Dan Randall

Me neither! I've just been looking at Tower Models' web site and saw this news update from 20th December 2018: "Release schedule updates. Couple of updates from Dapol today in regard to forthcoming releases. Dapol Class 122 - In production, expected February Dapol Class 121 - Expected April or May dependant on the delays due to Chinese New Year" (In addition, here's some info on other expected releases from the same news update): "Dapol Sentinel - Decorated Test samples hopefully at Bristol show, expected April or May Dapol Class 08 (Later body) - Now expected second quarter 2019 Dapol 48xx / 14xx Autotank - First test samples hopefully at Bristol Show, release second or third quarter 2019 In regard to the forthcoming re-run and Limited EditionTower Models tankers sets, Dapol have now received some but not all of the decorated test samples. Once they have had and approved all of the test samples they should be going into production so hopefully available in March so long as they are all approved". Start saving guys and girls! Regards Dan

Hi Ray I ordered myself one of these kits earlier this week, so I'm watching your build with great interest! (Dave, treat yourself - you know you want one!). Regards Dan

My copy was delivered (Devizes), about 45 minutes ago and what a cracking issue! It's another classic in my humble opinion and just like the recent issue featuring Gordon Gravett's "Arun Quay", I can see me wearing this issue out too. MRJ at its best! Regards Dan

Wasn't that the number of the loco in "The Titfield Thunderbolt"? Regards Dan

Keen Medical Student: "Excuse me Doctor - is that an Anal Thermometer in your top pocket"? Doctor: "Yes and some bum's got my pencil".

You're having laugh Ken - you only started it on 30th September. I'd still be reading the instructions.... (Nice build, by the way). Regards Dan

Kemilway/Peter K do the lattice version (etched brass), in 4mm & 7mm scales and list them at £125 & £275 respectively.... https://www.kemilway.com/peter-k.html (Scroll down to bottom of loco kits section, but no picture available). Guy Williams' build of the 4mm version featured in issue 40 of MRJ, which also featured Martyn Welch's "Hursley" - a classic issue! Regards Dan

Look what Postie just delivered (Devizes).... Time for a read methinks. Regards Dan

The standard Mk1 body profile is a continuous curve, but Doncaster works built 3083, a prototype open first, featuring lots of windows and flat sides, with a distinct tumblehome at the bottom. It was preserved and based on the SVR for many years, but whether it's now based at (or just visiting), the WSR, I couldn't say. I found this rather nice picture of it at Kidderminster, SVR.... https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4695/39727840351_2688c4671a_b.jpg&imgrefurl=https://hiveminer.com/Tags/firstopen%2Cmk1&h=686&w=1024&tbnid=O_J0L46_fo6-7M&tbnh=184&tbnw=274&usg=__IPtEK8a5D2g1XU2iBfBNw96AMQ0=&docid=T0-lpLB8K7VwIM The unusual body profile is plain to see, especially when compared with the standard Mk1 it's coupled to. Regards Dan

Great pictures of Slough Dave. Do you have any more please? Regards Dan

The Class 121 looks excellent! Regards Dan

I painted my Slater's PMV in Rail Blue and ended up designing my own transfers for custom printing, after which, they were added to the company's (Steam and Things), range, so should still be available. See here (post # 36).... http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/123148-sr-4-wheeled-cct/page-2?hl=%2Bsteam+%2Band+%2Bthings&do=findComment&comment=2739303 And here.... http://www.steamandthings.com/page37l.htm Regards Dan

Some more footage here, this time in colour.... https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z2R5hr-eqh8 Regards Dan

It's awful whatever the weather, day or night, but even more so for the new Reading Station! The GW electrification has depressed me big style, with many fine bridges and station buildings being demolished. I couldn't believe the beautiful 1884 vintage Taplow footbridge had become a fairly recent victim and now the one at Newbury is being dismantled, having been usurped by an ugly modern version at the opposite end of the station! Platforms are being extended with no attempt being made to harmonise with the existing ones and they just look so brutal without ramps at the end. The modern railway is a depressing scene, but I don't suppose today's passengers even notice, as they're too busy looking at their mobile phones. I expect windowless carriages won't be far off, especially as many current seats don't line up with one anyway.... Thank heavens we have our models to transport us back in time and how fortunate you are Chris, to have witnessed and recorded the transition from steam to diesel & electric and to have travelled over branch lines that were swept away in the 1960s. Regards Dan

Pewsey still has a GWR running-in board on each of its two platforms, as witnessed at 08:10 this morning.... Please excuse the quality of the first picture, which was taken through the window of a Paignton-bound HST, as it was err, running in to the station! Regards Dan

Many thanks to both Conflat and Castle - the pictures are a great help. I certainly didn't know there was a piece of angle between the tunnel and firebox cladding, so I'll have a stab at representing that too. Regards Dan

Thank you Steve - I didn't want to be late with my 2nd payment and May is still fine by me. Regards Dan

Hi Steve Regarding Class 22 pre-order discounts, with the March initial payment being extended into April, is the May payment still due in May, or is it now expected by the end of June please? Regards Dan

Nice pictures Karhedron, but it's not gap between the angled section and firebox I'm interested in, but the top of the section between the splashers. I've got a view taken from above footplate level somewhere, but can't find it at present! Regards Dan

Does anyone have a decent picture showing the top of a "Castle" fire iron tunnel please? I'm trying to establish how much of a gap there is (if any), between the tunnel's top surface and firebox cladding. Regards Dan

Good to see some further progress Martyn, though I have to say, the platform ramp looks a bit steep to me. No doubt there were exceptions, but I think a 1 in 8 slope was considered the norm. If you were thinking of installing some GWR spear fencing along the back edge, you might find it parting company with the platform surface, very soon after the start of the descent! Regards Dan

I quite agree and a trip to McDonalds with my daughters, aged 5 and 7, is living hell for me. The "music" they play is absolute sh*te (and the food is nothing to write home about either), but because they dole out crappy toys and balloons, it's where children want to go - I'd rather go to Burger King personally. I once walked out of McDonalds as the music was making me so angry, but the heated argument with my wife 15 minutes later when my family caught up with me was the lesser of the two evils. So, as far as music at model railway exhibitions goes, I'm firmly against it thank you! Regards Dan

There have actually been three compendiums and it's high time a forth one appeared I reckon! Regards Dan

Hi Graham If you're looking for transfers to fit the long wheelbase ex SR PMV & CCT, I did some artwork and had some custom made in 7mm scale a few years ago by Steam & Things (in Australia!), which then became part of their range.... If you contact Steam & Things, I'm sure they could do you some in your chosen scale.... http://www.steamandthings.com Regards Dan

Good find! Regards Dan