Ceptic

Hi Joseph and Ramrig. Glad to hear from you. I'm reluctant to say that there hasn't been any recent up-dates. The most recent being the December 2015 photo views of the realistic lighting set-up, modelled on, and around Cemetery Junction. The last contact that I had from the BCMRG was back on the 31st. May, enquiring about the SR's / BR(S)'s enamel signs adorning the Entrances to, and Canopy Valances of the Bournemouth Central Goods Depot. I sent them what I had. I'm still waiting to hear back. Regards and all the best, Frank.

Setchfields of Poole http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/shops/200-SetchfieldsModels had a full shelf load of both SR and BR(S) versions of these ex-L&SWR coaches, when I called in on Friday last. Asking price was / is £40 per coach.

My word, what a response ! One Peter, A.k.a. P.C.M.. and three Pauls, Paul A.k.a. bike2steam, Paul A.k.a. Paul RbH, and Paul 4475, A.k.a. Flying Fox, In one day. Must be something in the names. A heartfelt thanks to each. As an reference post-script, I forgot to mention, previously, the two comprehensive volumes by B.L.Jackson, describing the history and development of 'Castleman's Corkscrew', A.k.a. the 'Old Road', again published by Oakwood Press in 2008 & 2007. Therein both, there are several references to the West station and one where he lists the number of levers controlled by West station's S/B as 72, compared to the Central's 60. All the best, Frank.

Talking of Parkstone (and going a tad OT), the station opened at the same time as B'm'th West in 1874 and many features of it's building were common to both. Here's a few images to illustrate. The distinctive chimney caps with their Wind Baffles (Originals made locally by C. Jennings, South Western Potteries, Parkstone) Showing the contrasting horizontal brick courses, the exposed roof rafter ends and the arched 'Soldier' courses / Lintels over the windows and doors. All typical to both stations, although the majority of the Sash windows and doors fitted on the two storey / main buildings of B'm'th West featured semi-circular upper frames and ornate Gothic style, multi coloured brick Soldier courses. Parkstone's window and door details. All the best. Frank.

Echoing Roger's post, many thanks Paul. It was committee members of the Bournemouth Railway Club (which, as a whole, is not a model club) who came up trumps with the 1889 drawings. These showing the 'Improvements' to the original 1874 station, as well as plans for the Goods Shed and Parcels Office. Unfortunately, the Signal Box plan was unavailable. (If anyone's interested, the Dorset History Centre, in Dorchester, hold the drawings for the Carriage Cleaning Shed, which is typical of many others on the SR). Regarding Mark Jamieson, Gary, my son, who's SWT, based at BM, doesn't recall the name. He's going to make a few enquiries tho'. He thinks Mark may have either retired or been transferred to the, then, Railtrack after the 'great split-up / sell-off'. I'll try and get in touch with Rex Kennedy, although I sometimes bump into one of his sons, Ian, as he lives just around the corner from here. Failing that, there's always the Poole MRS show, where Oakwood Press usually have a trade stand. A long way off, I know (In November). Another fellow I've been meaning to get to have a natter with is Malcolm Ellis, SM at Parkstone. He has organised the small museum there, situated in the station's Waiting Room. (Was, once, the highlight of the 'Up-side Waiting Room at B'm'th Central). Also, thanks for the Colin Stone / WMRS contact. I've got to visit Wimborne in the near future. Cheers, and once again, thanks. All the best, Frank.

