Harry Lime

E M Forster wrote this in 1909: The Machine Stops What happens next?

I've just found another project for James - but only when someone releases the class 700's that run on Thameslink: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-44411995/graffiti-thugs-vandalise-17m-govia-thameslink-train

Funnily enough, we have thought about an underground Underground line before, so don't go fetching your hat and coat just yet, Keith!

The problem comes when CrossRail finishes - what do we do with that scenic section afterwards? HS2 isn't on our manor, so we'll have to think about this long and hard!

Evening GEOEng03, As the one who put it together, I can tell you that it is a Kibri kit no 13022. As such, it is marginally out of scale as it is an HO model. However, it goes together fairly well, although I did my usual thing of starting it then putting it aside until the pressure of another show loomed large. I did the painting first then assembled it and this is where the fun came in as it has four separate windlasses, each with their own rigging to be set up. The kit, therefore, is cleverly planned as there is a removable panel which allows access to the windlasses so that these can be re-tensioned as required. Fortunately, we have a crane rigger as a club member who was willing to cast his professional eye over the whole thing before letting it loose on LR. Our biggest problem now is transporting it safely between shows as it is also incredibly light. Usually bubble wrap and some careful shouting at members as we pack up in the 'post show blitz' ensures that so far, it has survived intact... As for inspiration, the idea for the whole CrossRail corner came from watching some of the early episodes of the Channel 4 Fifteen Billion Pound Railway programmes. We already had a churchyard scene in development in that corner, but that was looking fairly naff, so the idea of CrossRail just meant that this could be a good opportunity to literally add some height and depth to the layout... HTH

Instructions have arrived, have booked Mrs Lime into a hotel in Chester for some shopping - very much looking forward to a really enjoyable day out! Even the weather looks mildly promising...

Are we allowed to include radio presenters here? Thinking of the recent addition of Martha Carnage to Radio 4's Today programme - another banshee to spoil my breakfast - why take away Sarah Montague?

Not sure if fans of Loftus Road have seen this but the Hornby Great Electric Train Show was originally to be held at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon. However, the venue has now changed and we are off to sunny Milton Keynes and arenaMK instead. The dates and times remain the same. (We shalln't be wearing our blue and yelow scarves that weekend for some reason).

Hmmm, https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/may/21/gdpr-emails-mostly-unnecessary-and-in-some-cases-illegal-say-experts Are we wholly sure that this is an exercise that needs to be carried out? Just a thought?

Really useful - I've got to travel to Swansea next week, so this has made my work visit all the more worthwhile!

Oh poop... Like Scottish-Exile I've got a fair few. Still we've got until March 2019 to save up!

At this point, I have completely lost interest and have decided to unfollow this topic...although my order remains firm and I will see this out. As Wordsworth says, "We murder to dissect" However, for those of you who are still buying one, I am looking forward to seeing you all at Crewe if you are coming! Arrivaderci

Not sure how much it helps, but I took a slightly less calculated approach than others have indicated on this forum. I purchased a Class 71 from Dave. It was a loco I wanted for what I was modelling at the time. What I saw was an opportunity to participate in a new way of funding a model and, as I had a little disposable income, I decided to plump for the crowd-funded way of bringing the project to life. I was patient, knowing that the final model would not be on my doorstep the next day. At no time did I wonder whether or not I would get my loco. It was very much a leap of faith and I was prepared for the risk that it might never happen and I might lose my investment. The way I looked at it was that as I don't drink, smoke, gamble or play fast and loose with my money, I could afford to take a chance. Having initially 'dipped my toe in the water', I felt more than happy to do the same with the APT. Again, I have a level of income that allows me to plan ahead somewhat for the payments and I have gone for a 14-car version. Once more, I am happy to wait for the outcome, without badgering Dave every five minutes ("Are we there yet?" will only be heard as we pull into Crewe Station in a couple of weeks' time)... If you feel that you are able to budget for an APT, using the crowd-funded model, my advice would be to go for the one you want. However, it is only advice...

Mine's just arrived - very happy and thanks to Rails for commissioning this. Now looking forward to running it on Loftus Road with a rake of grubby JNAs behind.

Depends which university though...

Something to keep you amused over tea/coffee! Unless you speak Russian, in which case, this ought to be easy! https://www.theguardian.com/atom/quiz/4c34f0ae-ed93-4057-99f2-591e731957d0/cities/ng-interactive/2018/apr/27/quiz-map-world-city-soviet-cold-war-spy

Thankyou...

Not to us Irish...

Sounds simple enough, Tony, will give it a try!

A Black Beetle would be preferable knowing my level of skill with fine cogs and flywheels! If you do remember how you fitted one, I would be very grateful.

Apologies, I had in the back of my mind that there was more than one shade used but was unsure what the two were. Thank you both of you for your help.

I'm just getting round to starting my kit which has sat on my bench for far too long! Has anyone used alternative motors from Pete's original design and if so, which type/dimensions? Also, which shade(s) of yellow are correct?

As I said in the OP, I know nothing about these so any information is always helpful! Maybe a small shelf layout on a branchline might be a good starting point.

Thank you 298 (!)- looks familiar

A very good family friend has just given me a Bachmann Spectrum (84906) HO gauge, steam loco because he cannot/will not run it on his layout Chicago Northwestern No 238, DCC with sound. It works and I intend keeping it, rather than selling it on. American HO is not particularly my thing (from anyone who knows me from Loftus Road). However, I am interested in learning a couple of things: Firstly, can anyone tell me any more about this engine (e.g. what trains it pulled, lifespan)? I've already been on wikipedia and read that but if anyone has more detailed info, that would be useful - especially to someone who is a died-in-the wool diesel only type of modeller. Secondly, anything about where it worked - industrial surroundings, scenery...? Although I am not particularly interested in the American modelling scene (having enought to do with building a new, London-based layout), having been given this loco, it would be a shame to store it and never show it off! Any help, ideas or information gratefully received.