THROWBACK MODELLER September/October 2019 Issue 11 Continuing the Tradition…

THROWBACK MODELLER September/October 2019 Issue 11 Continuing the tradition…...

It’s rude to ask a lady…….

Exeter exhortations

Always a Princess at heart

16MM HERITAGE LOCOMOTIVE OWNERS AND OPERATORS Throwback Modeller ASSOCIATION ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O CTOBER 2019 I S S U E 1 1 Welcome to Issue Eleven

No, no, no I was driving to only thing that rework earlier this week listen- mains is my embar- ing to the radio and Zoe Ball rassment (and a hiked was telling me how many insurance premium). I weekends left until Christ- was most anxious to mas. What! Another year get sorted to get up to that’s flown by. I was drawn the Elsecar show - I up short by the fact that made it and had we’ve lost three 16mm char- planned to quietly run acters in the last two my Archangel Moel months, Jim, John and Brian. Tryfan. Despite my John had made his mark best efforts I couldn’t get On the subject of exhibitions through his models. Jim was her to run, and quiet went and gatherings we did hold a instrumental in hosting the out the window as the safety wet and windswept Heritage early garden meetings, es- valve lifted on the stalled Open day here again in Der- tablishing and growing the engine. by mid August (wet and early Association. Brian windswept in high sum- My guardian angel stepped made a different contribu- mer—grrrrr). It was a se- in and I’m looking forward to tion he was on the Associa- date affair as given the dropping down to see him tion Board for some of the weather it wasn’t a good and collecting the repaired time while I was Chair and outlook for people travelling loco in time for it’s next pub- then re-joined the Board distances. That said John lic appearance at Exeter. more recently to work with Nield travelled down and The eccentric on one side Alan Regan. Jim, John, Brian helped dissect Ben’s GVT Cover shot; Taken on was spinning on the axle so RIP. tram oscillator. We didn’t Chris Tilley's Barle it never was going to run. get the engine running on Valley Railway, you I mentioned in my last tail Looking forward to Exeter the day, but a subsequent too can achieve this if piece that life hit a hitch we’re joining the pilgrims to session in Bens workshop when I wrote my car off, and you start in the 1980's. this hallowed event at the aka the family kitchen a cou- then Daniel had his written and just keep evolving. end of the month. Say hi if ple of weeks later (when his off too 10 days later. We’re A superb study of a you’re coming down too. wife was in absentia) we had all squared up now, and the wayside station. the engine in pieces again and diagnosed the failed piston O-ring. At the open day the Roundhouse Taw stole the show looking superb drifting into the loop with full steam effect. With Copyright on all mate- the rain the sale table never got further than Derek’s car rials in this newsletter boot, but I know that several remains vested in the people came away with hap- authors and editor. py purchases. Reproduction of the So I’ll see a portion of you at whole or any part is Exeter - bring a model for forbidden without the display, Nigel :-) relevant permissions. P A G E 3 IT'S ALL THERE IN BLACK AND WHITE

One of the early and influen- tial 16mm modellers was Stanley Jones, whose line was called the Terranden Light Railway. With his wife May he held a number of well attend- ed and often amusing garden meets, on one occasion ing story. Stan and May had As Stan said, it was 'Master of setting fire to part of the gar- an Alsatian dog with a fairly the house'. den when trying to burn the fierce temperament. I have

weeds with an old-fashioned been told that all would be flame thrower! well until both the owners left DEREK you alone in a room with it, at I have every intention of ex- which point it would firmly ploring both Stanley and his clamp its jaws on you - usual- line in a future TBM, but for ly the arm. One visitor at least the moment have selected used a rolled up newspaper this Peter Dobson photo for delivered firmly on the snout the feature. Stanley built this of the animal to release 0-4-0 loco himself, and themselves from the predica- named it The Master. This ment! name in itself held an amus- P A G E 4 A desirable Heritage trio a cosmetic rework of the mid-1980s Lady Anne and has now become quite collect- able. The last loco is a Beck Anna. Arthur converted to 32mm and de- tailed a few of these, and this one has run regularly on the heritage layout at Exeter. It still performs very well.

DEREK

These three delightful models grandfather, and which will be are all owned by Arthur Cole, a the subject of a future article very early Association mem- in TBM. ber. The Roundhouse Old Colonial Pippacot is one of a run four was one of three bought to- models built by Steve Bell's gether by a local group, and is

Hints & Tips - what is paraffin,

but not paraffin?

We have the sort of ironmongers I can now clean track, locos etc. to moisture, condensate etc. On ex- in Oswestry that could have been my hearts content, and still be al- amining the loco, there was corro- used for the Two Ronnies sketch lowed back indoors afterwards! sion around certain areas, and in involving fork handles. I went in for fact in the battery box it was suffi-

paraffin, to clean the track on cient for one terminal to have cor- Phurcombe Hall, but found it to I recently delivered a loco to Har- roded away. Harvey always recom- only be available in 5 litres, which I vey Watkins on behalf of someone. mends coating terminals with a didn't want or need. Why not use It was in its original polystyrene little Vaseline. Lamp Oil was the suggestion when box and wrapped in a cloth. Harvey I declined the large quantity. After explained that never should a loco all, it is only double refined par- be wrapped thus, as the cloth will affin, but lacks the smell. Bingo! hold ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O CTOBER 2019 P A G E 5

This enquiry for help came in from Andrew Barnard. Luckily I knew that Harvey Watkins had such a model so asked his advice. His response follows on, but his suggestion of using part of Throwback for a forum to ask and share help and advice is worth following, so if you are minded to join in with asking or advising on any subject, then please go ahead. I will only say that we have no agendas, and hence no direct criti- cisms of manufacturers will be printed.

