Poggy1165

I did have a think about using Archer rivets which, as I understand, go on rather like a transfer. However, they ain't cheap and (if I go ahead) I shall need rather a lot of them, as the viaduct will be around 750 mm long. I hope shortly to put up photos of the first of the fancy station nameboards. Took a couple today but they aren't satisfactory. Next job is to work out what to put on a nice open bit at the front of the station. Options are: 1. Cattle dock. Though it would be in a location where cattle vans would be rather in the way of shunting. 2. Railway cottages. I have a couple of prototypes in mind. 3. Railway allotments. Very common back in the day. 4. A Welsh chapel. Albeit a small one. I have found a prototype of one such in South Yorkshire (where Welsh people had moved in to work in the mines) and I thought it rather a fascinating possibility. If only to confuse any visitors. I have in mind nicking the Challow prototype of an old coach body used as a chapel and combining that with my Welsh in South Yorkshire discovery. Amazing how much of modelling is actually pondering. Well, it is for me. Went to my local model shop today - (just) within walking distance. Needless to say they did not have the plastic strip I wanted to block up those open risers in the footbridge - which I have decided I cannot live with - but at least I came back with a massive bottle of cinder/ash ballast. Which relates to another frustrating fact I have discovered, or rather realised. Although the GCR used limestone to ballast its main lines, it evidently used ash in backwaters. As is clear in my pictures of Westwood that I must have looked at 500 times! Of course the L&Y used ash for everything, and as they can 40 minute expresses from Manchester to Liverpool it must have been fit for purpose.

A little work done today. Preparing one of the new station sign boards, and as it was morning and I was wide awake I actually attempted to add the fixing bolts to the "legs". Wonder if anyone will notice? Currently waiting for paint to dry. So much of life is "waiting for paint to dry". Had to go out with the missus to buy some 6mm MDF for a domestic purpose. By a remarkable chance the offcuts are just the right length to form the trackbed for the Midland viaduct I am thinking about. If it happens, it will be the viewblocker of viewblockers but I am still worried about the possibility of overcrowding the scene. So still thinking about it. I am also a bit worried about the underside and the nine million rivets that would be needed. Because I have in mind a steel structure, and such things always seem to need a underbed of chunky steelwork with vast quantities of rivets. In 7mm scale penny plain will not do. Nor will reinforced concrete, which would be a lot plainer but not quite the thing for the era.

I don't think there is a book as such. The RCTS "Green Books" give basic info about those classes which survived 1923. Another useful source, and one which I recommend, is the (relatively rare) British Locomotive Catalogue 1825-1923, volume 5B, but it has no photos in it. I have been collecting GCR photos for years, but it's only in the last 10 or so that I've started to focus on the older stuff. and you don't find such photos every day. (Though I suspect there are loads in the various collections held by the NRM.) The NRM drawings collection is another possibility, but I doubt they have a lot of detailed drawings for the ancient bits of kit I have in mind, as opposed to the odd weight diagram. I doubt there is a market for such a book, although you never know. There are some very obscure railway books out there. I know of one chap qualified to write it (not me!) but I know he's currently tied up with another crucial literary endeavour.

You can certainly tell what it is, and that's the main thing. Charming little engines these, and it's unlikely now that anyone will get one except as a scratch-building project. (I might add that the GCR had a "hidden fleet" of ancient locos that are rarely mentioned in polite society, all the interest going towards the big Robinson jobs. A pity, but that's the way things are.)

I think operating a layout properly is a full-time job in itself, so I quite understand if operators are too busy to talk. I rarely address them unless to say "what a cracking model" or words to that effect. There was a rather wonderful L&Y layout I saw a bit back where the chap asked if anyone could spot any errors with the PO wagons. I could see one, and said so, but if he hadn't asked I'd have kept my gob shut, as the layout overall was absolutely excellent. I do talk to demonstrators occasionally. Most seem to be only to happy to interact, but I have come across the odd one who seemed not to want to talk. This rather defeats the object of their being there, to my mind. Being an awkward old b----- myself, I take it in my stride, but I can't help but think that in such a case a beginner or potential enthusiast might be a tad put off.

I strongly suspect that both the GC and Midland (and perhaps other railways too) bought in this type of seat from an outside contractor. And I was joking, you know. BTW, the typically "Midland" diagonal fencing was also used by the LNER, certainly in certain former GC locations to my knowledge. Chesterfield Central is a good example. So LNER and BR (E) modellers can use the relevant product with a good conscience. I only regret that the Midland (or GWR) did not also have lampposts of the type used by the MS&L north of Annesley, or we might have plastic versions of those too!

Reminds me of the bloke whose wife said: "You love City more than me!" "Heck", he replied, "I love United more than you!" On a more serious note, the support of the "other half" has an importance that cannot be exaggerated. I'd probably be dead without my missus. Quite literally. But she has never once objected to my interest in railways or the money spent thereon. So I count myself blessed.

