Neal Ball

I've not heard about unpainted GWR wagons - even post WW2 A quick scan of GWR Wagons by Atkins; Beard; Hyde' Tourret Z: Gunpowder vans - no change - although the diagram Z4 was stated as 1939 - RCH self contained buffers and draw gear and Morton brakes... but "straight down" stanchions... there is no mention of a Z3 diagram :-( Sorry there are no running numbers..... V36/7: There looks to be so many variations: "Plywood panels replaced exterior planking on L1467 in 1944 which gave rise to dia V36 where also a hidden alteration took place.... V36 was vacuum fitted... running numbers 65183/346 Hope that helps!

Will they still be there in July?

Whats wrong with a King and a 9F?.......

Thanks Jon... In which case Hattons have not received any!

Anyone know when the BR Blue versions will be out? Hattons have advised they are over-due, but do not know of a delivery date.

and I think mine is the first edition.... Published 1973; reprinted 1975, but it doesn't say if it was amended..... I always thought he was right!!! But I blow to your first hand knowledge Mike. What about the head lamps though? Thanks very much

Does that mean my signalling bible is wrong Mike? - I swear by that book! Blimey Robin, those moguls are working hard tonight! - Great photos as ever.

Centre and Right would be H headlamps, which Adrian says is for Freight, mineral, or ballast train or train of empties carrying through load to destination (bell code 3 4 1)

According to Adrian Vaughan in GW signalling it would be G Headlamps; which is one lamp in the centre of the buffer beam: Bell code 2 3

Together with a King at the head of the Cornish Riviera Limited !

Or how about a Sunday positioning move? 3 x Pannier en route to Newton Abbott !!

Clearly not always clean either!! - The cleaners need to be taken to task there Robin, letting the side down... no doubt they are spending more time polishing those kings

I thought it was Ethel Skinner in Eastenders with her regular spoonerisms? Not sure what the Finching sisters would make of Cupid Stunt ! Or Sid Snot :-) !! Great shots as ever Robin ... Even the Comet B set :-)

I have just sent details of this Poll and the Poll regarding GWR Toplight carriages to Bachmann, via the collectors club. Here's hoping!

I have just sent details of this Poll and the Poll regarding GWR Brake vans to Bachmann, via the collectors club. Here's hoping!

Whilst that will be great if the Star does come in as a proper 2013 model, rather than a throw-back to the 1970's...... Unfortunately, I take the view after the 42xx debacle that Hornby have lost their way. I received an email from Simon Kohler a while ago after all the delays, he assured me that once they arrived I would be very pleased and would like the loco. Sadly I don't! At £100+ I expect a loco that works correctly from the box etc. etc. This really only leaves Bachmann as the main RTR manufacturer, who take their market very seriously. Which conceivably, will leave opportunities for other companies to come into the market... maybe we will see Dapol continue to expand their range and quality.... Anyway, back on topic! Robin, moving the tree further down, works really well and the shot of the Manor is very good - concerned though that the crew still seem to be off, getting a cuppa! Incidentally I see Dart are out of stock of a lot of their crew, just when I am getting ready for a bulk order!! - I suspect too many people are watching "A nod to Brent" and rushing out to copy you! - Keep up the good work and steady flow of photos Robin!

Lovely carriages Robin. Are these Comet models? I also like the shots of the Manor and agree with 81C (Bob), I also am going to steer clear of Hornby until they sort themselves out.... Let's hope the Saint and Hall are not clever design!

Hi Robin, I do like the open aspect at this end of the layout... particularly the cottage below the embankment. K42 looks great!

Hi Robin, looking at that tail photo - is the layout portable or permanent? - Looks like a baseboard join .... Back on topic, what model is the Full Brake? Thanks as ever for sharing.

Hi Robin, love the new photos, particularly seeing your King chassis, wonder why it wont perform properly. Presumably you have tried the motor outside of the chassis? Maybe just a duff motor?

That looks fab Polly, cant wait to see the track go down!

Did the 10:30 down run on a bank holiday Sunday? Lol

Robin, as ever I am in awe with these very evocative shots, you put me to shame :-( Meantime, I have been gardening today, cleaned the conservatory roof and only had an hour at Wharncliffe before lighting the Barbie.... Whilst you were taking more stunning photos Yet more locos and trains!! Please keep posting..... How many more surprise locos are there? I'm still waiting for that King on the down CRE :-) ....... (Or the Up!)

Sorry Adrian, I should have qualified!! - Hornby have not done the Merlin livery in their re-tooled version of the HST. Looking at ebay there are some donors around in the shape of new tooling Virgin or GNER, which should make a straight forward swap of the Lima body... But like anything at the moment, I have so many other half finished projects, this one will have to wait! The idea of the 158 sounds interesting as well.

Bert Grump ! - He looks grumpy enough!! I wonder if we might see a re-tooled 43xx soon.....