SRman

I have bought coach parts, coach kits (BR long non-gangwayed coaches pre-finished in green), motorised chassis and transfers from Replica, and for every transaction they have been courteous, friendly and informative. Post to Australia takes a bit longer (which is not their fault!), so I always have to be patient awaiting the arrival of whatever I have ordered, but everything is always exactly as required. Great service, and great guys.

It is difficult to determine in the video. The top plates are certainly curved. I would have expected the plate girders themselves to be straight, as Andy G has suggested, but in the video, they do look to be quite short and curved. That may be true, or it may also be a trick of the camera angle. In my opinion, and using that video and all the photos I can find, the jury is still out on whether they are straight or curved.

Here in Oz we had to wait until the 2nd to see this episode. My first comment at the end was it was a much better story than what has gone before with this series. I agree the father-son reunion was a little too padded out, but overall a very promising return to form. Let's face it, we still have to suspend disbelief with any Doctor Who story - we all accept a space ship that can travel through time and space and is bigger on the inside than outside (or, as one version of Clara put it, "It's smaller on the outside!").

I agree with you about the slab-sided types, John. They really did need something to break up the large areas of one colour. At risk of boring everyone, continuing with my records of stock I have, this time the theme is Southern Region HA (class 71) straight electrics and JA/JB (class 73) electro-diesels. For those unfamiliar with the Southern Region (ex-Southern Railway) system, they use a third rail electrification at nominally 750V DC (it has varied in the past and can go up to 850V DC in certain places). There were two straight electric Co-Co locos in Southern Railway days, added to in BR days with one more (BR 20001 - 3), which had 'booster' sets on board - a large flywheel which turned a generator to allow the locos to clear gaps in the third rail system at crossovers and the like. BR built a new class of Bo-Bo electrics at Doncaster (of all places!) which had one 'booster' set on board, compared to two on the earlier locos, but delivered a lot more power at the rail. These 20 locomotives became class 71 (with 10 of them being converted later to the unsuccessful electro-diesels of class 74). They were also equipped with pantographs for use at slow speed in certain yards with tramway-style overhead (safer for the men on the ground!). These two models are both from DJ Models: E5004 is in the earlier BR(S) green with red and white lining. E5003 is in a later, slightly darker green with no lining but small yellow warning panels. P_20190103_000732_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190103_000959_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr The electro-diesels were far more versatile, with an initial batch of six built at Eastleigh proving such a success that a second batch was ordered from English Electric to a slightly improved design. They were able to operate as straight electrics on the third rail, and operate in multiple with BR(S) EP type multiple units using the high level jumpers and air pipes. They were also able to operate at reduced power (600hp) as diesel electrics, with blue star multiple connections meaning they could operate in multiple with a good many other BR diesel classes. They were built to the Hastings line loading gauge, which meant they were able to go just about anywhere on the system. Some are still operating to this day. My collection of 12 operating locomotives cover a variety of liveries from the first early 1960s examples in green, to very recent ones with private operators. All but three are currently on Hornby chassis - one still has its original Lima chassis but with a ModelTorque motor fitted, the remaining two are Dapol's newer models. Excepting the Dapol examples, the bodies have come from Lima and Hornby, and I have several spare bodies with further liveries I can swap onto the chassis if I wish. They are shown in roughly chronological order of their liveries. Etched name plates and shields/crests are fitted where appropriate. E6003 in BR(S) green with grey band is a Hornby RailRoad model that has only just joined the collection. The previous owner has fitted many brass extras - pipes, oval buffers, and etched footsteps (one missing). I have not, as yet, fitted the extra jumper cables that JA (later class 73/0) locos had. E6002 is also in BR(S) green with grey band and the addition of small yellow warning panels. This was a Lima body I detailed and repainted completely. Note the extra jumper below the drivers windscreen. When new, E6001 - 3 had oval buffers, something neither Lima nor Hornby ever modelled on these. E6007 was the first of the second batch, becoming class JB (later class 73/1). These were delivered in a very early rendition of BR blue, but with small yellow panels and grey roofs and lower bands, which looked quite attractive. This is a Dapol model, which came with electrical problems designed in and is very definitely not an accurate shade of blue. The yellow warning panel was also too pale and the wrong shape. E6012 is another early blue example, with a far more accurate rendition of the blue and the yellow warning panel. This one is a Lima body on a Hornby chassis. E6039 shows an intermediate BR blue livery, with grey roof and full yellow ends. Lima body on Hornby chassis. 73 142 Broadlands shows the next phase of BR blue, the Large Logo Blue (LLB), with wrap-around yellow ends, grey roof and large BR 'arrows' and numbers. This was a celebrity locomotive used for royal train duties. The body is Lima (one of the very first 73s I bought), with a Lima/ModelTorque chassis. 73 125 Stewarts Lane 1860 - 1985 shows the next phase in BRs liveries, with the 'Intercity executive' livery initially only applied to Gatwick Express services on the Southern Region. This is another Lima body on a Hornby chassis. 73 004 The Bluebell Railway shows off a Network South East one-off livery applied to only this locomotive, although 73 005 carried another variation on NSE blue. The name was later transferred to 73 133. This is a modified Lima body on a Hornby chassis. A few 73/1 locos went into 'proper' NSE livery, with 73 129 City of Winchester being one such example. This one is a complete Hornby model. Contemporary 73 108 went into the Engineers Department's so called 'Dutch' livery. Another complete Hornby model. 73 235 represents a variation on class 73/1, becoming class 73/2. These were originally maintained for 90 mph use on Gatwick Express duties, with the diesel engines not being maintained as these duties were purely electric in nature. The livery is South West Trains' 'Thunderbird' livery, intended as rescue locomotives for failed EMU stock. This is a purely Hornby model. 73 141 Charlotte in First GBRf colours represents the newest livery I have in this collection. this is a Dapol model with exactly the same built-in electrical issues as E6007, but at least the livery looks correct. P_20190102_234706_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190102_234344_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190102_234928_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190102_235041_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190102_235228_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190102_235425_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190102_235552_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190102_235734_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190103_000053_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190102_235916_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190103_000232_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190103_000503_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr At some point I'll want to get a pictorial record of the various multiple units I own, so will have to do a bit more scenery on the main layout running tracks to achieve sufficient space to fit complete units in without distracting and extraneous background objects intruding, or incomplete, unpainted boards. I am working slowly towards this idea.

