Wright writes.....

[Woodcock29]

Hope Mr W doesn't mind. One of the five snaps I took. Aspiration from the inspirational.

 

BLC-©PwD-18-006-EditSm.jpg

 

P

Terrific photos of a great layout - modelling at its best. A number of new buildings are in evidence on this layout, one of three layouts at this place, since I last visited about 13 months ago.

 

Andrew

[grahame]

Three more:

 

BLC-©PwD-18-003-EditSm.jpg

 

BLC-©PwD-18-010-EditSm.jpg

 

BLC-©PwD-18-007-EditSm.jpg

 

P

A great variety of nicely observed and well modelled buildings. I particularly like the chapel on the hill and Edward's works building with the turret/tower and conical hat roof.

 

G

[Tony Wright]

Today, I was amongst a band of modellers spending a lovely day "playing trains and talking nonsense" (the last word has been changed to something more polite than the phrase when spoken).

 

I came away thinking that days like these make me realise that I care little about the public perception of the hobby.

 

There is something quite special about spending time in the company of a bunch of like minded people, who share the hobby in many different ways and at many different levels of involvement but are basically all interested in railways or building models of railways.

 

The camaraderie, banter and humour was there by the bucketload and there was plenty of top quality modelling to look at and enjoy.

 

As I left, I made a statement that it is days like these that make me realise just what a great hobby this is.

 

Hopefully Tony W will post a photo or two to illustrate some of what was to be seen.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, too, Tony,

 

And thanks for handing over those beautiful MR/M&GNR signals. They'll be planted today. I'll take pictures later.

 

Thanks, too, for the opportunity of taking some pictures of Sid Stubbs' stock. I'll post the discs to you and Steve tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

Isn't Geoff Kent's Black Lion incredible? I don't think I've ever seen such a consistent, overall standard of modelling. 

 

 

With talk of iron ore trains recently, has anyone ever seen a better example than this? Just the loco lamps..................

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Roy and Geoff, and all their guests for such a fantastic time yesterday. It really is a privilege to be invited. 

Edited June 24, 2018 by Tony Wright

[Mallard60022]

Ah, my specialist subject.

 

 

 

Hope Mr W doesn't mind. One of the five snaps I took. Aspiration from the inspirational.

 

BLC-©PwD-18-006-EditSm.jpg

 

P

Wear a badge next time Mr. Main, as should have I, as I must have passed you a number of times and not realised that I was in  such noble company. There was some kindly but harrassed chap with a Tyeneish accent attempting to keep the layout under control; could that have been you dear boy?

Duck. 

Edited June 24, 2018 by Mallard60022

[Denbridge]

I thoroughly enjoyed it, too, Tony,

 

And thanks for handing over those beautiful MR/M&GNER signals. They'll be planted today. I'll take pictures later.

 

Thanks, too, for the opportunity of taking some pictures of Sid Stubbs' stock. I'll post the discs to you and Steve tomorrow.

 

Sid Stubbs 02.jpg

 

Sid Stubbs 05.jpg

 

Sid Stubbs 06.jpg

 

Isn't Geoff Kent's Black Lion incredible? I don't think I've ever seen such a consistent, overall standard of modelling. 

 

Black Lion 28B.jpg

 

With talk of iron ore trains recently, has anyone ever seen a better example than this? Just the loco lamps..................

 

Black Lion 30.jpg

 

Black Lion 31.jpg

 

Black Lion 35.jpg

 

Black Lion 37.jpg

 

Thanks to Roy and Geoff, and all their guests for such a fantastic time yesterday. It really is a privilege to be invited.

 

Nice to see some of Sid Stubbs models. A true craftsman and a lovely man who i always enjoyed meeting.