I suppose my reaction relates to my childhood experience of the footbridge stairs at St. Helens Junction, which were these open riser type. I used to find them scary. The footbridges at my local stations, Belle Vue (ex-GC and Midland) and Gorton and Openshaw (ex-GC) felt so much safer to a little kid. Funny how things like that stick in the memory, even after 60 years.

I agree that politics enters into all sorts of stuff. Indeed, most things. However I don't write the rules and the t&c of the site state "no politics" so I tend to hold back. (One problem is that affirming the status quo is often seen as "non-political" while advocating change is seen as "political." Both positions are actually political.) I suppose the best way forward is to take personal responsibility and re-purpose as much stuff as possible, while throwing away as little as possible. I expect most of us could be more economical in that respect, and it doesn't involve any effort from external agencies. For example I have some white metal buffers spare. Instead of binning them I shall put them on Ebay - someone out there will doubtless be glad of them, even if I only make 5p on the transaction.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people expect mainstream magazines to reflect their personal interests all the time. The hobby is probably broader than it has ever been in terms of the range of interests, and editors have somehow to keep everyone happy. It can't be easy. What's more, we can all learn from almost any layout, or any building/construction article irrespective of period. Techniques have a wide application.

I don't know whether this counts as a complaint or not. Some guy was moaning on Facebook that BRM was "full of kettles" and he was cancelling his subscription. Consequently I hurried out to buy a copy only to find a balance of traction in the magazine. It was not full of "kettles" at all. Now I shall have to buy next month's to see if there's any change.

The greenhouse may not stay there. There's an odd triangle of land which I thought might become the stationmaster's allotment. But I am by no means decided. For example, a storage shed might go there instead. There is a photo in Dow of an 1860s MS&L van - the body off that might be very suitable, though of course I should have to build it from scratch and guess I mean calculate the dimensions. Contrary to the common run of model railways, I doubt whether the old companies bought anyone else's old van bodies for these sort of jobs. I have still not entirely given up the idea of putting in a Midland viaduct at that end. The footbridge serves as a view blocker but there are still some things that strike me as "awkward" and a big railway viaduct would certainly hide them. OTOH I worry about getting too cluttered. So there will be several coats of thinking first. I just wish I could borrow a suitable viaduct from someone to try out the idea.

It is very dark in the railway room right now so I have experimented with some crude floodlighting. Videlicet a spot light. The first two photos show Dog Lane. I think all the posters are by Kirtley Models, or almost all. The first gives the impression the street light is lit. A happy accident, as it isn't connected yet. (Unless the spirits are at work!) The next two photos show the new footbridge in all its glory. Forgive its shocking whiteness. Made from one and a bit kits made by York Modelmaking and very similar to some footbridges used on the GCR. Though I think the risers should be closed rather than open, which to my eyes give it a slightly cheapo LNWR feel. A really keen-eyed viewer may note to the right a piece of the forthcoming Wathboro Station. This section was custom made by York Modelmaking as it was the only bit of the station I couldn't see my way to creating. I could not possibly have done so neat a job with the complex panels. The station seats are PECO. Inexplicably sold as "Midland" they are the ideal GC pattern. They need painting though.

Lack of Progress Report. I have, despite all the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, made some progress in the last few months. But as usual with me it's one step forward and two back. 1. I have built a massive footbridge that carries a right of way all the way across the station. The thing is, it needs painting and before that it needs a coat of spray primer. This will have to await the Spring. Way too wet and miserable to spray outside. 2. I spent much of December putting together a street-level booking office. Unfortunately, despite using the recommended three layers of plastikard, it has warped to ****. The worst of it is that the most obvious warping is at the end which is most visible to the viewer. Yesterday, while engaged in painting it, I decided that it will not do. After recovering useful parts (doors, windows) it will be scrapped, and replaced. I think I might try card this time... 3. I have procured some gorgeous station signs from Intentio. Unfortunately I made the error of painting the first one prior to assembly. This was a mistake. However, the other signs look great and now just need painting. The first is salvagable, but I would not make that error again. 4. Some nice MS&L 4wh coach kits have arrived from Alphagraphix. It would be good to get these built in 2018. I need to keep telling myself they are just a funny kind of wagon. 5. I have replaced the subsiding Railway Hotel with another copy. Unfortunately the "new" backscene was ever so slightly smaller and did not completely cover the old. I am still trying to work out whether it now has a 3D look, or whether it's just dog's droppings and in need of covering with something else! The indifferent photo shows the new Dog Lane. Though imperfect, I am quite pleased by the air of grottiness. The new station booking office will go at the far end, blocking out part of the backscene, which will be a Good Thing. One of the Intentio signs will be attached to the bridge parapet, another to the aforesaid building. BTW, the road level will rise slightly when the proper supporting girders are put in, and the splashes of white will/should disappear. This photo has made me realise the pavement edges need careful retouching. A wise man would have put the road in first and then the pavements. I was aware of this, but too impatient to be sensible, an annoying mental habit of mine.

We are not allowed to talk politics on RMWeb, otherwise I would. Basically, it's no use people moaning about the problem unless they are willing to address it. That is the major problem in the UK. If we, as a people, were as good at "doing" as we are at moaning, we would be world beaters.

