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Possibly. However, it’s more likely to be December of this year, or even 2025. We haven’t been told anything one way or another and if they were going in May, I would imagine something would have been formally announced by now if they were. It depends massively on stock refurbishment. The 150/2 refurbishment programme is taking a lot longer than expected due to the number of faults/work required to get things back in traffic. The 165 and 166 units also are mid way through upgrades and some have been out for a lot longer than expected. It wouldn’t surprise me if they are retsined for the summer timetable. Last year was enough of a nightmare and we had more stock!

No problem, Trevor. It does seem odd not seeing/working them north of Plymouth now. I used to have, not quite daily, but several times a week Plymouth-Bristol/Bristol-Plymouth/Plymouth-Paignton (or part there of) work on 2+4 sets. Then about a year ago when the DfT withdrew the first wave and we dropped from 14 sets down to 10, with 8 diagrammed turns. Some went on to Cardiff/Gloucester, with one set terminating at Exeter in the evening and being stored in New Yard Sidings overnight. By May of 2023, that work had all but dried up. Over a 10 week link, we had one 2+4 job, which was the 2220 Plymouth-Exeter (said working above). I think the most interesting emergency turn I did on one was a stopper down to Paignton from Exeter when the booked pair of 150/2s failed in tandem at Exeter Central. The stock was meant to form a Exeter to Cardiff working, but was ‘borrowed’ for my working and a spare set brought up from Laira. Good times. Nick

GWR currently have four weekday diagrams for 2+4 sets. Three of the diagrams are Plymouth-Penzance return workings, generally two round trips per diagram. The fourth diagram is a Plymouth to Exeter stopper, returning ECS to Laira - this is an evening turn. It has been known recently, due to a lack of units allocated to the west, for a ‘spare’ 2+4 set works up to Exeter from Laira forming a Exeter to Plymouth working (I believe we still have five sets available for use, with two mothballed). This has, however, become something of a rarity as now only Penzance, Par and Plymouth drivers sign the stock. I doubt they will regain any work, as such north of Plymouth, any time soon as they are looking to withdraw the sets completely fairly soon. I’m quite fortunate that I still have two ‘booked’ turns on them as a guard. However, I doubt that will be for much longer… second to the sleeper, they are my favourite traction to work. Nearest thing we have to traditional train working. This shot was taken from the rear of a 166 unit (I would like to point out, I wasn’t working said unit) one early January morning. It was forming an Exeter to Penzance working filling in for the booked 158 traction, which had failed the previous evening. A Plymouth driver was on the footplate, with an Exeter conductor working it down to Par. Best wishes, Nick

I'm sure Ian won't mind me posting this. I've been very fortunate to have been invited several times over to his lovely Dulverton P4 model railway. The layout is still very much a work in progress. However, Ian creates an operating sequence-based, I believe, on the working timetable with other 'extras' built in based on what stock visitors bring. Dulverton at the start of the sequence. The station can have several operators involved - a bobby operating the box, with a shunter (the roll can be doubled up) to assist with Alex Jackson couplings (theoretically, it is all hands-free). There are also two drivers responsible for 'up' and 'down' moves, respectively. A fifth operator manages the fiddle yard. Chris Lamacraft and Chris Mansell can be seen studying the sequence, which can be seen behind the cattle wagons. One was the signalman, and the other was the shunter (I believe I was driving). The fiddle yard. various loops and sidings for various destinations. There are also various controllers and mimic boards above the drawer unit to control the yard. Lines into the fiddle yard, with a headshunt to enable trains to be marshalled before departing. It is a very interesting layout to operate, and even with a relatively small amount of stock, it takes several hours to complete a basic sequence. I really enjoy the 'operating' focus that Ian has. It keeps everyone busy and engaged. Although, I imagine it wouldn't be for everyone. I know many people just like to make it up as they go along, which is also fine. All the best, Nick.

This might have been answered on this thread (or elsewhere already), but why did the wartime bauxite-painted vans have a green stripe? Kind regards, Nick

Very much looking forward to this - thanks for organising the day, Rob. Best wishes, Nick

Very fine work, Iain. Do you airbrush your wagons? All the best, Nick.

… yes, Balcombe!!!

A very exciting proposal. I have been planning to get on with building a layout for quite some time and the society challenge has come at the right moment. Time to dust down the layout sketch book; rummage about in the track box, and find an interesting arrangement. I might have an idea (or five) bouncing around in my head. 👀 The question is, will it fit in the space? 💁‍♂️ Regards, Nick.

Afternoon John, Thank you for sharing the photos - it is always good to see what other people have done! All the best, Nick.

Very nice work, John. Out of interest, what does your fiddle yard look like? I vaguely remember seeing a couple of photos before the server crash. All the best, Nick.

