Mike 84C

John, you are a star! thank you very much, that is just what I need. I came upon three Hornby Caledonian coaches that are a little tired, for £20 and the 60ft MGW comp looked possible but I have searched all my books and have not found a photo of the corridor side. Now I do not need it. The photo of Polloxfens mill in Rails to the West aroused my interest as I worked in the feed milling industry for about 25/30 yrs with Ranks & Dalgety and still work part time for Moy Park! And I thought the grain wagons would be an easy kit bash. I presume that most wheat and barley for animal feed was imported at this period? I was the grain movements manager for one of the Dalgety companies and we were sending several boats a week into Belfast with feed and milling wheat from Avonmouth. Non of this can happen till the three Bredins I purchased from you are finished, thanks again. Mike

First class workmanship David.

Guys, I looked on the old site and there seemed to be a proposed register of CIE wagons. I ask because my interest has been sparked in the converted H wagons with ladders up the side, roof walks and roof hatches. Did they have slope sheets inside and hopper bottoms or was it a man with a shovel? Any side view photographs? And is there a photo or drawing of the corridor side for the MGW 60ft composites built on the Belgian under frames? Any help is much appreciated MIke

Thanks for your thoughts guys. I did wonder if one of the MGW bogie coaches would be a candidate or maybe make it shorter as I seem to remember a coach in JHB's folios could fit the bill. Noel, thats the very model! StevieB is right, it looks rather good in B&T. Mayner,I did not think about the older Hornby clerestory because of the turned under end.

Modelling Irish Railways suggests the Hornby Caledonian carriages as being suitable for conversion into GSWR style carriages. Browsing through my books does not really suggest a suitable victim! Any suggestions guys?

That looks very good Kieran, I hope my first attempt at an SSM kit is as good but I need to buy a Bandon tank loco first!

That looks really good, I like the sheep being driven down the road. Animals being driven on a highway? c'ant remember when I last saw that happen. Keep working your magic!

The wages paid by the TOC's on this side of the Irish Sea are staggeringly high, drivers on 40/50k P.A for a 37 hr week is the norm. And Network Rail plus the Underground are equally well paid. Minimum wage, forget it. The uk's large and growing population has not really pushed the government towards large scale electrification. The east west through the Pennines electrification is now on hold,on cost grounds. I expect it will cost at least twice as much by the time it happens and not in my lifetime!

Looks really good Kirley.

Excellent thread Richie. And another vote in favour of the sticky motion. +1

Well done Daryl, turning inexpensive models into what you want them to be. Watching your posts with interest. Mike

I have also used Digitrains, first class service and Jeremy is very helpful if advice is needed, a satisfied customer.

Almost jewelry is about right Jim. And he is a very pleasant guy to talk with. Minister, I am inclined to agree about the size of the locking room windows but I thought the box timber framing etc was rather good.

I was at our local Lincoln model railway club show this weekend and came across this guy;Severn Models, he produces some very useful model of garden sheds,lineside huts, workshop tools, and a Mackenzie & Holland Type 3 signalbox all photo etched,which I thought could look rather Irish if painted in the correct livery. The sample etchings on his stand were excellent; so I bought the signalbox kit. His website is http://www.SevernModels.com Also http://www.petite-properties.com who do a very good range of buildings and their range of paint/colour for finishing looks very good. Usual disclaimer just a customer! Mick

Thanks for the prices Harry, I could not remember how much they were. I think only a professional loco builder could justify the more sophisticated, pricey versions.

I used one on a visit to Tony Wrights and I was impressed. I believe they now do a longer one, a B1 chassis just fitted in the standard model so I shall buy the longer one. And a sensible price.

Get friendly with your dentist, those little burrs he attacks your teeth with are very useful. I like the serrated ball shaped ones and the ones that are like milling cutters. They should fit your Dremel and a hand full have lasted me for years.

Excellent Kieran, I d'ont know how you find the time!

They are excellent Nelson, Sat in the colliery sidings brought back happy memories your work just gets better!

Dave,that is brilliant. Your client is a lucky man and is getting a quality job. That sweeping curve on the viaduct is beautiful and will show passing trains at their best. Enjoying the photos!

Great stuff you are off to a flying start! I look forward to seeing more photos of your progress. Enjoy!

Thanks for for all the help and comment guys and Mayner the drawing explains all thank you. Its easy to make assumptions about fittings etc; which I often do and am proved wrong! I asked because for a number of years I worked under 1'11 3/4" gauge carriages, all only had one cylnder and some very ingenious pullrods to make it all work! I know, 20 mph narrow gauge but its worth knowing.

It was the tank that made me think American. The very large dome is typical of ACF tank cars turned out from the First world War era.

Did each bogie have a brake cylinder or were both bogies braked from one cylinder? difficult to tell from the photos I have. Thanks for any advice. mike

A very odd vehicle. A very American looking tank, mounted on a coach style under frame on what look like arch bar trucks. If my supposition is correct where did the parts come from?