Robert Shrives

I have to say I was lucky with the Old Ian Allen book shop who remaindered a pile of MM models a while back including weathered 177. At Redditch show 4 years ago I got a 201 for £100 - blue NIR loco to go with the lima one . Some years before at IA they had the Lima Irish coach packs at silly prices so these sit waiting flush glazing and new wheels on some rainy day in the future.. As noted the value of any item is what a person is prepared to pay, ebay in lockdown has seen a lot of inflationary pressures but this ought to be only temporary . Bachmann a while distanced themselves from the Murphy models works saying it was all MM owned and originated so unless the tooling etc was sold on it is down to the good gent wanting to court a factory for a re-run. Perhaps when the aging process of the 121s have passed and blood pressure normal... Interesting to know 7500 as the production run. This compares favourably with numbers banded about for current OO production runs but small to the US railroad productions by Kayder. Robert

A bit more done on the loco front with rubdown logos - but these have reacted to testors dull coat and Humbrol acrylic gloss - If anybody has any of the smaller 101 NIR logos tucked away and open to reasonable offers I would like to get a second set and the MIR red transfers. Flash on 111 makes it looks a bit garish but ok really . Behind ,as I guess are more across the land, 121 being finished as the rtr model makes final approach and behind 3 A class. 121 is an MIR resin and then two fox A and a white metal Q kits A class- this does need a big motor or a set of jacks as a depot queen.

Well the green barriers numbered and a 20foot CIE weathered also a 47 foot flat for the Sperry just awaits bogies. so orange works in the back ground as well. Three SSM brassgami and Shapeways 47 footer , bogies on the way from SSM.

Interestingly ( to hijack for a moment) Shapeways have announced a partnership with a supplier who is offering the materials used in some private printers that give much better results. I have a collection of 3mm items from a 3mm society member that puts Shapeways in a "cocked hat." Also to add Great work on the 121 and I look forward to the finished work. Robert

I guess we are now spoil (t) for choice. One pack ordered to allow sperry train and weedkiller potential later - just need the coach and tooled up to be the genbrake as well... you know you want to.... Oxford diecast do some good plant so hopefully these will appear on layouts at some time . recent phots had a jumble of older concrete sleepers as a train load as a varation to spent ballast or roadbase stone. Robert

Cheeky buggers with this one ! Just sold left leg to science .... Will look good with my Sperry , have to mug up a tank as well. Robert

Yes I spotted lack of them as well -give it time I guess. Just canvassed the boss at C rail.

Well now had some of each of these , having asked for them in the first place it would be rude not to buy in - now have loads for 4 wheel flats so thanks .

Another one gone ! no food until Christmas ..

Hi collective ! Just two questions can anybody confirm the size of the hopper windows as fitted to the 70 class towards end of career ? - Allen at worsley works has prepared new drawings and would like to get this spot on. Secondly on the cab end the windows as etched might not be quite right they seem to large all round to me and Allen is after an end drawing of the power car so we can confirm and correct if necessary . Many thanks in advance. If you have not seen it check out Darius` build of Allen`s etches, If I can do half as good ... Robert

I have emailed Allen at Worsley Works to see if he has time to do come etches for the loco hauled stock as overlays. This while asking about class 70 overlay changes to a hopper window for the Sealink liveried railcar, Robert

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IRELAND-modern-station-signs-Your-name-choice/203048796745?hash=item2f46a6c249:g:IWcAAOSwW1da14Fz might be your friend ! Robert

Halford Ford polar grey is what I have used as rail grey and seems ok with enough contrast to show the white line on the transfer stripe - Steve at Railtech says he can do the stripe without the white line if required. Robert

Thanks - mind reading again , just about to add transfers to barrier wagons. Just looking for a photo or three. Robert

Grainge and Hodder in Birmingham have some specials for me and no problem and several Warley https://www.graingeandhodder.co.uk/ Robert

I don`t think the rods will fit on though! .... good project have you got spares for it ? 171 mentioned above £335 ... spare arms and legs easily available it seems ! Robert

Hoping to order when it becomes available. Robert

https://peco-uk.com/collections/track/products/streamline-bullhead-track would be a good starting point Robert

Garfield, A quick goggle stroll did not help with definitive answer but one pic of a an old LBSCR referred to an even smaller compartment as a dog box. The BR vans had full height fodder compartments but I cannot see a label in any pics - such is life. On the Ffestiniog Railway we have a guards van with a dog box - albeit this now used for electrical stuff ! Happy Sunday Robert

IIRC the low roof bit was for fodder supplies - it is about bale size. Robert

A snap shot in history - socially distancing in the majority ! great work and bubbles really smart.

Visited my local Halfords in sunny Birmingham this morning 0845 - first customer having opened 08.00.. Plenty of grey primer to be had in 300 and 400ml tins. That and a can of Ford pine green . They had a pile of end of line colours as well - but not priced.

Great idea from the bunker - small order placed. I wonder if selling the weed killer tanks as well might help income. Some 40 foot Bells would be very popular I suggest. Robert

Good to see this progress , PM sent and I bet it will be a real colour! I have used a frame as pattern for cutting glazing and will make 12 to ensure stocks for second one and choice for good fit . Thanks for the tip on graphite to keep grills clear . Robert

And a bit more SSM flat in brunswick green - Humbrol rattle can and cement pallet two tamyia blues but still not too sure.Second flat in same condition just waiting on more bogie sideframes , a third that was bought in S/H in glued up state over being soldered has had some glue reinforcement and couplings sort - all on Kaydee 20s , barrier tanks and container frames to sort.