PhilJ W

BR electric locomotives in 4mm scale* by R.S. Carter has drawings of the NE steeple cab locomotives. *Model Railway Constructor Planbook 3 published by Ian Allen.

I wondered why there was nothing from Debs this morning, thoughts are with her.

I've just received the 2018 announcements from Oxford Rail. Most significant item is a rail mounted gun 'Boche-Buster' in three versions.

As has been mentioned the information that model railways is the second most popular hobby is somewhat out of date. It might have been true 40 years ago but it is doubtful today. EDIT. Dibber25 posted as I was writing the above.

Morning all from Estuary-Land. It is now 50 years (and a few days) since I passed my driving test, on a 105E Anglia. This has made me think about how much cars have changed in that time. The equivalent model today is the Ford Focus which is larger than the contemporary Cortina model. I was invited to sit in the driving seat of an Anglia a couple of years ago, its surprising how small it felt compared to modern cars. But thats enough of my ramblings, weather is wet and windy but should clear up soon. Best wishes to ailing ER's, be back later.

Goodnight all.

The easiest way is to post the Facebook lists here, unfortunately only Facebook members will be able to see them.

I've found this very useful http://ceoemail.com working on the basis that a rocket delivered where the sun doesn't shine has an effect the greater the altitude it comes from. I have used it a couple of times in the past with excellent results. They ask for donations for the website, its well worth a pound or two. I've had trouble with an energy supply company in the past, I wonder if its the same one? The initials are the same as an item of none passenger coaching stock with a guards compartment.

Another thing to be added to the 'do not do in the dark list'.

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Many happy returns Mick. Sorted out the booking for the rail trip, apart from my own of course the other three tickets are 'under offer', diaries have to be checked and SWMBO's permissions have to be applied for. A strange yellow orb has appeared in the sky so I will pop into town today, I need to go into the bank as well as get a haircut. Bye for now, be back later.

Goodnight all.

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Same as everywhere else we had the snowy rain today but now the heatings on and the curtains are drawn and I'm nice and cosy. Spent all of the modelling tokens I took with me this morning, mainly on a brewery. Pity its not a real but in 00 scale and mostly of resin. Haven't been on Facebook today but will be looking in shortly to hear any news from Debs.

I thought that the Rover 2.3 and 2.6 sixes were developed from the 'land crab' 2.2 engine and not the Triumph engine. Also didn't they have OHC wheras the Triumph was OHV?

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Spent some of yesterday evening browsing the Steam Dreams catalogue and spotted a trip to the West Somerset Railway in August. I am seriously thinking of booking for that trip though its not discounted like the one in March. Weather here is much the same as in GDB's neck of the woods. Off out to dispose of a few modelling tokens shortly, be back later.

Goodnight all.

I mentioned the Holden 4-6-0's (B12) a few pages back. A mixed traffic version with smaller wheels would be useful, perhaps even as a 2-6-2?

Subutteo made cricket accessories that were near to 00 scale including groundsmen, a roller and even old men sitting in deckchairs for those who remember the Morcombe and Wise joke.

When I had front wheel drive cars I would always put a pair of new tyres on the front and put the tyres from the front onto the rear (same side). Depending on the make/model this was done when the front tyres were 60-70% worn when the rear tyres usually required replacement.

I wonder what would happen if he took it into the LEZ.

I've booked four tickets for the steam train trip. I did make a mistake, the price is £69 not £59 but still a considerable discount on the £109 actual price. I've got a bit more information now, the train will be hauled by a Stanier Black 5 and departs Southend East at a civilised 09:05 hours. Now I only have to find 3 companions. The pair of foxes returned shortly after I mentioned them but soon scarpered when I went outside. I did find the startings of a den underneath the shrubery, that was promptly filled with shards of broken pottery and tiles which is effective in discouraging them.

Is he going to plant a garden on it?

Morning all from Estuary-Land. The rail trips I mentioned last night included a trip to Bath starting from Southend East on the 27th March at £59 per head. I'm going to stick my neck out and book a number of seats and hope I can fill them as I suspect they will be snapped up quite quickly. Most if not all of them will probably be taken by fellow members of my local model railway club. STOP PRESS I've just spotted a pair of foxes in my back garden, to late to get the camera out but both look very fit and healthy. They certainly make a lot of noise at night (mating season) with quite a few fights, I assume the pair are a dog and vixen as they seem quite comfortable in each others company. It also means that I will have to make any possible dens in the garden unusable as they do tend to pong a bit.

FYI Rolf Harris was born in the UK.

Goodnight all.

Evening all from Estuary-Land. I don't think I've mentioned it before but I subscribe to something called Travelzoo. This is an internet remainder shop for holidays and trips that sends out a weekly list to subscribers. This weeks list has just arrived and the first item on the list is steam hauled day trips starting at £39 per head. The trips, operated by Steam Dreams run from the 14th Feb up until April and the price is the same for all passengers including children and OAP's. All trips run on Thursdays from various stations in the SE and London so might not be suitable for those who have to work for a living. Just Google Travelzoo for more details.