Stuart A

Hello, just wondered if there was any update on these?

Wasn't 89031 renumbered to 89131 when it's ETH was isolated, and it was repainted into Railfreight General livery?

At 2:54,the rake there features 2x TGS, nice mix of B/G and IC. Keep my eyes open for more Dapol bargains in the coming months.

I noticed the pic with it on Mk3s,looks to be a BG at the opposite end. Rake looks to be TGS-FO-TRFB?-TSO-TSO-TSO-TSO-TSO-TSO-BG Description says its on the 12:00 Leeds -Kings Cross 6th Feb 1989 Also photo showing it on the ex SLOA Pullmans https://flic.kr/p/fzx3Ct

Sent my EoI in for a Swallow liveried version. I'd love to afford an executive one too, but just can't stretch to both!

Entered my N gauge effort. Was quite therapeutic trying to depict certain types of vegetation instead of just using big standard scatter.

Great choice. I'm a sucker for anything operating with a research coach in a consist.

I don't have any interesting stories about 58's but I'll suggest 3 candidates. 58002, appears to be the first 58 I ever spotted on the 12th May 1986, at Acton Bridge, or 58030 or 58039 - the 2 remaining 58's I needed to spot when I stopped spotting in 1993. I can't remember what the blue tick signifies next to 039 though.

I've ordered via email. They sent me an order form - I'll DM you the details

I'll be interested how you get on. I've got a 5 wagon set waiting on similar treatment. Luckily the ex TPM outer conversion kit is now available from BH Enterprises.

These are not much help probably, unsure of date, but couple of my shots at Helsby of UKF workings to/from the plant.

Couple of my photos I've come across sorting. New Pacers at Helsby on the Chester via Hooton service.

Justin and Grahame - this makes sense. I just can't see such rises being sustainable in the long run - but time will tell. On a positive note I see the Mk2fs have a June date on, so I'll be able to add the Scotrail DBSO to the Dapol Mk3s finally.

I still can't fathom why existing tooled coaches have risen in price so much from Farish (RRP for Mk1s £41.95), (I'm aware of the arguments why they have - no need to revisit those here), when Dapol's Mk3s can be bought new for £20 - £26

It's pretty good isn't it the bathing sand? And really good value. Have to agree you've done a cracking job on the build of those wagons. The etches look like neat and tidy. I don't mind kit building, but I have a hang up over bending etches it they are appear complicated, hence why I've still got 3 NGS RMC hoppers on the workbench, which have been "in build" for about 3 years.....

The old Accrington railway line embankment which left the Rawtenstall line at Stubbins had a loveley footpath running along it starting from the site of Stubbins Station. The previous mill owners allowed people to use it as a permissive footpath after they bought the land sometime after the line closed on 1979. They sold the mill and associated surrounding land to another company last year. In November the new company who has moved from bury and manufactures road traffic cones and associated TM closed the footpath claiming H&S risk of falling trees. This triggered the residents association to apply for a DMMO - a map modification order, which would then legally recognise the footpath. Coincidentally, after the new owners found out, they arranged most of the woodland to be destroyed last weekend. Rossendale BC say that they did not need permission to remove the trees (although the forestry commission might have issues with the volume removed). It used to be my local path for walking the dog, with the kids looking at nature and trains on the ELR. Just thought I'd mention it if anyone is interested. One of the residents has a petition running to try and stop any more development, however the planning dept have said that the company has told them they will be applying for planning permission to remove the embankment (which is currently classed as green belt). I'm expecting them just to excavate without permission and then apply for retrospective planning. https://www.change.org/p/melba-swintex-putting-strongstry-back-on-the-map-give-us-a-voice

It's really good for exfoliating....

I don't want to make the decision more difficult, but would this be an option for you Duncan? (Please ignore the build quality of the wagon, I built it a over a decade ago!) https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/tiny-friends-farm-charlie--harry-and-gerri-bathing-sand-15-litre £2 for 1kg

Looking forward seeing this develop. Great to see you back, your layouts have always been inspirational.

Mk2Fs not on that list, so they are at least 3 months away, even at best. At least this method of drip feeding announcements should reduce the frustration of not seeing models announced years ago.

That's a really good finish. Can I ask what masking tape you use (the red looking stuff)?

Nice work. What method do use to remove the decals? I've previously used a fibre glass pen but found it a little harsh (although that might be down to my capabilities and not the pen!)

Can't see it mentioned, but among other things, Dapol have Mk3 loco hauled 1st class Swallow livery and Executive Buffets for £13 each currently in their specials section https://www.Dapol.co.uk/index.php?route=product/special

Really looking forward to Wigan show. 2 great layouts in at a local show.

The best selection of 80s cars is probably the 3d printed ones from https://railnscale.com/vehicles-cars/ , though relatively expensive considering they need painting etc edit, notice Graham has already mentioned them