br-nse-fan

I would.. mostly because it's the only way I can justify buying one... I can't make out the details.. but what, where and when would such a thing have existed? I'm assuming that this would have been late 60's... and long gone by the 80's..

Hi Bill I had thought about a larger MPD, but I do have a fair amount of goods wagons, and I enjoy shunting as much as running mainline trains too... but it's certainly a good suggestion, one that I will keep in mind! As for the goods-only branch, the other thought I had would be to use the old turntable access line and make it the branch to the cement works instead. The line (1) near the old engine shed would actually be ideal for the single road service shed I have from Bachmann.

Still one of my favorite layouts... and those 20's look smashing! Care to weather mine up? lol

I'm far from an expert on GWR coach formations, but how accurate... or at least, how close to the real thing can we get with current RTR options? If not in accuracy, at least in spirit? So far we have the Hornby Collett's, Bachmann Collett's and Hornby Hawksworth's... even if just the all-thirds unless we move into BR As for the 70' coaches ever being made RTR? I believe some have suggested that they are just too big for the majority of modellers. Yes, the MK4 coaches are about the same size, but it's something to do with the bogie pivots that would cause an overhang problem. This, AFAIK, is why they were route restricted in the first place.

Thanks for the replies all. I guess what I am looking to do, is to take this, and make is more like Llanbourne North Wales. Same era as what I'll be modelling, although a slightly different region. Llanbourne is obviouslys North Wales, where mine is near the border of the Southern and Western regions. I chose this general location so that I can justifiably run the majority of stock that was seen on the BR network in the mid 80's, with the exception of that "far to the north foreign stuff". As this is a downsize from my previous layout, I have a lot of stock that was purchased with a larger space in mind, and realistically I know I won't be able to have most of it out at any one time. Because really... where else other than Laira, would you have seen 7 class 50's all at once? A more detailed description of what I would like to achieve is in order, and I realize some of this will sound like the Llanbourne description, but I promise you that while it is a source of inspiration for me, I am not out to copy So what is Piddle-Upon-Bog? Well, it is a busy through terminus somewhere on the border of the Southern and Western regions, with influences pulled from Weymouth, Poole and the Swanage branch. Originally part of the LSWR, it has changed hands several times over it's life. After the LSWR was absorbed into the SR, it went back and forth with the GWR with what seemed like regularity until nationalization. Upon nationalization and the realignment of the regional borders, it eventually fell back under the Southern regions control, although it maintained a very Western feel due to the seemingly everlasting GWR influence. During the heyday of steam, it became a very popular vacation destination due to it's proximity and easy access to various south coast beaches. In fact, it was Piddle-Upon-Bog that was the influence for a certain popular poster: Enter the 1980's, a large variety of traction and rolling stock can still be seen in a multitude of liveries. Passenger service from the Southern is in the form of Multiple Units for the local and commuter services, as well as loco hauled services originating from London. Due to the South/West junction further up the line (think Dorchester), loco hauled Western services are provided multiple times during the day also. The occasional Midland 'guest' can also be seen from time to time on an inter-regional special. Although the fuel depot is long since closed, goods traffic is still fairly regular with a rather large cement works nearby. Daily tank trains to and from the works are joined by semi-regular speedlink services consisting of both open and box vans used in the transporting of commercial products. There are rumors that several local businesses are looking at re-purposing the old fuel depot and storage lines for their use since their volume has grown to the point that transport by truck is no longer an option. With the electrification of the lines from the Southern, there was no more need of coach storage line, and these eventually became engineering and goods over flow sidings. The small two lane engine shed was demolished in the late 60's and is now an empty lot. A local housing estate has been in talks to purchase it for another car park. The once busy goods shed and cattle dock have also been gone since the late 60's, replaced with a mail and parcels dock. The dedicated dock was required due to Royal Mail moving one of their main sorting facilities down the road. With the added security of a loading dock away from the main platforms, a Bullion van can now be seen on a weekly basis... if you want to be up at 3am when the train is scheduled to arrive!

Since this is a wish list, I'll second some of the previous posts about GWR coaches, specifically the Toplights. My personal wish, while not likely to be realized, would be for some 70' coaches... For rolling stock, the GWR Toad will always be welcome. But for the more 'modern' modeller, how about a high-spec 12t vent van? Unlike the Hornby version of the Vanwide/VEA vans, something that has the correct wheelbase!