[Mallard60022]

Many thanks to the crew of Retford and, of course, Mr Jackson. What a lovely way to spend a couple of hours on a summer Saturday afternoon, far from the madding crowd. It was a surprise to see so many folk there, my companion having expected it to be just members of the Bassetlaw Club. However, what a bonus that was for me in many ways that I won't post here, other than I now have so many good ideas for my own work.

Pity I missed Porcy; would have liked to have met him in person.

Phil  

[Porcy Mane]

as I must have passed you a number of times and not realised that I was in  such noble company.

Surely you meant "nobbled" company.

 

 

There was some kindly but harrassed chap with a Tyeneish accent attempting to keep the layout under control; could that have been you dear boy?

 

I was just relieving the Yard foreman!

 

Hurling profanities at all asunder and talking total b*llocks?. Yep that sounds like I.

 

Pity I missed Porcy; would have liked to have met him in person.

Believe me,your loss is not great my dearest duck. Most people describe my avoidance as relief. (I thought I'd better say it before someone else does).

 

P

Edited June 24, 2018 by Porcy Mane

[CUTLER2579]

Wear a badge next time Mr. Main, as should have I, as I must have passed you a number of times and not realised that I was in  such noble company. There was some kindly but harrassed chap with a Tyeneish accent attempting to keep the layout under control; could that have been you dear boy?

Duck. 

 

Mallard 60022,

Indeed we should, you didn't appear to have defecated on the floor  or I would have recognised you as a Duck instantly. 

 

To be serious, I have to agree with t-b-g in his earlier post, A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and many thanks to Roy for his hospitality in allowing us the opportunity to enter his home and  to see three of the best layouts one could ever see in one place.  

 

I get the impression that t-b-g may know the builder of "Black Lion Crossing",personally the quality of this mans work reminded me of a lovely layout called "Blakeney" which was also built to EM gauge.

I suppose I better put myself through the trauma of watching England in the World Cup,just a good job it's not Belgium today.

 

Regards,Derek.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 24, 2018 by CUTLER2579

[pete55]

Good afternoon Tony,

 

Good to see you and everyone else yesterday.....a splendid day out in like minded company!

 

Pete

[Tony Wright]

Ah, my specialist subject.

 

 

 

Hope Mr W doesn't mind. One of the five snaps I took. Aspiration from the inspirational.

 

BLC-©PwD-18-006-EditSm.jpg

 

P

Why would I mind?

 

They're lovely shots.

 

T.

[robertcwp]

 

Thanks to Roy and Geoff, and all their guests for such a fantastic time yesterday. It really is a privilege to be invited. 

Couldn't agree more. A splendid day and well worth almost 8 hours of driving (and over £50 in petrol) there and back. Black Lion Crossing is really quite an incredible piece of work, as is the rather larger layout than stands opposite it (Retford) and the smaller one behind it (Blakeney, also by Geoff Kent).

Edited June 24, 2018 by robertcwp

[Tony Wright]

Today, Geoff Haynes brought round one of the A2/2s I've built recently; fully-painted. The other is on its way to its owner, as will be this one, tomorrow. 

 

 

 

I've lost count now of the number of Thanes of Fife (or should that be Thane of Fifes?) I've built, but it's well into double figures. The other one was also 60505. I suppose because none is available RTR that I've built more of the Thompson Pacifics for customers than A3s or A4s (though the DJH A1 is still the most popular).

 

All that's required now for the MR/M&GNR is to install their operating mechanisms (over to you Mr Gee). 

 

 

 

 

Started by Mick Nicholson, they were completed and painted by Tony. I'm very fortunate to have such competent and accomplished modellers' work on LB. 

 

Indeed, given that help, I even delude myself I'm getting somewhere with my own modelling...............

 

 

Then I see and photograph work of this quality and I realise I've got far too far to go. Still, we can but try. 

Edited June 24, 2018 by Tony Wright

[Manxcat]

Tony,

 

When you build a kit such as one of the Thane of Fife locos do you always have to add or modify something to make them "right" from your point of view? For example, does the kit include the small smoke deflectors by the chimney or do you have to fashion and add them? You have said you add pipes made of fuse wire sometimes. Your coupling choice excepted, what is the most often required addition or modifictaion to the many kits you have built please?

