Suddaby

Hi Dave, Great photos as ever, please keep them coming! Re the photo of a fly ash train at Ratcliffe PS C509, why do these trains no longer run? Has technology moved on such that there is no ash anymore. Curious? Kevin

Hi Chaz, That looks superb! Kevin

Interesting that Adams442T mentions Metal Box in Hackney, as I worked at both their Southcoates Lane, Hull factory and the one in Rock Valley Mansfield, from the mid 70's to the mid 80's. One thing that was sure to get everything a coat of paint and a spruce up was a visit by "royalty", by that I mean the companies senior management. Presses got painted, white lines were renewed, and the place got a real makeover. We even used to load all the crap out of the yard on one of our regular hauliers wagons and sent it to their yard for a couple of days. On the topic of H&S, one of the most difficult things to get the women to do, was leave their bags were they were when we had a fire drill! In case that sounds like a sexist comment, when I first worked on the shop floor in 1980, all machine operators were ladies, and the labourers, setters and engineers were all men. The only exception being the summer intake of students. As times moved on, and pit closures came, so the balance of the workforce changed. Kevin.

Ah I see you've started with the Gents toilets! Kevin

Hi Chaz, Thanks for the info, unfortunately, could do with you a bit further North than that! Do you have anything lined up for 2016? Kevin.

Hi, Re the question of lights on the fire escape, I am sure in this modern age they would be essential, but looking at pictures of fire escapes on Google, they don't seem to be that apparent in earlier times, so for the period you are modelling Chaz, maybe not. Though some nice old fashioned ones would look nice!! The etchings look fantastic - well done Pete. Do you have any further exhibition outings planned Chaz? I was supposed to be at Epsom with New Hey, but had a bad bout of bad back, so had to pull out. Kevin

The alcohol was indeed from the local hostelry, but it was definitely partaken overlooking that view!! Kevin

Looking good John, architects inspection on Sunday! Where are you going to put the turnstyle for all the paying guests? Kevin

Hi Dave, Found this photo of Reading interesting: Reading Class 423 7737 Feb 78 C3662 The white building in the background was Metal Box's head office at the time, and I spent a week there in 1976, on an induction course. Traveled by train from Hull - breakfast by the Humber on the way out, and also had my first HST ride out to Reading from Paddington. To relieve the boredom of week in Reading, we even went to see the wrestling in the town hall!! Great pictures Dave - keep them coming thanks. Kevin

Hi Dave, Yes the winter of discontent power cuts. I was at college on Cottingham Road in Hull at the time, but don't really remember power being cut off to the college. However, I do remember having to go swimming to a pool (Albert Ave baths) that wasn't allowed to heat the water! It was so cold that the chlorine in the water wasn't dissolving properly. The water was very cloudy,and we came out blue. Think it only happened once and then the baths closed. Can't have been very healthy. Also Vesta Curries, our introduction to the delights of Indian cuisine! Kevin

Hi Dave, Really enjoy your regular updates. Liked the Manchester area photos from 1971/72. Wonder if you took any on the Sale Altrincham line with the old units? Kevin

Hi, I was alongside this layout at Stafford helping on Eskmuir, and was very taken with it. Very nicely done. Not surprised to see you got more invites with it. Mind you I am surprised there are no photos of the visit of a preserved Q1 to the line! Or did Dad not let on Nigel!

Merry Christmas Dave, have enjoyed this thread, and look forward to more in 2015. :-)

I followed this thread with great interest, and just wondered if you decided to motorise it or not? It's a superb piece of modelling! Kevin

A month, he'll be half way to St Pancras by then! Kevin

Hi Dave, Great memories of the Humber ferries there Dave. A Sunday afternoon out often comprised a trip on the Ferry and back again. For a long time (until 1975 I think - I went round on my motorbike to Cadwell Park - still no bridge then!), the pier was the only bit of Lincolnshire I touched, despite having lived a river's width away since the early 50's. I used to love standing watching the engines. My last ferry trip came in 1974 I think, when it was hired by Hull College of Education for a trip/disco/party/drinking session(!) out to Spurn Point and back, we also called at New Holland that night as well. I notice the coal wagons on the pier, which fetched in the coal for the old "Castle Class" ferries. Was Faringford also coal fired? Kevin

Marvellous Dave, I particularly liked this one of the wD at Pilmoor. Pilmoor WD 90309 down goods May 67 J0880 Cheers, Kevin

Hi Mr S, Wondered what you are going to use for wheels? Do you plan to motorise it? Where did you/do you get the PC trolley poles from? Sorry questions questions. Thanks. Kevin.

I do indeed remember the area Mick, having spent a number of years "imprisoned" just round the corner. Seem to think you spent most of your time fending off my thieving colleagues!!! I don't think I ever got to ride a Coronation, as I lived Holderness Road, and Grandma lived up Anlaby Road, later Hessle Road - routes 64/68, 69, 70. Happy days! Hope your keeping well and looking forward to retirement. Nice to see it coming together Spoons! Kevin

Thanks for that Mr S. I love those 6 wheelers. We didn't have any in Hull, though we did have the Coronations, which were quite revolutionary for the time. Unfortunately we didn't see them in East Hull on routes 64 and 68. One of the occupational hazards of travelling that way was North Bridge, over the River Hull. Trolleys frequently de-wired, and we'd be sat on the bridge in the dark while the conductor sorted it out, with his long bamboo pole. Kevin

Following this with interest - looks really good so far. I wondered if you have a photo we can see of the real thing? Kevin

Hi Andy, Someone's scanned that out of a Bellcode book. Railway Memories 22 - Return to Leeds. Kevin

Hi Gilbert, They should definitely have "Copywrite Great Northern" on the sides! Kevin

Given Chaz's exquisite attention to detail, I am sure it would. Have really enjoyed reading this thread Chaz, and look forward to seeing the layout at an exhibition at some point. Hopefully, you will bring it to the frozen North at some point! If not, at least make it to Aylesbury for Railex! I hope the Bigcheeseplant is on the case! Kevin

Looking good John, can you show a picture of the cassette's ready to transport, and how you get the foam etc in? Have a good Christmas and NY. Kevin