tomparryharry

Interesting point Johnster. But, I reckon Hornby have done a favour to Dapol. In situations like this, the pressure can come right off, and gives a breather to the developers. If they had a 'lesser' CAD before, now they can concentrate on making a 3150, or a earlier 31xx. At this rate, I'll have a couple more, no problem. That, of course, if the model in question comes up to muster. Lots of bankers at Severn Tunnel Junction.... Ian.

As an aside to my earlier(somewhat negative)post, here it is:- GWR Bulldog: A touch of Tre Pol & Pen. You know it makes sense... Ian. PS. Please ignore me if I've mentioned this before.

Mucho Bumpo.

I'm going Dapol for the next year or so. The Hornby suburbans and the large prairie seen to be a good bet (I hope)so it all swings on my mineral traffic. Here's the problem for me. I can buy 4 Dapol 16tonners for 1 Bachmann. Sure, they need putting together, but I need to strip down the Baccy ones to fit 3-link couplings. A rake of 50 wagons comes out about £1,000 via blue box.... £250-ish via the cellophane packet.... I like the panniers & 56xx; A very good model in both cases. I might even buy a 94xx, should it put in an appearance. I wonder if it will be 'caped'? I'm not blind to anything Bachmann make. Far from it. They make some really good product. But, I'll always cut my cloth to suit my budget. Still, Bachmann will announce their next year(s) very soon; we shall see. Happy modelling, Ian.

Nice photos John, captures the feeling very well. Ian.

Hello John, The last time I visited Shwt, there was a large joinery business there, all making doors. Good luck, and happy modelling, Ian.

Interesting to see if Bachmann make the triple; a nice LB&SCR K mogul. Just dreaming, me..... Ian.

You're just a showoff......

Hello Chris, thanks for the post. I'm not stuck to any fixed time or place, just indicative of the periods 1925-55. I know that's a big gap, but I can't really justify a calendar sized period. Anything I do or make will only be a pastiche of things I've seen from a distance. Plus, of course, the relics of a bygone age. I do know that to do anything justice, I'll need to knock down the houses either side of me. I might be happy; the neighbours not so.... Cheers, Ian.

Hello Ian, good point. Dapol did announce the large prairie earlier, so I've always (incorrectly) assumed that the model would arrive from Chirk, not Margate. As such, all of my (incorrect) assumptions have been viewed from that angle. Still, hindsight is always seen in 20/20 vision, and it's not the first time I've been wrong..... One thing in all of this that stands out, is the approach taken by the modelling community towards the mogul/prairie project. A very professional approach by the greater community has resulted in a greater détente with the manufacturers, and long may it continue. It does appear that we have a greater clout (and assistance capability) if used responsibly. Happily it seems that we can indeed ask for some of the lesser-known items on the model railway scene. If Dapol are indeed looking for marketable examples, may I suggest a few? Armstrong goods, or the Cambrian close cousin. A large metro. Plus, of course, any of the hundreds of examples of 6-wheel Barclays & Hunslets & Hudswells that adorn the UK. Cheers, Ian.

One or two 5 car sets for my proposed valleys workings, plus a nice Taff vale A class (or 4) lurking in the background.... Getting all wibbly-wobbly now.... Ian.

I hope they make a few more; I want some of these.... Ian.

I'm just going to the workshop, as I need a crowbar for the wallet. A bit of a no-brainer, but very nice indeed. Any large colliery in South Wales will feature one of these, and normally bulled up to the nines. Yes, I'm in for one. Ian.

That's a comprehensive-looking list. Nice work Andy, it must have been a bit difficult sitting on that lot. I thought the team had deleted some of my posts. Either I'm paranoid, or I was close! Happy modelling, Ian.

I think the EP's look very nice. But, at the risk of sounding controversial, I wonder if the kudos actually belong to Dapol. My rationale is such that Hornby have sat on their hands for a very long time, being they (were)' are the only game in town'. Bachmann are also partly guilty of this state of affairs. But, business is business. Still, I'm a man of my word. if Dapol continue, I will certainly look to having a couple, and if the Hornby EP turns out nicely, I'll have a couple more. I wonder if we can persuade Dapol to make a nice little pannier....? Cheers, Ian.

I quite like that. If it had a jackshaft connection (ala) 03-4, it would look quite convincing. Ian.

Yes Tim, it was called 'The Leak'. Starting at Redhill, it worked down the Thames Valley, Severn Tunnel Junction, turned right at Llantrisant, Mwyndy Junction, Common Branch, Tonteg, and Pontypridd. Reverse at Rhondda Cutting, PC&N, then Newport. Turn right at Park Junction, west to Cardiff (again) Down the vale to Bridgend. Over to Tondu, turn on the loco, then train down to Margam, and on to Camarthen via Swansea District. Carmarthen-Cardiff-Reading with a double headed pair of Castles. I've done this railtour many times, but only in my dreams.... Ian.

You need to add few extra pages old chap. A bit thinner than 18.2 mm. Mind you, the P4 version has a fully compensated spine. Naturally, you bind it yourself..... The latest Farish publication is A5 this year....

Well, this is a Bachmann thread. I wonder....? A Bulldog? Not too difficult; a bit of a no-brainer, really. A Buffalo? Nice little saddletank? A 633 class? Or, a M&SWJR galloping Gertie? Wagons. Sequentially numbered PO wagons, say Stephenson Clarke, Cambrian, Wm. Cory, Nixons. Problem is, getting the numbers. They only made about 750,000 of the things in real life.... Ian.

Ah, but back in the days of Triang-Hornby, they got Terence Cuneo to portray the latest 'must haves'. Modern digitry is all very well, but the mouse..... Harthur Kneegus.

I've acquired a lot of 16t mineral wagons, still in their Airfix boxes. Am I guilty about working up the kits? Not a bit... Ian.

Sorry old chap. That'll teach me for not looking further!

Mind you, it's got sound.....AAAAAAARGH!!!

O gauge class 37 O gauge coaches And, an O gauge 03 Don't ask me why, but I think O gauge is the next big thing (pun intended) Ian.

Preaching to the congregation for me as well, John. I've got one finished, but I'm frightened to paint it. I can think of at least 10 models that would fit straight in to any GWR layout, and all long-lived examples. The problem is that Bachmann have never heard of Wales, and I think Hornby have the same problem as well. Now the Severn Bridge tolls have been abolished, they might, just might, venture past Bristol. I blame the cartographers myself:- "Here be Dragons". Now, I might ask around the parish if we 'can get made' a Western No 10 boiler. That lets us straight in for a whole host of Western amalgamated locomotives.... Hmmmm. Happy modelling, Ian. Edited because I messed up my text. Apologies to anyone whom might be slightly miffed by my wittering.