Andrew wrote;

I’m wondering if you know someone who’s an expert in Locomotion rail buses (the steam version)? I got hold of one a while back and despite best efforts it refuses to perform. I cleaned up the burner which was massively clagged up with carbonised oil so I can get pressure up to around 40psi without effort at which point the safety valve lifts. But the thing lacks ‘oomph’. Today I stripped down the cylinders to find that the o-rings were brittle and worn flat (now replaced though not with the best rings). I also replaced the gaskets between the steam pipes and the cylinder blocks which has resulted in better alignment of the cylinder blocks to the frame and, I think, a better steam seal. The thing eats water at an alarming rate and I may yet need to replace some of the fibre washers between the steam line components. I also really don’t know what is reckoned to be working pressure – although has an oscillator it won’t be excessively high will it? There’s more….there’s an exhaust restrictor which I haven’t fathomed - Andrew

LOCOMOTION STEAM RAILCAR

It seems that at a garden meet, or an exhibition, mention of a Locomotion Steam Railcar soon brings out owners who have had problems, some solved some pending. An exchange of views and letters to 16mm facebook on line, or to "Throwback", could be a useful way of propagating queries and answers to assist modellers. Below are a few topics recently brought to my attention. Would modellers with Queries or Answers like to combine knowledge and help each other out?

Lighting Up. It seems almost silly to mention this but the railcar can be a devil to light up out of doors, and this at the very time you need a third hand. So have a screen if only a fold of stiff card to set on the roof and keep the prevailing breeze off the chimney top when you are trying to pop a flame down to the burner. Some owners say it helps to put a finger over the air hole in the burner to encourage the flame to pop down. This is where the third hand is needed of course!

Running the machine. The model before me, on test, raises steam to 20lbs to the square inch, in five minutes. She runs at this pressure within seven minutes. The fire lasts for twenty seven minutes and the water in the boiler requires topping up via the Goodall injection filler during this time. The loco's safety valve blows off at 50lbs to the square inch. My own preference is to start the run with a fairly high water level, three quarters to a full glass. She seems to gobble the water down so an eye has to be kept on the glass. The gas supply can be moderated if she is making enough pressure to run but then it is even more important to watch the glass as the gas tank will outlive the boiler duration.

Exhaust moderator - Some examples of the Railcar are fitted with an exhaust moderator. I can see the use of these devices in a high pressure small cylindered locomotive but not in the railcar. My example runs perfectly and responsively so I see no use in adding a complica- tion. Owners might like to try running the Railcar on the regulator alone with the exhaust throttle fully open, or even totally removed?

O-Rings - When I first began toying with live steam we P A G E 6 had 'piston-packing'. This was a length of greased and graphited string, turned and packed into a groove in the piston head. It frequently began to unwind and then the loco spat it out and up the chimney. We still have the groove, but now we have O-rings. There seems to be a lot of problems with railcar O-rings hardening up, breaking free. etc.etc. so careful replacement is called for. Please do not try to save a bob or two by buying O-rings from the DIY store. These generally are plumbers fittings for use with cold or moderately hot water and not oily-steam. Buy O-rings in- HELP & tended to be used as piston rings and obtain them from a model engineering supplier. Remember that different manufacturers manufacture O-rings in different thicknesses so you will need to check the size of the O-ring grooves in your piston heads to ensure a proper fit, or possibly be ADVICE prepared to enlarge your O-ring grooves to suit. Most manufacturers publish a little table of dimensions to help so that selecting and fitting items is made easier. Charles Kennion used to ad- vertise "Black Viton O-rings best for oily steam". Now Polly Models offer three different types of FORUM O-ring and Blackgates, two. Spoiled for choice! Air Moderator. Time was when all locos had a little sleeve over the burner tube which could be used to moderate the airflow into the burner. My view is that if the burner is properly designed this adjustable sleeve is not needed. However in the case of the railcar the lighting up action can pop down to the burner so violently that the loco puts itself out. I have therefore experimented with an adjustable sleeve to reduce the air drawn in, and moderate the burning. The sleeve is made from a 1/4 inch length of KS 7/16 brass tube. It is slit along its length to allow it to open up, slipped over the gas pipe, and pushed forward over the jet holder. It is then crimped in position and juggled until it partially covers the air-hole in the jet holder. Having this sleeve set to close the air hole by about one third seems to help with the explosive lighting up but if you do not have any problems in this area leave well alone. Remember, "if it ain't broke don't fix it"! Harvey

Harvey adds;

In replacing O-rings remember to replace like for like in dimensions. Different manufacturers pro- duce different thickness of O-ring so it is essential to fit the existing O-ring groove correctly. Intro- ducing a fat bodied O-ring where a thin bodied item once fitted will cause the O-ring to bulge out of the groove and retard the action of the loco.

Proof that we drank Open day tea and burnt meths photos

Ran the 16mm Alan obligatory got bored Mamod watching trains and went back to painting the roof Ran Taw eaves again P A G E 7 More Open

Classic Cheddar at day photos rest

Classic Nat at rest in the rain with his Thanks to Julia Stephenson for Mamod these photos.

PEARLS OF WISDOM

Rob Kuhlman writes: I wanted to follow up on our email exchange from several months ago. After a long wait I finally met up with the seller of the Hyde Out Mountain Shay which you featured in TBM Issue 8. I brought it home three weeks ago but spent the past two weekends on multi-day steamups so I didn't get a chance to take any photos.

I will write an addendum once I get this thing up and running again. But in the meantime I wanted to show you the steam engine portion. Take a close look, and you'll see that you're looking at the front end of a Mamod locomotive -- everything inboard and outboard of the side frames! The displacement lubricator is made from copper tube and end caps, but the power plant is straight from a Mamod locomotive.

