rope runner

They also offer a custom transfer service, and very good they are too... Paul A.

Never mind about lack of interest in my comment...I'm 90% of the way there to two Ebbw Vale Iron Ore Hoppers from the P22 kit Paul A.

Checking online it looks like you are correct! I'll have to have words with someone next time I'm there Paul A.

I'm afraid not Andy, definitely 14'' cylinders - I've got 2 of them! Paul A.

Although one is a 15'' 0-4-0 and the other a 14'' 0-4-0 , it should be noted that all the other modifications were carried out in industry - and both started life as open-cab versions, as 1931 has now. DJH have done a popular kit for the 14'' - I wonder how many are out there, and if they have diluted the market? Unpainted, built examples go for £70ish on ebay. It's hard to imagine a rtr model being marketed for under this price... Paul A.

A wishlist eh....? Kit wise I'd like to see: Barclay 0-6-0ST Peckett B3 0-6-0ST Bagnall 0-6-0ST (Ironstone and Preston Docks types) 12" Peckett like an R2 or similar. RTR wise, if I was a manufacturer I would be going after: 0-4-0ST 14'' Barclay 0-6-0ST 16'' Hunslet 165hp Ruston 0-4-0 Paul A.

Non-working buckeyes (in lost wax?) do sound good, but I wonder if modellers should be left to their own devices for these - similar to your MSC wagons. I see brass masters do their own buckeyes for coaches, but presumably what you are envisaging would be similar to N gauge knuckle ones? Paul A.

Hi Robert, The Thomas Hill rebuild looks very promising, I have fond memories of shunting with one (TH164) at Barrington Cement works shortly before she was scrapped. So at least I'll have an excuse to order one... Paul A.

If anyone fancies modifying these wagons into something a little different: http://www.archive-images.co.uk/gallery/Archive-Art-Images-of-the-Ebbw-Vale-CISCo/image/53/Ebbw_Vale_CISC_EV_Wharf_20t_Hoppers_Newport_Corporation_Electric_Works I have 2 on order from Cambrian, they look fairly straight forward to modify... Paul A.

Can anyone confirm if Branchlines still supply this, and whether it can be purchased without the chassis kit conversion? Paul A.

Mercian kits might be a better shot, as they provide a few 4mm Barclay kits (or did until very recently) - they may also be able to provide coupling rods, cylinders etc Though if you are competent enough to assemble square frames and work in EM, then for 5 or 6 hours more work you could just build an entire kit... Paul A.

A possibility for madness here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191463890967?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 Featuring the golden word: Impetus Paul A.

I was thinking perhaps this style of Thomas Hill https://www.flickr.com/photos/77918006@N03/14996076664/ Perhaps aided with parts from the forthcoming rtmodels TH...? Paul A.

The running plate might be noticeable I think, but will reserve judgement! Paul A.

I hope they have modified the buffer beam to match, could be a pain to re-profile if not Paul A.

Yes that's right, see my post #740 on this very thread. Paul A.

Its just a shame she never carried that livery in industry Paul A

If I could also add - I believe the correct colour is grey for these, with green being adopted later by those in industry? Paul A.

Interesting collection of Iron Ore hoppers in that photograph *right to left*- LMS 20 ton, Stanton 22 ton and a rarer 20 ton Ebbw Vale hopper. Paul A.

I went for the proper EC87M040RK type, with cast-in eyes. I'll probably solder up some of my own coupling pockets for locos from brass strip. Currently waiting for Hornby to release the Sentinel DH in the correct form. Paul A.

Wow, impressive selection...Is that 6 NCB livery variants!? Hopefully these will do well and Hattons will consider doing a few more (including HE3850 JUNO) Paul A.

I have been thinking recently about coupling for these wagons in 4mm scale. Ironstone locomotives fitted with buckeyes often (granted, there were other arrangements) had then fitted underneath the draw hook, as per this MW at Corby: https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8376/8397266511_b8d365072c_z.jpg The easiest solution would doubtless be to use Kadee system, but this would require a trade-off between correct prototypical height and model operation (as kadee uncoupling operation is, as I understand it, based on height over a magnet). In an attempt to overcome this I'll be trialling these: http://www.sergentengineering.com/ I'll post how I get on, but I'll have to build an appropriate loco first! Paul A.

At a guess, and if similar to the layout of a Thomas Hill then the scoop could be the clutch, which must be disengaged in order to change direction, then subsequently re-engaged? Paul A.

Very nice, those buddleia are excellently executed. Paul A.