Blandford1969

Remembering to have first tested the loco before going onto the train to prove the vacuum on the engine. Once coupled on the handbrake is applied, the guard walks up observing all the brakes (should) be hard on. Once at the engine the driver creates a full vacuum, and the guard walks back the length of the train checking all the brakes have come off. Full vacuum on the loco, does not automatically mean the brakes are all off, just the engine or part of the train. At the rear they signal for vacuum to be destroyed and then takes the bag off the back and asks for the driver to create again. Satisfied the brakes are on and vacuum has not been created the test is then finished. Duncan

I should have added Mike Thorpe is also there but could not remember his name

By way of a quick update: It is planned footplate rides will operate at both Bridgnorth and Bewdley this weekend inside station limits. Kind regards Duncan

That is good and sensible, however there are many customers who are regulars who are not sure if it is on. I know as some have contacted me

Have you managed to find drawings or at least photos of all the sides of the buildings from which to do yourself some drawings?

They did, but that is the one which was flat sided, talking of which i might get rid of my one and replace with a scratch built version as i am not especially enamoured with the Falcon kit and can do a better scratch built i feel.

Thanks Michael, I agree with your thoughts on the cross members and as i have some in stock they will look good. Thanks also for sharing the drawing, I will compare to the one i had done out of curiosity. Certainly the rear shape will be a help as i had pulled up the best photos showing the rear and then comparing them to the shape of a compound cab roof.

The dealers are Barry Bull (Hampton Loade) + 2 other colleauges - all sell old photos Roger Carpenter Rod Blencoe Jeremy Sutter+ 2 others on the same stall - whose names i cant remember Roger - cant remember his surname (he sells old postcards) HMRS Me (normally) Frustratingly i can't remember the names of my other colleagues, I don't think i will be able to attend (so it will be 19) Best wishes Duncan

A question on the experimental Stanier tender fitted behind 40936 and later 40933. Does anyone know, or have any photo which shows what type of frame strengtheners were fitted on this tender (visible between the frames). Standard Fowler tenders had plain plate, where as the Stanier frames had the cut outs in the frames. I cannot see what type is fitted in either and I have now cut out the sides and back ready to start putting this together. Sadly no drawings appear to have survived for this tender. Any help really appreciated. Duncan

Sounds interesting,

Just to clarify a couple of points, Sunday saw despite the best work of crews and loco staff a number of line side fires. The railway took the decision it did not want to affect the neighbours and call on the fire brigade as it had to that day. Therefore diesels would work trains going forwards. At the moment the first time this will be reviewed will be 18th July. Our information says there will be steam rides, but only at Bewdley . Nothing has been said about any other station at the moment. Kind regards Duncan

Looks really good, does the tender kit have the small strengthening parts visible on these 4000 gallon tenders on the frames, or did this engine not have them?

As many of you will know we need to raise £275,000 by the end of October to then unlock a further 1 million pounds to enable the restoration of Falling Sands Viaduct. This structure being the first major one out of Kidderminster needs major work to allow trains to keep running info the future. Indeed one of the major challenges which goes unseen is our infrastructure/ We're making excellent progress, with more than £130,000 already secured, as thousands of supporters, visitors, railway enthusiasts and businesses sign up to add their name to our specially commissioned donation wall. We've also won the support of a number of grant-making organisations to help us save this impressive piece of infrastructure, and by so doing, safeguard the SVR's future operational viability. Will you join them, as one of the 'helping hands for Falling Sands'? Watch our film for more information. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlD1YNqgNUg If you have already helped, thank you on behalf of all the volunteers and staff. For anyone who donates £50 or more your name will go onto our first memory wall, further details can be found here : https://www.svrtrust.org.uk/shopping.php?product=wall Thanks again from all of us Duncan

Hi is the Fowler 2-6-2 back in stock yet?

Ok, I'm away for a few days, but will dig them out next weekend.

Would you like some more C6 images as i have a few negatives from JJ Cunningham in my collection?

I will look forward to the Q7 kit and C6 for its fittings for my C7 - if anything like the D20 they will be well worth waiting for

Are you going to be test building the final version of Arthurs C6 and Q7s for us to see?

If the SR Tender frame could be got going again that would be brilliant. Even just the tender axleboxes as getting SR ones is difficult.

Thanks for the update, I wanted to order some more parts.

Does anyone know if there is a problem with the 52f website as all I get is asking to sign into sharepoint which then does nothing?

I did have that problem a couple of months ago with a Manor, whose pump was working occasionally and other times only on one stroke. I'll get my coat,.... taxi!

I got a steal today, a complete Stanier Duchess part welded tender and conversion kit for 46256 for under £30, result, makes a change..

We are blessed with a lovely railway, coaches, wagons, stations, volunteers and of course engines, however as you know the costs of keeping what we have going never goes down. For example we are spending at least 50K per year on rail alone. There are even bigger challenges ahead for us and I am hoping some of you may be able to help. Falling Sands viaduct is the first major structure and in short it now needs major restoration. Falling Sands Viaduct is a crucial part of the Severn Valley Railway, but this 141-year-old structure urgently needs extensive repairs. Water has seeped into the structure, causing it to crack and erode. If we don't act now, we may be forced to reduce the length of trains, or even face temporary or permanent closure of the line. Already there's a speed restriction in place across the viaduct. More than 250,000 people experience the joy of heritage rail travel at the SVR every year, and we want to make sure this continues long into the future. https://vimeo.com/266113052 We need to raise £275,000 before the end of 2018 – which in turn will help unlock a further £1 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund* – to carry out the necessary work. We're turning to supporters, visitors and railway enthusiasts, as well as local businesses and grant-making organisations to help us save this impressive piece of infrastructure, and by so doing, safeguard the SVR's future operational viability. Watch our film for more information If you can help we will all really appreciate your support.

A question, does anyone know if the non corridor LSWR coaches which Hornby does ever ran over the Salisbury and Dorset.?