I was riding a class 185 unt recently from Newton-le-Willows to Manchester, and noted that the coach I was on shut down its engine a couple of times while we were in motion. Reading about it later, it seems there is an economy mode where the engines are selectively shut down to save fuel while the train is not under load. On the bus front, our local Melbourne operator, Ventura Bus Lines bought three Scania low-floor buses with ethanol powered engines, put into service in 2000, and which, in general, have been successful and are still in use now. Turn around times at Blackburn Station are usually only five to ten minutes, but for economy, drivers of all buses were instructed to shut down if it was going to be more than a certain time. However, when the first really hot days hit (30 degrees plus - Centigrade), it was discovered that the ethanol buses didn't want to start up again, so the instructions were modified that the ethanol buses were on no account to be shut down!

The Tassie wildlife can be a bit dangerous but not very bright. http://vidmax.com/video/153494-Hilarious-moment-Tasmanian-Devil-runs-straight-back-into-a-trap-seconds-after-being-freed-from-captivity

More photos of my locomotives, this time Western Region diesel hydraulics. In class numerical order, they are: A class 14 'Teddy Bear' 0-6-0 in weathered green. The model was commissioned by Hatton's from Heljan. It is seen facing both ways, with short and long bonnets leading, in turn. P_20190101_171802_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190101_171837_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Two class 22 'Baby Warships' in BR green with small yellow panels. D6356 is a Silver Fox resin body on a Bachmann class 20 chassis. I weathered this one to match D6315, which was a Kernow Model Rail Centre limited edition of the Dapol model. D6356 represents a locomotive built with the four-character headcode boxes, whereas D6315 was originally built with folding headcode discs, and modified later to the headcode boxes. P_20190101_172013_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190101_172257_vHDR_On (1) by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Three class 35 'Hymeks': the green D7039 with small yellow panels is a Heljan model; the fictitious maroon livery on D7013 is on a double-motored pre-ringfield Triang model, detailed up a bit as a might-have-been; and the blue D7007 with small yellow panels is another Heljan model, with a few extra details (which I cannot take credit for). I will have to renumber D7007 because that particular locomotive didn't get the white window surrounds. P_20190101_172600_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190101_172715_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190101_172847_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr A class 42 'Warship, D829 Magpie in BR maroon. I photographed it with the headcode lighting on, but it looks better with the lights off until I remember to dim them with some CV changes. This is a Bachmann model. P_20190101_173331_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Two class 52 'Western' diesels complete this set. D1007 Western Talisman is in maroon with small yellow panels, and is a detailed and slightly modified Heljan model, while blue D1030 Western Musketeer is another Kernow Model Rail Centre Limited Edition, with small yellow panels and professional weathering. Western Talisman only had a short life due to a major accident in 1973 that wrote her off. P_20190101_173041_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20190101_173500_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr

I had my Falcon X_D wagon for 21 years. SWMBO tried to kill it several times but it just kept on going. Sold it eventually unregistered to an acquaintance who needed something reasonably heavy-duty to cart bus parts around. Next I had a 1994 VR Commodore wagon - which was unremarkable but very competent - I didn't really 'bond' with it though. I now have a Lancer hatchback (they call it a sportsback), which I like but I do miss the extra space and ruggedness of the larger wagons. I do still have a Falcon though, a 1973 XB hardtop. It doesn't go very far nowadays but is still registered and roadworthy, and nice to drive occasionally, but not really a car for heavy traffic. It still has one of the best ride qualities of any car (doesn't handle like modern cars though! ) Edit: the editor thinks the X_D without the underscore is an emoji, so had to edit. Here's what it does without the underscore ...

Nice. I still haven't wired mine up, yet. Layout wiring and trouble-shooting has taken some precedence when I have the soldering iron and wire strippers out. Rest assured, I will have mine running eventually too.

No, any sort of record will do nowadays.

I used Lenz Silver 21+ decoders in both of my KMRC 4 TC units and the interior lights worked on F5 - I modified that to get them to work on F3 as well. It was a while ago that I fitted them, and I seem to recall I tried a Zimo decoder with no luck on working those lights.

For my third theme, here are some steam locomotives from the Southern Railway or its predecessors, not in any particular order. a couple of these pics have been posted before in other topics. First up is ex-SECR C class 0-6-0 as BR 31086 (a Bachmann model). P_20181226_133154_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Next, a pair of 700 class 0-6-0s from Hornby. 30693 and 30315 head a van train through the countryside. P_20181226_133825_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Bachmann's LBSCR H1 Atlantic 4-4-2 39, La France, heads a diverted Pullman train. P_20181227_175301_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr In BR days we see ex-LBSC H2 Atlantic 32424 Beachy Head on a local passenger working (Bachmann). P_20181226_132657_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr A Schools class V 4-4-0, 30924 Haileybury passes by. This is the newer Hornby model. P_20181226_133628_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Feltham based ex-LSWR 4-8-0T heavy tank loco 30495 of class G16 passes with a transfer freight. This is a Golden Arrow Productions resin kit with a modified Hornby Stanier 2-8-0 chassis. P_20181226_133440_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Ex-LBSC E4 0-6-2T 32500 heads a van train. This is a Bachmann model. P_20181226_133346_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Southern Railway Bulleid Merchant Navy 4-6-2 Pacific 21C3 Royal Mail thunders by in its original, as-built form. (Hornby). P_20181226_132950_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr In later form, and as built by British Railways, one of the last batch of Merchant Navy locomotives, 35023 Holland Afrika Line, passes on a passenger working. (Hornby). P_20181226_132822_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr And lastly for this group, the elegant yet simple Maunsell S15 4-6-0 classified as heavy freight locomotives, although these were actually just as much at home on passenger duties. (Hornby model). P_20181226_133248_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr I haven't decided the next theme yet, but it could be something like class 73 electro-diesels,or western diesel-hydraulics ... maybe!