What a day… 🤣 Nick

Dear all, I have a selection of PMVs, CCTs and a Bogie Van B, which I am in the process of painting into Post-War Southern Railway Malachite green for a good friend. The models will be based on similar examples running between 1945-1947. I have the HMRS Bulleid Loco and Coach transfer pack, which addresses the 'Southern' lettering, numbering, guard and luggage; however, COVCAR doesn't appear anywhere (I suspect the 'XP' and wheelbase will need to be BR yellow transfers, which is fine). I've had a quick look on Fox's website and Railtec, and they don't have anything, nor does CCT. I noticed that Fox has a Maunsell-era coach sheet, which does have a few more luggage transfers on it. Were they massively different? So two questions, really. First of all, does a 'COVCAR' transfer exist at all for a Malachite liveried van in 4mm scale suitable for a CCT? And is there a sheet with additional 'luggage' transfers on the market for Malachite liveried vehicles bar the HMRS sheet (which only has 4 luggage transfers on the sheet)? Any other useful information and pointers would be most useful! Kind regards, Nick.

Great stuff. I look forward to the Western takeover! All the best, Nick.

View Advert Hornby ex GWR Vans in BR Bauxite Pair of ex-GWR vans in BR Bauxite livery (purchased from Kernow Models as a 'split' pack). £18 the pair. My modelling interests have moved from the BR period to pre-nationalisation, and these vehicles are now surplus to requirements. Postage will be set at £5. Sent via Royal Mail Second Class signed for service. Please send a PM if you are interested. I have other listings of similar items, so please have a look. Payment via either a Bank Transfer or Paypal Friends and Family. Kind regards, Nick. Advertiser Brinkly Date 22/07/23 Price £17.99 Category OO / 4mm scale  

View Advert Hornby R6824 BR 20 Ton Brake Van (Toad) W68571 Hornby AA15 Toad in BR Grey - PAR RU. £15 My modelling interests have moved from the BR period to pre-nationalisation, and these vehicles are now surplus to requirements. Postage will be set at £5. Sent via Royal Mail Second Class signed for service. I'm happy to combine the coaches individually or in multiple purchases. Please send a PM if you are interested. I have other listings of similar items, so please have a look. Payment via either a Bank Transfer or Paypal Friends and Family. Kind regards, Nick. Advertiser Brinkly Date 22/07/23 Price £15 Category OO / 4mm scale  

View Advert Bachmann BR Era Wagon Stock - Multiple Vehicles Listed for sale is a range of Bachmann BR-era freight stock. My modelling interests have moved from the BR period to pre-nationalisation, and these vehicles are now surplus to requirements. List as follows: 33-086 BR China Clay Wagon - Bauxite x 4 (£11 each, or £40 for the set) 37-038 5 Plank Wagon E.B. Mason £10 37-663 14 Ton Tank Wagon Shell/BP £14 38-180C BR Ventilated 12T Standard van £14 Postage will be set at £5. Sent via Royal Mail Second Class signed for service. I'm happy to combine the coaches individually or in multiple purchases. Please send a PM if you are interested. I have other listings of similar items, so please have a look. Payment via either a Bank Transfer or Paypal Friends and Family. Kind regards, Nick. Advertiser Brinkly Date 22/07/23 Price (£0.01) Category OO / 4mm scale  

Greetings all, Robin has kindly suggested I mention this on his thread. I'm currently undergoing quite a large clear-out of my BR Western and Southern Region stock. My modelling interests have moved more towards the pre-nationalised period, and frankly, I have a real mix of stuff, very little that matches up! I'm also hoping to move fairly soon, so I need to clear the decks. A number of things will be listed in the classified section over the coming days, but essentially more SR Hornby locomotives will be in the next wave, plus some more Western steam and diesel stock. I've also got about 25-30 Bachmann chocolate and cream MK1 coaches, which I have yet to list. Essentially, all are brand new, stock boxed and ready to go. Plus freight stock, RTR wagons mostly. There are some Bachmann presentation items, too - WW1 Ambulance Train and a Railway Children set, all of which will need new homes. Stay tuned, and thanks again, Robin. All the best, Nick.

