Joe MCMLXI

Hi Woodbine, when the coil is energised, it goes to its full stroke. This is the point I set the Signal arm to its 'off' position and glue the operating wire to the rod ( very crude, but for me it works. I then adjust the plate, by gradually bending it, so that when the coil power is switched off, the spring pulls the armature back onto the plate. The plate position is adjusted until the Signal arm is horizontal 'On'. Here are a couple of pictures that might help joe

I have gone with the solenoid operation, pull to operate, spring return. Low voltage so quite gentle. The connecting wire to the arm is one piece, no linkages, then superglued to the end of the armature rod.. A bit crude, but it works for me... A little plate at the bottom of the armature, limits the return position, I use this to set the board horizontal.... joe

Yes, that's the sort of train I saw, fascinating.... Very similar to train shown at 11min .35s on Ianmacc's video above. So it was a Cl90 in the middle. Thanks for sharing your knowledge I only stopped to eat my sandwich on way home, when it crept past, didn't get time to phone camera it.... Shame. Cheers Joe

Just watched a train, leave East Retford today, approx 13.20. It looked to have a HST power car leading, followed by another power car(different livery). Then it had several coaches, a 'DBS' loco in the middle, a couple more coaches, with another pair of power cars on the end, the last, I think was the same livery as the leading HST?? I '"think' the HST were in East Midlands livery? A very unusual train for my limited knowledge of the modern scene. Can anyone enlighten me on what I have just seen? Joe.

What a great set of photo's Nick, very realistic and giving a great feel of the 'Peak' line. ..... I almost feel I can nip down from Tidza' and catch a train ! Joe

Having just 'finally' completed the body of my Coal Tank kit, long after Bachmann released 'their Coal Tank, I need to find it a number.... It would appear 64 loco's passed in to BR ownership in '48 ( source Wikipedia) , and were numbered in the 58880 range upwards... As PWS above has confirmed, 7757 was allocated to Buxton, although very briefly, so this will be my chosen engine - becoming 58915 under BR. Unfortunately, in this incredibly slow kit build, I have moved house and the 'Slancote' layout is no more.... But Slancote V2, is currently being planned, so hopefully it will grace the tracks in the future...... see you all again in a few years !! joe

Good evening, I am trying to find out information on Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST "Joe", built in 1899. Works number 2431. Having recently bought one of its Name plates, I am now looking for photo's of it life in the quarries. I have a photo of it in Hartley Quarry where it finished its working life. I am hoping to join the Industrial Locomotive Society to see if they have any info, but wondered if anyone on RMWeb may know anything of its history or has photo's? thanks Joe

That's a great set of signals you've produced so far Jonathan, great work. Love the flow of the trackwork in the photo's as well... Excellent. Joe

Good to see you back Al. Great to see you're modelling again, especially modelling a bit of C&HPR, my favourite railway. One of the most unique railways ever built I think. Looks of quirky features, from signals to inclines, incredibly sharp bends etc ! A bit of everything. good luck with your new adventure... joe

After building this layout over several years, an imminent house move has forced the closure of the line. Can't blame 'Mr Beeching' for this one ! When a new property is found, I'm sure a new layout will be built...... so for the time being, points are being recovered and electrical equipment stored, ready for the future. I plan to make my next layout with the running of Hornby live steam a priority. Many things have been learnt and much information gained from fellow RMwebbers, so hopefully the next layout will be another step forward. joe

Have you checked your internet download speed? I've been having on line chat with TalkTalk this evening, as our broadband is VERY slow and the symptoms are slow loading pictures. Main page loads ok ( but slow) but pictures take much longer. regards Joe

Nokian WR D4's, on a couple of steel rims, makes our Mokka safe and useful, in the winter months up in the Peak District..... bring on the snow!

Yes, I've used them over several years, both for use with parts for constructing my layout and recently, for cable and connectors for a solar panel install on a Motorhome - I found them excellent. joe

Two years later ! !... and finally the signals are solenoid operated. Just been in the shed wiring up the coils to a 'Center Off' SPST switch. I can use this to select the signals to go with the train direction. A bit basic, but it works.... whats been happening in two years? Not a lot to be honest, but really enjoy running Hornbys Live Steam locomotives.... joe

Does this help?? joe Bachmann Products List.pdf

Think its 30% commission for Internet bidders...... worth remembering....before getting carried away !

Whilst contracting at a Watercress factory in Hampshire, I came across the photo of how they used to transport the watercress to the factory.... But thought it might be a source of info/inspiration ! I just love the gentleman driver! Perhaps he was the owner? sorry for the quality, its a phone picture of a photograph. joe

I managed to brush over an empty Peroni glass, on the table that we were having a meal at - it 'burst' with such ferocity that pieces landed two tables away, leaving a pile of lots of small pieces on our table. It certainly made us jump!

Hi, a friends late Dad had this "Hassop" key in his collection of Model railway / Railwayana - is it possible that the " Hassop" key is Railway related. If I search for Signal box key, the images are always for much more 'modern' looking items. This appears to be much older, seems strange to have a key marked 'Hassop'. Amy thoughts / help on if it it you think it could be related to the railway infrastructure at Hassop station, in Derbyshire. I don't have the key in my possession, so can't currently answer any specific questions about its detail, but I shall see it next Saturday... best regards Joe

Layouts that have great looking realistic track work, but then have left those great big blobs of plastic on the ends of the Peco Tie bar ! - ( obviously applies to layouts with electrically / mechanically operated points )

Hi, you could ask here maybe.....?? https://www.threlkeldquarryandminingmuseum.co.uk/vintage-excavator-trust/ regards Joe

Today was a run for Hornby A4 Live steam loco Dweight D Eisenhower with a rake of 9 MK1 stock. On the lower level can be seen J94 with Blue Circle Presflo wagons....

A couple more runs today, this time with 'Mallard' at the front..... joe

some spare time yesterday, so first Live Steam runs of 2018..... joe

Werner, as someone who lives just up the road from Edale & the Hope Valley, I think you have made an excellent module that certainly captures the 'atmosphere and look' of the area, congratulations to you and the BMB team. Joe