MODERN TIMESMODERN TIMES

NEW HOPPER REVIEW JUST ADD WATER THE TENDER TRAP

F O R T H E F I N E S C A L E O G A U G E M O D E L L E R

LINESIDE LOOK

SPRING 2019

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Minerva Models Quality 0 Gauge RTR For enthusiasts, by enthusiasts

Minerva Model Railways Ltd | www.minervamodelrailways.co.uk Email: sales@minervamodelrailways.co.uk | Tel: (UK) 02920 531246 or 07775 782086

Also available: Peckett 0-4-0ST DC £255; Kerr Stuart Victory 0-6-0T DC £282.50, DC £332.50, DCC sound £402.50

The Manning Wardle K Class 0-6-0ST Contractors’ Locomotive

New!

• Usual fine-scale Minerva quality • Supplied fitted with full cab and extra optional

cabs in the box • Prussian Blue, Dark Crimson and Black liveries • Prices DC £255, DCC £310, DCC Sound £380;

all + £9 carriage per loco • Delivery early 2019 • NB The photograph shows unfinished decorated

samples

x The exclusive GWR 57XX pannier tank

loco with riveted tanks x Only available from Minerva x Great Western green and British Railways

early and late black liveries x Welded 57XX/8750 versions also available. x Prices: £265 DC, £320 DCC,

£390 DCC Sound; all + £9 P&P per loco

IRON MINKS AND GUNPOWDER VANS x All vans £42 each x £40 each for five or more – any

combination x Carriage charge £4 per order x Linited edition with wooden doors

L I N E S I D E L O O K

C O N T E N T S

4 Parish Notes

6 News & Reviews

10 Layout PlanningPark & Ride at long closed Leckhampton

14 Kit Bash Special Chris Klein adds a water tank to Cwm Bach - his layout set in the Welsh valleys

16 Freight Only Shunt with care - BR gunpowder vans

19 The Lineside Look End of the line - a look at buffer stops

20 Track Pass

Tracklaying completed at Brimscombe

23 Caught on CameraBulleids through Basingstoke

24 Pages from the PastThe secret life of the self-weighing tender

26 Diary Dates

28 Diesel & Electric ModellingThings can only get better . . .

30 Freight Only David Roberts builds a GWR Dia.O33 open wagon from the Parkside kit

35 Last Words

Published online by Lynx Models, Unit 6, Southview Buildings, Burton Road, Heckington, Lincolnshire NG34 9QS England Tel: 01529 469010Email: lynxmodels@icloud.comWebsite: www.lynxmodels.net

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical without prior permission in writing from the publisher. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those held by the publisher. Text and photography © 2019 John Emerson unless otherwise credited.

A L O O K I N S I D E L I N E S I D E L O O K

20 On track at Brimscombe

28 Improving the breed

16 Shunt with care !

L I N E S I D E L O O K

Next issue published first week of June 2019. Design: The Solitary Cyclist

S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 P A G E 3

P A R I S H N O T E S

Welcome to the first LINESIDE LOOK of 2019. First, apologies for the slight delay in bringing you this issue due to a family bereavement. When my father passed away after a short illness - not entirely unexpectedly - at the age of 92, memories of my introduction to model railways came flooding back. Although Hornby O gauge tinplate (that lived on the floor or out in the garden) soon gave way to OO gauge Hornby-Dublo three-rail, it was Dad who made my first layout - a 'Weyroc' baseboard ceremoniously erected on the dining room table on Sundays, accompanied by the mouth watering aroma of a Sunday roast - not to mention the sounds of the 'Billy Cotton Band Show' on the Light Programme (Radio 2 if you were wondering). A wooden goods shed, footbridge and island platform - and clouds of smoke from Grandfather's 'Woodbines' - completed the scene. Recently finding several Hugar and Hailey Models wooden buildings in the barn, I'm not sure if those buildings on the three-rail layout (or the wooden aircraft carrier that was almost as big as me) were home made by Dad or commercial products. Whatever, a big, big thank you Dad - but I told you not to mention the Billy Cotton Band Show . . !

The sexy 'Sixties' The sound of regular class 56 haulage on the 'Boston Steel' has faded into a distant memory. From time to time a veteran class 47 would stand in for the 'Grid', revving up to full chat as it headed through Heckington loaded with imported steel. Then it was time to put all the crockery back on the shelves ! On at least one occasion, preserved 'Hoovers' - 50 007 Hercules and 50 049 Defiance - appeared on the steel, before taking up rail tour duties. All these events were dutifully watched from the

lineside, in the knowledge that it couldn't - and wouldn't - last for much longer. With loads regularly increased to 20 or more bogie wagons, one day a GE Class 70 suddenly appeared on the scene, and the days of the throaty 'Grids' were finally over.

Later the steel settled down to regular class 66 haulage. Fortunately the reign of 'Predators' and 'Sheds' did not last long and the Brits are back in the shape of regular 'Super Sixty' haulage. Making regular appearances on the steel is rebuilt and re-engined 'Tug' 60 040

The Territorial Army Centenary showing those transatlantic types how it should be done ! Meanwhile the preserved Hercules and Defiance are to be repainted into the latest GBRf colour scheme prior to working the 'Terminator-Phoenixed' rail tour on March 23, marking 25 years since the original 'Terminator' railtour signalled the end of the line for the class 50s on British Rail.

Fire and BrimscombeUntil now a 'Nelson' has been turned to smoking near the barn, but it has always been a condition of the landlord's insurance that there should be no smoking or vaping anywhere on the premises. Regrettably it has now become necessary to impose a total ban on smoking within 10 metres of the building. Due to the increasing amount of flammable materials now stored on site, as well as a valuable collection of models and the new layout, I'm sure visitors to Brimscombe will understand the necessity to impose and comply with these conditions.

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P A R I S H N O T E S L I N E S I D E L O O K

S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 P A G E 5

We can rebuild him . . . Steve Knight of the Kitmaster Collector's Club is also a collector of all things to do with the Post Office, having a large collection of post boxes, as well as 'Red Robbo', the last operational Austin Maestro mail van. Sadly 'Robbo' was stolen in August 2018, and used in a ram raid, resulting in substantial damage. Steve and his team are looking to crowd fund the £4,000 cost of restoring 'Robbo' to his previously pristine condition. Donors get a 'Red Robbo' certificate - anyone donating £50 or more gets a certificate and exclusive 'I love Red Robbo' enamel badge ! Further details at gofundme (https://www.gofundme.com/profile/stephen-knight-x4jda)

On the wanted list Does anyone have a set of instructions for the old DJB etched-brass GWR 'Fruit C' kit ? A part-built one recently turned up and is destined for eventual use on Brimscombe. Despite looking at several online photos of restored vehicles I'm still mystified as to how

some of the bodyside strapping should be assembled. I'm also sure there are more than a few bits missing (definitely a door hinge), so it would be useful to be able to check parts against a list to see if anything needs to be fabricated from scratch. If anyone does have a

set of instructions, or knows someone who has a set, a copy would be most appreciated. And whilst I'm on the cadge, I'm also loooking for an Esso B class tank wagon bracket etch as produced by P H Designs some time ago. It's

needed to finish a project and doesn't have to be complete, but I can't find any currently on the P H Designs website.

Price increaseRegrettably, due to the ever rising cost of metal, the prices of Lynx Models white metal castings increased from February 1st, 2019. The new 2019 catalogue is now available to download online, or send two first class stamps for a printed copy to Lynx Models, Unit 6, Southview Buildings,

Burton Road, Heckington, Lincs. NG34 9QS.

Calling all D&E modellersAs diesel traction has been around on British railways for at least 85 years (the first GWR railcar appearing in 1934), and electric traction even longer, (I built Stephenson - below - from an RJH kit over 25 years ago), it is difficult to understand the hostility that D&E modelling provokes in some parts of the hobby. With MIGO having folded some time ago, apart from a few online forums, there no longer seems to be a unified voice for 7mm D&E modellers - sadly, even that august body DEMU think we are just a minority scale ! So here's an open invitation to all D&E modellers to spread the word through the pages of Lineside Look by contributing news, articles, photos, letters, etc. - it's over to you now 7mm D&E fans !

