The Bigbee Line

The tree wagon images are superb. The 'Charringtons' wagon looks like it's suppying loco's with coal from the simplest of coal stages. An ideal thing to model.

Jim, Thanks for the link. Probably too early for me, but some very nice items. I'm looking for something to use on a KESR 1930s/1940s setting. Something a bit more odd ball than a pill box brake. I'm thinking of bodging a Parkside LMS van, planking over the duckets and slightly altering the van ends (removing the offset pillar in the van end opening).

Slaters make an O gauge kit 7043 for the SECR 6 wheeled 20 ton Brake Van https://slatersplastikard.com/linePage.php?code=7043 Can it be used without the centre axle to represent a lighter version?

Nice painting etc on the C&W building. Well done. Looking forward to seeing it at Showcase.

The TWW fuel point had a second life at Dover Town.

I know what you mean, that special reading that has to be done horizontally, then to make it hard to read with your eyes closed......

Paul, Nice building, you've discovered your true vocation.. I like the Naff Gas Heaters you've modelled. They were so BR. In the 80's I had a turn one night with a ballast from Ashford to Tonbridge, got relief, 4 hours doing nothing, then relieve and work back to Ashford. Trying to do what any good railwayman would do; sleep, I retired to a quiet room in the west yard. Would the heater work, would it f**k..... Luckily a layer of weekly notices provided an insulating layer on the table that became a bed. I managed a couple of hours kip on a cold december night. Non railwaymen will have no idea what I'm on about. If there was a test to see who was a true railwayman, I'd show them four dining chairs and ask what they'd make. A true railwayman would line them up and be asleep before you could say 'Bob Reid'.......

I maintain elderly class 47s. They can get through some water. One of them likes a drink quite often. Oil is the favoured tipple of another of my charges. One things for sure, the compressor room and its contents won't go rusty......

And a full quota of screws....... On a serious note. If there's some easily fixed shortcomings, I'm ok. Just so pleased to have an E4

An interesting model. Perhaps there needs to be some research into what other stock would allow such a loco to appear on a layout, other that in preserved mode. ie did they end up on secodary passenger services in later years? What would be suitable coaching stock and what would be the right sort of accompanying freight loco? A nice loco, but not for me....... Shame.......

32517 on the Southern E-group web site looks to be unlined.

Another vote for the continuous run. Trains need to stretch their legs... It's useful for testing and great fun for non enthusiasts to see a train really run.

I think Paul has periods of in-attention. I was shunting the yard when the layout was last in Blackburn. I was engrossed with fellow operator, and derailed a shunt through not watching what I was doing. I managed to avoid a card. I think he'd already used up his supply for the day! I expect one will now arrive in the post.

For anyone interested, there are a number of South Anglia Publications in the book shop in Watton High Street. If anyone is interested and it's too far for a look, you can PM me and I'm sure I can look for you. I snapped up several yesterday and as a 'Southern' person, the East Anglian Bug has got me.........

The open look is much more "country". Looks good.

Bill, Show us how your doing it?

Mick, Don't forget the old boys retired now........

Paul, How is the re-laying going? You've the right models to create a scene of a 1980s possession..... Ernie

Like Paul I use PVA. I have used Cork Floor tiles, they are available from certail DIY outlets (Homebase) but the quality of the cork used is quite poor. It's good enough, but you can get better. It's a coincidence but I'd been researching cork supplies on the internet and ended up with the same supplier as Paul. They are most helpful. Don't be tempted to just use pins... If you then drill, the sawdust gets forced between the sub-roadben and the cork, creating a hump... Glue every time. It will stick to MDF if you wish (that's what I'm using currently)

Very interesting prototype, although I'd have trouble justifying them. Serious question will they be offering a good price for bulk purchase, after all these are one of the first un-common wagons to run in block trains.

Gordon, No problem, Ernie

There are lots stacked up at Dereham, ready for refurbishment and reuse. Would the dimensions of these be any good?

Stupid question - What size brush do you use for the first and subsequent layers of paint?

The other function of tape especially in N gauge is to secure wires. Keeping them from straying as the body is replaced. So if it goes onto the side of the frame, the thickness can become an issue. I prefer normal insulation tape in narrow strips. I also save any spare wire from decoders to use when I need to run power to lights etc.

My paypal payment went through with no problem. Good luck