Hello Everyone I am finally starting to rebuild my layout after moving, and am looking for feedback / suggestions on how best to proceed. When my parents moved, my Dad was going to dismantle a part of his layout and not use it at the new location, but I offered to take it and use it as a starting point for my own layout: The layout was built to a late 50's era and as such, the scenery and track plan reflects more of steam era than the mid 80's that I will be modelling. This is how it was originally setup: The light grey indicates extension boards that have been added, but not in the photo at the top. The portion shown is apx 8' long by 3' wide. I have added a 2.5' x 3' board at the most right, allowing for an extension of platforms 2 & 3 and a loco run 'round large enough to release Class 50's from their trains. My goal is to retain as much of the existing track work as possible, but re-purpose it to something more suitable to my modelling era. Here are my thoughts: - The branch at the top (1) would be used for the local cement works. Trains would come into Platform 3 and then either back down the branch, or another locomotive would retrieve the wagons and take them down the branch. - The engine sheds (2) would be updated to a more modern facility for diesels. - as there is no longer a turntable (3), this could either just be removed or a short line could be added to parallel the mainlines (4) and used as PW storage. - I have little to no tankers, but I don't want to remove the inlaid track from the old fuel terminal (5), so I am looking for suggestions what I could use here. - I have already decided to remove the two lines for the small engine shed (6) and replace it with something else. Maybe just scenery? - Location of the signal box (7) is fine, just updating to a more modern looking one/ - Removing the old style goods sheds (8 ) and replacing with loading docks instead. I have a couple of the Peco ones, and will likely be mail and parcels, not goods. - no need of a cattle dock (9), so this area will just be an extension of the loading platforms - Platforms (10, 11) are remaining in place, but will be extended to allow 5 coach trains and longer locomotives like the aforementioned 50's. Platform 1 will have a 3rd rail added as this station will see regular EMU commuter services as well as long distance locomotive hauled. - The line on the lowest right (next to 6) will be used as a head shunt to get wagons in and out of the sidings on the left. - The three sidings on the right, above the head shunt were originally used as coach sidings and goods overflow... not sure what I want to do with them yet. - Most of the goods traffic with be to and from the cement works accessible through the branch (1), but I also have the old fuel dock (5) that can be used for some kind of rail served industry.. steel... warehouse...? Thoughts and suggestions VERY welcomed!

That's still over $240 Canadian... I think I'll stick to my less than perfect, but still serviceable, Limby model for now

HI All Apologies if this has been mentioned elsewhere in the thread, but my quick read over did not show me... but can anyone advise how long these would have lasted on the network? I'm assuming it would be the BR Departmental one... but would it be out of the realm of possibility that it could have made it into the 70's? Do we know what livery it will have? Many thanks in advance!

Hi Matt I also use the Keen replacement draw bars only on the ends of my rakes in order to bring the NEM pocket to the correct height / location, as I find the Bachmann CCM more than adequate for the length (4-5 coaches) of trains I run. I also use the Bachmann EZ Mate knuckle coupler instead of a Kadee due to it's rigid knuckle. I've found it gives a more reliable connection than Kadee's in this situation. The knuckle on Kadee couplers swivel as it is designed to fit into a NEM pocket that is for the most part stationary, thus allowing some movement while stock is going through curves. The Bachmann EZ Mate coupler does not have a swivel, and as such needs to be used in a situation where the NEM pocket moves. I have had to add a couple to one or two of my rakes where I am mixing Hornby (correct NEM pocket position) and Bachmann in order to get them to couple nice & close without the use of tension locks.

Hmm.. maybe not. It's been a while since I was on the Kernow page, and it seems that they are no longer listed. Guess we'll have to wait for Dave to clarify why this particular model was noted as not receiving the upscale to OO

Might be because Dapol still has them listed as being planned?

Just got my first MK2E.. an FO to insert into a rake of Bachmann MK2's. While it is certainly an upgrade on the old Airfix models, I'm still more than a little disappointed with the lack of a CCM on a coach that carries a premium price tag. I've not had it out of the packaging yet, but it looks like the blue is a darker shade than what is found on the Bachmann models.

Not sure if it's been mentioned before, but the GWR Dean Goods loco would be ideal for pre grouping through to BR.. I think every GWR modeller would have one or more !

Truly exciting! I'll be adding a few to my existing fleet of GWR & BR coaches for sure! All we need now are some updated Bachy Collett's! I wonder if these sell well enough, Hornby would be interested in doing the 70' version? *dreaming*

This may seem like a silly question.. but surely there are technical drawings available for both locomotives showing the dimensions?

Just got an email from Hornby announcing a new range for the 70th anniversary... given the prices... I can be sure that Thomas & Friends will not be seen on a layout near me...

You must post a photo once you have this completed!

My non-DCC NSE one came with a little paper insert stating the same. No decoder to be found however... shame.. here I was hoping for an accidental bonus!

Hi Dave.. I must say... I am totally floored by your most recent announcements, especially the King! Just one thing left... how about some coaching stock to the level of quality of your locomotives? I vote 'simple' to start with... 57' bow end collett stock.. When you wish upon a star....

Any chance these made it to the South West at all in BR Blue/Grey days? I'm tying to find justification for getting one of these... and unfortunately 'Rule 1' won't be enough to convince my wallet to part with the probable $100+ for one coach...

Hope so... still have a pile of old Lima's that I want to upgrade the chassis on...