Until next time, Happy 7mm modelling !John Emerson

© Steve Knight

S H I L D O N' S L O N G L I V E D

H O P P E R S

Initially announced in July 2018, with the first models received at the end of February 2019, these interesting hoppers were seen in many parts of the country over a number of years from 1954, to well into the TOPS era. Produced in large quantities by BR workshops and private contractors, a small number survive and are preserved at the Tanfield railway. Accurascale elected to offer these models with a good selection of numbers and livery detail in eight

variations, covering both pre-TOPS and later periods which should cater for most tastes.

Our 7mm group elected to purchase the starter pack offer of eight wagons, plus an additional two, at a favourable introductory price, noting that we were able to mix and match variants to suit our period/era taste. We considered this to be a very good scheme, whereas with some ‘box sets’ you are

con s t r a i n ed t o t a ke wha t t h e manufacturer deems you will want and it may not suit everyone. So, brownie points to Accurascale for that.

First ImpressionsUpon receipt, the first impression is good, a sturdy box with simple vac-formed internal packing in two sections that snap together plus a film sheet inside the plastic to protect the model from packing marks in the paint. A coloured information sheet covering the base history of the prototype is included, with references of where to look for fur ther information, which is well documented on the internet. Removing

Nigel Adams reviews the new Accurascale model. Photography by the author.

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L I N E S I D E L O O K N E W S & R E V I E W S

the model from its packing is simple, but one problem became immediately apparent.The model has a cast chassis frame with plastic moulded parts attached with adhesive. Due to the small and delicate nature of the many parts (commendable detail) they are somewhat vulnerable and I managed to find a loose brake lever hanger/bracket with mine. A colleague in our group had a similar experience with one of his received within the same batch.

Again, initial impressions show these are nice models with clean mouldings and good levels of detail, some of which on the underside (hopper door mechanisms) may never be seen in use on a layout. Whilst the detail as mentioned above is very commendable, it is perhaps somewhat fragile for exhibition use where handling of the models may be higher than for home use. The wagons have instanter couplings fitted with possibly slightly looser springing to your reviewers taste but with perfectly acceptable compression rates on the sprung buffers. Noting the comments previous reviewers have made about some other recent models with very soft springing.

How does it measure up?Running a rule over the model revealed no major discrepancies of note. It is known that dimensional and detail variances did occur between BR’s internal workshops and outside contractors, so there is a small amount of latitude allowable. The first outing for some of

our HUO collection may be seen in the accompanying images on our clubs’ flagship layout ‘Central Works’ at a recent show. With one fully weathered, one internally weathered and two pristine, they certainly caused some interest, being so new. Running quality was up to expectation with running through a double slip and a couple of three-way points on our club layout giving no troubles. They certainly looked impressive and a longer rake will be very nice to see in operation.

These are nicely detailed free running models that capture the prototype well, and apart from some small concerns about fragility of parts, they should do well with modellers. We expect to see plenty on layouts in the future. They are tidily presented and attractively priced against wagon kits similar of a similar type. Once weathered and suitably rusted to take the pristine look away, we think these models will be a popular addition to anyone’s freight stock collection. High marks to Accurascale for a fast ‘time to market’ of these interesting vehicles and for general speed of delivery. We look forward to more to come. Score is 9/10 (mark only deducted because of loose items !). LL Price: £49.95 each (bundle deals for eight or more wagons) Available from: Accurascale, 60 Windsor Avenue, London SW19 2RR email info@accurascale.co.ukor visit accurascale.co.uk for more information

S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 P A G E 7

N E W S & R E V I E W S L I N E S I D E L O O K

L I N E S I D E L O O K N E W S & R E V I E W S

Parkside 13T Hopper kit

When Peco acquired the Parkside Dundas range of rolling stock kits, one of the many questions asked was would the new owners continue to produce new kits to add to the range ? Promised for release later in the year is a brand new 7mm kit for a BR 13T Iron Ore hopper (PS116). A total of 1,950 of these unfitted steel hoppers were built to Dia.1/142, fitted with 3' 1" wheels, with a further 650 later built to Dia.1/144 with 3' 1 1/2" wheels. All were fitted with wooden bottom doors and regularly seen at work in most parts of the BR network. Yet another kit to add that ever growing 'wants' list !

LNER 50T Bogie Brick wagon The LNER 50T bogie brick wagon was a very distinctive vehicle - remember the popular Hornby-Dublo or Tri-ang models ! The Great Northern built 25 in 1920, fully fitted and capable of carrying 20,000 bricks - effectively

replacing five ordinary wagons. In 1930 the LNER built a further 25. Now a sophisticated etched-brass kit is available from Connoisseur Models (PMK49), price £90.00, and one has already been acquired for Brimscombe. They ran to all parts of the BR system and it should prove an interesting build. Watch this space !

Minerva RTR 'Open A' Following on from their successful GWR 'Iron Mink' and Gunpowder vans, the latest RTR model to be announced by Minerva Model Railways is a GWR Diagram O4 'Open A' wooden-bodied goods wagon. These five-plank wagons were introduced around 1902-4, fitted with DCIII brake-gear. The new model will have an injection-moulded plastic body and chassis with full internal detail, metal-tyred wheels on shouldered axles, compensated axleboxes, sprung buffers, three-link couplings, and optional sheet rail. A removable steel weight clipped to the underside ensures good running.

The 'Open A' will be available in four liveries: Great Western (1903); GW (1923); 6” GW (1936); and British Railways unfitted grey, with three different numbers for each livery. The new RTR model should be ready to purchase in late 2019, priced at £46.00 each (plus £4.00 P&P). Orders for five or more wagons £43.00 each. Available mail order only from Minerva Models or from the Minerva stand at selected model railway shows. For more information visit www.minervamodelrailways.co.uk or email sales@minervamodelrailways.co.uk - you can also follow Minerva on Facebook or call them on 02920 531246 or 07775 782086.

Minerva will also be making another exciting new product announcement at the ALSRM show at Reading in May ! LL

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S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 P A G E 9

WAGON & CARRIAGE WORKS7mm and Gauge 1 RTR for sale

Hand made buildings by Allan Downes for sale see our website for mail order purchases. Viewing and collection by appointment.

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Many sheets include train headboards.Prices include post & packing. See website for full

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BR SOUTHERN REGION7CBS11 THE ATLANTIC COAST EXPRESS . . . . . . . £9.007CBS12 BOURNEMOUTH BELLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00 THE ROYAL WESSEX7CBS13 DEVON BELLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.007CBS21 PORTSMOUTH/SOUTHAMPTON #1 . . . . £9.00 WATERLOO PORTSMOUTH ISLE OF WIGHT VICTORIA/LON BR CHICHESTER PORTSMOUTH

7CBS22 PORTSMOUTH/SOUTHAMPTON #2 . . . . £9.00 WATERLOO SOUTHAMPTON DOCKS BRITTANY EXPRESS • NORMANDY EXPRESS PORTSMOUTH SOUTHAMPTON EXETER PLYMOUTH PORTSMOUTH SOUTHAMPTON BRISTOL CARDIFF

7CBS23 OCEAN LINER EXPRESSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.007CBS31 MAN OF KENT + THANET BELLE . . . . . . . £9.00 + KENTISH BELLE7CBS32 GOLDEN ARROW + NIGHT FERRY . . . . . £9.00 CONTINENTAL EXPRESS - SHORT SEA ROUTE

7CBS41 EASTBOURNE & HASTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00 LONDON EASTBOURNE HASTINGS LONDON BEXHILL WEST HASTINGS LONDON TUNBRIDGE WELLS HASTINGS

7CBS42 BRIGHTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00 LONDON ARUNDEL BOGNOR/ LITTLEHAMPTON LONDON BRIGHTON HOVE WORTHING BRIGHTON BELLE

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BR EASTERN REGION7CBE11 THE CAPITALS LIMITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

THE ELIZABETHAN7CBE12 THE FLYING SCOTSMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

