60B

I thought they were sent to Inverurie where they were oushopped with the rear of the bunker lined out in Inverurie fashion? I think I've seen a picture of a pair at Stirling on their way to Aberdeen (also dragging some pre-grouping coaches for scrapping).... B) Looking at them, they are ugly by Thompsons standard but Hornby has done a great job of these. I may buy one of these in black and excuse them as a running-in turn under this alternate reality.

Speaking of which : http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Bachmann-MODELZONE-MK2-ENGINEERS-TWIN-COACH-PACK-LTD-ED-/190443790552?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item2c5755a0d8

Not sure what happened to these, the film must have been damaged (Kodak Porta 160 NC (expired I think): Cross-processed, taken on a camera with half-frame capabilities:

I was reffering to the 37 in the article as they are a minefield.

Supaned, Tornado was built out of brand new components. This is been built from comonents already there.

But which 37?

So basically, they want to take a gas axe to a 37 then bolt together parts of it and stick on other bogies? If we did that in the modelling world, we would be branding nut jobs! However this is a unique project and proper ambitious. I like the idea of this as its not just another cl37 restoration.

Oh where to begin with that one ! I'm sure I've seen a pic of a CL 20 at the BSW sidings mostly likely with a rake of OTAs. I'm sure somewhere like Caolisport would have a shunter of sorts. Then theres this: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/18869-location-identification-please/page__p__182024entry182024

The brake van appears to be quite short. The only one I can think of is the NER V4: http://www.jimmcgeown.com/Wagon%20Kit%20Pages/NER%2010%20Ton%20Brake%20Van%20Dia%20V4.html. Most of which were un-fitted.

Curse you Hugh for creating a fabulous little layout in a short space of time . Seriously, that 24 and typical brewery buildings look amazing. I take it the buildings are scratch built?

Hi Burkitt, knew something wrong with that photo and it wasn't the standard sized loco. I get the idea the that the site is like trying to convince us of aliens with a couple bits of tin foil and LEDs. What annoys me is they say if the oil ran out, steam would be used. But oil is needed for lubrication . The idea of a stockpile of locos (in varying numbers) sitting inside a mountain is romantic to say the least but contradictory to the rail network as it has stood since the 60's (a number of electrical components running the railway and little - no steam infrastructure left). Reading that topic, Bertiedog does provide insight into the project. Didn't realise that site had been proved fake before (but should have). Waiting for secret service personnel turning up on my doorstep now .

Wi' mithers chucking 'oot pieces, aye? How about a bonded warehouse?

Perhaps a couple of words are required on this. I'm not discussing whether or not the SSR exists. What am trying to do here is clear up a handful of contradicting "facts"/ anecdotes surrounding it. A quick Google for "SSR" reveals this site: http://www.willys-mb.co.uk/strategic-reserve.htm which on the face of it, appears to prove conclusive evidence of the reserve. My comments on this site is basred on the photos on the site The first photo: http://www.willys-mb.co.uk/images/strategic/box-tunnel.jpg shows a loco in steam outside the entrance to the supposed location of the SSR. The date given as 1979, but there is no evidence of that. Also the mine was no doubt steam powered for a long time. Photo two: http://www.willys-mb.co.uk/images/strategic/steam-cab.jpg claims that SSR master fitter on the footplate once again in 1979. This one comes across as odd. If he was a fitter for something that is a government secret, why would allow a photo taken of himself? In the background is the side of a goods shed. In addition, the man is wearing a sweater and jeans. Surely if he WAS a fitter, he would be in a boiler suit even for footplate work? Moving swiftly on to number three: http://www.willys-mb.co.uk/images/strategic/hall-class-loco.jpg. A Hall supposedly in 1975. This one the daftest claim so far. In the background appears to be a Class 29, all of which were cut up by 1972!!! At most this a withdrawn Hall waiting for preservation or scrap. The plates most likely removed by works staff so they wern't nicked. Finally for this page: http://www.willys-mb.co.uk/images/strategic/lms-diesel-shunter.jpg. On first glance, this appears to be a preservation scheme (tarpaulpin over the coach, van body, donkey in veranda) though I can't find a similar LMS shunter in preservation. Those with better eyesight may spot what appears to be crude photoshopping on the tool box. Moving to the second page: http://www.willys-mb.co.uk/rudloe.htm. The first photo claims to be a US Army unit on manouvre. Pull the other one. The blacked out area is crude at best. Even it is 1948, no way the vans are going to be in BR liveries. Also, the steam crane in the background? Do be serious. The next photo on the page: http://www.willys-mb.co.uk/images/strategic/depot.jpg. Is the hardest to debunk. Its bleak and featureless. Finnaly , we come the final photo: http://www.willys-mb.co.uk/images/strategic/steam-reserve.jpg. First things I noticed were the cartoon-ish Cl 14 and the sand covering a possibly botched photoshop. Once again, no mention of a location is suspicious and has a general preservation society feel. Further digging came across this: http://www.angelfire.com/mn2/Oubliette/StratReserve.html. While it repeats what was said on the other site, it claims a number of Cl 17s where/ are stored. All things considered, they would be less than useful. It says they had low engine hours and could run on low-grade fuel. They had low hours because they were less than unreliable. Another paragraph makes another tall claim: Wishful thinking me thinks. Actually, the whole SSR myth seems to be wishful thinking by enthusiats that could'nt get over the fact that all these locos were scrapped behind closed doors. Anything you want to say or ask, feel free.

Make it the Boat South Box, I'm attempting the North Box . Using Highland buildings, those at Carr-bridge are compactish. Whether the Strathspey would go for it or not is difficult to say as they are fairly un-predictable. Also, the Strathspey is finacially committed to a number of big projects (Grantown, 46512s overhaul, etc).

What about these Western beauties?: http://users.powernet.co.uk/hamilton/bgpix/gwr280-082.jpg http://users.powernet.co.uk/hamilton/bgpix/gwr460-064.jpg I have been looking into a couple of 2-6-0s for "Isla Street" similar to the MSWJR but less "Swindony".

Found this in Boat of Garten the other week. It looks like a horsebox though looks like a replica:

Nice to see it represented. I could do anything along the Speyside line as I live at the bottom end of it. Cromdale might be my next layout (BR blue with no passenger service and the little distillery "pug" still going um... strong).

Last year the 439 was WAY down the list. Its a small victory, but a victory all the same.

Lime might have been used in cases of food transport and washed out before it returned to normal service.

That brocolli traffic was also a feature of a BTP film on the delicate nature of keeping trains running across all the regions and how holes in loco requirements are filled.

If the strathspey is approached, Bachmann will probably be more open in some ways as they are a Bachmann dealer thus have the sales channel required. Would it be prudent to fire off a letter to one of the boards (company or association)?

While down wandering around Boat of Garten station, I noticed one of the Strathspey's Mermaids (maybe the only one) in Platform 2. A peek inside and outside provided some detail ideas for those who bought the Flangeway Mermaid. First shot for those with a steady hand with glue and ballast: Second photo shows some floor damage sustained over the years along with some leftover spoil:

Well, Stuart's letter is in this months HM. The pic (ooh get you) is of a 439 at Kyle and looks rather charming.