Continuing with the themes, the next group are BRCW type 2 and 3 locos, mostly class 33 with a class 26 interloper. All are Heljan products. The earlier releases of class 33/0 had a roof profile that was too flat, but I took a leaf from a friend (P.C.M. of this parish) by modifying the shape of the cab roofs, thus fooling the eye a bit. The class 33/1 and 33/2 models that followed seem to have managed the correct roof profiles for each type, while Heljan eventually relented and release a new batch of class 33/0 models with corrected roof profile. First up is plain green type 3 D6585 (later class 33/0), with later pattern modified exhaust - some sources have suggested this loco may have been built with this style of exhaust. this is one of the locos on which I modified the cab roof shape. P_20181227_114005_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Next is another 33/0, this time with earlier, as-built exhaust. D6570 in green with full yellow ends has the coach stock crest, and is one of the later, corrected models from Heljan. P_20181227_113801_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr D6520 is a 33/1 'bagpipes' example in blue with full yellow ends. P_20181227_114136_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr D6547 is a 33/0 in blue with full yellow ends. This one has the modified cab roof profile and ended up as a complete repaint and renumber job. P_20181227_113724_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr 6591 in blue with full yellow ends and minus the 'D' prefix was one if the final batch built to the narrower Hastings line loading gauge, to become class 33/2. They were only around 8' 2" wide. P_20181227_113635_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Now we get to the TOPS era, with class 33/1 33 117 in blue with full yellow ends. P_20181227_114339_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Moving on to sectorisation, 33/1 33 108 is in the civil engineer's 'Dutch' livery. P_20181227_114616_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Looking almost identical, but with considerably less power on tap, class 26/1 26 038 is in engineer's 'Dutch' livery too. P_20181227_114701_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr And moving on to privatisation, we see the only class 33 painted into EWS livery, 33 030. This model also has the modified cab roof profile. P_20181227_114907_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr

I have been posing small collections of my locomotives on the programming/scenic track for my records and insurance purposes (I also keep a spreadsheet). I have generally been going for themes that link the groups together. This first group is of BR's prototype and experimental main line diesels. I have repeated Lion here, as it really belongs in this group. Bachmann Ivatt 10000 in green, which will eventually be repainted into black with silver roof, bogies and lining. At least in this form it has the extra lamp irons and marker lights fitted for its stint on the Southern Region. P_20181226_132459_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Bachmann Ivatt 10001, with livery modifications and extra marker lights and lamp irons added to represent it as it was on the SR. P_20181226_132355_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Kernow Model Rail Centre (KMRC) Bulleid 10201. P_20181226_134048_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Silver Fox with Bachmann class 40 mech Bulleid 10203. P_20181226_132550_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Bachmann/NRM DP1 Deltic. P_20181226_131952_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Heljan DP2. P_20181226_132236_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Heljan D0260 Lion. P_20181224_130811_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Heljan D0280 Falcon. P_20181226_132111_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr Heljan Hawker-Siddeley HS4000 Kestrel. P_20181226_134431_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr

I have, indeed, used the 37 sounds for the Ivatt diesels. It was a toss-up between those and the 31 sounds, but I thought the more 'raw' engine control of the 37 sounded more appropriate for them. As for decent speakers, I'm still experimenting with those. I have some higher wattage speakers, but they are still popping and clicking a little, so more experimentation is needed. What speakers have you used, John?

I just had one of those really productive days on the layout. I have done my back in again doing all this but I can say I had several successes today. On the layout side itself, I have had the lifting flap up for weeks waiting for my back to be good enough to put a prop in and add wooden strips to hold the wiring away from the underground trains beneath - the duct tape was always intended to be temporary, but I think the warm (in the 30s, Centigrade) and somewhat humid days recently have accelerated the downfall of the tape. The prop consists of a length of 2"x1" timber on a hinge, together with a strip of MDF on the baseboard; the prop is hinged on the underside of the lifting section, and simply pushes against the back of the retaining wall and that bit of mdf on the bottom. The retaining wall is a fairly solid piece of 4"x1" timber screwed and glued to the baseboard, with cosmetic stone walling and arches on the front. When not engaged, the prop just hangs down through the open section of framing directly beneath it. The underground trains have had their first good long run for some months, and worked perfectly. Not directly related to the layout itself, but to do with DCC sound locomotives, I have been trying to reprogram the Soundtraxx Econami UK decoders I fitted into three diesels (D0260 Lion, 10000 and 10001) to bring them more into line with British sound decoder norms. By default, they are set to use F8 to mute the sound, whereas British sound decoders almost universally use F1, which Soundtraxx use for one of the single-tone horn sounds. They also use F2 and F3 for the other horn sounds, with F2 giving the alternative single-tone, and F3 giving the dual tones. That's inconvenient because I wanted to keep the single-tones together (i.e. on F2 and F3), so the dual tone had to move as well, but I didn't want it to go to F8, vacated by the mute function. Now all of this should have been made easy using JMRI Decoder Pro on a computer talking to the NCE Power Pro command station, right? Wrong!! There is a bug in the Power Pro when talking to the Econami decoders on the programming track, and Decoder Pro 'knows' about this, so refuses to execute certain changes, like reassigning the mute function from F8 to F1. OK, so I scratch my head a bit then remember I have a USB interface for the Power Cab, which I use as a stand-alone unit for the programming track too (selectable through a rotary multi-pole switch). The Power Cab doesn't have the programming bug. Next problem: the USB interface is recognised but refusing to 'talk' to the JMRI program. I tried and tried a few days ago, but gave up. So, when I tried it again today, it worked perfectly. All those functions I mentioned a\have been reassigned successfully. F1 now turns on or mutes the sound, F2 plays one tone, F3 plays the other tone, and F4 plays the two-tone horns (F3 and F4 are academic on 10000 and 10001, since they only had single tone horns anyway, but they are now standardised for ease of use). On the layout, having closed the lifting section, I have been able to shunt the trains off the running lines back into the fiddle yard, so I could run trains on the upper level again. The first one to get a good run was a newly assembled train with H1 Atlantic 39 and six Hornby Pullman cars, which it romped away with. SO, all in all, a good day!