THE NIGHT SCOTSMAN7CBE13 THE ABERDONIAN + FAIR MAID . . . . . . . £9.007CBE14 TALISMAN + HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN . . £9.007CBE15 THE NORTH BRITON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

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7CBE21 NORTHUMBRIAN + NORSEMAN . . . . . . £9.007CBE22 THE TEES–THAMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

THE SCARBOROUGH FLYER7CBE23 THE WEST RIDING + THE WHITE ROSE . £9.007CBE24 YORKSHIRE PULLMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

TEES-TYNE PULLMAN7CBE31 THE MASTER CUTLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

THE SOUTH YORKSHIREMAN7CBE32 MARYLEBONE – NOTTINGHAM / . . . . . . £9.00

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DONCASTER / CLEETHORPES7CBE34 KX – LEEDS / BRADFORD / HULL . . . . . . . £9.007CBE35 KINGS CROSS –YORK / NEWCASTLE . . . £9.00

YORK – NEWCASTLE7CBE36 KX – EDINBURGH / ABERDEEN . . . . . . . . £9.00

EDINBURGH – NEWCASTLE7CBE40 TRAINS TO CAMBRIDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.007CBE41 NORFOLKMAN + EAST ANGLIAN . . . . . £9.007CBE42 THE BROADSMAN + THE FENMAN . . . . . £9.007CBE43 TRAINS TO NORWICH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

THE EASTERLING7CBE44 THE DAY CONTINENTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

THE HOOK CONTINENTAL7CBE45 THE ESSEX CONTINENTAL . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

THE ESSEX COAST EXPRESS7CBE46 THE SCANDINAVIAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

7CBM11 THE ROYAL SCOT + MID-DAY SCOT . . . . £9.007CBM12 CALEDONIAN + ROYAL HIGHLANDER . £9.007CBM13 THE BON–ACCORD + THE GRAMPIAN .£9.007CBM14 THE GRANITE CITY + SAINT MUNGO . .£9.007CBM21 MANXMAN + MERSEYSIDE EXPRESS . . . . £9.007CBM22 THE RED ROSE + THE COMET . . . . . . . . . £9.007CBM23 LANCASTRIAN + MANCUNIAN . . . . . . . £9.007CBM24 THE LAKES EXPRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

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THE EMERALD ISLE EXPRESS7CBM33 THE ULSTER EXPRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9.00

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L I N E S I D E L O O K

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In many respects contemporary D&E modellers are faced with something of a dilemma when planning a layout. A cursory glance at exhibitions is enough to convince me that most 7mm scale D&E layouts still rely on what is essentially a steam-era track plan in order to provide enough operational interest. Why should this be ? Well, to start with, in terms of infrastructure, there is now a very 'basic' railway compared to the halcyon days of steam - or even well into the 'corporate blue' era. Many stations have been swept away or reduced to the status of unstaffed halts with no basic amenities. Most surviving branch lines are effectively 'long sidings' with no run-round facilities - not ideal for sustaining interest at shows ! The majority of services operate as fixed formation diesel or electric units, with remaining freight traffic running as lengthy block trains. Even that staple of railway traffic - old 'king' coal - has dwindled with the drive to eliminate fossil fuel power stations.

Some lines now see little or no freight traffic at all, whilst any shunting is invariably done by the train engine - the fleet of Class 08 shunters now reduced to a mere handful. D&E modellers in the 'senior scale' faced with a modest amount of space and budget at their disposal can hardly run full length HSTs, 800 Class units, or long air-braked freights - often the only alternative is to retreat to the smaller scales ! Despite this, it has always struck me that the long closed station at Leckhampton on the outskirts of Cheltenham has potential for an interesting 7mm scale contemporary D&E layout. Leckhampton was situated on the GWR Cheltenham-Banbury direct line to Kingham, at one time the shortest route to London for those not wanting to use the prestigous 'Cheltenham Flyer'. In pre-Grouping days the station also provided a Cheltenham stop for passengers on the Newcastle-Cardiff 'Ports to Ports Express' - although the GWR conveniently neglected to tell passengers that it was a long walk to the town centre.

L I N E S I D E L O O K L A Y O U T P L A N N I N G

A P A R K & R I D E P R O J E C TA P A R K & R I D E P R O J E C T

A Freightliner Class 66 waits at Leckhampton Parkway as a Class 158 DMU arrives with an afternoon service to Kingham. Regrettably the line through Leckhampton was closed and lifted over half a century ago so this painting by the late Fred Lea is pure fantasy - it would, however, make the basis of a fascinating contemporary D&E layout.

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L A Y O U T P L A N N I NG L I N E S I D E L O O K

As a consequence the platforms at Leckhampton are comparatively long for a small station, so on a model would not look out of place as part of a main line scheme. Trains from Southampton and Andover also stopped at Leckhampton, having traversed the Midland & South Western Junction Railway (known locally as the 'Tiddly Dyke') before joining WR metals at Andoversford Junction.

In later years this brought Southern Region U Class Moguls into Cheltenham via Lansdown Junction, one of the few places where spotters could regularly see locomotives from all four Regions. Basic goods facilities were provided, a small yard serving coal and scrap metal merchants. Fortunately for modellers, drawings of the goods shed, signal box and road bridge were published many years ago by Cheltenham resident Eric Illett. His 'Eric Plans' plan books were later re-issued by Peco - although now long out of print copies of Eric Plans No.1 regularly come up for sale online, but fetch a lot more than the original cover price of 30p !

A still tidy Leckhampton taken on my Kodak 'Brownie' a year or so before closure.

The road bridge at the 'town' end provides a useful scenic break, with another brick bridge carrying a footpath over the line some distance away at the other end of the station. A quarter of a mile further east is Pilley Bridge which achieved national fame in 1954, becoming the last bridge destroyed during WWII to be rebuilt in the UK. And most usefully for modellers, the station (renamed 'Aysbury') and other parts of the line appeared in the 1958 BTF film 'Mishap'. Despite much opposition the line closed in 1962 and after languishing for some years the station site now lies under an industrial estate.

An opportunity missed During my time as editor of British Railway Modelling I asked author Greg Morse to write a series of articles on the modelling possibilities of the old MSWJR route to Southampton, assuming it had not closed. It made an interesting series, although we never really got round to featuring Leckhampton in any great detail. To add to the fun, I commissioned artist Frederick Lea GRA - another Cheltenham resident - to paint the spectacle. It just cries out for someone to model it ! The line closed without seeing any regular diesel traction apart from the odd Class 116 and 120 DMU on test runs. However, in our alternative reality we supposed services initially taken over by first generation DMUs after the end of steam, later giving way to loco-hauled Mk1/II sets, perhaps with the Southampton service arriving in Cheltenham behind a 'Crompton' - the natural successor to the U class Moguls. We imagined that by the late 1970s the small yard would have been swept away with the site redeveloped as a 'Park & Ride' car park and bus interchange.

A shortened siding may have survived to stable Engineers stock, but in all probability the line would have been singled as an economy measure, as happened between Kemble and Swindon (now restored as a high speed link). This would be history repeating itself, as the line was single from Lansdown Junction when built in 1881. In later years Leckhampton might have seen Class 66 hauled intermodal services from

P A G E 12 S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

The line through Leckhampton was steam powered to the end, although Swindon DMUs occasionally appeared on test runs. In 1962 a Swindon DMU waits at Cheltenham St James on a Gloucestershire Railway Society special to Bath Green Park. George Hartley-Smith/Archive GSS

Leckhampton may have seen services from Southampton arrive behind a Class 33 - successor to the U Class 'Moguls'.

L I N E S I D E L O O K L A Y O U T P L A N N I N G

Southampton to the West Midlands, Class 47s on military traffic between Ashchurch and Ludgershall, and Class 158 DMUs on cross-country services. Even the Fawley-Bromford Bridge tanks could be diverted to run via Swindon through a rationalised Leckhampton. Signalling would of course by now be modular LED multiple aspect, controlled from Gloucester PSB. Following the supposed singling, it's assumed that passing loops were provided at Leckhampton, Andoversford and Cirencester, although these may have had to be extended later to take lengthy Freightliner sets.

