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  1. J

    MML Electrification: progress updates

    The Fast Lines from Harpenden northwards were also under a possession I noted from the track diagram associated with the Railcam installation at St Albans South box. Not clear if this was simply because they needed to switch trains at Harpenden to avoid intruding north of Luton or if they were...
  2. J

    Hornby Live Steam Flying Scotsman model

    Particularly when moving off you get the distinct 'chuffs' - at speed it's a 'purring' sound rather than a hiss. As you alter the regulator/throttle control the servo motor whirrs a bit as it adjusts the steam control valve. (Most noticeable when it's running on a rolling road and you're close...
  3. J

    Hornby Live Steam Flying Scotsman model

    It was 2004 - they were what decided me to get back to railway modelling. I'd been contemplating 00, the larger LGB type garden railway, three-quarter inch to the foot model trams (also in the garden) or joining with a Model Engineering Society for large live steam models. (They had their...
  4. J

    Hornby Live Steam Flying Scotsman model

    The voltage the Hornby steamers use, peak to peak, is around 15-18 volts. I believe DCC uses circa 15V p-p, so not very dissimilar. Yes, the locos do 'dribble' and leave oil and water about the place, but provided the track is cleaned after each day's running session, I never found a problem...
  5. J

    Hornby Live Steam Flying Scotsman model

    Yes, I have 'Mallard' (complete set), 'Flying Scotsman' (bought new) and 'Dwight D Eisenhower' (bought second-hand at the last Chiltern Model Railway show that took place at the St. Albans Arena). I built a small layout on which I could run both ordinary 00 locos and the steam locos, using a...
  6. J

    Hornby Live Steam Flying Scotsman model

    So that is a complete set with all the accessories needed to fill the loco with oil and the tender (where the boiler is) with water, plus the controller and it's power pack. Looks as though it's never been used - even the heat-resistant gloves are there! But no idea of the likely selling price...
  7. J

    Heysham Harbour Branch Signalling, 1970?

    I think it more likely that the #33 signal was a replacement for semaphore(s) following alterations to the track, or perhaps the proximity to the coast and/or being in a cutting had led to failure of the semaphore signal post(s)? In which case it would be sensible to replace with a single colour...
  8. J

    Vintage buses destroyed by fire 08/12/2023

    I commented on your items (2) and (3) in my post #15 on page 1 of this thread. In summary (2) is quite straightforward, (3) has a number of practical problems to consider, let alone the cost.
  9. J

    A scam phone calls and emails discussion.

    In this case, they were UK based and it was on the 'Who Called Me' website that numerous callers had commented that they were a scam. A number of contributors on 'Who called me' also mentioned that while very polite when first making the call, she and her colleagues got extremely 'ratty' if you...
  10. J

    A scam phone calls and emails discussion.

    From late January onwards there has been a noticeable rise in the number of unwanted calls to my landline. All but one failed to get through due to my 'Call Guardian' system. The one that did come through was a lady offering electrical safety checks; on checking with 'Who Called Me?' turned out...
  11. J

    Hornby Live Steam Flying Scotsman model

    One should bear in mind too that is it the individual loco being sold? Or the complete kit with transformer, controller, oil and other accessories needed to run these relatively unique locos?
  12. J

    Where to learn more about Great Western Railway fire brigade?

    Fire watchers were part of the Civil Defence organisation, and 'spotted' fires to supplement or substitute for other alarm sources (street alarms and telephones) when these were compromised by bomb damage. Following the success of the St Paul's fire watchers the government compelled most firms...
  13. J

    Explanation how to run a train on a German semaphore signal box.

    Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for that link - a different way of doing things to our UK manual signal boxes. In return can I direct you to the 'FARSAP' project organised by the UK's Signalling Record Society and others. This is an effort to record as many of the existing UK Manual signal boxes...
  14. J

    Where to learn more about Great Western Railway fire brigade?

    Two fire-service orientated groups who may also be worth checking: Fire Service Preservation Group at https://fspg.org.uk/ The Fire Brigade Society at https://www.thefirebrigadesociety.co.uk/ Three books about the railway in wartime: 'Britain's Railways at War' by Alan Earnshaw, Atlantic...
  15. J

    Thameslink Sutton to Bedford direct

    The 'Sutton Loop' services normally only run to the turn-back siding at St Albans City station, so the extension to Bedford is the unusual feature. Besides assisting train crews there is no doubt a need to service units and switch them round - there are two sets of carriage sidings at Bedford...
  16. J

    Does anyone know anything about 5” gauge railways?

    Might be worth contacting a local Model Engineering Society? (Sorry, don't know any down that way!)
  17. J

    Why don't East Midlands Trains stop at St Albans?

    Glad you enjoyed St Albans! I agree with your comment and wonder why the Sheffield trains don't at least stop at Kettering, which would eliminate one of the changes you had to make.
  18. J

    "Britain's Railways Then and Now" - on "That's TV" channel 26/02/2024 and following days

    Sorry, it's WEDNESDAY 6th MARCH the repeats start at 5am. I've checked and it seems that Freeview doesn't transmit 'That's TV' from 4am to 6am for some reason......
  19. J

    "Britain's Railways Then and Now" - on "That's TV" channel 26/02/2024 and following days

    My pleasure. But I can't drink beer, alas, but thanks for the thought. NB SERIES REPEAT at 5AM on That's TV Thursday 29th Feb onwards, I've noticed.
  20. J

    "Britain's Railways Then and Now" - on "That's TV" channel 26/02/2024 and following days

    Just seen the Great Western-related programme, one of several made by Ian Allan around 1996, on this channel. (Unfortunately not repeated later in the day.) Tues 27th: 12:20 to 13:35 "Southern Railway" Weds 28th: 12:25 to 13:40 "LMS" Thurs 29th: 12:20 to 13:40 "LNER" Friday 1st March: 12:15 to...

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