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				<title>Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</title>
				<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/</link>
				<description>12 rows</description>
				<language>en-gb</language>
				<ttl>60</ttl><item>
					<title>A2 2009</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1654485.html</link>
					<description>I have finally started work on my LNER A2 pacific in 7 1/4&quot; gauge.  The main frames have arrived and are soon to be drilled for all the bolt holes.</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Monday 16 February 2009</b>: I have finally started work on my LNER A2 pacific in 7 1/4&quot; gauge.  The main frames have arrived and are soon to be drilled for all the bolt holes.</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p56436533.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/533056000436.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The frames looking from the front." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p56436534.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/534056000436.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Again but looking from the back!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p56436537.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/537056000436.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="me with frames :D" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p57186873.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/873057000186.jpg" width="120" height="66" alt="nothing exciting, just the drag beam." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p57186875.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/875057000186.jpg" width="120" height="66" alt="the CAD drawing for the frame plates." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p57186868.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/868057000186.jpg" width="120" height="85" alt="working drawing for the front buffer beam.  All the dimensions have been fiddled with from LBSC's original design but fundementally its the same." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p57186871.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/871057000186.jpg" width="120" height="66" alt="a CAD screenshot of the assembled chassis minus trailing truck" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p57102143.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/143057000102.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The frames bolted down onto the mill bed for drilling.  They are both lined up so I only have to do one load of drilling, and to ensure the frames are lined up perfectly.  Picture by Stephen Trower." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p57102144.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/144057000102.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="close up of the drill bit.  Picture by Stephen Trower." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p57102145.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/145057000102.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Yours truely doing some drilling.  Picture by Stephen Trower.  " /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p56755213.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/213056000755.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the trailing truck frames exactly as arrived.  They require bending." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p56912468.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/468056000912.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="A2 2009's co designer.  Had to credit him!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p56907162.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/162056000907.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="finally some more substantial components.  These are a couple of the driving wheel castings.  The one on the left is a coupled wheel (front or rear?  Time will tell!).  The one on the right is the driving axle.  For the uniniatiated you can tell because the driving wheel has a bigger balance weight!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p57483883.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/883057000483.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="various important bits and bobs.  The bogie bolster is at the top left.  The other blocky bits are the frame stretchers.  The drag beam is at the bottom." /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
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					<pubDate>Mon Feb 16 2009</pubDate>
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					<title>Ottershaw May Fayre LRT event 5th May 2008</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1506639.html</link>
					<description>Once again we took the LRT to the Ottershaw May Fayre, our biggest portable track event of the year.  Once again we had two train operation, though with the second train hauled by Livvy the tram instead of last years steam loco.  She struggled a bit on the steep gradient the track had to go up but she kept going all day, much to my surprise.  She will be much more up to this sort of thing when rebuilt!</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Wednesday  7 May 2008</b>: Once again we took the LRT to the Ottershaw May Fayre, our biggest portable track event of the year.  Once again we had two train operation, though with the second train hauled by Livvy the tram instead of last years steam loco.  She struggled a bit on the steep gradient the track had to go up but she kept going all day, much to my surprise.  She will be much more up to this sort of thing when rebuilt!</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50261478.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/478050000261.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephen driving Livvy, I did drive her, but was a lot happier watching her go up and down with passengers, doing what a loco should." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50261479.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/479050000261.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt=""A creature of beauty, a thing of the earth"" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50261480.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/480050000261.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Chris on point duty." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50261481.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/481050000261.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Tiger tank 111 and Panzer III 1442 stand guard.  We took these along for a laugh and they attracted a lot of attention." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50261482.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/482050000261.