Dan Randall

Thanks for a most in-depth explanation Jobs. The time and effort you put into it has certainly been worthwhile in my opinion. Regards Dan

I've just come off the phone to Jim at Connoisseur, having ordered a couple of sets, one of which is destined for my unfinished PMV (see above post). I asked Jim if there was a similar suspension system in his range to suit wagons with their smaller wheels and he said the same units could be used on wagons, by simply putting a little packing between the units and the wagon floor, so I feel another order will be placed soon! Regards Dan

Hi Chris. Your PMV build has come at a very good time for me, as I have an unfinished one that has sat in its box for an embarrassingly long time. I replaced the Slater's axleguards with my own etches, but then decided they looked too feeble. As an ex P4 Modeller, I had used 12 thou material, whereas something like 18 or 20 thou would have been closer to scale. Before I'd gotten round to getting some thicker etches done, I discovered that ABS did some suitable and very nicely cast axleguards/springs. However, being a retro fit, I was struggling achieve the necessary springing clearance between the castings and S7 wheels. The Connoisseur suspension units you've used (and which I didn't know existed), are just what I need and I'll be calling Jim to place an order this week! Here's where mine is at currently.... Good luck with the rest of your build and thanks for the inspiration to crack on with mine again. Regards Dan

I think that's the most convincing model platform I've ever seen. The weathered brickwork, uneven surface and careworn white painted edge are spot-on. I know there's more than one way to build a platform, but out of interest, how did you do yours please? Regards Dan

Drat! Mine's a K46.... Still, that's useful information for any future projects. Thanks very much. Regards Dan

Does anyone happen to know if any Hawksworth Full Brakes were fitted with Pullman adaptors? (If so, a picture or two would be great thanks!). I'm building a BR blue one in 7mm scale, but in any broadside views I've seen, the gangways are either unmodified, or it's too gloomy to tell. End views haven't helped much either, as the gangways are once again, unmodified, or have been removed completely! Regards Dan

Thanks Captain. That had slipped under my radar - too busy looking at the lovely pictures I guess? Regards Dan

As predicted by the good captain, this book is absolutely superb and contains inspiration by the bucket load! If you haven't bought a copy yet, you're missing out, but there's still time to get a letter off to Santa... I sincerely hope other books in the series are planned. Regards Dan

Thanks Captain - I have the first volume in the series and the images in that blew my socks off. How I wish our railways still looked like they did then.... Regards Dan

I was wondering why there are two door catches each side, when the door hinges can only engage with the lower two. I then remembered that the end doors open around 270 degrees and that the top catches must be for them. Regards Dan

As a BR Western Region modeller, I could certainly find a home for one. You could possibly tempt a number of BR Scottish Region modellers too and inspire a whole host of Dornoch Branch layouts. I'd like to do a Scottish Region layout myself at some point, so I can justify some lovely bright blue BR totems and enamel signs! Just to get back on topic, my birthday is fast approaching and a copy of this book is winging its way to me as I type! Regards Dan

Excellent work Tony - well done! Regards Dan

The Class 47 CAD renders look excellent - I'd better start saving.... Regards Dan

Count me in please Steve. Regards Dan

I can't argue with that - the SVR is well worth a visit though! Regards Dan

Are you sure it was the Bluebell? - The gentleman top right, looks remarkable like Tony Pirie, who was a driver on the SVR back in the earlies eighties (and quite possibly, still is). Regards Dan

Nice work Martin and well worth the extra work you put into it. Regards Dan

That looks absolutely brilliant Mark - well done! Regards Dan

Never mind those - what's needed is a Class 128 parcels unit in 7mm! (WR gangwayed version please). :-) Regards Dan

In 4mm scale, Chris Leigh (a.k.a. dibber25 on RMweb), used to do something similar as a whitemetal casting. I don't know if they're still available, but I'm sure someone (maybe Chris himself), will be along soon with the answer! Regards Dan

Nice work on the Thumper Brian. Looking forward to seeing it with a lick of paint. Regards Dan

That Ivatt kit just oozes quality - I especially like the packaging for the castings. I must have one, though building it in S7 might be a bit trickier.... Regards Dan

Thanks for confirming the Boness Palvans are the standard variety Paul - it would have been rather a long drive from Wiltshire, only to find they're the wrong sort! The sliding door variant on the Avon Valley Railway on the other hand, is only about 20 miles from me. Thanks to Adam for bringing it to my attention and also to Pete McFarlane for the close-up of the grounded body at Rothley. I'm still hoping there's a hinged door variant out there somewhere, but at least I have something to be getting on with in the meantime. Regards Dan

Adam - Thanks for the link to the sliding door variant. One down, one to go! PhilH - Thank you for bringing to my attention the large number of interesting wagons on the Mid Hants. When I get some free time, I feel a visit will be in order. Thanks also to everyone else for their input so far. Regards Dan

Hi all As the title suggests, I'm wondering if any BR shock absorbing pallet vans made it into preservation and if so, where can I find an example for measuring and photographic purposes please? Here are a couple of examples from Paul Bartlett’s excellent photographic collection…. With hinged doors.... http://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/brpalshocvan/h119d9af8#h119d9af8 With sliding doors…. http://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/brpalshocvan/h119d9af8#hfbf330b Regards Dan