rope runner

Nice build, are you going to trim-back the slide bars level with the motion bracket? I quite fancy one of these from CSP, although I heard these newer kits are to be supplied with EM spacers only? Paul A.

No, I'm afraid not: I'm not currently living anywhere near the museum unfortunately. If I get a chance during the xmas period I shall try to get down there. Paul A.

A nice colour photograph of a wagon of this type on this link: http://plumbloco.smugmug.com/Trains/British-Industrial-Systems/i-FmnHtRK/A Also shows the swinging buckeye coupling mounting plate fitted to the OIC locos - In this case an unusual outside cylinder Hunslet 0-6-0. Paul A.

Uppingham is an R2 class Peckett - so a small 12'' cylinder design - much smaller than the forthcoming Agenoria kit. I would probably convert a Hornby Pug... As mentioned, Holwell No.3 is available from High Level, but I am not sure if the short (non-standard) chimney it sported at Wirksworth is included. Both locos are preserved. Holwell No.3 was lucky (due to its celebrity status as the oldest industrial loco in operation, for a time) and went straight to preservation. Uppingham was stored in the open air by a dealer until a buyer was found (much later), its plate work has suffered as a result, and her motion is extremely warn. Luckily she was recently purchased by Rocks By Rail (formerly the Rutland Railway Museum), so her future is secured (she is one of the earliest standard gauge Ironstone quarry locomotives surviving). Paul A.

Although possible in theory, in practise this design actually harks back to american iron ore quarries. The concept was exported alongside their bogie-mounted steam navvies of Bucyrus Ilk (although dump car design took an additional 10 year-ish to materialise) Paul A.

Coupling pockets on the Sentinels are removed from the steam locos they replaced. That photo of the Sentinel shows one of the "boys" - denotable by its vacuum brake gear Paul A.

Yes, the conventional draw gear was fitted while at Corby. The 3-skip wagons use an interesting frame, which I have not been able to find a close replica to just yet... Paul A.

Well, they're all back on the rails now, and have moved across the site as of 2 months ago. We did very well to even get these out of Corby, we were donated 19 wagons all told!. Ours were latterly used to carry sand/spoil to repair landslips etc. We believe they are actually from Wroxton, and we have blueprints (also rescued from Corby) which are marked OIC. The two which are missing their tops were used by BSC to overhaul class 14 engines, where they could be worked on from a good height while remaining mobile. There was also a snow plough variant (see Tonks. book). The hand wheels are for brakes. There are at least 2 build diagrams in the Ironstone cars alone, type A and B - which are minor differences surrounding the brake handwheel etc. As far as unloading was concerned, these would be tipped from a high level into wagons below (Cranford quarry)- or perhaps a crusher (Wroxton quarries), then loaded into hoppers. Also of note are the 2 "3-skip wagons" in the last photograph, these being used to deliver ore onto calcining banks (where the ore is burnt with coal dust to drive off moisture). These are also the only survivors. Paul A.

Hi James, Likewise, I'm also building a UK Ironstone layout. I'm also a volunteer at Rocks by Rail in Rutland. We made a copy of the general arrangement diagram for these wagons available to RT models, so hopefully they will appear in due course. Kind regards Paul A.

Yes, that's the Avonside design I was referring to, not available as a kit in any form as far as I'm aware - although neither are any of the others I mentioned! Paul A.

From a purely selfish viewpoint I'd quite like one of these...but there's no rtr chassis which comes close, unfortunately! Other suggestions would be a small "R2" Peckett or 0-4-0 Avonside saddle tank (with angular tank). Although I think if it were up to me I would choose a Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 side tank (such as Sir Thomas, NCB 140 etc) and use the electrotren chassis to motorise it. Just a thought. Paul A. Paul A.

Looks good, although I think the handrail knobs may be too long, and the smokebox dart is a tad on the large size... Paul A.

Wow, this is great. Do you mind me asking what buffers and fittings you used to build this? I own one of the surviving 2 wagons, and hope to scratch build one someday. All the best Paul A.

Hi Les, Yes I have the same (excellent) book - but I've just found out that the 24 ton design does indeed have 13" cylinders, so good news. Cheers Paul A.

Hi Gordon, It's more likely that there will be other dimensional differences if they are different, such as overall length, wheel spacing, tank height etc. Cheers Paul A.

Could anyone tell me what the cylinder size of these are please? I would like to model a prototype which has 13'' X 20'' ideally, but am unsure if this is a size smaller (12")? https://www.flickr.com/photos/5611hongkong/8448299578/in/set-72157632698705665 Paul A.

Wow, that's just awesome, 5 inch inside-framed locos are substantial beasts, but this one....must be a 3 man lift, if not more! Paul A.

Looks spot-on to me, very good Paul

Hi All, Bachmann are due to release their 27 ton tippler in October, in the livery below: http://www.Bachmann.co.uk/image_box.php?image=images1/branchline/37-280.jpg&cat_no=37-280&info=0&width=650&height=412 However, I have searched the internet and have drawn a blank as to a decent quality prototype photograph of this livery combination. Does anyone have a picture of the prototype they can post/PM me please? Many thanks in advance. Paul A.

Wow, excellent news - a big thank you for industrial 00 steam too. Paul A.

Here's hoping for an industrial loco...but no, It's sure to beat the Bachmann announcement for many I'm sure Paul A.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kit-built-4mm-oo-14-Inch-Andrew-Barclay-saddle-tank-/131249122465? "great condition!"...