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephen rolling back downhill toward the station.  Livvy managed to get up to some quite high speeds here and had to be carefully driven on the light track." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50261483.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/483050000261.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Livvy and train nearing the station.  The lady taking the photo is my nextdoor neighbour, her little girl sitting in the carriage behind Stephen.  So she has been hauled by the "tram next door"!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50261484.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/484050000261.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The LRT hauls a load up the bank." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50261485.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/485050000261.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The two trains in the station.  The marquee was very welcome, as the sun was amazing!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50261486.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/486050000261.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Coach number 63, an absolute legend.  This was very kindly loaned to us for the day by Kim at the GCR.  It is one of the original coaches from the Greywood Central Railway." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50261487.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/487050000261.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Livvy looking sharp at the end of the day!" /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
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					<pubDate>Wed May 7 2008</pubDate>
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					<title>GCR re-opening 2008</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1502422.html</link>
					<description>some pics from the first day of the new season at the Great Cockcrow Railway, 2008.  Locos in steam were 5000, 1947, 1442, 1239 and 1803.</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Wednesday 30 April 2008</b>: some pics from the first day of the new season at the Great Cockcrow Railway, 2008.  Locos in steam were 5000, 1947, 1442, 1239 and 1803.</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50096928.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/928050000096.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="GNR Atlantic 1442 blowing off and ready to go on the coaling stage." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50096929.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/929050000096.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephen Trower, best mate and 1442s regular driver." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50096930.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/930050000096.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="GNR 1442" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50096931.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/931050000096.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="LMS Black Five "Sister Dora".  Fresh out of overhaul this engine now no longer clanks.  I am her regular driver." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50096932.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/932050000096.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="5000 looking a little grubby." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50096933.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/933050000096.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="is it big or small?  1442's build plate.  1442 was the GNR's royal engine." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50096934.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/934050000096.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="NER R1 1239, built in 1913 and still going strong." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50096935.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/935050000096.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Eleanor Hill, 1239's owner." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50096936.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/936050000096.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the two pre-group engines together." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50096937.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/937050000096.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="1442 heading up the gladesman.  I was behind it on 5000 as train engine." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50097102.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/102050000097.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="my regular steed 5000, looking all the better for her mechanical overhaul that was carried out this winter." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p50097103.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/103050000097.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The two locos await the road.  Could you have a better pairing?" /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
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					<pubDate>Wed Apr 30 2008</pubDate>
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					<title>Acton Modelling Weekend March 8th/9th</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1472350.html</link>
					<description>Well we finally got the railway running.  Our roster for the weekend were: the LRT, Sarah Siddons, A class Met tank 27, C class 255, 1400 tank 1472.  The two latter locos ran double headed, and the A class and Sarah ran top and tailed.  We did have Livvy with us but she was so knackered she was withdrawn until I can rebuild her later this year, so if you were present on the Saturday, it was the last time you could see Livvy MK1 in service, a sad day but it opens up the next chapter in the locos life.
On the Sunday I was lucky enough to look after 27 for three hours as the owner went round the exhibition with his family.  Since last year the hand pump has been replaced with an injector which fills the boiler in about five seconds flat, so this made firing a bit easier.  </description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Sunday  9 March 2008</b>: Well we finally got the railway running.  Our roster for the weekend were: the LRT, Sarah Siddons, A class Met tank 27, C class 255, 1400 tank 1472.  The two latter locos ran double headed, and the A class and Sarah ran top and tailed.  We did have Livvy with us but she was so knackered she was withdrawn until I can rebuild her later this year, so if you were present on the Saturday, it was the last time you could see Livvy MK1 in service, a sad day but it opens up the next chapter in the locos life.