ROB ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/ P A G E 8

Sales, Wants & Solds with the loco. Can be viewed/collected from Bournemouth or posted anywhere in UK for the cost. Sensible offers accepted. Sale items Something for those of you who like something different, unique, old and quirky, as well as not costing a fortune. When Tom Cooper began bringing in the Beck Annas, Keith

Locomotion Single Railbus for Sale. Chocolate and Jacques of Archipelago and Northern fame bought three cream livery with V nose ends. It was found completely dismantled in a box and has been restored mechanically but not cosmetically. The only bits missing were the exhaust pipe, chimney, and all the screws to hold the bodywork together. All have been replaced and a new chimney turned on the lathe. In appearance it is just a little careworn, but not bad

chassis/boiler combinations from him. He then built three very different models. Annas have a very good record of reliability. Keith designed and fitted his own Walschaerts valve gear, and in the case of this one for sale, converted the loco into an 0-4-4 Forney. He has recently tested the boiler on compressed air to 90 psi, and says that the model runs well. Cosmetically it could do with some attention, but it is a substantial loco that would suit all types of track. Offers are invited. Separately to the above, we are also offering an Anna boiler, tested as above, together with the smokebox and a fairly complete chassis, also with the valve gear conversion, but given its age and construction. Burner lights very minus the cylinders (and one wheel detached). Offers again well (as these can sometimes prove tricky) and has please. Enots filler, as well as whistle. The old 40mhz radio has been stripped out but servos and mountings will be included in the sale loose. No transmitter was ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/ P A G E 9

I also have a small collection of early 27mhz. transmitters and apologies because I am unable to put my hands on your receivers (matched) as well as one 40 mhz. which is exceed- details before doing this entry. ingly rare. Again offers please. All the above items are with me.

Steamlines Shay: This is the Moody River two truck Shay which Tom built in Oswestry in the early '90s under his then business name of Steamlines. It was originally supplied as a kit, and the purchaser then proceeded to put it together ra- ther poorly. As bits were falling off, when the current engineer owner got the model, he dismantled it completely and rebuilt it, replacing the Osmotor with an SVS marine engine which is superior, though the original motor will come with the loco as well. Finished in black with the cab still in its original wood finish, there is also a crew in place. The loco is radio controlled with the same equipment as used by Roundhouse and is 2.5 Ghz. I am assured that the loco steams very well. In case you are wondering why I am not bidding for this loco, since it comes from my adopted home town and I love logging locos, it is because I already have one! Offers are invited for this rare, attractive and interesting loco.

Merlin Midas. This is an early version, based on the Beck Brandbright Coffee Pot. Numbered 32 this was built for the Anna but with Tom's Anglicised bodywork (see photo). It is Company by Roundhouse and is dated 1987. Looks to be in therefore slip eccentric, gas fired etc. and in a condition very good condition, and comes with the optional roof. Nice that indicates that it has had very little use. Two small dents looking loco. We featured one in a recent TBM. To the person in the dome are the only real blemish. 45mm who asked me to put one in the Wanted section, my profuse gauge. Loco is with me.

ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O CTOBER 2019 P A G E 10

Burton/Leech 'Jinty' 0-6-0 in 7mm scale. The actual loco as reviewed by Jack Wheldon in the November 1982 issue of Model Railways. I have a copy of this available on request. More sales? Located in the US. Best offer over £300/$350.

To me they have a great charm. As you can see from the pho- to there are seven assorted models, and all look to be in very good condition. You have a choice. Number them 1-7 from the left as you look at them. You can bid individually for any, or make an offer for the whole collection.

ROUNDHOUSE FOWLER: This is as per description and photo in TBM10. The loco is with me, and is currently undergoing recommissioning after not having run for quite a time. It is in I started off with eleven DJB Engineering WD bogie open wag- really fine condition and worth considering if you like this on kits, but have already moved six, leaving five which com- model. Set to 32mm, you will need the conversion from prise 3 x Type D, 1 x Type E and one Type F. These kits are all Roundhouse to change gauge. metal and hence very weighty, and come complete with bogies and wheels. We settled on £75 per kit with those that sold, and these are therefore offered for the same price. Can be brought to Exeter.

TRACK PACKAGE: This is Peco Streamline 0 gauge track, so you might have to take account of what sort of flange depth you wish to run if you want it for 16mm. What is on offer was laid for some 10 years, but totally indoors in a garage environ- ment, and only very lightly pinned down. It is therefore in a very usable condition. What you get is 7 x L/ H points, 6 x R/H points, and one only R/H curved point. There are also 12 meter lengths of track. Current retail would see this at around £800, but they are to be sold in one lot for £250. Located in the Beds. area.

A part assembled Don Pearse (father of Ian) Festiniog Ash- SALTFORD MODELS COLLECTION: I would think that this is an bury 4 wheel coach kit. Body only. The basic box has been offer that is unlikely to be repeated. Brian Clarke used to offer glued up, but I am amazed at the amount of small delicate a range of budget beading etc. that waits to be applied. It would suit someone battery models. He supplied all castings, mouldings etc. as who loves a challenge - far removed from the modern day well as the motors and electrics. You made up the remainder laser cut style of kit, but would make up into a lovely model. bodywork out of Plastikard. ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O CTOBER 2019 P A G E 11

To go with it, I presume, is an unopened Brandbright pack A tidy,low mileage Roundhouse Vale of Rheidol, r/c if possi- RSA18B axleboxes. ble, finished in green. Two wants here, and they both came on the same day! One is a Hunslet Jack in 7/8ths. Could be Harvey Watkins, Wilson 20 packs x 6 items of handrail stanchions. Locomotives or w.h.y. The second is a coal fired Wilson Loco- 2 packs of Tenmille F.AG138 bellcrank sets motives model. A Pearse Locomotives W&Ll Earl or Countess, from the era when Ian himself ran the Company. IP ENGINEERING CORRIS COACH kit. This is a body only kit, much along the style of the Locolines range with overlays onto A Roundhouse Talyllyn No:7 Tom Rolt in 32mm gauge. wood/perspex. The instructions are with it, and if you fancy an A returnee to 16mm after a long time away is looking for the inexpensive but good looking model this may appeal? more exotic/old school/quirky locos and rolling stock to ap- I believe that the two gauge 1 locos from TBM9 are still availa- pease the memories of what he sold. ble, and I also still have some Archangel chimney caps and Accucraft Excelsior -original version and happy with small bases. cylinders. Archangel Snowdon Ranger/Moel Tryfan - two requests. Garden Railways' by Ray Tustin. This is the first edition pub- Brandbright/Roundhouse Coffee Pot, with or without roof. lished in 1949. I've got a copy and it is worthwhile. Offers please? Archangel coaches. Any prototype, but searcher wants to assemble a rake of three or four.

