37114

Nice layout, and good track plan, look forward to seeing it develope.

Interesting debate and one that has been discussed many times, but at the end of the day it comes down to 2 things - Money and Manpower. Both are comomodities are in short supply and has to spread across the ever increasing numbers of preserved locos (both Steam and Diesel). Say a shining knight comes forward and restores 34073, 25244 and 45015, great but what happens when his money runs out or he shuffles of this mortal coil? And is the resurection of any of those 3 going to deprive volunteers from an already working member of the class? The simple facts are circa 300 steam locos and 400 diesel locos preserved is not something thats feasible to maintain over the next 30 - 40 years. Will the rail fan of tomorrow be interested that 34073 languished in a south wales scrap yard for 30 years or 45015 is the only survining class 45 ever to have nose doors? Unlikely. Whether we like it or not some locos will be scrapped as spares run out for them or the expertise to repair them disappears. The availablilty of space for all these preserved locos is fast disappearing with many lines saying "full" or at least only entertaining locos in running order with a full support crew to maintain them. Although as my ID suggestes I like them, we have reached saturation point with the amount of preserved class 37 (circa 50) with locos in near working order going for scrap with it seems anyone who wants one has got one. The arguement could be said to be the same with the bullied pacifics which are hindered by their size, coal consumption etc hence why 34073 has laid unrestored for many years.

Absolutely Proper Job! Fantastic bit of modelling.

Nice to see this one again it looks even better in the flesh, the pics don't just do it justice!

I like it, am dempted into 009 myself for my next layout, will be a few years yet though! Out of interest how long is the layout?

Both 377 and 077 were complete but had frost damaged power units. 077 is still with us and there is a small possibility it may leave Booths in one piece. HNRC bought both it and 377, and have the power unit from 046 to go into 077 if required, space issues at BH and lack of demand for 37/0's mean it may not leave Booths however.

Ah, Thanks for clearing that one up Merfyn

I do love that Level crossing!

Interesting to note the white logo in the second to last picture on the Dodge crew bus, I thought most were red.

Nice layout, and I agree with the comment about the DMU, I especially like the destination display, can you tell me where you got it from please?

This is a great layout, and I am really looking forward to seeing that Cal-Mac ferry.

I have modelled a few preserved locos in the past, things that I noted and some are applicable to ex works as well: - Exhaust soot collects round the exhaust port after even a short while of running. - Dead flies on the front end would often appear on the first run. - On many preserved locos only the outside edges of the bogies have been painted, and the ends are actually still dirty etc, Likewise wheel sets. This often because a number of preserved lines don't have access to lifting facilities. - The finish of most RTR models is quite satin, whereas ex works the finish was quite glossy.