On the Sunday I was lucky enough to look after 27 for three hours as the owner went round the exhibition with his family.  Since last year the hand pump has been replaced with an injector which fills the boiler in about five seconds flat, so this made firing a bit easier.  </p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48903537.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/537048000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the newly re-gauged Sarah Siddons.  This loco was donated to the museum from her previous Irish owners, where she had been to 7 1/2" gauge.  This event was her first since regauging.  With new batteries she proved very adept at top and tailing with 27.  As you will see, she looks supremely good with the Met coaches we use." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48903539.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/539048000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephen with Livvy on the Saturday.  Her performence was rubbish from the start.  She was pushed backwards down and siding and the drive chain fell off.  After bashing wedges into the various parts to get it tight again I gave it another go but it was all so knackered I declared it scrap on the spot, and she came home to my garage that night so as not to be in the way for Sunday." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48903540.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/540048000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Livvy on the Saturday.  It is intended to replace her current wheelsets with brand new ones to GCR standards that have two axle hung motors each.  This will lay down the power needed to pull a decent passenger train at the AMR, and indeed at the Spinney and GCR.  With all four motors drawing 24 volts she will be a super duper loco, my ultimate power house." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48903541.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/541048000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Mike with 27 on the Saturday." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48903542.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/542048000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="a close up of 27s unique Beyer Peacock cylinder arrangement.  Also check out the slide bars, there are four on each side." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48903544.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/544048000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Sarah at the end of the line waiting to tow the train back.  I was driving at this point and hopped off to snap this." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48903546.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/546048000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="at the other end of the train was 27, seen here being driven by Stephen.  The look on his face says all." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48903549.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/549048000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Sarah's driving controls.  From L to R, the main throttle, the reverser and the booster.  The loco has split field motors and the booster gives it more torque when extra umph is needed.  This makes her a good banker.  The controls are entirely mechanical, with no electronics anywhere, and while a bit archaic, are within the spirit of the real loco, and also make it very robust and a bit more interesting to drive." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48906397.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/397048000906.jpg" width="92" height="120" alt="your leany webmaster standing in front of his favourite form of "modern traction".  Now if only Mike the Metrovick was this big I'd be set.  Pic by Stephen Trower." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48903552.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/552048000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The A class.  I really love this loco.  It goes so well and is always a pleasure to drive.  I have never yet met an engine quite so much fun as this one.  I think its because of the Victorian nature of it.  The tall chimney, four coupled chassis and open cab lend it a bit of difference to all the locos I'm used to.  This is also the reason I like the GCR's 1442.  Basically, I like really ancient engines!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48922718.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/718048000922.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="27 on the steaming bay siding.  The big deflector plate is necessary, going uphill this loco's exhaust is fierce." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48903553.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/553048000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Look what turned up!!!!!  Its a big Mike the Metrovick!!!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904153.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/153048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="AMR General Manager Adrian Allum poses next to Sarah Siddons (12 inches to the foot) and Sarah Siddons (1/8th scale)." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904156.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/156048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Legend!!!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904158.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/158048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The inside of Sarah.  Lots of lovely live equipment, a H&S nightmare!!! " /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904159.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/159048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="A contact breaker doo hickey on Sarah Siddons." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904160.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/160048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="big Sarah and little Sarah.  Such a shame Mike wasn't able to attend!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48922721.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/721048000922.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Sarah at the headshunt at the end of the line." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904404.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/404048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Sarah Siddons number 12" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904405.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/405048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="27 with her smokebox being cleaned out on the Sunday morning." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904406.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/406048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="1472 about to be loaded onto the track." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904161.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/161048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="1472 was 255s partner for the day." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904407.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/407048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="SE&CR C class 255." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904408.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/408048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="GWR 1400 class 1472" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904163.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/163048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="C class 255 ready to be lit up." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904409.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/409048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="drivers eye view from 27" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904165.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/165048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the footplate of 27.  At this point I had just shovelled out the last lumps of coal from the bunker!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48904168.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/168048000904.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="27 after the climb to the loop at the end of the line, and waiting for the next train to deliver the token." /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