Interestingly, when the line was originally built, it was a requirement that passing loops were at least 800' long to accommodate the extensive iron ore traffic that originated further along the line.

Surprisingly this 'what if' scenario is not that far from what might have become reality if a proposed light rail transit system had been given the green light. 'Severn Vale Light Rail' was the name given to a 1990 proposal to build a Light Rail Transit network stretching from Quedgely, south of Gloucester, as far as Bishops Cleeve to the north of Cheltenham, including a branch to Leckhampton. The £165 million 28 mile network would have linked Cheltenham and Gloucester, as well as Staverton Airport and the GCHQ 'Doughnut', with a fast and efficient non-polluting tram system. It was estimated that on the network, which it was hoped to have up and running by 2005, each tram car would carry the equivalent of 40 exhaust polluting cars. Under this scheme Leckhampton would have become the terminus of an LRT branch line from the old Lansdown Junction. Despite the county planning and transportation committee spending £5,700 on a feasibility study of this far sighted scheme, almost 30 years later the residents of Gloucestershire still wait in ever longer queues of traffic for the day when the new age of the train - or tram - may eventually dawn ! LL

S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 P A G E 13

What Severn Vale Light Rail might have looked like - a

Tramlink service to Beckenham calls at Arena in June

2009. © Sunil060902 / Wikimedia Commons

L A Y O U T P L A N N I N G L I N E S I D E L O O K

Map in the Stroud Observer, Thursday, August 30th, 1990.

L I N E S I D E L O O K K I T B A S H S P E C I A L

Some readers may be familiar with my O gauge Cwm Bach layout from appearances in other magazines and on social media. Cwm Bach is my first fully formed 7mm scale layout despite having dabbled in the 'senior scale' since 1994. It is my interpretation of the South Wales valleys from the 1950s until the end of main line steam in 1965. The layout depicts a branch line up to the village of Cwm Bach - not to be confused with the real Cwm Bach - built by the Great Western Railway to serve a nearby colliery reached by a precipitously steep line that kicks back from the GWR line. It is particularly inspired by the line from Cymmer Afan to Abergwynfi and Avon Colliery that closed to passengers in June 1960 and to all traffic in September 1969.

A key part of the scene is the small motive power depot that provides a home for the NCB’s colliery locos and an essential element is the water-tank. In this case, the tank is scratch-built and this short article illustrates how I built it. The photos show the sequence of construction and location on the layout. LL

Chris Klein adds a water tank to the colliery MPD on his Cwm Bach layout. All photography by the author.

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A W A T E R T O W E R F O R

C W M B A C H

K I T B A S H S P E C I A L L I N E S I D E L O O K

S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 P A G E 15

The tank was harvested from an old Airfix (now Dapol) OO/HO water tank kit cut to size and shape. The supporting structure is constructed from Plastruct polystyrene 'H' and 'L'-section girders. The bolts joining the supporting girders

are small lengths of plastic rod pushed through holes and trimmed to length. The cover is from recycled coffee-stirrers. Most of the brass fittings were made from scrap and the etched-brass ladder was supplied by the S&T Department.

Building the Parkside LMS/BR Gunpowder Van.

Parkside's LMS/BR Gunpowder van kit (PS112) is an accurate and versatile model which can be built as an LMS or BR built D.2093 vehicle (55 vehicles built at Wolverton between 1943-48), or one of the later but in all respects identical BR vans to Diagram 1/260, built from 1953-56. You could also finish your model as one of the 20 vans of LMS Lot 1349 built for the LNER. They were rated at 11 tons running on 9’ 0” wheelbase underframes and, apart from the vacuum fitted BR vans built on Lot 2689, were unfitted. In normal traffic gunpowder vans (or GPV) would be placed as near to the centre of the train as possible, and as far away from other hazardous loads as possible, with barrier vans in between if required. Vans were not allowed to be loaded or unloaded inside goods sheds, but always in the open.

Each van carried a special pair of overboots which had to be worn when loading or unloading to prevent the possibility of sparks igniting the load. During wartime the strict regulations on maximum loadings were relaxed somewhat. For example, the usual maximum number of coupled GPVs was five, carrying a maximum of 10,000lb of explosives, but in wartime a train of up to 60 vans, carrying up to 16,000lb each, was allowed for Government explosives traffic. In BR days many vans later had vacuum brakes fitted or were through piped, but note that due to their short wheelbase they were not XP rated. Vans fitted with the vacuum brake or through piped also had a tiebar fitted between the ‘W’-irons. Other alterations included Oleo or Dowty buffers and various styles of axlebox. Some vans also sported wooden chalk boards on the sides and ends as fitted to 12 ton ventilated vans.

To add a little variety I decided to build my kit as a BR-built van fitted with Oleo buffers and vacuum brake. For this you will need to source a brake cylinder and

'Gunpowder vans (loaded or empty) which are fully fitted, have screw couplings or Instanter couplings in the short position, bolted springs and oil axle boxes, may be conveyed on Class 'C' Express Freight Trains and may also travel in the fitted portion of Class 'D' Express Freight Trains. Gunpowder vans not fitted with the vacuum brake or pipe, but fitted with oil axle boxes, may be conveyed on Class 'D' Express Freight Trains as follows:

Empty vehicles - in any position in the loose coupled portion of the train

Loaded vehicles - attached next to the fitted portion of the train. A screw coupling or Instanter coupling in the short position must be used to attach gunpowder vans to the fitted portion.'

'Loads of Freight Trains' - BR London Midland Operating Area (Central Division) 1957

S H U N T W I T H

C A R E

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'Most of the iron vans were derivatives of the GWR 'Iron Minks' - the present BR gunpowder vans are all-metal and are based on the LMS design.'

L I N E S I D E L O O K F R E I G H T O N L Y

vacuum pipes (I had ABS white metal castings in the spares box), and lamp irons (Parkside, again from the spares box). You will also need some nickel silver strip for the tiebar. My only deviation from the instructions was to replace the brake gear cross rod with a more robust piece of brass rod, and the rather fragile plastic brake levers with ABS white metal castings, again from the spares box. Holes were drilled in the floor to prevent any possible build up of solvent fumes in the body once the roof was glued on.

The horrible brass coupling links were discarded and replaced with iron links that I had in stock. With the van body completed attention turned to the underframe. Alternative parts are supplied to enable either the LMS/LNER version or later BR build to be constructed. The solebars may need to be trimmed to fit between the headstocks, the only other alteration was to substitute Oleo buffers for those supplied in the kit -

mine came from a JLTRT kit left over from a conversion project. No major problems were encountered during construction and the kit builds up into a nice representation of the prototype.

PaintingOnce completed, the model was degreased and prepared for painting. I used lighter fluid swabbed over the model with tissue paper, but you could just as easily wash it in warm soapy water or use CIF cleaner, although both will require thorough rinsing to get rid of any residue. Alternatively use one of the

proprietary model cleaners available through the trade. The choice of livery will depend on what era you are modelling, but as my chosen era is BR, the finished model was sprayed with Halford’s Red Oxide acrylic car primer, which approximates to BR bauxite. Roof, solebars, wheels and underframe were brush painted in Humbrol matt enamels, although it is entirely possible to mask these areas off and spray paint them. Small details such as lamp irons and ends of the brake levers were painted white, but the van was left unweathered. For LMS, LNER and unfitted BR versions the livery will be the appropriate all over grey with solebars and underframe painted black.

Waterslide transfers are supplied in the kit for LMS, LNER and BR versions.These, along with some ‘Pressfix’ style transfers from a Parkside ‘Parto’ van kit were applied using a decal wetting solution

F R E I G H T O N L Y L I N E S I D E L O O K

S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 P A G E 17

(such as Microscale ''Micro Set' or Humbrol 'DecalFix'). Apply to the transfers once they are in position - this softens the printed image and enables it to grip the painted surface more firmly. It is also useful if you have to apply transfers over any raised rivet detail, etc. A final touch was to add a padlock to the doors on both sides. Mine came from a set of brass castings acquired long ago, but I'm not at all sure who manufactured them !

