Andy M

Recently released from Transport Treasury, is Volume 5 in the series of books featuring the archive of the late great R.C. 'Dick' Riley. This book contains 150+ images taken during his numerous visits to Swindon Works, Shed and Station between the years 1937-1964 and is divided into three chapters: Pre-Nationalisation Great Western (1937-1947), Early Years of the Western Region (1948-1956) and Western Steam Finale (1957-1964). It was my great pleasure to choose, edit and caption this selection of treasures, which not only document the changing face of the Great Western's engineering metropolis, but also show the development of the skills of one of our greatest railway photographers. At just £14.50 for 112 pages, these books are very good value for money and I do hope readers enjoy it as much as I did dusting off the old grey matter to research and put it together. Regards, Andy.

Very sad news indeed, but not totally unexpected. This place was my sanctuary during my three years working in Whitehall.

Thanks Will, I agree with all your points, it has definitely had an open verandah enclosed, in addition to a stable type door added. I initially thought a 20 footer, going on the width of the rectangular handrails, but the angle of the photo could be giving a compressed illusion. My main hope is that someone may have a listing of the Departmental Stock numbers and DW50 would give away its origin. Regardless, thanks for your reply. Regards, Andy.

I wonder if anyone could assist in identifying the diagram of the ex-GWR Toad, converted to run as a Tool Van with the Newton Abbot Breakdown Train, as seen in this 03 July 1957 image. Admittedly it is only partially visible seen attached to Cowans Sheldon 15-ton Crane No.8, but this may be enough for some of you GWR Wagon Guru's to offer an identity. It appears to be numbered DW50 and my trawls of the usual source material has thus far drawn a blank. Any information or opinion would be most appreciated. Kind regards, Andy.

PM sent.

Hi Rich, The first time I encountered that image was in an article by Ian Sixsmith entitled UNDER THE WALL : Newton Abbot Shed - From Broad Gauge to Diesels. It is dated 29th May 1958 and the photographer was K.C.H. Fairey. I'm sure it has appeared in print elsewhere as well, but can't place where at present. Regards, Andy.

Pete, It saddens me to hear the layout has fallen into slight disrepair, but I hope you can piece the puzzle back together and have at least secured its future. Maindee was a beautifully executed example of observational modelling, which I didn’t even realise was being placed on the market. I also wonder what happened to Steffan’s locomotive roster and those fantastic cranes? Regards, Andy.

Pete, Did the smoke system that Steffan devised for the layout survive and be included in the Auction Lot? It was a remarkable piece of engineering, that he only used on a few occasions due to its tendency to activate venue fire detectors! Regards, Andy.

That is brilliant, thank you Pete. Regards, Andy.

Can anyone please help in identifying the narrow gauge 0-4-0 DM Shunter featured in the images, seen shunting at the Dean Hill Royal Navy Armament Depot during WW2? It appears to have worked there from the opening of the site in 1943 and I thought it looks like a Fowler. The Industrial Railways Society however only list a standard gauge Fowler allocated there, with most of the narrow gauge fleet being Hunslet's. Any help greatly appreciated. Regards, Andy.

Such very sad news and a huge loss to the railway modelling community. You just need to read the words people have used to gauge the esteem in which Roy was held. I very much enjoyed our conversations at shows over the years, his forthright opinion and pithy wit, always struck a chord with me. A generous, visionary of a man, whose legacy in Retford, will hopefully go some way towards filling the void he leaves behind. RIP Roy, and condolences to those closest to him. Andy.

Indeed…………Rule 1 would have to be applied!

Roy, Both locomotives received plated over headcodes during Intermediate overhauls at Doncaster: 55001 - 27 Feb 1977 55018 - 10 Dec 1977 Ballymoss got white cab surrounds at Finsbury Park on 15 Aug 1979. Regards, Andy.

That is most definitely large lumps of the finest Welsh steam coal used to build the wall. You can see the contrast with the stuff to be used behind, clearest in front of the Works chimney in the first photo above. The practice appears to have continued well into British Railways days. Mike did also mention the use of compacted brickettes on the Western Region, which I think he said were produced in South Wales.