Harvey Watkins Zulu, his incarnation of this South African DISCLAIMER: As always, neither Nigel nor I take any form of Avonside loco. commission for sales or finding buyers. We do it for fun. Equally, all descriptions and photos are offered in good Cuckoo's Nest Katie. Have you shut one of these away in a faith, and we accept no liabilities from our involvement. cupboard somewhere? Loving home offered. Wrightscale Tattoo class loco. Now have two people wanting one. Wanted items list Wrightscale Excelsior - two requested (similar to this)

It crossed my mind, especially with numbering the wants, that many of you may just glaze over and pass this section as being the same as before. It rarely is! So, I am going to try something a bit different. All new wants will begin this section, and there will be no numerical order on the repeats. If you are minded to thin down what you have, then consider using this medium. There are no auction site charges, no costs for mon- ey transactions, and no advertising costs. You also usually get what the market is prepared to pay, as opposed to finding out later that you could have sold for more. So, if you have any of the following to move, then please contact me. Any Hugh Saunders loco. Any L&B loco, by any heritage manufacturer. Gas or meths Accucraft Isle of Man loco. firing, age immaterial, and will consider mechanical or cos- LGB Ziller coaches with the matchboard sides. metic work being needed. Regner Konrad. Roundhouse L&B loco. David Taylor Steamcraft double fairlie, American outline but An Archangel Brick, and also a coal fired Jack. also confusingly named Mountaineer. An early, original Mamod for a young lad to get started in the Either finished or unmade kits by Triassic, of Talyllyn coaches hobby with. Has a mentor who could help if work is needed 1,2,3. Also any Talyllyn coaching stock (except no:4 or the on the loco. modern post war bogies). This would include the ex-Corris and GVT coaches. Buyer would also consider buying any TR ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O CTOBER 2019 P A G E 12 goods rolling stock, as well as locos either steam or electric traction. More wanted stuff Merlin Major. Merlin Mayflower(s) - two requests please Any small and interesting steam loco (restricted radius on the Archangel Marmaduke has also been sold for £900. line it is wanted for ). Accucraft W.& Ll Goods van, but must have the W & L letter- My apologies to anyone not contacted by me about the Fin- ing on the side. escale Hunslet and the Darj. Garratt. The reasoning behind the Tom Cooper Mini Mule. sale was happily downgraded, making it unnecessary to move Roundhouse Pooter. two requests for this model. them. Roundhouse Russell Mk.2, r/c and not too worn, hopefully lined out in the current style. Merlin Little Wonder Large bore Archangel cylinder such as fitted to Brick, Sgt. Mur- phy etc. Alternatively, has anyone replaced the original small cylinder with anything different? Archangel 4-4-0 Cavan & Leitrim tank known as the “Lady Edith” model. Brandbright (Roundhouse) Fiji Fowler. After one came back from the States, we now need another! I still think that this is a model that could be reintroduced. Curious? Find it on the Roundhouse Museum part of their website. Tom Cooper Steamlines Rheidol. Makes a change from the Archangel versions, but the owner just loves the model as is. I have been involved with moving a couple, so they are out there. Archangel Rheidol, must be sound and in good running condition. Archangel Brick - any cab profile.

Sold items

We did quite well after the last sales lots. The Merlin Maestro sold for £600, and the Friog diesel for £200. I have mentioned the DJB kits already.

The two Merlin C&U toastrack kits went for £50. The Fendyke coach kit went as part of a job lot. The Osmotor sold after spirited bidding for £130.

Little Wonder went for £400. There is an offer in for the Stomper, but you can still bid. Both the books sold.

After quite a wait, I can happily tell you that the newish build ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O CTOBER 2019 P A G E 13

There has been more activity this past couple of months. I only scan through the SM32 and 16mm scale headings. New Beck Annas regularly appear at around £700 give or take the exchange rate. My old favourite loco, an 0-4-0 single cylinder with a passing resemblance to Snowdon Ranger has steadily come down from £1000 over a whole series of listings. In the past couple of months it has descended via £795 and £625, to two listings at £600 but still appears unsold.

A Salem modified Mamod, with extended tanks etc. attracted 40 bids and went for £215. If the model is right it will attract the buyers. In better times it might have made even more?

There was a Shay with some provenance and looked quite well and sold with two bids for £750. Could be compared with the Steamlines one in this sales section?

An Accucraft Excelsior in blue attracted nine bids, and sold for £600. After some bad response when first revealed, this loco is now gaining a solid following. Fair result.

A Merlin Maestro in black was listed at £600 and appears to have sold.

A Turner Loco Works battery Sentinel, dual gauge, appears sold at £300, as also a Lindale Enius 0-4-0 at £500.

I have no results of auctions. If you are aware of any, or attend, please let me know how it went.