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					<pubDate>Sun Mar 9 2008</pubDate>
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					<title>Acton Work Party Feb 23rd</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1465630.html</link>
					<description>Once again we set out to Acton to do a bit more tidying up before the railway runs in March.  We basically changed the pea shingle level crossing for a proper wooden board one.  This looks most authentic.  The wooden steaming bay was replaced with just a plain bit of track.  Livvy was tested after repairs and found to be ready for the March event should she be needed.</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Tuesday 26 February 2008</b>: Once again we set out to Acton to do a bit more tidying up before the railway runs in March.  We basically changed the pea shingle level crossing for a proper wooden board one.  This looks most authentic.  The wooden steaming bay was replaced with just a plain bit of track.  Livvy was tested after repairs and found to be ready for the March event should she be needed.</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48668958.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/958048000668.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Dan slaps a coat of wood preservative on the planks for the new foot crossing. " /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48668959.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/959048000668.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephen makes sure it all fits." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48668961.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/961048000668.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephen and his work bench (my tender!)" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48668962.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/962048000668.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The steam bay having been replaced by a plain bit of track.  Looks good." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48668963.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/963048000668.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The now redundant wooden ash pit." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48668964.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/964048000668.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephen prepares to take a rather flat batteried Livvy out for a spin.  She worked fine, until I got on the tender!!!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48668965.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/965048000668.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Livvy waiting for action." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48668966.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/966048000668.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The completed foot crossing.  It looks stunning, and it means we now no longer have to go along the rails scraping the pea shingle out of the check rails." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48668969.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/969048000668.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="A tired Matt (me) with his "injin" pic by stephen" /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
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					<pubDate>Tue Feb 26 2008</pubDate>
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					<title>GCR happenings</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1452081.html</link>
					<description>just a few pics showing latest goings on at the Great Cockcrow Railway.  7915 Mere Hall has been released for traffic, shes running well.  A broken pin has delayed her a bit but once its repaired the loco will be usable.  7112 jackshaft class 11 shunter Winifred has been repaired by her owner.  She seems to be running well.  Myself and Stephen finished re-assembling this loco and once the timing on the engine had been adjusted she ticked over well.  5000s tender has been flipped up and I shall be removing the wheelsets one by one and cleaning/painting them, at the same time I shall rust convert the bottom of the tank, as its getting a bit sad.  A wire brush and a coat of black Hammerite will see the chassis finished.  If I get the chassis finished in time the body will be rubbed down and repainted and lettered.  The Jungle line has been totally relaid and will be ready for many more years of service.  More to come!</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Saturday  2 February 2008</b>: just a few pics showing latest goings on at the Great Cockcrow Railway.  7915 Mere Hall has been released for traffic, shes running well.  A broken pin has delayed her a bit but once its repaired the loco will be usable.  7112 jackshaft class 11 shunter Winifred has been repaired by her owner.  She seems to be running well.  Myself and Stephen finished re-assembling this loco and once the timing on the engine had been adjusted she ticked over well.  5000s tender has been flipped up and I shall be removing the wheelsets one by one and cleaning/painting them, at the same time I shall rust convert the bottom of the tank, as its getting a bit sad.  A wire brush and a coat of black Hammerite will see the chassis finished.  If I get the chassis finished in time the body will be rubbed down and repainted and lettered.  The Jungle line has been totally relaid and will be ready for many more years of service.  More to come!</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48175645.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/645048000175.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="7915 looking as magnificent as a GWR loco can!  S Trower " /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48175605.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/605048000175.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="5000s tender upside down in the shed.  You can see why I've done this, its mucky and rusty and just not very good at all!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48175623.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/623048000175.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="7112 Winifred on the pit soon after it was re-assembled by Messrs Trower and Scrutton.  S Trower" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48175638.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/638048000175.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="7112 again. S Trower " /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48175639.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/639048000175.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The newly re-laid Jungle Line looking up toward Piggery Summit.  This line was getting long in the tooth and so we went all out and replaced it all.  S Trower " /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48175641.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/641048000175.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephens Alison and 70020 Mercury (he doesn't own that!) on their way to the workshop.  Mercury needs boiler work and Alison needs her water feed plumbing attended to.  S Trower " /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48175642.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/642048000175.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Mere Hall's magnificent paint job!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48175643.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/643048000175.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Nigel and Seb with 7915 on the pit before going for a test run.  Nigel and Seb were two of the group overhauling this loco and they have done a wonderful job, well done guys!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48175644.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/644048000175.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="7915 having come back from its first test run.  