08221

Bit of a left field one for me - an album called "Good News" by Rend Collective who are an Irish based Christian rock/folk band. Some of the lyrics of their songs were a lifesaver during a difficult patch a few years ago - still make me cry when I listen to them now, but how much stronger they have made me. Music can be so powerful and life changing........

There is a great article in the latest edition of "Traction" magazine all about 9000 and its time with VXC. Includes all the work behind the scenes to make it happen and about crew training,etc. Look forward to part 2 of that article - fascinating! Hth.

43290 and 43274 on the 1055 Derby RTC to Derby RTC via Holyhead test train pass Uttoxeter station on Thursday 26 January 2023.

I’ve got a 009 Alan Keef AK40 boxed away somewhere that I got in the early 90s. Finished it in contractors orange and black, it was always a bit of a jerky runner! Sure that it was one of Brian’s kits.

37510 opens up through Uttoxeter station on the 1308 Derby to Wembley LE move on Friday 20 January 2023.

Thanks, yes it was 66165, a driver friend told me afterwards but I forgot to update the caption! Take care.

57304 and 37218 pass Uttoxeter signal box on the 0914 Crewe to Derby RTC light engine movement on Thursday 19 January 2023.

Guy Norris was also a record shop - full of lovely vinyl records!

67012 and 66140 pass through Uttoxeter station on the 1220 Toton to Crewe LE working on Wednesday 18 January 2023.

My dad worked at Great Ormond Street hospital in the 70's as a medical photographer and projectionist. He often had to work on Saturday mornings so I went with him (they had an old Hornby O Gauge set there that used to keep me occupied). We'd then go to Beatties in Holborn (with the signal outside!), Kings Cross Models (and pop in to see the Deltics) or Guy Norris to see what they had for us to add to our layout at home before going to Stamford Bridge on the 14 bus (Routemaster) to see Chelsea play in the afternoon (dad worked on the turnstiles and I was a ball boy). Nan lived in Edgware (where I was born) so we'd frequently go to Puffers at Kenton - loved that shop and used to spend hours in there. After a while, RailMail opened in Watford so that was a regular haunt for us. Sad to think its all gone now - happy times!

Sheds in the snow... 66034 passes Bamford bridge in Uttoxeter on the 0906 Crewe to Toton LE working on Wednesday 18 January 2023 Think it was 66165 on the back...

View Advert For sale - OO Gauge SF layout Hi. I have decided to sell my OO gauge SF layout "Rectory Lane". Originally built and exhibited in the north east in the 1990s, the layout measures 73" x 82" and comes complete with legs. I have updated the layout to be based in the early 1980's, but the period could easily be changed. I have modified the layouts original wiring so it is DCC compatible. Please note that its is only the layout and legs that are available, it does not come with any buildings, rolling stock, controllers, signals or other removable items. Collection only. Advertiser 08221 Date 05/01/23 Price £250 Category OO / 4mm scale  

Happy 2023! First photo of the new year - 67010 passes Bamford bridge in Uttoxeter on the 0925 Toton to Crewe LE working on Thursday 5 January 2023. The loco stood at the signal near to the signal box before being hand signalled past with the signal at danger - an interesting sight!

Same as the bridge under the WCML at Rugeley Trent Valley - I saw a car floating in the water one morning a couple of years ago when I lived there.

Thanks @Nick G. These are my photos of it in Bletchley carriage sidings awaiting a tow to Swindon for scrapping.

I've wanted a senior scale layout since I started railway modelling over 50 years ago. Got a Dapol 08, a Heljan Rat and a few wagons and some track this year so going to build an O gauge micro layout next year called Bletchley Cambridge sidings. Decided my OO modelling future also lies in micro layouts so going to sell my OO SF layout and build more micros based around Bletchley to go with my current exhibition micro Bedford St Giles. Always good in life to have targets and aspirations 🙂

This is very useful Nick as I want to do similar to my Dapol 08 numbered as Bletchleys 08221. For the different shades of blue to achieve that effect, are you hand mixing paints? Thanks in advance 🙂

The end of an era..... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-birmingham-64007383

Grey day for a Grid... 56113 passes Bamford bridge in Uttoxeter on the 1050 Longport to Redcar working on Thursday 22 December 2022.

Thanks Jim! I'll be at the station to get the best change of a photo/video if its too gloomy! Fa

Hopefully via Uttoxeter and the North Staffs line!

They could always borrow the 104 and 105 from the East Lancs railway 🙂🙂

Back in the 70's when the cycle paths in MK were first put in place, my brother and I were out for a bike ride near the Open University on Sunday morning. There was a one sided bridge across a small stream - I made its to the other side - bruvs didn't! Next door had to come and collect us in their electricians (Ritchie and Watts) van as mom and dad didn't drive - happy memories 🙂

@Yarravalleymodeller you are very brave - brave for keeping going, brave for sharing and brave for wanting to help fellow humans. Whatever life throws at you in the future, stay strong and enjoy your new addition (and your modelling!) - you fully deserve to! Take care 🙂

43290 and 43299 pass Uttoxeter on the 0812 Crewe to Derby RTC working on Friday 2 December 2022.