Purists will note the lack of rivets along the bottom of the bodysides in this kit, although these could be added while the sides are still in the flat. I would prefer to not have blackened buffer heads, my preference is to buff these up and remove the blackening to get back to bare metal. Those minor moans apart, this kit made for a leisurely and satisfying build and produces an accurate representation of a long-lived prototype. For those who prefer building in etched-brass, Haywood Railway produce a kit of an identical vehicle, one of which also runs on Brimscombe. LL

L I N E S I D E L O O K F R E I G H T O N L Y

GPV PROTOTYPE INFORMATION

LMS D.2093 - 11 TON GUNPOWDER VANSLot Nos. Built Notes1337 701065-84 1943 Wolverton Built to LMS drawing 14/3882 - Tare 8T 1349 260928-47 1944 Wolverton 20 vans built for LNER1474 M701085-99 1948 Wolverton BR built vans to LMS drawing 14/4313A

LMS livery grey until 1936. No.701025 one of last vehicles to receive grey body colour - livery changed to bauxite from May 1936 (Lots 923 onward), although 20 vehicles built in 1937 retained the earlier livery.

LNER DIA.22 - 7 TON ‘POWDER J’ (later uprated to 11 Tons)Lot Nos. Built NotesLMS 1349 260928-47 1944 Wolverton LMS built vans for LNER

Instructions for VB fitting the LMS built vans issued by BR in circular dated November 1956.

BR 11 TON GUNPOWDER VANSDia. Lot Nos. Built Notes1/260 2490 B887000-19 1953 Swindon 9' 0" wb 1/260 2499 B887020-39 1953 Swindon 9' 0" wb 1/260 2544 B887040-64 1954 Lancing 9' 0" wb 1/260 2689 B887065-99 1955 Swindon 9' 0" wb1/260 2872 B887100-19 1956 Swindon 9' 0" wb

1/261 3099 B887120-34 1958 Swindon Vacuum fitted - 10' 0" wb1/261 3237 B887135-59 1959 Swindon Vacuum fitted - 10' 0" wb

Lot No.2689 vacuum fitted from new, rest VB fitted or through-piped post-1956/7Diagram 1/261 vehicles have altered spacing of side stanchions.

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L I N E S I D E L O O K

S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 P A G E 19

The LINESIDE LOOKWritten & drawn by John Emerson

No.4 THE END OF THE LINE . . . There are many types of stop block on the railway - illuminate them with red LEDs for added realism. But as always, the devil is in the detail !

O GAUGE LOCOMOTIVES FOR SALE 'Black Five', choice of two - San Cheng, weathered BR, painted Warren Haywood £1,625 each 'Black Five', No.45305 - DJH built by Tony Wright, late BR, painted Ian Rathbone £1,2508F 2-8-0 No.48265 - San Cheng, weathered late BR £1,650B1 4-6-0 No.61010 Wildebeeste - San Cheng, late BR, painted Warren Haywood £1,650Derby Lightweight 2-car DMU - Bachmann Brass, Light green £650 Derby Lightweight 2-car DMU - Bachmann Brass, Dark green £650 Class 37 - Heljan original issue, BR green, un-numbered - as new, box scuffed £550 3F 0-6-0T 'Jinty' No.47247 - Bachmann Brassworks (San Cheng), late BR £450Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No.46441 - Bachmann Brassworks (San Cheng), late BR £1,200Class 08 diesel shunter - Bachmann Brass, green/wasp stripes DCC sound £350Class 17 'Clayton' - JLTRT, weathered green, full yellow ends £750C12 4-4-2T No.67384 - Wagon & Carriage Works, early BR £550O1 2-8-0 No.63879 - built from Ace Products kit, superb runner, early BR £1,495 US Live Steam 4-6-2 Westside Model Co, unpainted, hydraulic tested by Mike Pavie £895Gauge 1 DRB Class 41 2-8-2 No.41-018 - scratch-built, two-rail electric powered £1,500Gauge 3 'Quad Art' Brake Third set - built by Fred Newman, BR maroon £650

Serious enquiries only to John Emerson at Lynx Models - email: lynxmodels@icloud.com Viewing by prior appointment. Prices do not include any delivery charges.

Croft Mill Sidings

A 'Hymek' coasts towards Brimscombe with a Down train as 2-6-2T No.4109 ambles back from shunting duties at Stroud on March 26, 1964. One of the illustrations from 'Modelling the Western Region', recently published by Crowood Press. T B Owen/ColourRail

L I N E S I D E L O O K T R A C K P A S S

It may not be immediately apparent, but a lot of work has taken place on Brimscombe over recent months. In order to avoid a lot of shouting between operators, the S&T Dept has installed an ex-BT 'Renown' solid-state exchange that now powers three telephones, and a 240v AC radial main has been run under the storage yard providing twin 13A sockets to power 'Up' and 'Down' control panels. This eliminates the potentially dangerous practice of 'daisy chaining' extension leads together to get power to the furthest reaches of the layout - one of a number of things highlighted in a risk assessment carried out in January. New twin 13A sockets have also replaced the second-hand ones that were originally installed to bring all of the electrical outlets within the layout area up to the same standard.

January also saw the temporary track at the 'south' end of the storage roads removed, and the remaining track and points installed. This marked the completion of the major programme of tracklaying, nearly 12 months after work on the new layout started.

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Completed track and pointwork in the storage yard - the ten roads can be accessed from Up or Down lines. The number of loco dead ends has also been increased to eight.

M A K I N G T R A C K S A TB R I M S C O M B EM A K I N G T R A C K S A TB R I M S C O M B E

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Temporary wiring allows running over both main lines and a period of 'working up' will ensure no hidden snags come to light before any permanent wiring of the layout begins. So far all seems to be working as planned with several trial 30 wagon freight trains having been successfully banked from the station and into the storage roads with a kit-built 9F 2-10-0 as train engine and Heljan 'Large Prairie' as banking loco - all without mishap, and all under DC control without the added difficulty of having to remember all those different addresses on DCC !

But although the job of laying track was finished, however much I looked at the small goods yard I was still not happy with it. The main problem seemed to be that there was just not enough space between the Up siding and the

goods shed road - it looked far too cramped. Another weekend blitz saw the offending track lifted, the fascia removed and the width of the yard area increased by around 4". This was not without some difficulty, including new cork tiles being much thinner than the ones already used as track underlay - these have been used instead to surface the goods yard area. However, with all difficulties overcome, the track was relaid in its new position, and the fascia replaced. At the same time a shelf was added to support the yard control panel, and the backscene behind the bridge - the scenic break between layout and storage roads - was repositioned. Even this was not without incident when I managed to knock the backscene over before it was firmly fixed in place, with disastrous results to the roof of the laser-cut signal box !

A view of the goods yard after widening, giving more room between the Up Loop and Goods Shed siding. At bottom left is the shelf that will support the yard control panel.

T R A C K P A S S L I N E S I D E L O O K

L I N E S I D E L O O K T R A C K P A S S

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A general review of rolling stock that will regularly appear on the layout has also been undertaken. As Brimscombe is set around 1961, vehicles built after this date have been removed, and any vehicles branded with lettering styles or other markings introduced post-1961 filtered out. These have migrated to Gifford Street for the time being, but some will re-emerge with the correct earlier style of livery and lettering to run on Brimscombe. There is also a mixture of livery styles in the mineral wagon fleet that will need addressing at a future date. The ultimate aim is to have a dedicated 'Brimscombe' set of authentic stock to run on the layout strictly in accordance with the prototype, and a standby 'Gifford Street' set of post-1964 stock to run during general running sessions, open days, playing trains, etc.