 

Archie

[davefrk]

Surely you meant "nobbled" company.

 

 

 

I was just relieving the Yard foreman!

 

Hurling profanities at all asunder and talking total b*llocks?. Yep that sounds like I.

 

 

Believe me,your loss is not great my dearest duck. Most people describe my avoidance as relief. (I thought I'd better say it before someone else does).

 

P

 

Yes I'm sorry to have missed this one    but supporting the EM gauge society at the Perth show was on the cards before the running day date was known.    Glad you all enjoyed it and I'm sure Babworth box was operated better without me at the levers....

 

Dave Franks.

[t-b-g]

Yes I'm sorry to have missed this one    but supporting the EM gauge society at the Perth show was on the cards before the running day date was known.    Glad you all enjoyed it and I'm sure Babworth box was operated better without me at the levers....

 

Dave Franks.

 

I don't want to be the one to tell you this but..........

 

Let's just say your substitute filled your shoes with aplomb!

[Porcy Mane]

I'm sure Babworth box was operated better without me at the levers....

 

Erm... shouldn't that be lever? 36 Pull, 36 Push... 36 Pull, 36 Push... 36 Pull, 36 Push... You make it look so easy when viewed from the opposite side. 

 

One of your subs made it look even easier. He pulled up a soft chair, snuggled down into it and had a snooze between call attn's. He even brought his own carpet for the signal box floor! I kid you not.

 

Let's just say your substitute filled your shoes with aplomb!

 

Three substitutes, three. They were big shoes to fill.

 

P

Edited June 24, 2018 by Porcy Mane

[t-b-g]

Erm... shouldn't that be lever? 36 Pull, 36 Push... 36 Pull, 36 Push... 36 Pull, 36 Push... You make it look so easy when viewed from the opposite side.

 

What! No Number 50?

[Axlebox]

Dear Mr Franks,

Your job is safe, as (for a while) in the middle of the afternoon, I disgraced the brethren of the levers and fell asleep.  In my defence, keeping the yard monkies in order is a full time job.  Also, that signal no36 (as commented on above) has quite a hypnotically sexy action...I feel another lie down coming on...

yours

A/box (hot under the collar)

[Tony Wright]

Tony,

 

When you build a kit such as one of the Thane of Fife locos do you always have to add or modify something to make them "right" from your point of view? For example, does the kit include the small smoke deflectors by the chimney or do you have to fashion and add them? You have said you add pipes made of fuse wire sometimes. Your coupling choice excepted, what is the most often required addition or modifictaion to the many kits you have built please?

 

Archie

Archie,

 

The small deflectors are included in the DJH kit; as is just about everything else, including different chimneys and sandbox fillers. 

 

The wiggly pipes (oiling conduits?) are prominent on the smokeboxes of all the LNER big locos - even on one side of the A4s, jut above the LH nameplate (Hornby hedge their bets by putting them on both sides of their A3s, when the top one should only be on the opposite side to the drive). There's also a pipe run on the Thompson/Peppercorn Pacifics which goes from the cab end of the vacuum ejector pipe, wiggling down in front of the cab, to pass through the footplate. It would be unreasonable for a kit-manufacturer to supply all these fiddly 'extras', though DJH does give you the oil boxes. 

 

Most additions to locos include ejectors/injectors, and, as mentioned, wiggly conduits. I probably added some fiddly bits to the A7 I built for you. I'm sometimes hesitant about putting sandpipes on, because these can be easily squashed in transit or by the occasional derailment. Then they can cause jamming and shorting. Where they are really prominent, say, between the drivers of a Schools, then they have to be fitted. 