Many thanks Paul, Joseph, Andy, Ian, et all. One of the last of many publications by the late George Pryer, "Signal Boxes of the London & South Western Railway" (Oakwood Press, 2000), although not directly mentioning the B'm'th West station box, he describes the architectural characteristics of the this and the various, other, types. Many of the area's S/Boxes fall within the description of 'Type 3' (+ '3A' & '3B'), including the nearby boxes controlling the Branksome Triangle. All of which feature the large, roof mounted ventilator. Many years since, I did manage an inside peek of the listed West Junction box. Although no photos to confirm, the stove, as I remember, was not in the centre. but in the far LH corner. The photo (Copyrighted J.J Smith. Available through the Bluebell Railway's archives) does show two 'Stovepipes' at the western end. (The drawing does replicate these). I'm guessing here, but, I'd say, the nearer and of larger diameter pipe relates to the stove chimney, and the outer / further away, is the vent / pong-pipe to the downstairs WC. Then again, I could be wrong. (see signature) All the best, and, again, many thanks for your support. Ceptic.

Perspective SketchUp drawing based on the only close up S/B photo the Group has... Any more views / info would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Ceptic.

No need to fret, Comrade P. This is, purely, a NATO exercise. http://metro.co.uk/2016/07/21/psycho-swan-sinks-boats-and-beats-up-ducks-and-geese-on-towns-lake-6019746/

Absolutely hilarious . Thanks for reminding me Tim

What's her name ?, Else Garnett ?.

Sounds (and maybe feels) familiar. http://slightlyviral.com/beware-sugarless-gummy-bears-on-amazon-com/

So, the ol' Mute Swan had no say in the matter. Damn Vikings.

Please bear in mind that Swans, not only if they chose to land and nest in the UK, but also elsewhere, will have, and will continue to receive the full protection of any, future, reigning UK Monarch. Thereby, any person choosing to harm such wonderful creatures will be deemed a Traitor and / or Enemy of the State. Be warned, Vladimir P.

Still my most powerful emu.

Hi Luke. The photo in your link is of the cab end of of a 4-BEP. not a a 4-CIG, although, even here, the cab windows are significantly closer to the gangway. Colin's just reminded me of this 3-CIG image, which is the one you were probably thinking of. The dimensions were taken at Bournemouth Maintenance Depot in conjunction with an O Gauge pattern. sometime in the 80's, Regards, Frank.

Then, there's the BR Std. Mk.1 based Emus, Demus and Dmmus. (Not covered in the Keith Parkin's 'bibles') If added to your original list, Peter, it would, probably, need the whole of this first page. All the best, Frank.

Another reason why I live in the British Isles. http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/15/dont-abandon-the-europe-that-i-fought-for-and-my-comrades-died-for?CMP=share_btn_tw

How it used to be. Note the 'Oddball Down' formation, 4.00 mins in. 4-CIG + 4-BEP (Refurb) + 4-CIG.

Now, that is news, Ian. In the inter and post-war1940's, my Mum filled me up with Rabbit pie and Buckshot. (I can't remember any veg, other than Carrots."They helps you see in the dark", she used to say) Apart from being advised / warned to pick out and avoid swallowing the pellets, I reckon I've survived pretty well since those 'Dark days' (Free school milk and school dinners came into play at a later date)

Gulls, er yeah, ok, if you like fish 'n' cream flavour. Just don't forget the ol' Pigeon pie. http://www.reallynicerecipes.com/recipe/game/pigeon-pie Pigeons have more taste. I.e., They're more civilised. Then, there's four and twenty Blackbirds and, if you're really pushed, Rabbit pie. No need to go hungry, is there, really ?

Clarkson gets foxed by a box. More laughs per minute than 'good heavens'* Evans (*say it LOUD), gets in an hour. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/521595/Jeremy-Clarkson-DHL-box-video-popular-Chris-Evans-Top-Gear-James-May-Richard-Hammond

No, surely not, Sire !,...I've never,.. No, Not ever, pictured Robin Hood Esq. riding anything, let alone Maid (Made?) Marion, or even an'orse. Now, you're trying to convince me that, he once rode a lowly Harlot, by the name of 'Trudy Glenn'. By the cringe Sire !,... She, Trudy, once, swore, that, she was mine.

Rather akin to watching present day BBC News / BBC Newsnight, as opposed to what was broadcast a couple of a few years ago.

'Specially when April 1st. falls on a Friday.