A Heljan 43xx 'Mogul' is the latest GW loco type to arrive on Brimscombe, collected from the Tower Models stand at the recent Bristol show. I'd heard reports of quality issues with Heljan's latest steam outline release, so it was with some trepidation that I took it out of the box for inspection. However, all seemed well and once the pony truck was fitted, it was with a sense of relief that it ran 'straight out of the box' - unlike a friend's loco that obviously had a major problem with the motor and gears. Unfortunately (and as usual) there has been a lot of online criticism of the 'Mogul', mainly on account of the model only having pick-ups fitted to the tender, leading to comments along the lines of 'wouldn't pay all that money for something that obviously won't run through points as it's only got pick-ups, etc, etc'. Well these critics must have the worst pointwork in the world - if indeed they actually have a layout - Gloucester's 4358 happily strolls round Brimscombe, through Peco straight and curved points as well as several double slips without any trouble or hesitation at all ! LL

Latest GW loco type to appear on Brimscombe is Heljan's new'Mogul'. They were true 'maids of all work' and as No.4358 was a Gloucester (85B) loco, it will be quite at home working on the layout.

'Merchant Navy' class No.35006 Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co. was a resident of Salisbury shed for all of its working life. In 1958 it became one of the last two of the class to be rebuilt in conventional form - the other locomotive being 35028 Clan Line. Both survived into preservation, with 35006 being based on the Gloucestershire, Warwickshire Railway after undergoing a 30 year long restoration project. Dubbed 'Austerities' by the Daily Express, the Q1 class were the most powerful 0-6-0s built in the UK, classified in the 5F power group by BR. Their unconventional looks gave rise to disparaging nicknames by enthusiasts, but like all wartime built 'Austerities' they had extended lives, the last three surviving until 1966. No.33006 approaches Basingstoke with a freight, the 'bang' plate under the buffer beam showing that this loco is fitted with ATC. How many others were also fitted ? Roy Taylor/Archive GSS LL

C A U G H T O N C A M E R A L I N E S I D E L O O K

B U L L E I D S T H R O U G HB A S I N G S T O K E

L I N E S I D E L O O K P A G E S F R O M T H E P A S T

An article describing the working of the two LMS self-weighing tenders - more correctly referred to as 'coal-weighing' tenders - first appeared in the December 1949 issue of the Meccano Magazine. The success of these trials led to BR ordering further tenders, all conversions of standard company designs as set out in the table below.

'Loco coal bulks large in railway working costs, so that its economical use is the subject of constant attention. Coal consumption tests are made from time to time, and on the LMR there are two dynomometer cars employed in carrying out such periodical tests. In these trials a known weight of coal is placed in the tender, sufficient for the test run to be made, and at the conclusion the coal remaining is weighed. The coal used, with suitable allowances made for lighting up and standing time, is related to the

units of work done by the engine on the train as recorded by the dynomometer car. Full-scale trials are usually undertaken on only a small number of engines of the same class.

With a view to a closer study of the effect on consumption of methods of firing, of traffic delays and features of present-day operation, together with a closer watch on the effect of the varying qualities of coal, two special tenders with self-weighing bunkers were introduced by the former LMS. Each bunker normally rests on six cone seatings on brackets on the tank top and in this position it can be locked, to prevent movement and damage to the operating mechanism. In operation, with the bunker

in the correct position and all locks engaged, the tender is coaled in the normal manner. The locking devices are then released so that the load is transmitted through two shafts running longitudinally along the tender tank top, and at the rear of the coal space, to a steelyard where the amount of coal can be read directly in tons and quarter cwts by the usual sliding weights. The locking devices are then returned to their normal positions and the cover that encloses the steelyard is replaced.

Locomotive Inspectors ride with the engines having these tenders whenever they are working a train. Coal weighing is undertaken so that the day's consumption can be split up as desired into that

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COAL W E I G H I N G

T E N D E R S

COAL WEIGHING TENDERSBuilt No. Type Disposal1946 10590 Stanier Withdrawn 5/67 1946 10591 Stanier Withdrawn 10/671950 10836 Stanier Withdrawn 11/671950 10837 Stanier Withdrawn 11/62 ?1951 4095 LNER B1 Withdrawn 10/551951 4200 LNER B1 Withdrawn 10/531951 4219 LNER B1 Withdrawn 9/521952 3343 Bulleid 'MN' Rebuilt 19621952 4127 Hawksworth -1952 4128 Hawksworth -1952 4155 LNER B1 Withdrawn 8/53

All 8 Ton coal capacity (Nos.10836/7 8.5 Ton) and 3,750 gallon capacity (Nos.4127/8 3,800 gallon). All information collated from published information and believed correct.

S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 P A G E 25

used for lighting up, shed duties, shunting, working trains, and during any traffic delays which may occur. Variations in consumption due to firing and driving methods can be demonstrated to the crew, and the best means developed for using inferior grades of coal. The

underframes generally, wheels and axleboxes are of the standard pattern for the LMR 4,000 gallon tender. Following successful experiments with these two tenders, British Railways are to equip nine other tenders with coal-weighing apparatus.'

The Stanier tenders always worked with 'Black Fives' until c.1960, when testing on the LMR ended. The bunkers were then fixed in position, the steelyards removed and they were used in normal service. It appears that crews were not too happy with them as extra coal couldn't be stacked on them. The ER examples worked with B1 4-6-0s, although two were paired with K1 2-6-0s in March/April 1952. They were all out of use by 1955. The WR tenders were mainly paired with 'Castles', whilst the SR version, rebuilt from a 6,000 gallon 'Merchant Navy' tender, worked with locos of that class. In 1962, due to the poor condition of the tank welds by that time, the ex-'MN' tender was rebuilt to standard condition.

The tender trapA Ben Brooksbank photograph on Wikipedia showing 4F 0-6-0 No.44118 at Derby, purports to show a 'self-weighing Fowler tender'. In fact the tender is one of a number modified with protective doors over the coal space to run with 4Fs when fitted with BR standard Nos.2, 3 or 3A ploughs for clearance duties on the S&C and Peak Forest lines. A full account appears in LMS Locomotive Profiles No.10 - The Standard Class 4 by Hunt, Jennison, Essery and James.The moral is don't believe everything you read or see online - but check, check, and then check again ! LL

45298 was a one time WR allocated engine (yes, really !) and was paired with a coal-weighing tender for a time. My model was bashed from an Acorn/Mike Williams kit many years ago but is being replaced with a Tower Collection kit - a much better beast !

P A G E S F R O M T H E P A S T L I N E S I D E L O O K

L I N E S I D E L O O K

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D I A R Y D A T E S MARCH 2 GOG Trade Show, Kettering 17 Toy Fair, Springfield Centre, Spalding 23/24 BRM/MRC 'Ally Pally' show

APRIL 6/7 MODELLING DEMO

Cheltenham Great Western Modellers GroupSt Margarets Hall, Coniston Road, Hatherley,

Cheltenham GL51 3NU 9 Isambard Kingdom Brunel b.1806 14 BRIMSCOMBE RUNNING DAY 27 TRADE STAND

Luton O Gauge Group, Flitwick Village Hall, Dunstable Road, Flitwick MK45 1HP

MAY 11 TRADE STAND/MODELLING DEMO

Asssociation of Large Scale Railway Modellers, Rivermead Centre, Reading

12 Toy Fair, Springfield Centre, Spalding 26 BRIMSCOMBE RUNNING DAY

READING 2019 The original Larger Scale

model railway show !

The Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading RG1 8EG

Saturday 11th May 2019 10.00am - 4.30pm

S scale to 5" gauge ⚪ 15+ layouts ⚪ Bring & Buy Trade & Society Stands ⚪ Two main exhibition halls Demonstrations ⚪ Refreshments ⚪ Disabled access

Admission: Adults £9.00 ⚪ ALSRM members FREE (£1.00 discount for approved Society members)

Accompanied children and partners FREE

website: www.alsrm-events.co.uk

White metal cast accessories Building, painting and weathering service. Secondhand models and books for sale.

Visit www.lynxmodels.net to download catalogue. Visitors welcome by appointment.