Seb took it out again after this." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48519578.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/578048000519.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Norman Sleet has been a busy man.  In not more than 4 months he has turned out what you see here.  A BR class 60 in 7 1/4".  To carry it around Norman was very cunning and arranged for the body/chassis to split in the middle.  6 screws, 3 top and 3 bottom clamp the lot togther.  All 6 axles have a motor, which means every wheel on this loco is transmitting power to the rail.  It makes for something really special.  The loco is entirely built out of steel." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48519579.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/579048000519.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The 60 with the roof off as Norman sets up all the wiring.  Norman was making sure the springing was all correct and that the loco would run round the railway ok.  It did that!  I was very grateful to be offered a go and its just as good as Jim Vigar's class 31.  It could easily pull the Gladesman on its own." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48519580.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/580048000519.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The 60 posed in Hardwick Central, now with its roof panels on and ready for a test run." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48519581.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/581048000519.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="One of the cabs.  Norman built everything from works drawings.  Even the springs on the bogies are to the works drawings!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48519582.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/582048000519.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Do-nut.  When finished the loco will be in "three greys" and have a sound unit and LOUD two tone horns.  Come this summer to see it in action when it will hopefully be completed." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48765074.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/074048000765.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephen driving the Mardyke deltic D9007 Pinza round Jungle on Pway duties." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p49568233.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/233049000568.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="as you are probably aware it inexplicably snowed on Sunday, so I took my camera down the railway to get some decent pics.  Here is the very white Hardwick Central." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p49568234.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/234049000568.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Platforms 1 and 2 with their respective starting and shunting signals." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p49568235.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/235049000568.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Hardwick's turntable." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p49568236.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/236049000568.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The engine shed." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p49568237.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/237049000568.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Lesters Crossing.  Shame about the cones.  I didn't think about moving them. doh." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p49589380.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/380049000589.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="yours truly on something other than 5000.  Photo by Darren." /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
					</content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Sat Feb 2 2008</pubDate>
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					<title>Acton Work Party 26th Jan 08</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1448017.html</link>
					<description>We travelled to Acton again to do maintenance work prior to the March open day.  This involved levelling and repacking track, as well as re-aligning the departures platform so it was parallel with the platform!

Livvy the tram came with us, but we were so busy we didn't have time to play with her, so she remained in the van.

</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Saturday 26 January 2008</b>: We travelled to Acton again to do maintenance work prior to the March open day.  This involved levelling and repacking track, as well as re-aligning the departures platform so it was parallel with the platform!

Livvy the tram came with us, but we were so busy we didn't have time to play with her, so she remained in the van.

</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48041264.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/264048000041.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the driving trailer of a 4COR unit under restoration in the yard." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48041265.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/265048000041.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the departures platform." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48039400.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/400048000039.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the now re-aligned departure platform.  This was moved by Stephen, Stese and Dan, and I assisted in repacking it.  The big sleeper is holding the track still and also provides a step for passengers embarking." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48039401.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/401048000039.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Adrian and Stese roll down the hill into the arrivals platform when we were testing the levels.  I subsequently removed a panel aided by Stese and we re-levelled the loop." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48039402.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/402048000039.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephen and Chris at work.  Some might say Stephen looks far too relaxed!!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48039403.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/403048000039.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="We removed the temporary boarding and pea shingle (nice as it looked) and replaced it with soil taken from a skip, which we have free pickings of before its removed." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48041266.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/266048000041.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the loop at the end of the line with Stephen and Chris in the distance doing P way." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48039404.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/404048000039.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Sarah looking a bit slim.  Her bogies have been taken away by an outside contractor (the same who helped with the LRT overhaul) and she should hopefully be regauged and running ready for March.  I'm looking forward to having a go on this one." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p48041267.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/267048000041.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the LRTs big sister." /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
					</content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Sat Jan 26 2008</pubDate>
					<dc:creator></dc:creator>
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					<title>Acton work party 29th December 07</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1432809.html</link>