For 2018:- 1. Finish my station. A big job as most of it will be scratch built. 2. At least make a start on my coach kits. 3. Try not to be side tracked into building another 100 wagons that I don't really need.

A good model railway makes its owner happy. What it does for other people is irrelevant, unless he/she is selling tickets to see it.

Our local Council will only deign to recycle plastic bottles. Any other plastic, including 99% of model railway bits, goes in the non-recycle bin. Frankly, I think much more could be done if they were bothered and if the finance was invested to make it practicable. Similarly, they only want tin cans and the like in recycle. All other metals, including brass, goes in non-recyclable. Madness, to my mind. Allegedly they pick the metal out with magnets - I'm sure you can all see the snag with this.

My wife has a "thing" about backscenes at exhibitions. She loves them when they are well done and absolutely hates them when they are badly done. I agree that a plain background is better than one badly done; but an artist can achieve a brilliant effect. For myself, I tend to focus on the trains, and to a lesser extent the structures and signalling, and the backscene comes low on my list of priorities. I always think it's interesting to get the non-enthusiast POV. I have a similar issue with dirty engines on preserved lines. A percentage of enthusiasts love them as they "recreate" 1968, but most of the income comes from non-enthusiasts who just see a dirty engine and think the organisation is slovenly. Dirty carriage interiors are even more of an issue.

I like the Jinty. Reminds me of youthful days at Crewe, where these engines added and detached vehicles from trains, back when it was a proper railway. There was always at least one simmering away in one of the bays. Left me with a permanent soft spot for the things.

I have a long list of "pet hates" - most of them come down to lack of observation. It's as if some people can love railways for 10, 20, 30 years without ever looking at them - or photos where appropriate. Or indeed, the world in general. (As an aside I can think of at least one place where a facing point, or rather a slip, led straight from the down main into a goods yard. Hyde Road, near Manchester. But I agree, it is not the "norm" even on those railways who were not too tight to pay for point locking where needed.) The main problem with model railways is practicability. I dislike all forms of automatic couplings, bits of bent wire "virtually invisible, ha, ha," and so on. But I freely concede that the minimum practical size for proper couplings, unless you have the eyes of a falcon, is 7mm scale. Then you need the arms of a gibbon if the board is above 3 ft wide, which rules out many prototypes. The only solution would be tiny, robot shunters. Maybe in another hundred years or so. Similarly, most of us (bar those living in stately homes) do not have the room for scale curves or accurate station lengths. (Though it is a strange fact that many small stations built to scale in 4mm look too long as models. This probably has something to do with how our eyes perceive things.) I wonder if there is a case for saying "this is a model railway" and just enjoying oneself. Because ultimately the objective of the hobby is not to provide pretty photographs, although some magazines certainly imply this.

It is certainly true that Slater's plastic W irons become brittle with age. It is much safer, therefore, to use the Birchwood Casey blackening procedure. And then paint over it. Of course if you do snap a Slater's W iron it isn't the end of the world as you can always replace them with a brass substitute. Or even a plastic substitute if you have some in hand from kits where you have gone down the springing or compensation route. These days the first thing I do with a second hand Slater's wagon kit is to take it apart if it needs interior detailing. (Most do.) This is a fraught task, and the better the kit has been put together the harder it is. But it's amazing what plastic weld and a bit of patience will put right.

I believe they quite often sent locos out in works grey. There's a (fairly) famous photo of a 4-4-0 in this condition double-heading a train at Woodhead. (The Ffestiniog, a year or two back, ran David Lloyd George in works grey, and I was surprised by how good it looked.) Then in WW1 apparently the GC sent stuff out on the road in all sorts of condition as they needed the engines for traffic. For example, no lining (especially humbler black engines), no lettering on tenders, patched-up paint jobs, the lot. Pre-group was not all fairground ride finish, as photos often prove. Certainly not during and after WW1.

Generally speaking GCR green tank engines had white lining on the frames. The main exception was the 9N (A5) 4-6-2t which were lined red. Why the GC was so varied in its liveries I don't know. Possibly they didn't have a corporate image manual. As an aside, the ex-LDEC Tuxford Works just carried on applying LDEC livery with "Great Central" on the tank or tender. This even included (as my wording implies) some GC standard types which fell into their hands. John Quick's book has more detail. To the best of my knowledge the LDEC 0-4-4 tanks always remained black despite being passenger engines. How Tuxford got away with this I know not, but they were probably using up paint stocks or something. Clearly the High Command were not bothered. In short, GC liveries are a minefield; I would always be exceedingly wary of telling someone their model was painted "wrongly" as deviations from "standard" were quite common, though often very subtle. To give but one example, many people will tell you the 0-6-2ts (LNER classes N4 and N5) were lined out, except during WW1. Some were, perhaps even most. But I have a lovely sharp photo of a station pilot at Nottingham Vic dated 1911, and there's not a hint of lining anywhere on it. And by the way, the "Great Central" on its tank sides looks very much like a 4mm transfer applied to a 7mm model!