LYNX MODELS Unit 6, Southview Buildings, Burton Road,

Heckington, Lincs. NG34 9QS email: lynxmodels@icloud.com

GET THAT LINESIDE LOOK

D I A R Y D A T E S L I N E S I D E L O O K

T H E L O G G I E S

O N S H O W

Luton MRC 7mm Group - better known as the ‘LOGGIES’ - stage their fifth ‘roving’ exhibition at the Village Hall, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1HP on Saturday, 27th April. This is a spacious venue with easy access from the M1 (J13) or A1 ('Black Cat' roundabout) with. plenty of parking space andrail and bus connections close by - buses stop outside the door. The LOGGIES shows are held in the intervening years between the two yearly main LMRC multi-gauge show in the local area outside of Luton to avoid confusion with the traditional show. Previous shows have been held in locations that do not have a local club or event - Harpenden, Dunstable, Hitchin - and entirely focus on 7mm modelling.

The show features some new layouts seen for the first time on the show circuit, in particular Russel Burridge's long awaited model of 1840's Berkhamstead will showcase the event. It is currently a ‘work in progress’, but the part build will be of interest to those who wish to see how it is all done. As will be imagined, virtually everything has to be scratch-built for models of this period and will show the original L&B station prior to rebuilding when track alterations to cope with more traffic took place.

 A prominent feature of the period was the Victorian custom of walking and taking the air. With railways being the cutting edge of science at the time, it was fashionable for people to walk alongside the canal and railway to see the spectacle of trains rushing past. Russel has captured this with inclusion of over 100 exquisitely painted 7mm Victorian figures by Claudia of Cice Art, the level of detail is truly stunning. Claudia will be in attendance to discuss her techniques and can accept new commissions. Andy Ward presents his new creation ‘Weltham Mitey’, depicting a 1930s-50s GWR branch terminus in the traditional style and a main feature is the village scene at the town end of the layout. LMRC members will also show their acclaimed ‘Central Works’ layout which is now substantially developed and becoming increasingly popular on the show circuit. The show will feature a selection of specialist traders and preservation societies as well as eleven layouts.The venue is a five minute walk from the Midland Mainline/Thameslink station with frequent connections for connecting travel to Bedford or Luton for onward destinations. Light refreshments will be available and there are local amenities for more substantial food requirements adjacent to the hall (local pub, Tesco, plus other cafés etc). So, make a date in your diary and come along to this popular show - see you in April ! LL

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A busy scene on Central Works. Dave Coasby

Although my main modelling interests these days are set in the steam age, I do have a soft spot for the 'Corporate' blue period. Unfortunately the limitations on my modelling budget prevent me from indulging this in 7mm as well ! However, over the years I have managed a reasonable amount of D&E modelling, starting in the 1980s with Hayley Mills, my 4mm scale layout which achieved some noteriety on the show circuit.

Later - around 25 years ago - the Class 87/1 87 101 Stephenson in triple grey Rfd livery was built for a friend from an RJH etched-brass kit. Old tech they may be, and don't expect them to be a 'shake the box and it's built' kit, but they still can be turned into a pretty decent model with a modest amount of additional work. Due to the flimsy nature of the etched body, the loco was built around a plywood carcass, following an article by Dave Lowrey in the now long defunct Model Railways magazine. This was to prevent it being 'squeezed' out of shape when being handled. The photographs - taken in that dim and distant pre-digital age - show the pan head flipped upside down. Annoyingly I didn't notice this at the time and before I could take any more photos it was delivered to the customer. His collection was later sold, and I often wonder what became of it.

An Appleby Model Engineering FNA nuclear flask wagon and air-piped brake van (CAR) were also commissioned at the same time. The brake van was built from an ABS white metal kit and finished in Coal Sector livery. Recently I've completed a similar vehicle but in earlier BR livery with the vertical yellow bands painted on verandah and bodysides. It's modified from a Slater's kit with replacement roller bearings and scratch-built air pipes and setter valve, and lives on Gifford Street, now in its guise

I M P R O V I N G T H E B R E E D

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L I N E S I D E L O O K D I E S E L & E L E C T R I C M O D E L L I N G

of DCC shunting layout. It will be interesting to see if Dapol bring out an RTR version in their growing 7mm range. The advent of RTR models has certainly given a boost to D&E modellers in the 'senior scale', Heljan having now worked their way through most British outline diesel locomotives - some being more successfull than others ! Will they get round to producing some 25Kv locos - or how about some decent RTR Mk.II stock Heljan ? Likewise the appearance of Pete Waterman's JLTRT range

brought an unheard of degree of fidelity to prototype for the D&E modeller, as well as some innovative approaches to production, and it's good news that they are back, although in limited production. However, unlike the Heljan RTR models these kits were never designed with ease of fitting DCC in mind, especially any lighting, which is why my Class 25 has languished on the shelf for such a long time. The JLTRT 'Clayton' seemed particularly irksome, with the

instructions ignoring how - when construction was quite advanced - to wire the two bogies together. Some radical surgery solved the problem and it was with a huge sigh of relief that I watched its stately progress around Gifford Street with 40 Lionheart minerals in tow - all powered by a single Mashima motor. Maybe I should dust off that 25 kit and build an FNA and some barrier wagons to go with it !

In the last decade or so things have certainly progressed for 7mm modellers, and especially for D&E enthusiasts. The Dapol Class 08 shunter alone has encouraged many modellers to migrate from the smaller scales and seriously consider the move up to 7mm - at a price comparable to many 4mm scale DCC locos, maybe this will lead to more D&E layouts of all shapes and sizes being built in 7mm scale over the coming years. LL

D I E S E L & E L E C T R I C M O D E L L I N G L I N E S I D E L O O K

L I N E S I D E L O O K F R E I G H T O N L Y

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R A I S I N G T H E B A R

Parkside's kit for the GWR 10' 0" wheelbase 13T open (PS27) can be built either as an unfitted wagon to Diagram O32, or as the fitted version (Dia.O33). Construction is a similar process to the 'Mink A' van described in the last issue. On the prototype the sides distorted outwards in traffic, so before assembling the four sides and ends gently flex the sides outwards to give a slight bow at the centres to help replicate this feature. Plastic solvent has a tendency to draw parts together when dry and could eventually make the sides bow in, the opposite of the prototype. Don't worry if you overdo the bend, it will continue to try and straighten itself for a long period - as long as a year !

I added a 10 thou 'Plastikard' curb rail around the top of the wagons, cut to the thickness of the sides (about 2mm but do check), attached with solvent. When painted body colour this feature makes a noticeable addition. These were normally screwed to the top plank but on refurbished

wagon W135941 retention was by inverted 'U'-shaped clips bolted sideways through the top plank. I did this by carefully bending thin strips of 10 thou 'Plastikard' over the top and sides to an inverted 'U' shape, secured with solvent. You may need several attempts at this, as they tend to break under the action of the solvent. A small square of 10 thou 'Plastikard' represents the bolt heads on the clips inside and outside of the wagon. Remember to also cut slots in the curb rail, in line with the side doors.

David Roberts builds Parkside's GWR Dia.O33 open wagon kit. All photography by the author.

Palestinian Railways Baldwin 'H' class 4-6-0 No.898 off the road following

F R E I G H T O N L Y L I N E S I D E L O O K

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Corner plates were folded steel sheets so would have a slight radius as opposed to a sharp corner. Clean up the joints and remember to do the inside as well, as it will be very visible on an open wagon. I painted the body at this point after masking the inside, buffer beams and underneath to

prevent any loss of detail under an extra layer of paint. For GWR livery there is no need to mask the buffer beams as they are the same colour as the body.

When dry, a start can be made on assembling the underframe. My version had the vacuum brake fitted (for an unfitted version, remove the axlebox tie bars and assemble the brake gear exactly as for the Dia.V33 van). For the fitted version, carefully

insert the solebars and underframe components (as for the V33 van), taking care not to break the axlebox tie bars. If they do break, it's best to repair them when the model is finished, as there will be an inherent weakness and will tend to break again during construction. I again assembled the inner underframe component upside-down so had to add angled iron strips out of plastic strip - I also added 'Plastikard' blocks to mount the vacuum cylinder.