					<description>On the 29th of December friends of the Acton Miniature Railway made the trip to the museum depot to do some maintenance on the line.  We discovered that AGAIN a vehical had damaged the track.  We generally tidied the place up and put in some earth fill to help support the ballast shoulders.  Hopefully it will all have bedded in by March, when we next run.</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Monday 31 December 2007</b>: On the 29th of December friends of the Acton Miniature Railway made the trip to the museum depot to do some maintenance on the line.  We discovered that AGAIN a vehical had damaged the track.  We generally tidied the place up and put in some earth fill to help support the ballast shoulders.  Hopefully it will all have bedded in by March, when we next run.</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p47540429.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/429047000540.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="a buggered buffer.  Its clearly been driven over by summat." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p47540430.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/430047000540.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="We removed the track as it was all a bit untidy and could do with relaying.  Plenty of "umps and hollers" to rid ourselves of!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p47540431.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/431047000540.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="We did have a minor issue with trespassers.  The offenders were let off with a warning :D" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p47540432.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/432047000540.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The white cable marks the boundaries of the proposed signal box." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p47540433.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/433047000540.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The end of the line, looking so much better for our efforts.  We relayed the track to sort the levels out, then put earth between the ballast shoulders and the kerbstones to supprt the ballast.  The earth was removed from where the track will be extended to, so we made progress here too.  The other side of the track was supported by wooden battens wedged against the ballast shoulders and the boundary fence.  Once we had put some pea shingle in the battened areas it looked rather nice." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p47540434.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/434047000540.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Stephen playing with Livvy.  A first was made here, as the loco is actually running bunker first in this pic, towing off its front coupling.  The body was off because it was grumbling a bit, and I wasn't particularly happy about it all!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p47540435.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/435047000540.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Livvy (now with the body on and the owner a little bit happier about it all) and the Metropolitan brake 3rd by Aristocraft, posing at the tidied up headshunt at the end of the line." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p47540436.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/436047000540.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt=""the way ahead".  Livvy at the stop flag, looking toward the future extension." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p47540437.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/437047000540.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The team.  From Left to Right, myself, Stese, Stephen Trower, Jonathan Riddell and Adrian Allum.  The pic was taken by Mohamoud, the security guard, who graciously puts up with us mad miniature railway lot!" /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
					</content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Mon Dec 31 2007</pubDate>
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					<title>New driving truck</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1232545.html</link>
					<description>righto then, here is the update I kept meaning to get round to!  Mike the Metrovick has been under my ownership for 3 years now, and I will never EVER sell him.  So I started to make some long term plans.  The first thing I thought of was &quot;driving truck&quot;.  My old 3 1/2&quot; thing was, frankly, awful and although I won't sell it on (I won't make anything on it other than on ebay and I'm not going to be  cheating anyone!) I wanted something better and more importantly, new!  So for my DT AS level I used the truck as my project.  What could it be?  I had a look round for something universal, and decided a BR 20 ton brake van was ideal, as it could be in BR/LNER livery, and LT for my own loco.  The wagon is convertible between raised (won't use that often!!!) and ground level tracks and will hopefully be used on the Strawberry line in a short while.</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Friday 16 March 2007</b>: righto then, here is the update I kept meaning to get round to!  Mike the Metrovick has been under my ownership for 3 years now, and I will never EVER sell him.  So I started to make some long term plans.  The first thing I thought of was &quot;driving truck&quot;.  My old 3 1/2&quot; thing was, frankly, awful and although I won't sell it on (I won't make anything on it other than on ebay and I'm not going to be  cheating anyone!) I wanted something better and more importantly, new!  So for my DT AS level I used the truck as my project.  What could it be?  I had a look round for something universal, and decided a BR 20 ton brake van was ideal, as it could be in BR/LNER livery, and LT for my own loco.  The wagon is convertible between raised (won't use that often!!!) and ground level tracks and will hopefully be used on the Strawberry line in a short while.</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39469903.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/903039000469.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="basic chassis assembled." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39469904.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/904039000469.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Clevis coupler." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39469895.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/895039000469.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="one of the bearings in roughly the position it will be bolted." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39469896.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/896039000469.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the bearings at one end with temporary "axle" to keep things in true." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39469897.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/897039000469.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the myford I had to turn the axles on." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39469898.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/898039000469.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Chassis with bearings now attached." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39469899.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/899039000469.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Wheels, took a long time in coming, Compass House are forgiven....this time......" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39469900.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/900039000469.jpg" width="90" height="120" alt="me with mike and wagon on the elevated." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39469901.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/901039000469.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the basic body shell.  A box really...." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39469902.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/902039000469.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="again the box" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39470048.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/048039000470.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="One of the end pieces.  Unfortunately made of dodgy ply which had fluff in it!  It needed a lot of filler." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39470049.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/049039000470.