John Isherwood

You've just not found the right pub - though living here in Cornwall helps; the pub 'groups' are very welcoming, provided that you don't come over as 'pushy'. CJI.

Please could you explain - this is a new one on me? CJI.

When they were available, I acquired - as no small investment - a full set of David Larkin's Wagon Data Sheets. This was the best investment that I ever made, and the core source for Cambridge Custom Transfers. John Isherwood.

It seems to be that, the less they know about their subject, the more successful they are as 'influencers' A classic example of the blind leading the blind ...... CJI.

I think that they will suggest that you save up for four months, and then buy the set. That's what most of us would do. CJI.

Me!!! CJI.

The DC Luddite's mantra : - If in doubt - rip if out !! CJI.

Having checked-out the Springside 4mm. website, the two-part top feed / safety valves are listed - but they are noticeably missing from the price list. CJI

The TIERWAG was clearly intended for the international transport of new cars when built, and was subsequently used for that purpose. Perhaps you'd care to itemise the ways in which Tri-ang's model misrepresented the TIERWAG? CJI.

The Newton Chambers vans were simply a version of the earlier, internationally-registered TIERWAG, (which was intended for the international transport of new cars), with a fibreglass body to protect the cars. Tri-ang produced a remarkably accurate model of the TIERWAG, as their double-deck car transporter; I detailed one, years ago. CJI.

But why order three if you only wanted one? If you've ordered a three pack, cancel or send it back, and order a single. CJI.

Can't think why - you saved £1.29 on each one! That's fear of missing out for you! CJI.

Having gone to so much trouble, it seems a shame that it isn't fully authentic. CJI.

So - was it restored by South Devon or Bodmin? Whoever - it's a lovely job! CJI.

No, Tony - as posted above - on this occasion I misread the context and you were correct; sorry! John Isherwood.

Sorry - don't do silly arguments. CJI.

Semantics, I think - would they have been built in their present form if the original had not existed? Newbuild updated replica OK? CJI.

I stand corrected - I misread the context. CJI.

Expanding on this theme; here's a little educational experiment for you. Takes some gloss paint and add a LITTLE talcum powder to it - and STIR very well; you now have satin or matt paint, depending on how much talc you added. The talc is the microscopic range of mountains which scatter light in all directions - thus appearing matt. Gloss is smooth, reflecting light straight back to the eye - thus appearing gloss. John Isherwood.

It isn't really a trick. Gloss = microscopically smooth; Matt = microscopically like the Andes mountains. Lay a film of clear carrier film over the latter, and you trap air in all the valleys between the mountains; with gloss, there are no valleys. Air is what causes the 'ghost' behind the carrier film; no air, no 'ghost'! Simples! John Isherwood.

Certainly not with the apostrophe!😀 CJI.

Very nice, indeed. However - it is evident that the transfers have been applied to a matt, or satin surface; the 'ghost' of the carrier film is rather evident, unfortunately. There is a prejudice against waterslide transfers for this very reason, but it need not be so. My transfers contain instructions which will allow the carrier film to become invisible - but there is a strange reluctance in certain quarters to read / follow them. In short, apply the transfers to a HIGH GLOSS surface; seal them with GLOSS varnish; then apply any satin or matt finish that you wish. I can only assume that this process is deemed to be too long - but shortcuts will only lead to disappointing results! John Isherwood, Cambridge Custom Transfers.

Well - that's a new one! Normally, we hear complaints of boiler joints that shouldn't be there! CJI.

I can see far more worth in bringing such a former museum 'stuffed relic' back to life, than any of the current new build, 'updated' facsimiles of extinct 'iconic' locos. CJI.

Depends on the source of the 'public funding'. I spent forty years designing, letting and supervising local government civil engineering contracts. The 'Contingency Sum' item at the end of the priced Bill of Quantities was invariably 10% of the foregoing items - and I had to have a bl**dy good reason at the time of Final Accounts to pay any of it! The problem with central government funded contracts is that they are perceived as a bottomless honeypot. Anything and everything gets charged to them - ultra-swish site accommodation, of the size of small towns; new motorway interchanges to access them; five star hotel accommodation for senior executives on site visits; first class travel; endless consultants' fees - the list goes on, and on, and on .... At one time, there was the man who wanted the hole digging, and the man who dug the hole. Nowadays, there's an army of non-productive bodies dictating when the hole must be dug, how the hole must be dug, where the muck must be placed, how the public should be prevented from falling down the hole, how the man who digs the hole should be provided for when he needs to receive himself ...... So - not a big surprise that organising the digging of the hole costs multiples of the cost of actually digging the hole!! CJI.