 

I've probably mentioned this before, but I'll get as many prototype pictures as I can, and, if I can clearly see detail, I'll usually put it on. If I can't see it (occasionally, things like footplate supports or brake cylinders), even if I know its there, I don't bother fitting it. Prototype pictures allow me to get detail right - in the case of 60505, the transposed numberplate/crossrail on the smokebox door, the joined-together sandbox fillers and the forward position of the dome. Its vacuum ejector pipe is reasonably straight - earlier in its life, it was a bit bent. The handrails also were cut short of the smokebox front when it got a Peppercorn/Thompson boiler, like 60501's. 

 

Oh, those joys of 'loco-picking'.  

[Porcy Mane]

What! No Number 50?

On occasion.

[DougN]

Tony, I have a serious question about your comment above, " I even delude myself I'm getting somewhere with my own modelling" Far from it. I believe every one is capable of achieving their aim, Your modelling is more to do with building of LNER pacifics and others. Your photo of "Black Lion crossing" shows that the layout has been built with a specific observation of the area and the modelling skills built up over years. Personally I can put a etched kit together, to an personally acceptable standard which friends have said is to the highest level (but until recently couldn't put a Metcalf kit together satisfactorily! Why at the age of 16 I could solder together whitemetal but not do a cardboard kit took me a long time to figure out now in my 40's!!). I can still see faults and missing bits which with each one I build I am getting better at observing. We all find our own "level" and what we find acceptable for running/ finish/ look and more specifically overall standard. You have mentioned at length that LB has been a labour of horse trading to complete from a large number of modellers. But you are the one to finish bits if you think they are missing. How many hours have you just tinkered on the layout but not felt you had done any thing? 

 

I also believe "BLC" is a lot smaller than LB... There can also be a difference in the way people do things too. Some can "work" for 60hours a week on their model. Others can only manage 2hours a week, but the number of people who say "I can't do that." probabaly have never tried or can't get out of their easy chairs! . Your encouragement of others of this parish and the wider community with your roving loco clinics is where a legacy and achievement is! So, I guess, your comment is more of "I need to challenge myself more". 

[Tony Wright]

Tony, I have a serious question about your comment above, " I even delude myself I'm getting somewhere with my own modelling" Far from it. I believe every one is capable of achieving their aim, Your modelling is more to do with building of LNER pacifics and others. Your photo of "Black Lion crossing" shows that the layout has been built with a specific observation of the area and the modelling skills built up over years. Personally I can put a etched kit together, to an personally acceptable standard which friends have said is to the highest level (but until recently couldn't put a Metcalf kit together satisfactorily! Why at the age of 16 I could solder together whitemetal but not do a cardboard kit took me a long time to figure out now in my 40's!!). I can still see faults and missing bits which with each one I build I am getting better at observing. We all find our own "level" and what we find acceptable for running/ finish/ look and more specifically overall standard. You have mentioned at length that LB has been a labour of horse trading to complete from a large number of modellers. But you are the one to finish bits if you think they are missing. How many hours have you just tinkered on the layout but not felt you had done any thing? 

 

I also believe "BLC" is a lot smaller than LB... There can also be a difference in the way people do things too. Some can "work" for 60hours a week on their model. Others can only manage 2hours a week, but the number of people who say "I can't do that." probabaly have never tried or can't get out of their easy chairs! . Your encouragement of others of this parish and the wider community with your roving loco clinics is where a legacy and achievement is! So, I guess, your comment is more of "I need to challenge myself more". 

Thanks Doug,

 

Black Lion Crossing is a lot smaller than Little Bytham, and, to be fair, it is not all Geoff's work. Roy Jackson built the track and John Phillips did a lot of the wiring. Roy has also built several of the locos. 

 

That same trio built High Dyke and Dunwhich (should it have a middle 'h'?), and Roy and John probably helped Geoff a little with Blakeney. Geoff has built the signal boxes for Retford, though I don't know if either have helped John with his Doncaster project. I know Tony Gee has. 