DEREK

This time I am more specifi- This was a television docu- Woolwich Idle cally themed. mentary, one of a series nar- Video Jun 18, 5 57 12 PM rated by Wynford Vaughan In 1967 I made my first trip (follow the gaps carefully). Thomas. into Wales from Surrey. The

W&Ll was the first line I visit- Whilst this is very much of its ed, in the days when time, it is also a lovely glimpse Finally, and with thanks again into the line in its earlier to Gary Newton, you have it only ran to Castle. The clips preservation days and highly just got to have a look at this: YouTube below brought back a whole recommended. lot of memories! Just type in:

Working Model of Stephen- David Anderson kindly got in son's STEAM ENGINE made of Shunting at Welshpool - 1954 touch with regard to the piece GLASS. Rare! Crossing the street in Welsh- on the diesel loco that John pool Brittain had built, as he has built similar types. If you have Entirely made of glass, with The end of the Line - Welsh- never seen or heard anything no machining of any sort. Just pool & Llanfair Railway 1956 like it running, then put in blown by an expert. Triang Big-Big Train, and scroll

down looking for the letter T. These are all short clips, but in There are a variety of clips of Happy viewing colour. Finally, when you have different models of David's. half an hour to spare: Also Jon Bryant kindly pointed DEREK me in the direction of a cou- Welshpool & Llanfair Railway ple of ic models which are 1976. worth a look.

ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O CTOBER 2019 P A G E 14

Electric Avenue The Woodseaves Min- iature Railway is a family affair. Dad Ron looks after the 7 1/4" line that runs around the plant nursery that Mother looks after, whilst son Martin is in charge of the extensive 16mm line that also winds around the attraction. Look at their website - the line is near Market Drayton in Shropshire and they have specific railway open days.

Martin has built Major Custard, which is a real Throwback (!) to the early days of 16mm modelling. He writes:

Looking at a Lima 4F battery 0 scale loco one day, I began to wonder about what I could turn it into. With no obvious narrow gauge prototypes of 0-6-0 inside cylindered prototypes, the best idea seemed to be to go to the opposite extreme and into freelance. Emett and the Shropshire and Montgomeryshire 'Gazelle' were primary inspi- rations, but largely I made it up as I went along building around the existing shape of the 4F. It is mostly cereal pack- et with the chimney made from a pen, the whistle is a pop rivet and the dome was something found on the lawn - maybe an umbrella end cap? I had some home-printable clear waterslide transfers which only worked on light colours, so the loco ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O CTOBER 2019 P A G E 15

was painted cream to allow the WLLR on the tender. A few coats of clear var- nish give it pro- tection with a neat sheen finish and so far it's all holding up well. The name Major Custard is stolen from Cluedo's Colonel Mustard.

Initially the cab and chimney were nearly twice as tall, further in line with Emett's style but our loading gauge dictated a cut down so the stepped cab front developed. It still retains a certain charm and is strangely majestic when it smoothly, slowly and quietly glides around the line, towing some lightweight stock that flatters its haulage capacity, ably driven by Horace and fired by Maurice - strapping six footers of 'cheap army figures from China' ex- traction. It's all very whimsical.

MARTIN ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O CTOBER 2019 P A G E 16

The first is a recently purchased 32mm model of Hunslet Linda in the condition she was in the mid 1960's at the Festiniog Railway. She is incredibly well made, slip eccentric slide valve, gas fired boiler, working water pump and saddle tank. The previous owner purchased it second hand from a model shop in Cardiff, believed to be over 20 years ago. Do you have any idea as to the builder or history?

The second is a first genera- Some say tion Roundhouse Pooter, named as you can see Phoe- nix. However, it has an un- it’s rude to expected dome which seems to be with a non- standard fixing, and areas of ask a lady the cab seem to point to a later design? Can you help the new owner with any her age but details, history etc.?

we are ... Now we come to a lovely Festiniog style bogie coach. Made of card and running on Triang Big-Big bogies, the owner bought it in the mid '80s from Tom Cooper, and believes that it was made by one of his sons - DEREK P A G E 17

It’s a wind up, Sidney

Whilst on my trip to Laun- They date ceston, I stopped off in Som- from 1909. To erset and spent a fascinating say that I was morning at the home of Er- impressed nie Smith. with the engineering is an Okay, we are talking Gauge 1 understate- in what follows, but 16mm ment. wasn't even a glint in the eye back when we are talking. In case you think that Ernie is very much into vin- they are con- tage tinplate - not just the fined to loft locos but everything that running in- went with the model rail- doors, Ernie ways back in the early also has an 1900's. He has an amazing outdoor line layout up in his loft, part of in the garden. which you can see. You can meet The subject of this piece is Ernie and see Sidney, which was built in some of his collection at the 1905 by Bing. It is still run- upcoming Exeter Show. Take ning superbly with its origi- time out to find him! nal mechanism, as I wit- nessed when it rumbled DEREK round in sprightly man- ner with three substantial bogie tinplate coaches behind. However, amongst his extensive collection were also two Bing live steamers, one of which is shown here. P A G E 18

Dave Pinniger has written an article for the next SMT on Traming Jack Wheldon's tram locos. These photos are not in this piece, so are here for addi- tional interest. it Dave notes: I have attached an early 1980s shot of “Erebus” on the Ambledown Valley before I built the body. The first open coach is solid brass and was built by Marc Horovitz. The later shot obvi-

ously shows the loco with the new body. Whilst on the subject of Jack Wheldon, Dave also came across this photo of Jack's very first Pooter, in steam on Dave Rowlands' Alderbrook Valley Rail- way. Dave took the photo in the very ear- ly1980's, and it is the only known one of the loco whilst running. P A G E 19

