Skaran

The link is now working properly. Thanks Bill.

That's great news. I presume you mean Shapeways for the roof? The link in the text goes to a place called showme.

Ordered a rake from Mousa. Have to source roofs and bogies but now I will be aquiring somewhere to build the layout in the new year. So layout planning is now on the go. Something like Bicester perhaps?

I have a Bachmann O4 sitting in my cupboard. What I would like are nice simple step by step instructions in how to backdate it to a 1913's condition GCR 8K. Anyone done this?

Looks like Mousa can provide etchings for the entire 5 coach matchboard set which is great. So if I order the entire train I presume I will still need to source roofs, underframes and bogies

Based on my proposed 1913 setting it looks like 50' bogie and early matchboard stock for the bulk of my coaching needs with perhaps an occasional GCR clerestory. Part of the advantage of this route is how short, relatively speaking GCR passenger trains were. Thanks for the links Bill. Looks like I'll be putting an order in for a couple in the next week or so to start myself up. I still have to deicde on the make up of the rain though. Any ideas for a reasonable set?

I have a number of GCR loco and wagon kits in my metal mountain plus a Bachmann 04 which I intend to backdate. The Bachmann D11 is a bit too late for me, I can just about use a D10. But coaching stock is the most difficult. I have a fair number of the old Hornby/Triang short clerestories so will probably do some GCRish stock from that source. As for the locos from Great Central models though I had expressed interest in some of these they now appear to be out of production an the site states they will not be redone. The information and directions you have given is very useful to me though and it is much appreciated.

Looks like some scratch building then as it looks like I will need a lot of Robinson types.

Hi Earlswood, Not really what I was after, which was basically an explanation of the codes used for example Mousa has a GCR coach kit for a D.1Y2 ZB but I have not found anywhere in my resources what this means. Also an approximate list of when various coaches may have appeared on the GWR/GCR Joint Railway

I am wondering if anyone can help me. I am trying to find out which GCR coach types would have been running over the GWR/GCR joint railway just prior to WW1. Also if anyone can point me in the direction of something which will explain how the GCR classified their coaches and the years they were in service it would be very helpful in working out what kits etc. to aquire.

These are really good. Sadly I'm not likely to get one as I would want them in pre WW1 condition.

I'll be following this. I think a lot of people would have an old Dean Goods, I've got two though one lost its tender years ago. So will be looking to see what you do with yours. I've got a replacement Comet chassis - also obtained some years ago waiting for that day...

Ordered my sets as well - 2 of each. Will be watching closely for future releases.

The boiler assembly for the M&L Dean Single consists of two pieces cut vertically which make up the smokebox, boiler and firebox. Looking at the parts looks like they will need a lot of filler if I use these bits. First whitemetal loco kit I have come across which had all three sections in the casting.

Was this rereleased as an M&L kit. I have one of these to do and it came with etched plates for those two locos, just one name plate for each though!

I don't have an autotank, I do have 2 of the Dean Goods, though one has lost its tender and steps (anyone do the steps?) Every now and then I think of putting them on a new chassis too.

What I would like is a1912 crime scene, sort of an Edwardian Midsomer Murders.

The region around the top of the GWR/GCR joint line might work with the LNWR terminating just short of Aylesbury, or possibly up towards Banbury, but the MR would then be a problem. Stretching further though perhaps the MR could connect to the GC at Rugby then via Banbury where the LNWR joins and on to London via the GWR/GCR joint line. Then if I get really carried away there is that little known pre-grouping company the Midsomer and Oxford! (The avantage there of course is that the old Hornby short clerestories are almost spot on for MO stock!)

Though I won't have time till late next year to construct a layout I have been acquiring stock for a proposed GWR/GCR joint line set prior to WW1. It would be a fictional location but loosely based on obviously the GWR & GCR joint. I wonder if I can sneek in a numer of MR and LNWR trains as well!

Me too for the Metro is I could get hold of one.

I remember travelling on the train from Witham to Braintree many years ago - some sort of Green railcar I think (it was in 1971). I used to live at Silver End which is about 10,000 miles or so from where I am now. Really looking forward to see how your layout progresses.

Also watching this with great interest as I have the smaller 59'; 6" diagram Q to do at some stage.