Mark C

Hello Gordon Yes, the photos of the wave are causing me to look again tomorrow. I did look along both footplate edges when I first took the loco out of its packaging...I'm now beginning to wonder...! My worry is that it's a cast metal footplate i think and therefore not that straightforward to ease back into shape. Please let us know how you progress with your investigations. Bench testing here tomorrow too. Regards Mark

Bure Valley Models are a (hidden) gem - that level of service is their norm. Al - what do you think of yours? Regards Mark

Yes, I agree - the tell-tale protruding bottom door rail is quite prominent. I have a Peco (Parkside Models) kit for one on my workbench and the historical notes state that they were built in 1962 - so that would fit in with the date on the photograph too. Regards Mark

It's there - hidden in the dark depths of the underframe and brake rigging...(I didn't photograph it)...

Hello David, Gordon Yes, the third photo shows the effect of the flash - the others are closer to the actual colour (and which also has only a slight sheen). I think a coat of Klear would be beneficial. Good spot Al...I hadn't noticed that!! Clearly, it's configured for fast reverse running!! Overall the model captures the look and bulk of the loco (I think the going away shot shows this) and I am very pleased, especially as the attached arrived in this morning's post (great service, Fox). If someone knows how to rotate the image (the original is the right way round) then please tell!! Regards Mark

Here's some hasty shots - it's a dull overcast day and I've tried to negate the effects of the flash so that the colours (nearly) match the actual model. Points noted: - - unflanged wheels for the (trailing) bogie and no flanged alternatives provided - accessory pack includes: - front coupling bang plate (but no scale coupling), loco brake rigging (the tender's brake rigging is already fitted), cylinder drain cocks and front steps - the valve gear has been assembled correctly! - cab lean? I'm not certain... Mark

Hello David Yes, I'll take a photo in tomorrow's daylight... Regards Mark

Thane of Fife arrived this morning - thanks to Bure Valley Model Shop. I can confirm that there are no etched plates included - Fox, here I come... The model, from just a quick glance, conveys well the bulk of the prototype and looks superb, brimming with detail and finesse. Whilst I can't add to or enhance others' photos of the model, the attached shows a new form of packaging (to me) in addition to the conventional coloured sleeve/plastic tray combination. All in all, a fantastic model.... Mark

...my Thane of Fife will probably arrive on Tuesday, all I need now is that layout to run it on...!!

Just those two for now it would appear...

Bure Valley Models...excellent shop (when you're allowed to visit) and an equally good mail order service (no affiliation etc)...I'd better go and get one now!

...that's struggling...

Both Cock o' the North and Thane of Fife are now on sale....I'm stuggling not to buy one of them....

Gedney Drove cemented my interest in modelling the M&GN. I retained that article within which there is an excellent shot of an Ivatt 4MT. I saw the layout at Biggleswade and subsequently followed it to the Basingstoke exhibition; I've often wondered what happened to it. Mark

Being careful not to go off-topic, but Parkside do a very nice kit of one (although I did use an Airfix kit underframe and ABS brakegear (on the far side))...

My solution to the problem (constant, annoying and inappropriate ads) is to use a proxy server - eg try the Tor browser - I'm probably showing as logged on in Italy!! So far so good...

There's one on its' way to me now! The photograph on their website looks good...and check out their stock levels!!

More tracks (ouch!):- - Calling (at) All Stations - Genesis - Life in the Fast Line (Lane) - Eagles - At the Station - Joe Walsh ...I'll get my coat...

What? Abbott Ale not to your liking...??!!

Stotfold, for example....

Ha! See page 1818 of WW - for 'some weeks' read some months! Grief, where did nearly three months go?!!

I second that! In pre-Peco days the service has enabled me to cost effectively cross-kit 21t hoppers (later bodies on to ex-LNER high-brake lever underframes)...long may it continue.... Mark

Each sprue costs £3 plus p&p. You need two sprues per wagon (each has got a solebar, bufferbeam, brakegear and two of each of plain front and roller axleboxes). I had the bodies in stock but I would expect they can be similarly bought as spares. When you add transfers, wheels and Oleo buffers (if required) the cost is not far adrift from the proposed RTR price. I've put photos (some weeks ago) on Wright Writes... Regards Mark

Yes, I was really pleased that they are continuing with this. I initially emailed the Technical Advice Bureau and ended up talking to a very helpful person on the phone and paid by credit card there and then. Mark

I combined Parkside's excellent body with the chassis from their 21t hopper kit (mouldings bought as spares from Peco) which, with a little modification, are more refined and fit perfectly. You also get roller bearing axleboxes as an alternative (Oleo buffers from LMS)...