Basingstoke. Some of the 10 SEEP motors fitted over the last few days. All ready for connecting to the track circuit board etc. Looking towards Oakley Station headshunt in forground and location of Station Building and cattle loading ramp beyond. "N" class 31404 has the "honor" of running a test train from the fiddle yeard entrance, through Oakley Station site and on past 70D. KInd regards, Richard B

Thanks Mr Woodenhead, I shall follow with interest. Kind regards, 30368

Really wonderful image, wonderful lighting and scenic effects and mild weathering on the Crompton looks very effective. It is how I remember these really useful locomotives. Kind regards, 30368

What is going on here? Where is Clive?

Enough under baseboard work for the weekend. Altogether eight point motors now fitted to the baseboard - they need wiring to power supply etc but that is very straitforward. The Main Line board is now complete so next week I turn the corner and start work on Oakley's five points. I need to consider over power control now, it will have to be one man operation so I am assuming a single pair of 12v dc "Buss Bars" throughout. However it may be more flexible if I seperate Oakley from the Main Line board with its own controller so that local shunting can take place in the yard as trains go by??? I'm not sure. The shed has its seperate power supply for the many shed operations that have no impact on the main line. Can't recall if I have posted this already - a corner of the shed interior - the fitters bay. Kind regards, Richard B

A further four point motors fitted under the baseboard(s) so I shall soon turn the corner and start work on Oakley's points. A few snapshots of the mayhem. Tracklevel looking towards the shed and part of the reference library. The shed yard, I know, some very tight curves... The forground will feature a road bridge to divide the layout. In the distance is the site of Oakley station. Beyond that is the forest of tinnies. Kind regards, Richard B

Wow! what truly lovely items and seemingly very accurate to prototype. Chin up, I'm sure you will overcome the boiler/firebox diameter mismatch. Kind regards, 30368

Good news today, The Yorkshire Building Society tells me they have some money of mine that I have completely forgotten about. It has been on deposit for about 30 years! I am aware of scams and this is not one. More importantly I have fitted 2 point motors to the baseboard of 70D and whilst still a good number to do, it is progress on the most hated of model railway tasks. As an electrical engineer (and mechanical engineer) I am proud of my very poor wiring quality very scruffy. In an attempt to improve matters I have now cleaned up the act and each point motor assembly will look like this before fitting it to the underside of the baseboard, if you think this is rough you should see the ones already fitted: I have read that SEEP point motors are poor and not reliable - too late now I have bought about 60 or so. Kind regards, Richard B

A subject I know nothing about WRT Liverpool OHR but this video may help a little: or this: Kind regards, 30368

Nice work Clive and in particular, I admire the way you have batted to the boundry the hurtful comments.... It is pleasing to see that the level of completion for little steam engines is very similar to the standard applied to rolling stock and DMU's. Long may this approach continue. KInd regards, 30368