MrWolf

That loco is about thirty years older than the box it's in , (Wrenn R1?) also I suspect are the wagons.

Like everyone else I am sad to see you having to dismantle the layout, but having followed the build it's been like a degree course in practical modelling for you and covered just about every aspect of the hobby, so it's been time well spent. Good to see just how much you're salvaging for MK2, it will come together scenically very quickly, so you can concentrate on the baseboards and track, making a first class job of it from what you've learnt. As we're living in rented accommodation, I built Aston as though it was going to be an exhibition layout, but installed storage beneath it, (subsequently annexed by Miss Riding Hood, perhaps IKEA can make some chests of drawers called Czechoslovakia?) but ultimately capable of being relocated if and when necessary. Bespoke boards either bought in or self built will certainly help there. I'll second the comments on the quality of your buildings.

That would encourage me to finish weathering my CC7!

I saw these two at Bolton toy and model fair this morning and noting the similarity in shape thought I'd share them. Almost as though the foundry had repurposed the LMS pattern block. Note the reinforcement cast around the bolt holes on the Met-Cam version.

Perhaps part scratch build and part Ratio iron mink kits? There was a brass kit for one of the CC vans (I can't remember which offhand) but it doesn't look like brass to me.

If you've still got one of those in good condition, they're worth quite a few train tokens!

Likewise, I don't know what they put in older paints, but I still have some Humbrol tinlets from when I was at school in the 1980s that are still perfectly useable and down in the workshop, some old Dupli-Color touch up tins for things like Vauxhall Eclipse blue and Lambretta Turquoise that are nearly sixty years old and still as good as new.

Seller claims they're £159 a set, making them £39.75 apiece, whichever way I look at it seems like a lot!

Adding the rodding and buffers has certainly taken the kit to the next level, I think that I will be doing the same with my next build. The printed wagons I have all received the necessary rods, having the holes built into the design. If you can get in at a shallow angle, could you drill a small dimple behind each brake shoe pivot and spring in a suitable length of wire secured with a little super glue? If indeed, you can be ar..... 😄

You've definitely nailed it Agefotostock

They certainly are, but I wonder how many people have an EM gauge main line layout big enough to run them and have the money or requirement for them? It only takes one I suppose

On the other hand, if you've built it yourself it's all good practice and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Plus the money already spent on the kit no longer has to be found.

If he's not chewing on an HB pencil, it's a Woodbine, probably from a 5 pack or the magic cigarette jar* *Where you could buy a cigarette and two matches.

In unusually good condition, it will probably go daft, even though it's a Jinty chassis in fancy dress. Tenders seem rare, they're an interesting mix too. A Caley Single tender body, with a log load and a pair of diamond frame freight bogies beneath. It's actually very clever.

He's forgotten to mention that model's capability of running at a scale two hundred and fifty miles per hour!

They're a bit of a vague thing, 3 Aitch marketed them as simply (IIRC) an LNER 6 plank 12 ton wagon, no other details, unless there was some indication in the instructions for what transfers were required, as there were none included in the kit. There was a floor and brake gear though, some possibly useful pictures of a complete kit here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364493555778?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=sqkjS1NVTUu&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=3qkTzGg7QRS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY It does look identical to the 12 ton 6 plank made by Cambrian models, which also comes sans transfers. These had their origins in the Great Northern back in 1921. https://www.cambrianmodelrail.co.uk/store/C81-LNER-12ton-6-plank-Open-Wagon-Kit-9-wb-wood-underframe-p94211417 This is the transfer set available: https://www.cambrianmodelrail.co.uk/store/Transfers-for-LNER-Version-of-Kit-C81-12ton-6-plank-Open-Wagon-Kit-9-wb-wood-underframe-p411910862

Could be worse. Musician Bobby Fuller met a grim end: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bobby_Fuller_Four#:~:text=Bobby Fuller died under mysterious,not released to the public.

Rustproofing practicality or traction engine bling?

Whatever you do don't confuse an enema machine with a petrol pump! Although the pyrotechnic flatulence could be a neat party trick....

I know the type you mean, I've got a "Bantel" bicycle tail lamp which takes a slimmer version, never had it working and I don't remember the battery number either!

Sorry Paul, couldn't resist!

You can now get an adapter to replace those cardboard cycle batteries with a pair of AA batteries, but.... To power that controller with four of them will cost you around £80, plus the cost of the batteries! I wouldn't be any more concerned than you about firing up those old controllers, I used to tinker with valve radios and as long as the mains side of the sets were made safe, you had little more to worry about than a depressing puff of smoke now and then.

😉

Did someone connect the track direct to the mains?

Such bundles are to encourage you to pay more for the item you want, believing that you can sell the surplus item at a profit, making the item you did want a bargain. Of course, if you can't, that's now your problem. Wow, is that an Enigma Machine? 🤣