Tay Bridge

Hi I have been operating a Dynamis for a couple of years and find it excellent. Worth setting up a dedicated programming track, I have had a problem a couple of times changing CVs on maintrack, Works well on dedicated track. I also use this for wheel cleaning using an excellent product that sits on the rails and puts power to wheels with wire brushes that clean it at same time, Clean wheels essential for DCC sound! Chris

Hi Bro Don't do it, don't go over to the Dark Side young Skywalker...... BR BLUE..may 'The Force' be with you! Chris

Hi Yip, it certainly is taking shape now. Great modelling and once complete will look superb. Chris

Hi Not much been happening on the modelling front as it is the time of year to get our yacht ready to go back in water. A lot of hull preparation and not model sized! However, having the chance to buy a Bachmann 55 002 in 1981 two tone green guise was to much to resist. I had one previously and had added an Express Models light kit but was not satisfied with my efforts so sold it. I have now installed the new body onto my Bachmann DCC Sound loco and mighty fine she looks and sounds. She is shortly to visit Jason's locomotive works to have proper lighting fitted by an expert! On return I will fit the front end detail kit. Then I will have my favourite loco properly represented at last.

Hi Jon I was quite disappointed not to make it through to Waverley to meet you and 22. However, I hope to take in another tour later in year with my Dad who is now on the mend. B) 22 does look splendid indeed. Like a new loco not 50 years young! Great photos. Are you going to produce one of your detailed Deltics in pristine ex works condition?? Good challenge to get it new but not OTT. Different questions like how much of a gloss? Would be interesting contrast with your weathered ones?? Chris

Hi looks fantastic! Great attention to detail. Can't wait to see the finished article. Chris

Hi Jon It looks excellent. I too look forward to seeing it with a coat of paint. Chris

Hi Just a quick couple of shots of Union of South Africa in and around her new shed that is nearing completion. Quite atmospheric!

Hi Work is progressing on the new home for A4 60009 Union of south Africa. As I need to free up space for the new shed I have removed one of the main fleet's depots and relocated it. This has given an opportunity to remove all the locos from Glasburgh to put down some 'concrete' for both the shed and relocated depot sheds. First layer of concrete laid and drying. Meanwhile, back at the builders the new shed has received a couple of coats of paint on the roof and timber wall. The fitting of drainpipes and guttering is nearing completion and these too have received a couple of coats of black. Although not quite the same as the original in that it is two road as opposed to one on the shed at Markinch I have tried to keep it pretty similar. Next task is the construction of the small office building that is at the side and internal detailing including roof lights. Still have not decided how to manufacture the vents above the door but the pilot hole has been done at one end. I have included acouple of photos of the original at Markinch shortly before it was destroyed by fire. Bit of a mess by then!

Hi That looks excellent. Have you thought of how you are going to put on numbers and signs etc? Will look even better then Have just about finished my Markinch style shed for A4 60009. Will post pics later Chris

Hi Richard Alas I didn't see steam in service at Perth just before my time. My Mum (Elgin)and Dad (Perth) however often speak about how great Perth Station was with A4s and lots of other interesting locomotives. Even the difference between now and the early 80s is pretty depressing. I remember the station being alive. My mates and I used to buzz about between Monifieth and Perth and Arbroath with jaunts to Haymarket. Lots of variety and stuff behind the wall. Pretty much a bit of a yawn now. Old photos of Perth and shed show just how busy and important it once was. Thanks for your help. Will post some more after some more work! Chris

Hi Have finally started to build my shed for A4 Union of South Africa. Thanks to help from other poster (Cheers Richard -Ben Alder) I was given drawings for the original shed. While not building a shed exactly the same for my layout I wanted it to be based on the prototype. 60009 was kept in a shed at Markinch station during my period. My shed will have two roads in it as opposed to one but most other features will (I hope) be the same. Slate roof and wooden sides with small outbuilding. Loading doors(at ground not platform height on mine) on one side.This is my first effort at building my own and so far I am quite pleased. Here are a couple of photos so far. long, long way to go mind...... Chris

Hi looks good. A fine collection of baggage/parcel vans! Chris

Hi Just been having a look at your loco shed. Awsome indeed. Like another poster I wish I had the space too. It will look fantastic when completed. Look forward to more photos. Chris

Hi What about DE (Dundee)- active shed- not as big as Haymarket but most of the stock in Edinburgh went up here. The shed could be based on that. It also had carriage sidings etc so you could keep a few coaches too as well as some goods wagons. Chris

Hi There Sorry for confusion. I had falcon from pack and sold her to buy Sparrow Hawk to get double chimney version via this site. Old age mate!!

Hi Folks Tonight I tackled fitting my A4 Falcon(OOOOPS! Meant Sparrow Hawk- I sold Falcon from pack and bought Sparrow Hawk to get Double chimney) with its new identity. She is now resplendent in her new etched Union of South Africa name plates with the springbok plate on one side only as per prototype. After rubbing out the numbers on the cabside with T cut I have applied the correct 60009 cabside numbers. I have also fitted an etched 60009 number over the existing smokebox number. To me she looks almost perfect. Time warp back to late 70s and very early 80s when she used to appear at the Leuchars Airshow. Here she is having her first run under steam with her new identity complete.

Re my earlier post about blowing up the hanger. I discovered when reading about the film (The Battle of Britain) that they did not have building consent to demolish it as it was part listed. Now that would have been an interesting conversation with the town planners.... Well it was the Germans you see... the raid was running 20 years late...honest..

hi looking good. I knew there would be room for a pair of wings somewhere....well nearly, tailplane will do! seriously it is looking pretty good. Chris

Hi The HST image in colour looks very realistic. Had to look twice! Chris

Hi Jon Had thought about that but would really need a fan to push it out correctly. Not sure how to do this. Very small spaces. I have seen it somewhere on an O gauge diesel (can't remember where but it had a fan or something to push it out. So until I can think of a way they will all be without diesel fumes! your Deltic looks superb by the way! Chris

Hi A4 60009 Union of South Africa has arrived back to Glasburgh. Although naming still has to take place and changing number it is looking good. Working lights at front and rear and a Seuthe Smoke Generator fitted. Takes me back to when we used to see it at Leuchars. Next task is to make the shed for her to sit in. This will based around her real one that she used at Markinch. It will involve re siting one of my loco sheds but I think it will be worth it. SWMBO likes this one with steam and steam whistles. Can't beat a nice loud Class 40 or 50 I reckon! here is a photo of 60009 under steam.

Hi Jon Agree with above. It is going to look fantastic when finished. If i was you I would fit the speakers now. Sound makes such a difference although I don't think any of the Deltic sound chips are quite there yet. Better to do now than hacking it to bits later and damaging something. make sure it is bass reflex speakers you fit though. Keep up the goodwork. Chris

hi Yip, an interesting topic. I bought some Preiser figures for my modern image TMD and I'm afraid they just don't look right. They look small. I am going to change them for true 00 scale figures at some point. Interesting idea about the footplate staff. Think you could perhaps get away with Ho scale here. Perhaps not. Don't know if as suggested its head size or waist measurement (I must be jumbo size if that is the measure!!) but to me they somehow just don't look correct. Like all things though, personal opinion. Chris

Hi Bro Looking good. The black and white effect is good sometimes. Nice pic of your ETHEL here chris