tomparryharry

Hello Mike, You haven't mixed up Abercynon with Aberayron? See post 533 Ian

I'd like to see a photo of 9021 on Abercynon. If nothing else, it would mean I'd be able to use a Dukedog on my layout. Most likely to be a 'paper exercise'. Pannier 9629 was withdrawn from Pontypool in 1964, and sent to Woodhams, Barry. How come I've got a photo of the loco on shed, at Llantrisant, in the company of 4261. Both locomotives are withdrawn... A similar fate befell 9612. Transferred from Aberdare to Radyr. The loco didn't do any work, as it was withdrawn en route. I'd suggest that locos were 'marked up' to depots, but not actually stored there. Ian

More likely Stormstown, if anywhere near Abercynon. I've always thought that Abercynon shed was too small & busy to have anything standing about too long. Aberdare, possibly? Thinking about it, Abercynon sent it's withdrawn locos to Cardiff East Dock about that time, as I've got some photos here of Taff Vale 'A's standing on CED's ash roads, ex Abercynon.... Ian

Here! They haven't fitted 'city' wheels under it, have they? "They all looks t' same to me, them GWR 4-4-0's, with them outside bits wot goes roun' n roun'..." Have coat, on pavement, awaiting taxi... Ian

I wonder if the tank wagon is still behind Aberystwyth shed? Ian

I do like that 'box, Chris, but as Mike has said, the block shelf is not quite right for Cwm Bach. Without stepping on Mikes toes, there would probably be only a single bell, which is linked to the staff machine. However, there would be signal lamp 'light out' indicators, for the advanced starter & outer home. In addition, there might be a telephone for the outer home, for rule 55. Below the shelf, the board would possibly be adorned with indicators and plungers, etc. However, modelling rule number 1 will always apply, and I'm sure the signalmen at Cwm Bach will will have some seedlings trays on the right hand side of the shelf. "Gettin' the runner beans ready, see..." Just needs a cloth over a lever handle. Someone's got to keep those handles clean... Ian

Hi Steve, Try turning them back to back, to see if one is higher. Ian

Probably 'been on the floor', Rob. There appears to be a nick out of the cab roof as well. Never mind, if Bachmann want to sell it to me cheap, I'm sure there's a deal to be done.... Ian

Off topic, but... What happened to the scheme to run Llantrisant (Pontyclun) to Cwm? Ian

Hi Brian, Never considered Rhydlafar.... Ian

So, I'm assuming the train 'came off' at Treforest, and up the hill to Tonteg. Where then? Creigau? Or Llantrisant, and Penarth Curve? Ian

Sorry Ian, Can't really see troop trains running over Common Branch Junction... Nice try though.... Another Ian

For those of you watching in black & white, it's the one at the bottom left hand corner.... Ian

Hi Darren, I've got the same problem as you. my 'backwater' means that Dukedogs only got to within about 30 miles. I'd reckon the nearest they got to Aberdare would be Brecon, or possibly Merthyr, but at a very big long shot. I'd suppose you could put one on as an SLS special. They ran all over the place, and with locomotives not normally seen in that location. The yellow route availability allows them access to most of the network. Farm specials, etc, is another 'reason'. Remember modelling rule number 1 Ian

Somebody at Barwell knows there will be a set of EM/P4 wheels going in there.... Ian

Just a thought, really. Seeing as Bachmann will probably make a second batch, would it be prudent to leave the insignia loose, in the packet? I'm of course referring to the shirtbutton/GWR periods. I do like it, just can't justify it. Pity really, they only worked 40 miles from my modelling location. Thanks to the posters, for putting up photos so quickly. Ian

Rufus Stephens would be so pleased to hear you say that.... Ian

No mate, they fell down the 'ole between loco & tender.... I am only joking, honest, HONEST! Ian

Perhaps the answer to the 'shunting puzzle' is to have the NCB/colliery loco 'plated'. That is, it's allowed to work the station limits within the model, and it can't go beyond the starter/advanced starter/shunt limit (delete as appropriate). Usually a cabside plate which showed the loco in question was registered with British Transport Commission. Don't know of this happened with passenger lines, but certainly happened on industrial sidings. "Colliery locomotives are not allowed beyond this point" is/was a common sign. Ian

Seems I'm in the wrong job... G*st*d* is asking £18.50 for Ratio 4 wheel coaches, and in battered packaging, to boot. Hattons= £8.00, brand new... Now, lets see.... Oh! post free! That's why the extra £10:50 Remember! They're collectable, y'now.... Ian

I've just had an e-mail from Hattons, to let me know that the next batch (hopefully improved) of 42xx's is due on, or after, 5th December, 2014. Ian

Hello Mike, Thanks for putting your video on here. I put 2 washers each side on the jackshaft, and 2 washers each side on the leading wheelsets. One each side on the middle drivers. The loco can negotiate small radius Peco 75 electrofrogs, and runs like a dream. It seems the transverse play in the axles means that when negotiating curves, one side will loose its pickup ability, hence poor running. So impressed, I might get another.... Many thanks, Ian

May I suggest the transporter bridge in Newport, Gwent. When walking across, the gondola will set off, and it's damn scary seeing those suspension trolleys coming towards you! Ian

If they start your conversation with "This call is recorded".... Ask if the conversation is being recorded. The answer is usually 'yes'. Ask for a transcript of the conversation. This elicits the response "why?" I usually say I'm prepared to take this to ombudsman, or regulatory authority. Ask for the operators name, and get them to spell it out. Then, ask for their line managers name, and get them to spell that too. I usually get a solid response about then. Ian

Were I to buy a Dukedog, it would have to be some toplights..... I should qualify that by saying although I'd like a Dukedog, they didn't make it into my area, so.... On the other hand, toplights? Well....... Ian