Archangel Princess Loco Re- quite strong. The previous the setup on my previous build by Graham French owner had rounded off the Princess I decided to box in front footplate and cut back the tanks and move them I bought this loco off ebay as the buffer beam to more out 6mm each side, there a restoration project, It's a closely represent 'Princess' was still plenty of space to well used loco in need of as built which I didn't dislike do this on the footplate and I TLC, but I felt wasn't really obvi- did feel that initially the loco This type of loco was my first ous looking at the loco from looked too narrow. I cut Always a live steam garden railway the side. away the curved back of the loco and I was anxious to tanks that acted as boiler I wanted to return the loco secure it for my collection as supports and made a new to a more Archangel look so this one was earlier than boiler support plate between remade the front buffer Princess mine being a 1976 loco. My the tanks at the back and beam and I noticed that the 1983 loco was somewhat also added a fillet at the loco had some features simi- different where the manu- front of 6mm. The handrails lar to my 1980's model i'e, facturing details seems to be on the side tanks owed more the bigger etched name- at heart more rationalised. to the Ffestiniogs 'Fairlie' plates, remains of the signa- locos in that they protrude This model appeared to be ture nylon buffers and the out at 45 degrees off the between the very early one and the 1980's version, the chassis it seems is identical with the later 'Brick' but with spoked wheels and three wicks. The first objective was to decide what I wanted to do with it. A total time warp as new?, a rebuild to a more scale loco? or keep the features of the original with a couple of cosmetic changes? I chose the latter and set to dismantling it, the first prob- lem was the chassis did not run and all it was was the packing gland around the piston valve had worked loose due to quite a lot of packing behind the thread so I reduced that and tightened it home and the valve gear worked sweetly on air. corners and were held in later side rods, so i put some Some Archangel models can place by split pins, but if you original nylon buffers on that sometimes suffer from a look at early photos of the I already had from a 40 year weak footplate and this loco England locos they had quite old unmade Archangel Vale was no exception despite an attractive arrangement of Rheidol coach kit. having brass angle valances on the top of the tanks held the actual footplate was in The next job was to rebuild in place by either 3 or 4 stan- four parts so I decided to the side tanks, the tanks on chions along the top. CNC machine one in one these early models act as I noticed in my Peter Dobson piece from slightly thicker heat shields and as a support book that an early Archangel 1mm brass and once riveted for the boiler at the back but Princess loco also had this to the new valances was get very hot, remembering feature from new so felt that P A G E 20 I could comfortably replicate brass locking handles. I'm sure have tried all proprietry 'etch' this. Stewart would have replicated primers and none of them this had he access to photo- work on brass. The one I did The next feature in which I graphs showing the front! but know works is by de Beers but added a new cosmetic touch in the 1970's I don't think one is no longer available outside was the rear cab back, the had turned up yet! Again I South Africa! original was quite distorted made sure that the door could and I've always thought that I stumbled across 'special met- be fitted without drilling any the locos look visually weak als primer' by Hammerite and new holes so that a new 'flap' from the back and I decided to it's a revelation, I sprayed it type door could be re fitted. remake one with stanchions neat on the brass with a lot of and handrails on the top but A new base was made for the air because I couldn't thin it! without the cutout for the dome and a Roundhouse but have since realised that it tender and straight to match whistle which had to be is one of these new genera- the buffer beam [ a bit of a thinned down by CNC machin- tion water based paints as it cross between Welsh Pony ing and a globe shaped fitting works well on cleaning out the and Princess] but using the made for below it to house gun! I have scraped the boiler same location holes in case I the whistle control rod as this of paint where the wicks are ever wanted to put the origi- was one feature I wanted to and I can tell you getting it off get right. was quite a struggle. So I'm confident I won't end up with I nearly made a shiny brass edges showing new scale cab through! front weather- board but it's such I did a steam test and realised a beautiful shape I just how good Stewarts locos elected to just were for the time, simple to silver solder some operate and with this one has extensions to the quite a large boiler and a very existing one to responsive regulator, I know- reach the now some people do question the further apart tank fascination with these old lo- tops. cos, but for me Stewart was making your narrow gauge The only other favourites live steam in 16mm feature I updated when you could barely get was the inlet pipe anything narrow gauge even to the meths tank in the smaller electric scales. which I moved out He also pushed the boat out from the cab with that full colour brochure nal back. More a 'pastiche' of floor to the more usual out- which must have cost a for- the real thing in keeping with side. tune. the Archangel tradition. All the reused parts were The loco was tested on a The other new feature was dunked in paint remover and friends line and I was a bit the smokebox door, on re- then cellulose thinners and I disappointed as it was a bit ceipt of the loco it had a initially thought the sand box- breezy but once the 3 wicks round smokebox door which I es were copper they were so were lit we had full steam up think the previous owner had tarnished but once polished and the loco managed to keep retro fitted as once removed out and along with the other the pressure up all the way the marks and fitting holes parts they came up a nice round the circuit, in fact it just from the previous 'flap' type shiny brass. The split pins on runs and runs, far better than door were present, again I the tank fillers and sandboxes my original 2 wick example think the flap door looks good were steel so i swapped them ever did. on a 'Brick' but weak on this out for brass as well. shape of smokebox so I decid- During this restoration the ed to design a new one based one thing that bugged me was on the original and also the how am I going to paint this Gosling loco which consists of without the paint flaking off? I a 'D' shape door with two P A G E 21 L.S.R. ??

This will not be the first time Launceston was highly enjoya- from the Engine Shed, the that you will read these ini- ble - the line reminded me quirky carriages and the small tials. In this case, they refer to very much of the earlier days Hunslets, which double head- the Launceston Steam Rail- of heritage narrow gauge rail- ed the last train of the day way.Clockwork In August they held a DHR Gala, as Adrian Shooter was keeping his Darjeeling B class loco corneron the line during his house move, and a number of us went down for the day. I had been out to India with a small group some four years ago, where we rode both the Darjeeling/Himalayan and the Kalka/Shimla. For me it was a trip down memory lane, and for Harvey Watkins, who joined us at Launceston, it was a chance to see in the flesh a loco of which he had built many models. Harvey began back in the early '90s with building an A class for himself. Once it was finished, the inevitable hap- pened and he was asked to build another. Then in Tom Cooper's Steamlines No:12, ways with its rustic charm, with Nigel and Kay Bowman Steve Bell published a superb creaky track coming down on the respective footplates. line drawing of a B class, which inspired Harvey to follow that. The reception for that version meant a steady flow of orders, not least because of the superb reputa- tion that Harvey's locos had for detail and reliability. In all, Harvey built 21 Darj. models, and they went worldwide. It was only the introduction of the Roundhouse version that stopped Harvey continuing supplying the model, and he went on to building the Hunslet 'Jack' in 7/8ths. scale. His B class models still command a very loyal following, and are much sought after. I have to say that the day at P A G E 22

