Jamie

Personally, the period falls between two stools: slightly earlier allows broadly the same diesel interest, but wider variety of steam on its last legs (eg. '63-'65 on the ScR, my favoured period) and the slightly later period where the green stuff is getting tatty and disfigured while the Corporate Image starts to take over, and the later diesels have started to appear, like the D400s on the WCML. I can't really define what it is about these very-last-days of steam which doesn't appeal to me - I can only think it's due to the fact the steam selection (would be Kingmoor, for my subject locations) is just too limited as to be not worth having. Being born 20yrs later, and having never been a prototype rail enthusiast I don't think I have any particular grievance about the loss of steam. Interesting question in the OP right enough.

But the model in the image does have the droplights etched shown in exactly the same positions as the Comet sides (Share your hope btw)

5min for the end ones James I'm (sort of) in the middle of re-doing mine with the Shawplan glazing. As yours shows, it's very effective, particularly makes a difference to the bodyside windows. Looks great. Still biding my time waiting for a chance to see this bit of the 'deen.

Absolutely gorgeous. I need to get back on to my coach kits.

Now that's more like it Mark, a bit of Scottish pre-group elegance (though Rannoch should be NBR browns and greens, much less eyecatching) See you at the SECC.

Would have said four, but then I doubt the Haymarket squared-off centre-panel conversion is likely.

Simon, more self confidence sir. This is a big old cut and shut project, the kind that would have me thinking twice (actually, I'd totally shy away from it). I don't think there's any need to apologise for taking your particular route through a given aspect of the job. Its your compromise, on your model, for you to find and accept. Not to load with disclaimers. One would trust that Tim points out these comments as pointers you might wish to take on board either this time or next - after all, this one will lead to skills acquired and lessons learnt that you will put to use on the next project. The tone reads a bit harsh maybe, Tim old boy, bit destructive rather than constructive.

Ties in to pH's thread about placement of the OHLE warnings ( http://www.rmweb.co....cation-flashes/ ) on the footplate drop-ends too. Edit - I was talking nonsense. Again. PS. good to see something more come out the kennel, Max.

Celtic Connections on the telly, cracking.

Hi Tom, by coincidence I stopped by your wordpress blog the other day to see how you were getting on. Answer - coming on nicely. Cheers, J.

Drainpipes, Peter - Andy F's guide to cast iron downpipe modelling here: http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=13639&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=510#p396794 is hard to beat. Terrace looks great btw, particularly the very neat lintels.

Might seem like being contrary Pete, but I prefer the original photo unmolested. The others - to my perception - look like duff printouts. (probably the wrong answer, sorry!)

That's a belter Eddie, top work.

I'm unsure about the hole in the sky to avoid shadows. How about setting the backscene a few centimetres further back beyond the edge of the layout proper, and inserting an uplighter along the bottom, below scenery level, angled up at the backscene?

Agreed, that shot also shows how well the modelled foreground and printed background match. A lovely scene.

REM at the BBC, on BBC Four at the mo'.

While Ch.4 is one of the more respectable news organisations in my estimation, I'd far rather see the original DfT or consultant's report. I'll need to look to see what's available. Ch.4 seem to be determining only the validity of the Minister's statement - not checking the soundness of the underlying study. Politicians' quotes, along with 'think-tank' commentary, are all very well, but I trust neither set of soundbites to correctly and clearly represent the findings (and basis) of the economic study.

Presumably news from the colonies hasn't reached that part of Middle England. Jeremy Vine and considered current affairs analysis/discussion don't really go together. This evening's PM and tomorrow's Today on BBC R4 should hopefully cover the issue. More to do with the length of parliamentary terms IMO. If the gov.t changes colour, anything could happen policywise rendering plans worthless. So much of Britain's lack of long term vision is because of focus on tomorrow's headlines and proximity of the next election date.

Don't think it's Girvan on account of track layout, though see where you're coming from with the backdrop. Got me intrigued, for sure. I don't know how reliable, date-wise, the LMS pattern lining on the saloon is either.

No wonder the fireman(?)'s out the window - watching for the bridge cracking! Beautiful model, really captures the bulk of the 9F.

Oh, now... Yes we are. Yes indeed. Lop off the nametag, change the numbers. Tasty. A fillet of B1 just helps set time and plaice.

Wasn't there bufferbeam fairings on these or something too? (reaches for O'Hara book & pic of one at, IIRC, Crieff)

That's my view. We've heard the comment about the chimney. A few times now. The fact folk aren't getting bent out of shape* over the matter is surely a positive in what has been a bit of a disproportionately heated thread. (*pun not intended, but I'll take the credit)

Push a Swindon IC set up Kilkerran bank. (ref. Geo.C.O'Hara's latest)

From a distance maybe. There's always going to be a difference in opinion when it comes to these models. Have to say though, if the big H don't drop a major dimensional boll*ck along the way, they'll get my vote. On grounds that a better starting point will give a better result given the same effort. The moulding finesse of the two models shows at a glance which was tooled up in the 80s, and which is contemporary.