tomparryharry

It was a 'red route', so the larger locomotives could take loads over there. Subject to confirmation, I think the largest locos were 38/38xx tender locomotives. I think however, the 72xx tanks were banned over Crumlin. As for Greymouth, I had the pleasure of travelling the line from Christchurch-Greymouth and return. Arthurs Pass was something else, even the Keas! Highly recommended.

Actually Johnster, I'm a bit intrigued by Tremains. I wonder if the diagrams had a spark-arrested loco on the roster. Didcot had a loco such as this on the roster, as did Worcester. I've no idea with Tremains, and wonder if they had a diesel instead. Or, a fireless... Ian.

Hi Mike. I was given to understand a possibility of double headed trains. Certainly, Waterloo catch pits are quite long also. Enough room for a MN, and another, shorter locomotive.

I'd suggest Tremains is the key to your conundrum. Tondu had extra work for the RoF. However, once ww2 ended, Tremains downsized pretty quickly. AFAIK, it had a full 3-shift system, with several diagrams on the roster. Trains from the valleys had their timetables altered, and beefed up, to transport the influx (mostly ladies) of several thousand workers in a very short time period. It's little wonder that panniers grew to such a large class. Somewhere on the allocations records, show Newport Division receiving a brand-new pannier every week, for about 6 months..... They had to go somewhere! Happy modelling, Ian.

I took the opportunity to reflect upon my most recent post on RMweb. We might consider that English is still a working, living language. The dialects, accents and pronunciations of perhaps only 50 years ago have changed, and will continue to change. I fully expect that by the time I bite the dust, anything we're writing & posting today will have changed. These changes are incremental; consider, for instance, the subtle change from 'railway station' to 'train station'. You might consider this to be an Americanism, but a change nonetheless. I like RP. In an increasing multi-cultural society, it helps to set me apart. A big building site in London will be one of the most language diversified places you can attend. Polish (no, not polish, Polish), Bulgarian, Italian, Chinese (Han), and a multitude of others all speaking their brand of English. A fine example of showing the language that continues to evolve. Whilst I mention RP, it does have its drawbacks. If you drop a hammer on my hand, I will revert directly to pure Anglo-Saxon, complete with all expletives, references and phrases so commonly found within this Spectred Isle. "Orfft now, to study Rogers Thermostat" (an olde plumbers phrase). Tootle Pip! Happy modelling, Ian.

It's not just mobile phones, it's the bikers riding, whilst using a hands free device. I nearly cut one down whilst out on the weekend. Lucky for him I anticipated his actions, otherwise 'Goodbye Vienna'. Ian.

What amazes me about the Paddington photo, are the locomotive catch pits. Designed to gather any water from the locomotive injector overflow, and still here 50-odd years after they were last used. I thought only Waterloo still had these. Ian.

Wee did Spellinge wen I wuZ yunga an Wee diddnot com too eny arm. I reeEly duzznt undsstan wot the world iz cumin too. I recently raised this very subject with my good friend, Algernon Go-Lightly. We discussed the declining standard of grammar, and enunciation. Algernon agreed, and stated that things have gone downhill since the commoners have been allowed into the lower chambers in Westminster. Tootle Pip! Colonel Knuttt (Retired, off to flog some servants).

I do like the fence. A little bit of urban decay? No scrapped, or burned out cars, vans. Just an observation, but nothing more. I like it a lot. Ian.

Tongue in cheek from me, Mr McDermott, very tongue in cheek! Many thanks, Ian.

Hi Mike, The 'setter' on a toad is always on the verandah, facing the main cabin door, with the handbrake behind you, and to your right. Depending on the mark (such as AA23) the setter will be atop of a piece of 2" steel pipe. The valve is exactly the same as found on a DMU. A standard vacuum gauge is screwed next to the cabin door, slightly above the setter position. This is mostly a standard placed item. Regardless of guard, he would be able to go to the same place, to do the same job. Johnster of this parish will be able to provide further information. Happy modelling, Ian. Edited because I posted slightly misleading text, since corrected. Sorry!

If I may 'chuck in' a few thoughts. If you still have the wishlist poll, as an bi-annual event. In between, have a slightly smaller poll, which is to have what you'd like to see upgraded. Some producers have models that stand the test of time. Some, sadly, are a bit 'not all there'. A bit like me, really. having re-read our posts on RMweb, it seems plausible that we could have a poll every month or two, given the niche (s) involved. I can hear Mr McDermott and his team sharpening their knives, as I type... The logistics of doing this sort of thing will stretch the system to overload, and possibility of being counter-productive. One bloke I know will vote for Common Branch Junction engine shed, in 4mm, as an RTP product. Oops! Silly me! Happy modelling! Ian.

Yes, I can see your point (pun?) Streetley is strictly a 4 x1' inglnook. Quick to erect; quick to close up. If you double the length, you can get approximately 24 wagons on the puzzle. With this, it raises the solution possibilities from 40,000 to 200 million (check the factorial). I have planned to do a small roundy-roundy with small fiddle yard, just to break things up a bit. My fault: I haven't done it yet. Happy modelling, Ian.

On a slight aside, but I guess that as the subject base gets smaller, so will the 'niche' element grow pro-rata. Driving to your natural conclusion, the poll will be:- Steam, Diesel, Electric Other. Green, Black, Sky-blue pink, Tea, Coffee, Milk, Sugar. I'm highly entertained by the polls, and I missed seeing the last one. Well done Poll Team & associates; a thankless task. Happy modelling, Colonel Knuttt (retired, walking the dog).

Harumph! Harumph! What about us lot on the 71/4" spectrum? Nothing again, I suppose... Makes you want to go full size... Letter to my MP, Times, etc.... Disgustedly yours, Colonel Nutt (retired)

A quick ditty, Mr Rolley? I've got a little layout, It's only 5 foot eight, I keep the other wagons here, upon the sector plate....... Just leaving the house.....

Hi Ralf, It is up to you, but I include the headshunt in the scenic section. The 8-wagon principle is a real head-scratcher for the uninitiated, but causes lots of fun! Happy modelling, Ian.

Cheers mate, PM'd you. Ian

Looks good, Chris, much impressed.

Hello Johnster, what is the parentage of 6408? Cheers, Ian.

At this rate, I can foresee you building Tondu shed.... You know you want to....

Well done Tom. Keep up the good work! (Oh, and the railway modelling....).

I'm not sure it's a good idea, divulging information like that. By my reckoning, my collection is down by several locomotives:- Large prairie, Aberdare, Large Metro, 1701 saddle tank, an upgraded 2721. How's that for starters? Don't get me started on the Taff Vale stuff; we'll be here for ever....... Cheers, Ian.

ISTR the destination labels as red:- One Trip Only. A very common sight in South Wales, where the wagon fleet was starting to be thinned out.

Simples, young Johnster. In my world, one had its intermediate at Barry, the other, Aberdare or Ebbw Junction. Either shed doing overhauls at this time. Cheers, Ian.