ian b

Mine were 'strongest N52 grade', whatever that means! Could be renamed 'anti-03 magnets'...

Used some 2 x 3mm magnets as recommended by Karhedron above and works really well! All terminus platforms now fitted although can't get the delaying action to work so will use Dapol's own in a couple of places. Thought this might be down to the code 80 track vs code 55 so tried raising the magnets by a mm to make up for the increased depth. Result? Magnets pulled the coupling so hard my 03 couldn't move the coach off them! Placing them at the lowest height between the sleepers was ideal for uncoupling. Ian B

Thanks for that! My estimate if based on using these to cover my fan of sidings but unfortunately 4 terminus platforms, catering for the odd double-header pushes up the numbers a bit! Also, I don't want to stop half-way across a junction to perform a shuffle if I can avoid it! Must be the signaller instinct coming out!!! Ian B

Evening! Does anyone know of a cheaper option for Dapol's magnets? I reckon i'm going to need 15 altogether and £40 seems a lot for magnets! I'm not bothered about the look of them and don't need to hide them particularly- just being tight and trying to save a few quid towards the dozens of couplings i'll need! Thanks in advance, Ian B

Love the choice of 60037! I remember going round Thornaby with my Dad not long after '37 had put a 'leg out of bed' and was totally covered in oil with a large hole in the roof! Within a day or two somebody had christened her 'Exocet' and written it in the oil on the bodyside...

Absolutely jaw-droppingly stunning modelling of the highest quality! My heartiest congratulations on what is an inspiration and an eye-opener as to what can be achieved. I bow to your abilities, sir!

Excellent, thankyou!

Thats grand- thanks for your quick response and beautiful photo! I've spent ages going through my books and searching various websites and each photo seems to give it a different shade! I reckon the way go is to standardise on exec light grey and repaint my farish stuff to match. Makes me slightly glad I missed out on three Farish Mk2 Scotrail coaches on ebay tonight that went for nearly £60!!! One last question- any idea whether the microballoons you used are still available? The only ones i've been able to find are brown and the link you used doesn't work any more... Thanks again! Ian B

Hello! Got to say i'm a massive fan of this layout and theres a quick question you may be able to answer for me! I've got some n-gauge Scotrail liveried stuff on my layout (Jedburgh) but am unsure of the grey used on the bottom half of the bodyside. Is it the same as was used on Intercity liveried coaches and locos or is it paler? Farish has it really grey but my electra vinyls are quite creamy and i'm not sure which is right! Would like to get it uniform and have my 47s in the same colours too! Keep up the good work- Railex NE is now in my diary! Ian B

Cracking layout, cracking plan- can't wait to see more!

Go on. You know you want to!

Hello mate! Having trouble converting the document to steal the pictures but the basic is that the short panel should be sat to one end of the wagon. Straps should be positioned "within the first 4 sleepers of each end of the panel". Straps "shall be 7m long and fitted with a stitch-in wear sleeve"- basically a thicker bit to stop it wearing! There should be 6 blue straps in total along the wagon length. Hope this is of interest! Ian B

Wagons are looking good mate! If you're interested I could post a diagram showing where the straps should be on the Salmon- got a copy of the loading manual round here somewhere! Ian B

Mmm- not sure about those ploughs. Model looks lovely but the ploughs look to be sitting 4 or 5 mm too far forward- definitely doesn't look right...

What an amazing and inspirational job you did on those wagons! Fantastic stuff!

I've had a couple of 25s from the early 80s and they were actually quite sweet runners, despite being chucked in a cardboard box when not in use when I was a kid!!! My Dad has a bluey (25, that is!) from the 70s and it still runs well now- quiet and smooth and its kept in an uninsulated loft and run about once every 2 years! Reckon that a few bum ones must've given them a bad press!!!

Tried this for a cheap option- not the most stable or well built (not a surprise for the price!) but the main problem is that the surface is far from level. Either the top surface would need replacing with something stronger or additional supports would need to be added which then prevents the legs from being folded away... either way its extra cost! Loving this thread btw!

Hi guys, Does anyone know what sort of parcels vans would be involved with these 2 trains? I'm guessing GUVs/ CCTs/ Mk1s are a given but would any TPOs have featured at any point? Thanks in advance! Ian B

Very much so! Keep 'em coming!

I've started a layout thread (Hassendean-ish) to show what i've got at the mo. I won't be making lightning progress, despite laying all the track and basic wiring in one afternoon!!!

Bagged a bargain- Bayardo for £75 on ebay! Thought it had gone pear shaped when it arrived and did nothing but spark and hum with no movement at all, luckily the guy had a second and it runs beautifully. Now i'm amassing a bit of a WR stud (26, 27, 4mt, Black 5, B1, A3, A4) I think its about time to start a layout thread showing my new setup. All being well i'll get one started in the next few days. in the meantime on with convincing the Mrs that a green Peak is a perfect anniversary present to ask for from the parents...

Thanks guys- all the advice is much appreciated! Ian B

I'm looking to do a similar renumbering but i've never renumbered any kettles before- just dozens of diesels! Whats the best method for removing the bodyside numbers? I've gently (and successfully) scraped numbers off on modern locos without leaving a trace but these numbers are much bigger and a naff job will show up much more! Any advice would be appreciated! Ian B

Lets not forget that if the signaller is unable to check their own signals and they are visible to the next 'box then that signaller must keep an eye out to check that it returns to the 'on' position- I reckon there's scope for teamwork at exhibitions here. Block instruments between one layout and the next anyone...?

Fantastic work- been watching this thread for ages but never commented! Thoughts are that Stockport has a couple of huge lever frame signalboxes but has had OLE since the 60s- theres a distinct possibility one or more of them have manual points so would have rodding alongside the masts. I reckon it'd be a goer to have both! Anyway, even if they don't theres no reason why Llanbourne can't be the one place that does have the mix!!!