With five fully loaded carriages I can assure you that it was a really spirited run! Whilst there, I was lucky enough to have a fascinating chat with David Mead, who is the British engineer who has been going out to India to help with the overhaul and ongoing mainte- nance of the locos. I learnt a lot! If the Launceston line has slipped off your radar, then a revisit is well worthwhile.

not up to the job of hauling on ing been raised 4 1/2" for the line. The other A class, in headroom. green with the tapering coal I was recently given the book bunker shows the loco in its 'The incredible Darjeeling B middle form, with the collar Class' written by David tank added. This was narrow Churchill and published by the as it had to fit between the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway chimney and dome. He also Society (www.dhrs.org). It is supplied the photo of the B well worth getting a copy for class 795 that he built. I took so many good reasons. the photo of the loco out on the line in India, which shows those of you who like to

My thanks to Steve Herring, for the photo of the Harvey A class loco in its original form. Harvey supplied the one of the A in its final modified form (please note the loco name which in true Harvey fashion is a genuine alternative to Dar- jeeling and means 'place of the thunderbolt'), as well as the one with the squared off tanks which predated the A class but was deemed to be

weather their models the DEREK lengths that you will have to go to (!), as well as Adrian's loco at Launceston. This differs from the prototypes mainly by having a tender, and the cab roof hav- ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O CTOBER 2019 P A G E 23

John Turner (1947-2019) ing pre-production models to the One thing that came with all his late Jack Wheldon for testing and loco’s was the high standard of

evaluation before arriving at what engineering he put into them. John passed away on 16 August were to be the finest engineered John was a founder member of 2019 following a long and debili- models available in 16mm scale. what is now known as the Chesh- tating illness. He was a quiet, Standard on his models was a back ire, Merseyside and East Clwyd kind and friendly person who had -pressure regulator which kept his Group of the 16mm Association. a passion for engineering. After loco’s running at a constant speed Illness prevented him attending in leaving school he served an Engi- regardless of the load it was pull- recent years but he still remem- neering Apprenticeship qualifying ing, going up or coming down a bered the early days and the com- as a Workshop Engineer. The slope which removed the need for radeship the group provided for high quality of his work was recog- radio control. His version of him. nised wherever he was employed Hackworth valve gear was stand- which included a period in the John’s models are referred to as ard, allowing the loco to be re- Merchant Navy as an Engineering the “Rolls-Royce” of live steam versed from the control lever in Officer. 16mm models which now com- the cab, a lever that could be used mand high prices on the rare occa- John’s life was to change when in to notch up the loco. Silent gas sion that they are offered for sale. 1975 he undertook a short-term firing meant no roaring of a burn- He said that his models would still contract to make up basic live er, a gas fire that could be turned be running 100 years after his steam kits for what we knew as up or down with a second gauge in death, not an understatement! the Lindale Caledonia. This intro- the cab to read the gas pressure to duced John to 16mm live steam the burner. He devised the safe modelling and the opportunity for refilling of the gas and water levels Rest in Peace John him to build model locomotives to whilst the loco was in steam con- the highest engineering standard. siderably extending the running John used the Lindale as the test session. If you wanted lights Peter Holland bed for rigorous testing in his fitted, oil cups for the axles etc workshop over several years, tak- John would make and fit it for you.

Jim Wild 16mm which subsequently was which he instituted, without being converted to gas. Jim built other asked. That was the mark of the I write with deep regret of the locos as well and was able to pro- man. He had a tremendous sense passing of Jim Wild - one of our duce some wonderful models. of humour, as was shown with a stalwart members of the Two small model of a cycling army per- Moors Group. He was taken from Not all Jim’s life was in 16mm. He son known as Major Bloodknock, us very quickly after being ad- went the full gambit with racing which worked with a small battery. mitted into hospital, where cancer cars, model aircraft, radio con- This being built from a toy from a was diagnosed. trolled yachts, and even sailing. well known burger joint. Jim was one of the original partici- I had the pleasure of knowing Jim The forgoing does not give full pants in the fledgling 16mm Asso- for the last eight or nine years in reign to the extent of what Jim was ciation group and got involved in the 16mm area of things and again like, but does give some indication the building of a De Winton Loco he formed one of the basic mem- of just how much his friends will with the founding father of 16mm, bers of what was to become the miss him. Graham Lamb. Jim threw the towel Two Moors Group. in after building five, as he was Yes Jim, you will be sorely missed No matter what, he always had running a full time design business as a true gentleman and scholar. time for you, and would do his best at the time, deciding that full time R. I. P. to help you out. One of our mem- loco production was not for him. bers had the misfortune of trying Pat Brewer 1468 But Jim went on, and even came to fly 16mm locomotives. Jim up with coal fired De Winton in stepped in with two major rebuilds P A G E 24 Exeter exhortations

This is my last opportunity to encourage you to join in with the heritage presentation at Exeter.Clockwork Sadly, with the obituary that you willcorner have read elsewhere, we have now lost Jim Wild so I would ask you to bring along any models that he built. His widow Pat has kindly agreed to loan us some of Jim's work. Let's pay our respects to a man who was an ever present on the heritage at the Show. Equally I know already that we are going to have a Locomo- tion display, but the more the merrier. Finally, it would be good to remember David Hick and his wonderful locos, and quite a few of you in the West Country are lucky enough to own one or more. Can you bring them along please?

My thanks to Dave Pinniger, Martin Haywood and Paul James for the photos.

