5050

I've realised that the big photos I've found are in an Oxford Publishing book, 'GWR Miscellany' with a smaller later one in the Lyons book.

Having found a couple of photos of this site in Lyons's GWR Loco Shed books I'm interested in finding more. The entrance to the site was through a very distinctive ornamental arch which (to me anyway!) is very modellable. My Google search revealed nothing so can any GWR afficionados point me in the right direction please? Thanks in anticipation!

It's not Minera, I'm 100% certain. There aren't any bridges at Minera that accurately fulfil the requirements. Porth-y-Waen is far more plausible. The orientation in the original post is correct IMHO.

Just come across this thread (where have I been!!) and thought "that's an interesting idea, perhaps I'll have a go". Then I went into the layout room, marked out a piece of card to 8" x 8" - and realised how very small it is! I shall have to get into the understairs cupboard and try to find my Thinking Cap.

Same method I use. Never seem to have had a problem and some items are now getting on a bit.

You mean the one in the photo isn't actually finished? I thought it didn't seem to be up to your usual standard of modelling........................

Or Flying Scotsman. The NRM must be making a commission on the name surely?

Many years ago I had a 94XX which was a good runner but didn't really fit in with my North Wales rural branch line layout style. When I decided to adopt P4 standards it was apparent that it didn't really fit in with myaspirations so was sold on. A nice solid well made loco though. I have a Black 5 body, stripped of paint if anyone is interested? I'll never do anything with it. I got it from an odds and sods box at an exhibition which was going to be thrown out if stuff wasn't taken. There was also a Prairie Tank body (which has found a new home) and an SR side tank body which I still have.

This probably dates back to when superglue was the latest go-to adhesive for all situations. The original Omega kits date back to the 70's I reckon.

I think the Gibson one was/is based on an original by Omega Models, taken over by Kean Maygib and then sold as AG by Alan. This dates it rather. I've had some Omega 'seconds' (at least I hope they were seconds given the very poor etch quality!) which I've built and I found them quite 'challenging'. However, this may well be due to the poor etching standard rather than the design - which may well have been updated in recent times, modern productions should be a lot better. I soldered them but the instructions I have suggested they should be superglued together!

No need for actual (and potentially overstrong) magnets stuck to a bit of wobbly wire. For magnetic uncoupling I just rub an old fine needle file on a cheap magnet. Used with an iron wire bottom link this works fine. When it needs it, just give it another rub. As the actress said to the bishop..........................

I've probably got some Bachmann wheels from PO wagons and 16t minerals i think. I need some Gibson wagon wheels for a couple of projects. Please PM if any interest.

Mmmm, Weetabix and KitKat. With warm milk of course, my all time breakfast favourite.

Yup, I reckon that's it.

The Slaters Arms in Corris had its beer delivered by rail via the Corris Railway. It ran past the front door so it was quick and very direct!

To REALLY appreciate 'collecting' watch 'American Pickers' on the telly. The 2 guys who star in it visit all sorts of strange places across the US of A and find barns FULL of 'stuff' (including the occasional Lionel or American Flyer item) that their owners have (allegedly) 'collected'. To me most of it comes under the 'hoarding' category rather than 'collecting' - but each to their own as the saying goes!

Spawn of the devil! They were even supplied with their kit for the P2!

I use some from Hobby Holidays which seems to work on most materials. Fine on Brass, Steel and NS and very good on white metal and solder.

I think I've seen that photo credited as being taken at a couple of locations including, in reverse, at Minera. IMHO they're definitely coke wagons - but are we certain it is taken at Porth-y-waen? What is the structure top right? Locos of that type were, I believe, shedded at Oswestry - but also at Croes Newydd. Pity the number isn't readable. Interesting that you're building a layout based on the area. It's somewhere I've always had an interest in, especially as we lived in Oswestry 1970/71 and I often cycled up and down the Tanat valley. Can you provide any details on your project?

Best thing about going to London is catching the train home!

Don't forget that siding capacities are important for the 'problem' to work properly. If you can get to many in each siding and loop then it'll be to easy! I made sure that each siding would only take 2 wagons (all short 4 wheelers) and the loop would take 4 - including the brake van. On 'Peforia Narrows' all rolling stock is 40' including the S1 style switcher locos. The loop will take 3 of them. You could adapt this as necessary for you with 3 in each siding but then you'd need to have more wagons on the layout at a time.

I like the sweeping curve right through the middle of a crossover. Reminds me of something I've seen in a photo.

You could possibly consider my 'Enigma Engineering' concept? Should fit fine into the space you've got and the industries could mirror the ones served by MSC lines. No absolute need for a fiddle yard. My American version (Peforia Narrows) doesn't have one and it is no detriment to the operating potential. I first became aware of the MSC railway when going with my Dad to the timber and veneer suppliers (can't remember the name) when he was buying venners for his furniture factory. The railway was along the road outside and I was very confused by a loco which had a number that didn't appear in the Western Region Ian Allan ABC.

I suppose SOMEBODY must otherwise why would they keep offering it?! Perhaps it's asorted aunts, grannies etc. who see it and buy it - " I saw this and thought of you 'cos like trains don't you!"

Fair comment