The vertical side stanchions on the prototype are attached to the solebars in a different way. The stanchion continues straight down, in line with the bottom of the solebar, then bent inwards at a right angle to meet the solebar in the shape of a square 'U'. It then bent at a right angle vertically where it was attached to the solebar. This is easily replicated by a small rectangle of 20 thou. plastic cut to fit tightly between solebar and stanchion, attached with liquid solvent. There was also a triangular brace under the centre of the door, again replicated by similar width strips of plastic, one horizontally from the top of the solebar, along the floor to the edge of the door and another diagonally from the edge of the door to the bottom of the solebar, forming a right-angled triangle.

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L I N E S I D E L O O K F R E I G H T O N L Y

Take advantage of unrestricted access to paint the solebars, 'W'-irons and recesses that the wheels will occupy. Assemble and modify the axleboxes as for the V33 van, but you will have to paint the axlebox rears as they are moulded in a light grey plastic and will be visible on your finished model. Try not to get any paint on sliding surfaces. Add the 'V'-hangers and one set of brake gear as described earlier. It is from this stage that the fitted brake gear differs. The second unit is assembled to the opposite side so that the upper push rod point to the same axle as the

first unit’s upper push rod. It also shows a pair of modified buffers fitted to one end with a pair of modified buffer housings ready to fit to the other end. This vehicle carried the same pattern buffers as the Dia.V33 van and I described my modification earlier.

Assemble the vacuum cylinder as per instructions - the cylinder is attached to the floor using one of the circular moulding marks on the floor for its location. The correct one is on the side without the moulded cams in the 'V' hanger. The operating crank can be more easily assembled by

using a piece of 1mm diameter brass wire, which will help to hold its location. This could also be used to aid location of the 'V' hangers and brake gear during earlier assembly. The photograph shows the completed brake gear, with ballast weight, but without brake crossbar, levers and door stop springs. These will be added to the solebar in line with the door hinges (see pic 17 for position and type).

You will need to make a representation of wood on the inside of the wagon. There are many interpretations of this, but a good place to start is with a coat of wood coloured paint - I used Humbrol XX (Oak). You can dry brush some grey paint along the grain of the planks to give a weathered wood effect as shown in the photograph.

This, and the application of transfers, completes the construction of this vehicle.

F R E I G H T O N L Y L I N E S I D E L O O K

ADDING THE SHEET RAIL I added a sheet rail even though the photograph showed it to be removed by this time - an operating sheet rail is a challenge to your modelling skills and patience ! The instruction sheet provides a very accurate template for bending the rail (referred to as a 'tarpaulin rail'), out of

brass wire (part 39). I annealed the wire by heating it on the gas cooker until red hot, slowly drawing it through the flame (held with pliers, not hands !) until the whole of the wire had been treated. It was then allowed to cool. This makes the metal malleable. Shape your wire as accurately as possible to match the template - I formed the curve around the handle of a needle file.

Even though this accurately matched the profile on the template, photographs of prototypes seem to show a larger curve. The photograph above shows the wire bent to shape on the template with the partly constructed model. It's important that the upright ends of equal length otherwise the rail will not sit level on the model.

Attach the swing arm (40) to the inside of the sheet rail with superglue (photo on right). Ensure that these are square and fitted at equal length. Attach pivots (42) to the end of the vehicle with superglue, the oval hole in part 42 should be vertical. The sheet rail can now be sprung into the pivot holes. The instructions describe this process fairly clearly, so long as you understand the engineering. The rail should sit at the bottom of these holes and is lifted up to change its position. The arcs (41) retain the rail from springing out and have a notch in the top, to allow the rail to locate in the central upright position. They are fitted to the ends, the hard part being to carefully align them to produce an operating rail. These need to be located so that

the rail can sit in the top notch whilst the swing arm is in the lower position of the pivot. When the rail is lifted to the top of the pivot, it can freely fall to either side where it will rest when not in use. I held them in their operating position with a pair of aluminium hair clips. Fine adjustment can be made to the arc to enable correct operation. When satisfied with its location apply small amounts of superglue to the sides of the arc with a cocktail stick. Capillary action should draw the glue between the components in the area of plank joins. Should you not require an operating sheet rail, simply glue on all components.

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L I N E S I D E L O O K F R E I G H T O N L Y

GWR DIA.O33 10' 0"wb 13T 'OPEN B' Lot Nos. Built Notes1166 128887-986 1934-40 1220 133207-706 1934-40 A number of the unfitted Dia.O32 wagons were vacuum fitted by BR in the 1950s including: 124027/8/30/8008130134/54/64/8/73/84/110/2/34/6/42/4407/18/60/4/84/9/6349/52/97/767/8/7706/16138001/2/408-50140153/70

GWR livery: All over dark grey; Buffer heads, couplings, wheels - Black. Lettering - White BR livery: Body - Bauxite; Underframe, etc, - Black. Lettering - White on body colour

VACUUM PIPESVacuum pipes are added only for fitted vehicles, simply glue into place on the ends of the vehicle, fitting inside the arc of the sheet rail. If these are added before the sheet rail, they will cause problems with the arcs location. I modified the vacuum pipes location by building up a block of 5mm square plastic underneath the model, level with the bottom of the buffer beam. The tail of the vacuum pipe then curls under the buffer beam to lie horizontally on this cube, which is located to the side of the coupling spring. This can then be flooded with superglue to aid the rigidity of the vacuum pipe as they can easily break off.

The upper photograph shows a small-unpainted square patch, behind the buffer beam next to the coupling, where the cube of plastic will be located. All paintwork can now be completed, and transfers applied. I made an adjustment to the tare weight of the model, to indicate the increased weight of the added sheet rail. LL

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Most modellers either ignore or don't know about the railways involvement in civil aviation. In 1929 the 'Big Four' obtained powers to own and operate aircraft, and provide freight and passenger services. The LMS Air Transport Act was passed on May 10, 1929, although the GWR were the first to operate an air service, initially from Plymouth to Cardiff and later Birmingham. This only lasted from April to September 1933, using an Imperial Airways Westland Wessex tri-motor (G-AAGW) suitably repainted in GWR livery ! Guy Williams - the late CME of Pendon - built a model of this aircraft, later described in the pages of the Model Railway Journal.

March 1934 saw the formation of Railway Air Services (RAS), a British airline formed by the four railway companies and Imperial Airways, operating routes within the UK. Although RAS operated the services, the railway companies had financial responsibility for services in their areas. Regular operations were interrupted during the war years, some aircraft being sent to France with four abandoned at Bordeaux. Services resumed after the war from Croydon to Manchester, Belfast and Glasgow, but from August 1946 RAS operated services on behalf of the newly formed and state

owned BEA (British European Airways). All aircraft, staff and routes were taken over by BEA at the end of January 1947, when all railway responsibilty ended.

RAS operated a variety of interesting aircraft, including De Havilland DH.84 Dragon (1934-39) and DH.89A Dragon Rapide (1935-47), as well as the four engined DH.86 Express (1934-47). From 1945-47 they also operated Ansons (Avro XIX) and ex-RAF Dakotas. Most surprisingly, in 1946/47 they also flew ex-Luftwaffe Ju 52/3m tri-motors until retired and scrapped. Nearly all are available as 1:48 scale kits, so would not look out of place on a 7mm scale diorama or layout. Fortunately DH.89A Dragon Rapide G-ALXT Star of Scotia remains in preservation restored to RAS livery as part of the Science Museum collection, although currently in store

at Wroughton near Swindon - home of the Gods ! LL

S O M E T H I N G I N

T H E A I R

LEFT: Collection Björn Larsson/David Zekria - visit: www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/gwr.htm

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L A S T W O R D S L I N E S I D E L O O K

DH.89 Dragon Rapide G-AIYR at Duxford - one

of the many aircraft types flown by RAS.

Summer on the Great Central - resident Met-Cam DMU two car set 51427 + 50321 (owned by Renaissance Railcars) arrives at Rothley station with a service to Leicester (North). A second two car set (50203 and 50266) is under restoration by the group who also own former Class 111 Buffet car No.59575 which now runs with 51427 and 50321 as a three-car set.