Downendian

https://flic.kr/p/r1V7d8 D1070 in 1975 Neil

Hi Trevor Re the unidentified Western in post 41, and whether it’s D1057. I’m pretty sure it’s D1070, a photo taken on 1/5/75 has three identical rust patches and is found in Stephen Dowles excellent “class 52 Westerns, the twilight years” p28. Sorry! From this very forum I found that I’d in fact seen D1032 in Swindon con yard which wasn’t recorded in October 1974. A post from a fellow RMwebber had shown it was present the day before I had travelled to London. Neil

Thanks Trevor, indeed I had not spotted the earlier D1065 photo at Didcot. My model of D1065 has already been built complete with unique horn cowl, but these photos are invaluable.Spotting books in Bristol, and I’ve spent a very nice weekend in the South Hams, will be reunited with them mid week, when I’ll check the date and KX log. Neil

Terrific Trev, note the Paddington shot of D1065,she had a different shaped horn cowl to the rest of the class at one end. You’ve captured it perfectly and I’ve been trawling for years and not found one of better quality. I’m pretty sure I was there In London that day, but don’t have my records immediately to hand. Spent most of the day at KX chasing the deltics. With 40+ year hindsight should have been at Paddington with a camera! Neil

Brilliantly composed photos Trevor, thanks for posting. D1030 and 50044 looks like the Western is on a rescue mission _ always a pleasure to see especially for die hard Hydraulic fans. Neil

A quick photo of the FO, that I’ve just PMed Phil Bullock, as I said to him, no close coupling mechanism, feels a bit lightweight. I’m sure with a bit of attention they will scrub up (or down if weathering) well.

Good luck with this Phil, we will see progress soon I’m sure. I’ve bought a few lengths of C&L bullhead for my spoil sidings, and the sleeper spacing really makes a difference to peco code 75. Like you I’m sticking to OO for the foreseeable, but if starting all over I’d certainly want to look at correct sleeper spacing especially out on the mainline. Although I’ve only done 3 sessions with mark 1, a few more fiddle loops would be good, but making it all transportable is always the downside here. Neil

Missed this Phil, she's at Bournemouth studying Sociology, bit of a drive from Bristol.I would be very happy to see pics of D6 "in service". Again can't make another Abbotswood outing due to a US trip for work, hopefully the next one or first with Abbotswood 2. Neil

Sorry I can't be there Phil, I'm driving daughter 2 to her University. Neil

Terrific thanks Mark will amend my notes, amazing amount of info you have on Western workings.Apologies I've only just read this post, having a resurgence in my interest in fishing, and modelling taking second place at the moment. Neil

Great detective work Greg, presumably this one? https://flic.kr/p/52SYQv The data panel and allocation sticker also match, D1051 I think almost certain. Neil

I thought the plate looked like D1052 too, but Viceroy had cab peak ventilators, clearly absent in the shot. Neil

I've seen many photos of BSYP Hymeks on the Cardiff-Pompey trains, and especially D7052 which was Canton allocated in 1969/70 which I think is the same time frame as the Caldicot photo. D7052 was in its later years in a bit of a shocking state of course, so if it is her, this would be pre-1971. I wouldn't be surprised either if a Bath road engine operated this service, but more likely to be from Cardiff. Allocations here in 1969/70 http://www.shelbrooke.co.uk/Hymek/Section3-1.htm Neil

I have several of these that replaced my cut and shut Hornby 37 project from the 1980s which was never completed. What jars with me with the Heljan model is the headcode box, my ancient project looked more realistic at least in this area. The Heljan models box apertures are too small and limits the size of the headcode characters that can be added, diminishing the appearance of the front end, Paul James of the EM gauge 1970s crew has had a go at this with impressive results. http://www.emgauge70s.co.uk/project_class23.html The Kier Hardy site is a never ending source of inspiration. Neil

Terrific thanks Steve. The shot alone justifies my large Hymek fleet. Neil

That was D7004 Nidge, D7007 and D7051 had them to the bitter end. I have a Swindon con yard shot somewhere. Neil

Hi Nidge and thanks No date, but I've yet to receive the slide as I only won it last night. 7051 can be excluded as it had blue window surrounds. Neil

Spotted this one on eBay yesterday, and won for the sum of £3.70. A real rarity I think, three Hymeks at (edit) Caldicot Although out of focus, I'm ever hopeful that future software will be able to correct this. 1O67 is a Cardiff-Pompey service that the Blue small yellow mek is working. Very rare to capture this, and a shame about the focus, but I had to add it to my collection. Neil

Well here's some photos - I took loads and a bit disappointed with the results with my new camera- depth of field the main issue. Will need to experiment more, and use a smaller aperture setting next time.

Lovely day out Yesterday helping with Abbotswood, and what a venue with the occasional waft of burnt diesel and the roar of first generation diesels in the background. I'll post some photos later, but first I have the small issue of a book to finish. Neil

D6 will be there! Looking forward to it Phil.Neil

Outstanding modelling Ian, I've taken an interest in this thread because the route you propose would pass very close to my South Devon house (just outside Yealmpton) about 5 miles from Modbury. I'm stunned by those figures you've just painted - I would struggle in 4mm - you must have excellent eyesight and a steady hand. Neil

I've just received my NCB version. The cab does not appear to be seated properly when compared to Ruston's excellent prototype photo. The Sawyersmodels photos appear the same as mine. I tried briefly to push it home with no luck. Anyone else looked into this? Otherwise a beautiful little shunter to play with. Neil

Nice anecdote Brian. The class 31 on the Siphon Gs was a routine mid-afternoon sight at Bristol Parkway in the mid 70s on a working from South Wales to London. It was almost always an OC-allocated loco with "Newspapers" branded Siphons, must get those detailed Limas sorted for a representation of that train, but with a Hymek up front. I do remember the occasional class 37 on that service, will look up the headcode for it.Edit : would be interested to hear more about the Temple Meads-London service Neil

Yes disappointed too, I'd have at least 2 of the later body style. Neil