The motors in Heljan main line diesels are usually just wedged in with rubber blocks, as are the pcbs above the motors.

I haven't found the 'perfect' glue yet. I manage to dislodge the steps from one side or other every second time I handle the loco!

Going back a month, we got back from our trip overseas, which included a trip to Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg. One souvenir I came back with was a DVD of Miniatur Wunderland. For some reason, disc 1 of the 2-disc set refused to play on any of my DVD players and also on DougN's when we tried it there. I could play it on my computer by manually selecting the correct starter file. I contacted Miniatur Wunderland and they were extremely helpful and courteous. They sent a replacement set of the program I had bought, and also an alternative 2-DVD set for another of their programs in case that didn't work. Unfortunately, the replacement also exhibited the same problem with disc 1 (disc 2 played perfectly well in both sets). The alternative program also played perfectly well with both of its discs. So, I have to report great service from Miniatur Wunderland, as well as being well worth the visit if you get over there. In the meantime, I have a constant battle with our two cats when I am in the train room, because they try to open the sliding door to get in ... and they succeed! they are too destructive when both are involved, but enjoy it if I take them in individually and hold them while watching trains. With that in mind, Sykes showed he is a true model railway enthusiast by watching absolutely riveted to the screen when I was playing some of the Miniatur Wunderland DVD. Even my approach with the camera didn't faze him in the slightest.

The colour versions of the previous post: LBSC (or ex-LBSC) Atlantics at work. In BR days, 32424, Beachy Head can be seen at the head of a passenger service, probably in the mid-1950s. P_20181226_132657_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr LBSC No. 39, La France emerges from the tunnel on a single track diversionary route with a Pullman train for Brighton, probably around 1913 or 1914. P_20181227_174747_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20181227_174809_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr url=https://flic.kr/p/2dJYPyA]P_20181227_175334_vHDR_On[/url] by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr

LBSC (or ex-LBSC) Atlantics at work. In BR days, 32424, Beachy Head can be seen at the head of a passenger service, probably in the mid-1950s. P_20181226_132657_vHDR_OnBW by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr LBSC No. 39, La France emerges from the tunnel on a single track diversionary route with a Pullman train for Brighton, probably around 1913 or 1914. P_20181227_174747_vHDR_OnBW by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20181227_174809_vHDR_OnBW by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20181227_175334_vHDR_OnBW by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr

I thought the switch only affects the tail lights. So the problem remains that the head and marker lights at one end don't work? Is this on DCC or analogue DC? If it is on DCC, remove the decoder and plug in a blanking plug and check the lights again. If they work on analogue at both ends, and assuming it was on DCC, it may be a fault in the decoder or even just one of the settings for the directional lighting.

LT version isn't in stock, but the Met one still is. Unfortunately, I already own the Met version and wouldn't mind the other one if it comes back in at that price. Brilliant value!

Coloured originals for the above post: P_20181226_133817_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20181226_133825_vHDR_On by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr

Somewhere back in the late 1950s or early '60s, two 700 class 0-6-0 locomotives, 30693 and 30315 head a van train through the countryside. P_20181226_133817_vHDR_OnBW by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr P_20181226_133825_vHDR_OnBW by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr