Castle

Hi Nile and Rhys, Whatever anyone's feelings positive or negative for the SR & constituents but the M7 is a form that showed up in numerous guises around the country and I am sure it will look great on the LMWR! I will look forward to this one... All the best, Castle

Brave New World - Iron Maiden

Hi Barry, I have had the same problem on one of my Halls - I wonder about the wipe down with an oily rag approach - at least it will be uniform and if any more gets out it just won't matter! it's been like it for months so no hope of it disappearing I think and I sealed the thing with varnish prior to and after. Looks far worse on BR green... I will keep monitoring here but I am close to using the oil on a kill or cure basis. It might look like a worked yet cared for engine - the bits done do, it's just that it's in funny patches! It's either that or it's a shed scene with a team of cleaners... All the best, Castle

All Right Now - Free

I don't think anyone does - I like to think of it a bit like a cross between RMWEB and the weirder, more experimental bits of Monty Python's Flying Circus... All the best, Castle

Hi Rob, That looks like you enjoyed yourself there - thanks for sharing the picture! All the best, Castle

Especially if one of the sausage vans has done similar and is parked next to it... Ewwwww!

Wow! DCC smell? What will they think of next? Coat on... All the best, Castle

Hi Jaz, Those poor sightless Deer get everywhere - you think that Network Rail would do something to keep them off the track wouldn't you? I will close the door on my way out after I get my coat... All the best, Castle

Thanks Brian! Well, the last Swindon built class for the UK main line network finally comes 'home'. If we were going to be silly about it (and why wouldn't we?!) I suppose we could have sung: Next week's the week the Teddy Bear has its picnic! I would normally say "I'll get my coat" but as it's on my thread, this once, I won't if that is ok with everyone! The chief engineer on No. 4079 spent part of his career with large marine Diesel engines and as he has tinkered with both DL 26 and 08 604 in the past, he will be itching to get a look at this one too! All the best, Castle

Hi All, They're BACK! Well the diseasels are making their second appearance at 81E and it's quite an exciting line up! The third Deltic on site in two years and leader of the convoy on the main line is the NRM's No. 55 002 KOYLI. Looking resplendent in rail blue livery. We also have a Class 47 visiting, sometime resident of the GCR, 47292 is in the large logo livery. It really looks the part and has obviously had a great deal of time and energy spent bringing it to this condition. Very nice! Then we have something I never thought I would see at 81E - the prototype HST No. 41 001! This has been a really amazing project to revive this hugely important machine from its museum slumber and although she is not expected to pull trains, she may well show her colours by running her engine up - exciting stuff! I thought this picture of the front coupling being used was quite interesting - I don't know why... Probably because I personally haven't seen it done before! Finally for today is No. D6700. Variously Known as No. 37 119 and later still as No. 37 350, she was the pioneer 'Tractor' and has the wonderful BR Green livery and split head code boxes that make her look not totally out of place outside the coal stage! The other visiting locomotives appearing on the weekend of the 24th - 26th May could include 'our' HST power car No. 43024 'Great Western Society 1961- 2011 Didcot Railway Centre' and No. 57 604 'Pendennis Castle' visiting on the Saturday and the Sunday if they can be spared from working for a living! The home side oil burners won't be letting the side down either with GWR Diesel Railcar No. 22 and 08604 in operation too. Hopefully, the latest acquisition for the Railway Centre, Class 14 D9516 will also be making its first appearance at its new home. It is currently in the Didcot area and is waiting to be delivered across the main line by the local crews. On my way home I saw a yellow network rail Class 31 and a pair of Class 20s too so a non diesel enthusiast has seen today: HST (I went home on one so it counts!) Class 55 Class 47 Class 37 Prototype Class 31 Class 20 (x2) Class 08. The Prototype HST The 'sort of Class 05' DL 26 - a.k.a. 'The Rat' Railcar No. 22 That's not bad going for someone not even TRYING to see classic diesels - if only I had gone looking for the Class 14 too... I hope to see some of you at the Gala - the No. 4079 team will be in residence and working on the locomotive - so come to the loco works and make yourself known! All the best, Castle

Kings & Queens - Aerosmith

Hi Polly, Guess what deal one of the 4144 gang and I have?! I am doing No. 4073 as No. 4079 with No. 5011s tender and No. 5011 will become No. 5000 with No. 4073s tender as per the time she was on trial with the LMS. My friend will buy No. 5000 from me and we both get interesting Castles! My No. 4079 is going into GWR style BR livery with BRITSH RAILWAYS in the Egyptian Serif font. Much less repainting that way - just a bit of extra lining to remove... Everyone's a winner! All the best, Castle

Working on the Chain Gang - Sam Cooke

I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That) - Meatloaf (thought we had better open it up a bit - lots of choice folks!)

Ace of Spades - Motörhead

Hi Phil, If you or anyone else needs any information about this type of coach I can get to the last surviving example of Dia. H43 to answer any questions... PM me with any requests! All the best, Castle

My Name is Mud - Primus

Hi Malc, The builds here are wonderful - very nice indeed. The GWR had some early stuff with similar ends. There are a few in Russell's books. All the best, Castle

Hi Alan, The 'drain' under the firebox is the blowdown valve used to assist the removal of the mud and other particulates that are boiled out of the water. It forces the gunk out under boiler pressure. It can also be used when cold to assist in emptying the boiler come wash out time although pulling the mud hole doors and wash out plugs out help too! The pipework under the cab step is the overflow for the injector and the injector itself is the brass lump visible behind the driving wheel. I hope this helps! All the best, Castle

As I said - no offence taken, said in jest good sir! I though the cleaning regime might be of interest as it is how it was done back in the day to assist with weathering and painting projects. Sorry if I gave an otherwise impression! All the best, Castle

Hi Missy, Yes - it's a bit tangled under there... If you time it right, No. 231 tends to spend some time in the loco shed so she will be over a pit which will make photos easier! Bring your overalls... Look forward to seeing you there! Castle and 'The Gang'

Hi All, I think that's a sort of compliment from Focal Plane... Just kidding! No. 5322 has been away earning it's keep and as you can see in picture 1, one of the loco gang is slowly working over her to bring her back to immaculate. The look is achieved by a flush off with paraffin on a long handled brush as being ably demonstrated. Then an oil / paraffin mix is used to give a final clean and is buffed up to a shine. It's all done as it was back in the day. So it's look reflects the period results of attentions of a shed with a good cleaning regime. Be careful as No. 5322 has its porthole windows in place as it was restored as closely as practicable to its 1917 condition and the route code / power discs are missing from the BR livery as it was only going to be temporary. Two years later... D'oh! All the best, Castle

Hi Missy, Very nice indeed - I have built two of these vehicles in 4mm scale and I have another two to do. The Dart Castings detail set is a real boon for this but that is cheating compared to what you are doing here... Are you coming to Railex this year at all? A small squad of the 41 team and myself will be there on Sunday. All the best, Castle

Bat Out of Hell - Meatloaf