DEREK ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER/O C T O B E R P A G E 25

DOWN 1. Simple railway layout where cricket is played. (4) 2. I sell barn conversion to Lake Railway. (9) 3. Glean a molten mass of lead ore. (6) 5. Loco remaining when score is removed from Talyllyn. (3) 6. Aquatic animal found on the Isle of Man. (3,4) 8. Pottery X marks the end of the Ashover Light Railway. (4,5) 9. Circumvention of Welsh reservoir done in Just a Minute with hesitation and repe- tition. (9) 11. Cone link I reshaped to form part of re- chargeable battery terminal. (6,3) 12. Cars, carriages or Wild West watering holes! (7) 14. Get these right for smooth running in Somerset. (6) 16. Railway initially from Oxenhope. (1,1,1,1) 18. Large bird once found on the Southern Region. (3 or 1,1,1))

Across 17. Awkwardly steer on in to partnership with Koppel. (9) 1. The original journal used for cleaning loco. (4,3) 19. Ride a tube train on this island. (1,1,1) 4. Confused pals halt Ffestiniog train. (4) 20. Branch line used by horse rider. (4) 7. Exclaim at discovery of station in Black Forest! (3) 21. Loco named after Ffestiniog railway builder. (7) 8. Mix a nice load for an Isle of Man loco. (9)

10. Loan Bev an awkward line to Welsh mining museum. (9) Chris & Jenny Dowlen 1998 12. Smarten train for Christmas tree! (6) 13. Loughborough manufacturer is bird of prey. (6) 15. Tall top hat for uncapped chimney. (9)

Solution to OILY RAG CROSSWORD NO 9 DOWN (republished in July/August Throwback Model- 1. Remote; 2. Sari; 3. Ashpan; 4. Camber; 5. Lead ler#10) Acid; 6. Tralee; 11. Swap Meet; 12. Ore; 14. Ewe; 15. Puffer; 16. Thomas; 17. Prince; 18. Elidir; 20. Woto. ACROSS 1. Rishra; 4. Collet; 7. Merstham; 8. Bala; 9. Ace; 10. Euston; 13. Rescue; 15. Planet; 17. Pendre; 19. Her; 21. Fuel; 22. Manifold; 23. Rotors; 24. Exmoor.

P A G E 26 Electric Avenue -

McEwan Pratt Motor Rail Car 42inch gauge Years ago, probably in the 1970s, I Baro- bought an old catalogue produced Kano by McEwan, Pratt & Co showing Railway their range of internal combustion in Nige- locomotives, railcars and coaches. ria. Alt- The Motor Rail Car for Staff Use hough shown in Picture 1 struck me as an there is a discrepancy in gauge interesting subject for a model and is mounted at the front pointing (42inch to 24inch) I think the model I made a drawing of a 16mm scale down, and a slide switch at the rear captures the controls the headlamp. The front spirit of the axleguards are, in fact, dummy, and prototype. I the leading axle is carried in inside also anglicised bearing on a pivoted frame to give the cab roof by three-point suspension. omitting the sunshade. The Rail Car has run on various lines over the years. Picture 5 is a I built the mod- scan of a slide taken by my brother, el around 1975. Roger, in January 1978, showing it The scrap box running on the late Graham Lamb’s provided Pinewood Valley Light Railway in wheels, motor Tournament Road Salisbury. It is and gears, and still in working order and runs on the rest was the Heritage layout from time to largely scratch- time. built from wood, brass and tinplate. Picture 2 shows the finished model. It is powered by two D cells carried in the rear of the body as shown in Picture 3. The on-off switch is mounted on the lid of model to run on 32mm gauge the rear body track. When Allen Civil and Roy and operated through the fabric Etherington produced their book cover. Picture 4 shows the under- on The Railway Products of Baguley side with the motor cover removed -Drewry and its Predecessors, I to show the motor and worm gear learned that it was built for the drive. The forward-reverse switch

The Exeter Garden Railway Show is the largest of its kind in the 16mm Heritage Locomotive South West and makes a fabulous day out for all the family. The aim Owners and Operators of our show is to promote the garden railway hobby from O gauge Association to Scale 3 and everything in between. The 2019 show will be our 19th and will be up to our usual high standard at the Matford Cen- How to contact us…. tre in Exeter EX2 8FD. Saturday 26th October 10:30 - 4:30 *** Derek Wiggins; Email; [email protected] Phone; 01691 654474

*** Nigel Town; Email; [email protected] Phone/Text; 07807 969 400

I have arrived at this point with very mentum going. Nigel and I are consist- mixed emotions. I was sitting with Jim ently being told how much TBM is en- Wild and a small group in the middle of joyed, but that is because of the variety August, and suddenly that has become of content. Keep it coming! Oh, and I the last time. I had intended to talk to must say a very big thank you to every- John Turner, and this had been made one who is contributing. possible for me. I am fairly confident now to say that I didn't manage it and again... What readership is around 1000. On almost a does this tell me? That we should al- daily basis I get new circulation enquir- ways do our best to preserve and docu- ies. ment our history and recognise those Exeter will be I am certain a great day, that he is on the mend. Take care Si- who got the hobby to where it is. though tinged with some sadness as mon as there are a lot of people includ- I am also relieved to have reached this Jim was ever present. ing me who call you friend, but above piece. Why? Because I have received a So, looking ahead there will be an arti- all else please take your time! whole raft of articles etc. and already cle on Crackers, likely in two parts, Bye for now - all of you. have quite a bit for TBM12. It has been ditto on a Peter Dobson line, more DEREK a major task to gather it all together Archangel memories and all the usual (days), and I would remind you yet favorites. Sorry to everyone whose Tail again that I am only available to do this contributions have been held over. for a few days a week. This is a stark Finally, Simon Whenmouth hasn't been reminder to you all to keep this mo- too well recently. As I write, I am told Lamp TBM #11 score card Team tram (Derek) - 5 Team L&B (Nigel) - 2

Even when I abuse my editorial power (two similar Taw photos…) I still lose. Five! All those photos of the coffee pot in the for sale section– grrr, I was doing alright against the Erebus photos.