 

The point I was trying to make is that Geoff Kent is far more self-reliant than I am. He's capable of 'mastering' all the skills required in the building of a layout and everything which goes on it. His scratch-built rolling stock in 'Plastikard' is renowned, as is his architectural modelling. He can paint a loco as well as any I've had painted. He's one of the very best 'all round' modellers I know, and it's a privilege to know him (and Roy, and John, and Tony, and all the other contributors to the great, 'collective' projects). Though I think I can build a loco to the 'Retford' standard (I have done), I just gaze in admiration at the overall modelling on BLC; even though, strictly-speaking, it isn't an actual prototype location; however, all the elements are prototype-based. It's so beautifully-observed, nothing is out of place, and, knowing the area (like Geoff, I'm a contemporary Cestrian), as a boy/young adult, it captures that bit of industrial North Wales perfectly. 

 

As for people who say 'I can't do that', my aim has been to prove them wrong, with my one-to-one tutorials and 'lessons'. I must be lucky, because I've only failed on one occasion, and that was through my own arrogance. I thought I was a good enough teacher. I wasn't; another example of deluding myself! 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[davefrk]

What! No Number 50?

 

You mean there's more than one signal now????

 

Well blow me down and call me Daphne, the only one I remember is the one that is so far away from Babworth box that one can't even see it, well it is a 'distant' signal I suppose, I began to suspect that the lever wasn't actually connected to anything and you lot were just winding me up!

 

And yes keeping the yard monkeys happy can be fun but trying to remember what levers to pull for the mainline crossover for their shunting moves can be difficult at my age.

 

And again my shoes are only size nine so as Tony has said before - 'it's only when you try it a few times you find out you can do it', and as I say - 'practice makes perfect' but then I don't practice enough to be even average.

 

Glad you all enjoyed the day and say hello to Roy for me.

 

All the best guys and gals.

 

Dave Franks.

[Tony Wright]

I'm delighted to report that friend, Geoff West, was delighted with his A2/2, which he picked up today.

 

 

A month or so ago, I sold him the Nu-Cast J6 I'd recently built and painted. Today, he brought it back for me to see, having now weathered it. I have to say I think he's done a splendid job; very natural indeed. 

 

 

Another loco he brought was this DJH A1, built (or really rebuilt) by him and painted by Geoff Haynes. 

 

It must be three years or so ago when I posted the first picture of this. Someone had started it, and what a wreck! The buffers were even attached under the cab. I wouldn't have touched it, but he persevered and turned it into a reasonable 'layout loco'. There are still a few bits which are just a little 'twitchy', but it is a lesson in self-reliance and persistence. I gave a little help (after suggesting it be buried!), but it's mainly his work. I'm delighted for him, and Geoff Haynes' painting has really lifted it. It fairly romped around LB today. 

Edited June 25, 2018 by Tony Wright

[davidw]

I'm delighted to report that friend, Geoff West, was delighted with his A2/2, which he picked up today.

 

J6 weathered.jpg

 

A month or so ago, I sold him the Nu-Cast J6 I'd recently built and painted. Today, he brought it back for me to see, having now weathered it. I have to say I think he's done a splendid job; very natural indeed.

 

Geoff West A1.jpg

 

Another loco he brought was this DJH A1, built (or really rebuilt) by him and painted by Geoff Haynes.

 

It must be three years or so ago when I posted the first picture of this. Someone had started it, and what a wreck! The buffers were even attached under the cab. I wouldn't have touched it, but he persevered and turned it into a reasonable 'layout loco'. There are still a few bits which are just a little 'twitchy', but it is a lesson in self-reliance and persistence. I gave a little help (after suggesting it be buried!), but it's mainly his work. I'm delighted for him, and Geoff Haynes' painting has really lifted it. It fairly romped around LB today.

The DJH A1 always seems to have more 'presence' than the Bachmann version.