Prompted by a brief conversation with Mike 'The Stationmaster' at Fawley Hill, I have been giving some thought to the practice of stacking loco coal on the stages at larger sheds. This appears to have been particularly prevalent on the Great Western, as the images below at Newton Abbot show. This method of forming a robust outer wall, behind which the reserve coal would be stored and contained would put many artisan dry stone wallers to shame. It must have been incredibly labour intensive for the Coaling Gang, already regarded as one of the most back-breaking jobs. It would be interesting to hear any anecdotes or observations about this unusual process, or to uncover detailed photographs of it in action. Regards, Andy.

Rob, If it helps with your prototype selection, in addition to 1608 at 83A, 1650 was allocated to Plymouth Laira from new in Dec 54 until Mar 60. It's main duty was on the Sutton Harbour Branch, but the only image I have of it is from April 1957, sat on the Laira coal road. Additionally, throughout the 1950's the following 16xx's received attention in the Newton Factory: 1623, 1624, 1626, 1627, 1630, 1631, 1632, 1642, 1650, 1664. Regards, Andy.

Blimey Rob, You’ve dug this thread out from the long grass! I’ll have a search for 1608 images for you. It went brand new to Newton in Dec 1949 and stayed till Feb 1960, when it moved up the line to Exeter for a short time. Are you stretching your period a bit? Regards, Andy.

Back from my first visit to Fawley Hill, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The place has a very unique atmosphere and the railwayana collection is incredible. It was also an unexpected surprise to see John Dornom’s exquisite Swindon A Shop and Laira MPD dioramas again. Huge thank you to Drew for the invite, top man! Andy.

I can recommend the ex DMR turned brass 57xx chimney, now supplied by Phoenix Precision. They had them on their stand at EM Spring this weekend. I didn’t notice the price, but £8 rings a bell.

‘Maybe’ is the key word in that statement Neil. The Brassmasters Cowan Sheldon conversion/detail kit has been a very protracted gestation. Still, they say patience is a virtue, and I’m sure it will be worth the wait!

Neil, A few more snippets that may be of assistance. The 6-wheel Tool Van No.114 is identical to No.112 that Dave photographed at the Severn Valley above. Newton Abbot's Tool Van No.141 survives, also at the Severn Valley. There is an identical vehicle, No.146 at the South Devon Railway, which I know is closer to you. Regarding using the Haye Developments etches to represent these vehicles, the Tool Van is perfect for building No.141, but the Mess Van requires a bit more work. As it was a later build, No.103 features a sheet metal body rather than the vertical planking of the earlier vehicles (as represented by the kit). On my model of No. 103, I took the laborious decision to fill the planking groves! This literally took me days, and in hindsight I should have just fabricated new bodysides. Still, together with my 36-ton Ransome & Rapier Crane, they make a lovely little cameo. I am just waiting for Brassmasters to finally put out their etched detailing kit for the Cowan Sheldon 15-ton Crane (D&S Models kit) and I can add No.8, and complete the Newton Abbot breakdown train roster for 1958. Regards, Andy.

Hi Neil, Like with most things relating to Newton Abbot Shed, images of the breakdown vehicles are scant. During the BR(W) period the Mess Van was No.103, a 4-wheeler built in 1938 to Lot.1302. The Tool Van was originally No.114, a six-wheeler built in 1904 to Lot.446. This was replaced in 1953 by No.141, a four-wheeler built in 1908 to Lot.579. Included are a few images I have of these vehicles at Newton, the colour image of No.103 shows off well the plain black livery and yellow lettering they carried in BR days. The image of No.114, although from GW days, shows it with 36-ton Ransomes & Rapier Crane No.3. Hope this helps, Andy.

Thanks for the update Mike. I did wonder what had become of the etches following Roger’s passing. I’m not in the market myself for another set, but if the 6-wheel version was to materialise, that would be another matter. Regards, Andy.

Hi Neil, I know in your OP you were asking about vehicles for conversion, but I’m just checking you are aware of the CSP (former Haye) kit for the Mess & Tool Vans. Not sure of their current availability in 4mm, as the website only seems to refer to the Sans Pareil 7mm version. They make up into very nice models and were around £50 last time I saw them advertised. Regards, Andy.