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First weathered wagon - a Parkside SPV van in faded BR blue.

These used to come across the flyover at Bletchley on the Aylesbury vans working. 

What a shame, was my local model shop. Used to pop in lots for bits and bobs.

That W&H models price tab brings back happy memories of nipping over to Marylebone to their shop at lunchtimes to pick up kits  and bits  and bobs.

A quiet Sunday afternoon at Cambridge sidings.

@Jerry1975 thanks for your kind words.

Here are a few photos I took this morning.

About to start weathering my wagons and repainting a 2nd class 08.

1 hour ago, adb968008 said:

Torbay is an example of one of the best, but its not a place for enthusiasts, and hasnt really ever been. Its success isnt down to being steam, but connecting to a beauty spot, and a beach and arguably should still be part of Network Rail… i’m sure a 150/2 would be fine in the off season, or start/end of day.

 

 

 

 

 I always try to visit both the Torbay steam railway and the South Devon railway when I visit my family in Torbay.

They are very different lines in many ways but both are equally enjoyable days out. 

I've found that 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week makes me feel better both physically, but more importantly - mentally.

ME 115s were serviced at BY in the 70s and 80s, they used to come across the line from Aylesbury over the flyover. We used to see them every evening as kids. I can remember seeing coaches in overall blue, white with blue stripe and blue/grey.

They were transferred to BY officially when ME closed in 1988.

The Christmas/new year closedown finds a packed yard at Cambridge sidings. 

All is quiet in Cambridge sidings.

Time for an update - layout all wired up, track ballasted, buildings sourced and painted.

MDF backscenes painted pale grey fixed in position and I've started adding the details which are so much fun! 

Had a good few hours selling some models I no longer need at the Mickleover model railway swapmeet.

Very friendly folk, lots of stock sold and a pleasant few hours out - I'd recommend this option to anyone looking to reduce their stock! 

A couple of my photos of 317s at Bletchley.

They were fast when they got going compared to the 310s they replaced, but not as comfortable.

The motor coaches used to lurch violently on the up fast across the crossover south of Hemel Hempstead station - quite scary on occasions!

Please post more Jim! In the mid 80s, I used to spend one week a month working in Lucerne for DeBeers (never did more than 2 1/2 days work!). Used to spend the rest of the week out and about on trains and in the transport museum which was only a walk down the road from The Palace hotel on the lake where I used to stay - great times! Remember spending hours on their driving simulator as no one else was often in there!

Can I do a senior scale shunting puzzle on a 4' x 1' baseboard - well the track is laid and I've started on the wiring.

Cambridge sidings were opposite Bletchley depot, the layout will be based on the end of the sidings and will feature stock seen in the area in the early 1980s.

2 hours ago, MJI said:

AS I would like the WR 2 car, I am going to buy a S/H Hornby 110 and use Ironmink cab fronts and underframe bits.

Silverfox also do the cab fronts for £12 each (Bottom of this page - http://silverfoxmodels.co.uk/british-rail-class-104-brcw-unit/)

May be worth looking for a local swapmeet or train fair.

Ive recently had a sort through my collection (gathered over 50 years!) and have quite a bit to sell as I will never use it and would rather someone else have pleasure from.

I contacted a local model railway society who have regular train fairs and am hopeful of getting a stall at their next event in December.

Quite looking forward to it as well!

Brilliant first episode!

Interesting comments about the benefits of modelling for your well-being

Even Mrs K sat and watched it - and really enjoyed it! 

66095 and 66010 pass under Bamford bridge in Uttoxeter on the 0459 Stapleford & Sandiacre to Toton leaf buster - can clearly be seen spraying! 

66095 and 66010 pass under Bamford bridge in Uttoxeter on the 0459 Stapleford & Sandiacre to Toton leaf buster - can clearly be seen spraying! 

It may be a strike day, but there's always something to be seen!

56094 passes Uttoxeter station on the 0805 Doncaster to Crewe Basford Hall light engine move on Wednesday 4 October 2023.

30 minutes ago, Oldddudders said:

I enjoy bus travel. I don't qualify for a bus-pass, due to living abroad, but do get free travel on TfL buses due to former employment. If in Torbay, the 2 quid fare - or a Dayrider for 5.50 - seem v good value. Some of the newer buses offer wifi and phone-chargers, too. 

The buses are excellent and very reliable- the odd dodgy driver - my younger brother being a prime example!

My dad enjoys riding around on the Torbay buses battering his senior citizens buss pass - especially when he is being 'chauffeured' by his son 😀

60046 passes Bamford bridge in Uttoxeter on the 1300 Ravenhead Sdgs to Chaddesden Sdgs empty stone train on Monday 25 September 2023.

67005 and 67024 pass Uttoxeter signal box on the 1145 Crewe to Toton LE move on Monday 25 September 2023.