View Advert Bachmann MK1 Stock - Southern Region Green Listed for sale are four Bachmann MK1 coaches. Bought for a project but my era of interest has moved back towards the pre-nationalised era, so these really are surplus to requirements. These are essentially brand-new coaches (run once, I think), with a very small amount of shelfware. List as follows: 39-028C BR MK1 SK SR Green 39-078A BR MK1 BSK SR Green 39-078A BR MK1 BSK SR Green 39-128 BR MK1 CK SR Green Offered for sale at £25 each, with £5 to go towards postage and packaging (second class signed for postage sent via Royal Mail). I'm happy to combine the coaches individually or in multiple purchases. Please send a PM if you are interested. I have other listings of similar items, so please have a look. Payment via either a Bank Transfer or Paypal Friends and Family. Kind regards, Nick. Advertiser Brinkly Date 22/07/23 Price £25 Category OO / 4mm scale  

View Advert Bachmann MK1 Stock Listed for sale are four Bachmann MK1 coaches. Bought for a project, but my era of interest has moved back towards the pre-nationalised era, so these really are surplus to requirements. These coaches are in very good condition, with some shelfware. List as follows: 39-076 BR MK1 BSK Maroon 39-076C BR MK1 BSK Maroon - Reserved 39-151D BR MK1 FK Maroon 390127 BR MK1 CK Crimson & Cream - Sold Pending Payment. Offered for sale at £24 each, with £5 to go towards postage and packaging (second class signed for postage sent via Royal Mail). I'm happy to combine the coaches individually or in multiple purchases. Please send a PM if you are interested. I have other listings of similar items, so please have a look. Payment via either a Bank Transfer or Paypal Friends and Family. Kind regards, Nick. Advertiser Brinkly Date 22/07/23 Price £24 Category OO / 4mm scale  

View Advert Hornby MK1 Stock Listed for sale are four Hornby MK1 coaches. List as follows: R4350 BR MK1 CK in BR Lined Maroon (Replacement metal wheels) R4352 BR MK1 BSK in BR Lined Maroon (Replacement metal wheels) R4707 BR MK1 BSK in Crimson and Cream Livery - Sold Payment Pending R4620A BR MK1 Second Open in Crimson and Cream Livery - Sold Payment Pending All have Hornby metal wheels (the Railroad coaches had plastic wheels, but I have swapped them out). Offered for sale at £20 each, with £5 to go towards postage and packaging (second class signed for postage sent via Royal Mail). I'm happy to combine the coaches individually or in multiple purchases. Please send a PM if you are interested. I have other listings of similar items, so please have a look. Payment via either a Bank Transfer or Paypal Friends and Family. Kind regards, Nick. Advertiser Brinkly Date 22/07/23 Price £20 Category OO / 4mm scale  

View Advert Heljan 1324 - 1368 BR Black Late Crest Listed for sale is a Heljan 1366 Class Locomotive - 1368 presented in BR Late Crest (unweathered). I'm offering these locomotives here before listing them on eBay. Bought for a North Cornwall cameo layout project, but my interests have changed, and this poor thing continues to languish on a shelf (along with several other North Cornwall refugees). Essentially sold as 'used' but only test run over the years. It hasn't witnessed any layout running or been modified. It is a smooth runner on DC (never tried on DCC). Offered for sale at £100 to include second class signed for postage (sent via Royal Mail). Please send a PM if you are interested. I have other listings of similar items, so please have a look. Payment via either a Bank Transfer or Paypal Friends and Family. Advertiser Brinkly Date 22/07/23 Price £100 Category OO / 4mm scale  

View Advert Kernow Models K2106 O2 Tank 30225 Listed for sale is a Kernow Models O2 Tank 30225 (K2104) presented in BR Late Crest (unweathered). I'm offering these locomotives here before listing them on eBay. Bought for a North Cornwall cameo layout project, but my interests have changed, and this poor thing continues to languish on a shelf (along with several other North Cornwall refugees). Essentially sold as 'used' but only test run over the years. It hasn't witnessed any layout running or been modified. It is a smooth runner on DC (never tried on DCC). Offered for sale at £80 to include second class signed for postage (sent via Royal Mail). Please send a PM if you are interested. I have other listings of similar items, so please have a look. Payment via either a Bank Transfer or Paypal Friends and Family. Advertiser Brinkly Date 22/07/23 Price £80 Category OO / 4mm scale  

View Advert Kernow Models K2106 O2 Tank 30193 Listed for sale is a Kernow Models O2 Tank 30193 (K2106) presented in BR Early Crest (unweathered). I'm offering these locomotives here before listing them on eBay. Bought for a North Cornwall cameo layout project, but my interests have changed, and this poor thing continues to languish on a shelf (along with several other North Cornwall refugees). Essentially sold as 'used' but only test run over the years. It hasn't witnessed any layout running or been modified. It is a smooth runner on DC (never tried on DCC). Offered for sale at £80 to include second class signed for postage (sent via Royal Mail). Please send a PM if you are interested. I have other listings of similar items, so please have a look. Payment via either a Bank Transfer or Paypal Friends and Family. Advertiser Brinkly Date 22/07/23 Price £80 Category OO / 4mm scale