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John, Trap if you go forward and catch if you roll back. Pete

Apologies in advance if it has been mentioned earlier, but belatedly I have realised that the piston tail rod on the compound cylinders is missing. Pete

If I may, when we used to go to St Pancras from Sheffield in the 70s/80s with a class 45 we always had 9 on behind us, as the guard would normally calculate 9 for 306/7/8tons. Pete

Just a heads up for anyone in the Dronfield area, there is still a compound in Sainsburys as of 12:45 today. Pete

I will agree on both counts of weight and bogies, but can't see where they were underpowered, the 47 had initially only 250hp more. What technology was available at the time that could have increased their power ? Curious as to "BR were not proud of the 44/45/46". I'm sure the traincrews of Holbeck,Sheffield,Derby and Nottingham may have a different viewpoint. Regards Pete

I'm frothing. Peak -" just another diesel and too similar to a Deltic.Overweight, underpowered,out of date when built - not a 'Great British' at all." Are you sure you are not describing a class 40 rather than a class 45 ? Pete.

"I wouldn't class a Peak as a truly great loco". That is your opinion and obviously you have never worked on Cromptons (class 45). Personally I would not consider Scotsman a truly great locomotive, in actual fact I detest the thing. Having spoken with staff who worked on the loco in BR days apparently it was not one of the the better A3s. Apologies for shattering any illusions. Pete

They were always asleep. Pete

Just to let anyone in the Preston area aware that WH Smith in Fishergate at 16:00 today had approx 12-15 compounds .I bought one early yesterday morning and the guy went on to say that the GBL range was one of the best sellers in the shop. Pete

Does it come under the "Design Clever" category. Pete

I think I will just wait for the GBL version to be produced. Pete

John, The smokebox/boiler/firebox is partially released by the screw situated between the centre splashers on the underneath of the footplate. However there are two tabs at the front of the rear splashers again underneath, that prevent the whole unit from sliding out.The front of the cab on mine was not secure so I was able to lift the cab front upwards and then lift the fire box up slightly and slide the unit out. This will reveal the faceplate which is stand alone. The tank front under the boiler will also come out if not glued properly, again it is a slot and tab. I continued to rock the cab up and down and eventually the cab broke loose, admittedly not at the designed slot and tab but along the moulded coal, so that when the cab is replaced you cannot see the join. Hope this helps although I cannot accept any responsibility for any mishaps. Pete

Having examined mine again this morning I seem to be fortunate in not having any overspray/ tank sides etc. However have noticed that on the offside on the boiler just above the ejector there is a raised circular rim as shown in the photos in previous posts. Still think it is a cracking model and it is no problem to remove, just wondered why it is there ? Pete

You would have thought for £8.99 it would have sprung buffers. It is the first GBL I have actually seen in the flesh, never been able to find any of the previous models in my newsagents. Have to agree it is a cracking little model. Pete

Jim, It's not the wearing, but the collecting. Whenever I comment on the number of pair of shoes my wife has in the wardrobe, she quickly reminds me, of the amount of locos that I have hidden, sorry stored away. Pete

You could contact Chesterfield Library, I have a copy of an OS map at 25 inch to the mile of Chesterfield Market Place dated 1906 and I am sure that Central station will be on the map also. The map also helps with position of signals etc. The next time I'm in town I could get a copy for you, let me know. As Andyrush suggests the K Grainger book would be very helpful. The track layout is in there also. Pete

Nidge, This thread really brasses me off. Brilliant photos of the railway/staff and enthusiasts etc. As Trisonic says a great thread. So why does it brass me off ? In all the years I worked on BR/ews, I very rarely took any photos much to my regret. I have none at all of myself while on the footplate. Although I do have a picture of 3 of us on the back seat of a Hull corporation bus. A lot of the drivers would extract the urine if they caught you taking photos. The irony though, was they would bemoan steamers all day long but whenever there was a steam special stood on platform 6 in Sheffield they would all exit the cabin in a flash to watch the train depart. Pete

Gordon, Did you use Templot as usual for the layout plan ? Pete

Rivercider I trained Bernard about a month back on GSMR. Pete

Yes Coach they are but I am reliably informed that they will be taken out of use, with the introduction of new technology (sophisticated Radio systems). Pete

Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye

Time stands still

Your stairway lies on the whispering wind

goddam the pusher man

Lord I never drew first