Caledonian Railway Association Forum

Thanks for that detailed answer, Donald. I am full of admiration for those who understand arcane topics and try to pass on hard-won data in a readable (?) form. In my own career as an academic, I have written books and papers on equally arcane topics, mainly to do with housing policy in African coun...

I would be interested in seeing those, so is it possible to post them here on the forum as an attachment so that others can see them, please, Peter?

That's fabulous, John. The paint job is superb. Well done indeed, Graham

Thanks, Jim and Dave. I had not realised the difference between the wheel connected to the cylinders and the others. Thanks for that tip. The photos make much more sense now. Keep safe, Graham

Hi Folks, Were there any rules or protocols as to where the balance weights were in relation to the crank on loco driving wheels or were they a bit like those on the car (just where a particular wheel needed them)? Were they there to help the wheel turn at a particular point in the cylinder cycle or...

The WW etches have nothing below the solebar and no solebar overlays and nothing much below the floor except the solebars and the box onto which bogies can be pivoted. I cut these in half as they seemed over-generous and I needed some for another coach! They are marketed, I think, as aids to scratch...

I've just had an email from Allen Doherty that his etchers have restarted work and he could take my order for two coaches. I'm sure other folks' needs might be more available now as well! Best wishes, all. Graham

Hi Tony, I made two of the 45' coaches last year but can't get any more at present. They are 16 or 20 thou brass with windows cut out. The window opening frames are on a separate etch and need attaching behind the main side. They are pierced for handles. The ends are double layered so that the steps...

Hi Michael (dunalastairv), I'm more than happy for you to start a new thread. It's been great how one thing has led onto another. Graham

On the above photo, what is at the base of some of the oil lamp posts? Is it concrete cast inside an oil drum as a mould? Or something else. I was wondering how to model the lamps found against platform fences when they are on an island platform. Are the bases above typical of solutions to that issu...

Thanks, folks. The photos are so helpful and not just on barrows. I'm still amazed at the resources you all have. Best wishes and keep safe, Graham

Well thanks to y'all for such an informative group of answers. I'm always amazed at the breadth and depth of knowledge among the members. Do we have any photos of the special barrow used on the C&O mentioned by Dave Lochrie?

Please can someone tell me how wide barrow crossings were? In other words, how long the planks between the tracks were? Thanks, Graham

Here's a pic of mine in mid-paint-job after trying out boiler band transfers (HMRS LNER). It's all a bit distorted by the camera, in reality, everything is reasonably straight. IMG_6088.JPG Knowing your work is far superior to mine, Dave John, you could easily manage it. The main cosmetic problem is...

Can I recommend this kit. It's not completely straightforward but makes a lovely little engine. I'm no engineer, but I managed, even with the clearances between the revolving driving wheel and the slidebar. I have no connection with CC, by the way. Stay inside (or as they say here on Tyneside, "Divn...

Thanks for the explanations to this rather dim modeller! They have thrown perfect clarity on the topic. Could I repeat the first question about recommendations for lettering transfers for particular traders using these wagons, please? Each lettering sheet is quite expensive so mistakes need to be av...

So with a brake lever on one side, was there no V on the other?

I've just completed one (of four) of these and am turning my attention to a paint job. I note Dave John's excellent efforts and assume the lettering is from one of the lettering transfer sheets available on the internet. I wonder if Dave and anyone else could link particular wagon designs with one o...

Fading lettering has been an issue for me. So far, painting over them with a thin wash of the base colour (red oxide for the wagons) works OK but isn't as good as I would like.

Thanks. I meant livery book. Senior moment! Graham

Sorry to ask this but the loco book isn't available to buy. I am making a 918 class loco as 920. What colour was the background of the number plate. I have read somewhere that it might have been red or blue. Which is it likely to have been, please? Thanks, Graham

Universal would be fine. Several sets, certainly. Graham

Just because houses look the same on the outside, it would be a mistake to assume they are the same inside. I live in a row of Victorian terraces which all look the same at the front but are radically different inside, especially as they approach the corner and get narrower front to back. Lovely mod...

What are the others?

I was planning to build one so would value a set of etches if they can be done.