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The inside of the end pieces. " /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39470050.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/050039000470.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The body being painted." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39470051.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/051039000470.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the finished shell." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39470052.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/052039000470.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="fastfoward to this!!!  End pieces and windows are on, as well as the roof and guards duckets." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39470053.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/053039000470.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="same as before, I'm afraid the roof came out a touch drunk but hey I'm not perfect!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39470139.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/139039000470.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the body on the now painted rolling chassis.  Wow, I still get a thrill seeing it in the garage!  Its going to look superb behind the metrovick." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39470144.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/144039000470.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="window detail is painted on the body ends." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39470146.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/146039000470.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="ducket detail.  These are shaped from ply and the windows are just brush painted on." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p39470149.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/149039000470.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The distinctive red ends shown to good effect.  Still a little bit of touching up on the paint here and there (and of course transfers) but its basically done.  The footrests are there, but weren't attached at the time, I'll include them later." /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
					</content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Fri Mar 16 2007</pubDate>
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					<title>another maintenance session at Acton</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1217148.html</link>
					<description>once again we did a bit of maintenance at Acton, but our numbers were considerably fewer!  The three of us re-layed a length of track that had been driven over (!) and tested the new coaches from Aristocraft.  These are a sight to behold.  They are the standard LNER surburban coaches, and we were expecting them to have this insignia, but lo and behold, they actually are badged for the Metropolitan.  Excellent!  Livvy was used to test them, and amazingly enough pulled both carriages with all three of us on top, well ok it did before it rained!  Must do something about the 4 wheel drive.....</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Saturday 24 February 2007</b>: once again we did a bit of maintenance at Acton, but our numbers were considerably fewer!  The three of us re-layed a length of track that had been driven over (!) and tested the new coaches from Aristocraft.  These are a sight to behold.  They are the standard LNER surburban coaches, and we were expecting them to have this insignia, but lo and behold, they actually are badged for the Metropolitan.  Excellent!  Livvy was used to test them, and amazingly enough pulled both carriages with all three of us on top, well ok it did before it rained!  Must do something about the 4 wheel drive.....</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p38902028.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/028038000902.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="well wow, what brilliant coaches these are!  Vacuum braked and very sturdy, these will come in handy for our open weekend!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p38902029.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/029038000902.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Metropolitan crest looked a little "stickery" to me, but meh its still great!!!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p38902030.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/030038000902.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="great paint finish" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p38902031.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/031038000902.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the method by which Aristocraft brake their rolling stock.  One bogie on each vehicle is braked." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p38902032.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/032038000902.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The tram with the coaches!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p38902033.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/033038000902.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="BR livery suits it, but I must spray the badges, they are getting flaky!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p38902034.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/034038000902.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Wheres the loco?!?!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p38902035.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/035038000902.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Our attempt at stopping idiots driving on the track.  " /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p38902036.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/036038000902.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Our makeshift point position indicator." /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
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					<pubDate>Sat Feb 24 2007</pubDate>
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					<title>trip to the Strawberry line</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c1003102.html</link>
					<description>On the 24th of June we took Mike down to Somerset to run on the Strawberry line.  This is an excellent 5&quot; gauge ground level system which features correct BR style signalling, scale Mk 1 coaches and wagons and MANY BR diesels.  Me and Steven spent the day pottering around on the loco with a variety of different rolling stock.  First we went light engine, then with a carriage, then we coupled onto a freight train and pulled that around.  When the batteries went flat (we charged them up during lunch) at the end of the day we were given goes on the class 40 and class 45 that were also running.  All in all an amazing railway.</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Monday 26 June 2006</b>: On the 24th of June we took Mike down to Somerset to run on the Strawberry line.  This is an excellent 5&quot; gauge ground level system which features correct BR style signalling, scale Mk 1 coaches and wagons and MANY BR diesels.  Me and Steven spent the day pottering around on the loco with a variety of different rolling stock.  First we went light engine, then with a carriage, then we coupled onto a freight train and pulled that around.  When the batteries went flat (we charged them up during lunch) at the end of the day we were given goes on the class 40 and class 45 that were also running.  All in all an amazing railway.</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p31137394.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/394031000137.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="for a couple of laps we used the carriage "Twerton"." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30906918.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/918030000906.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Steve on the main line with the van train." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30903269.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/269030000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Here is Mike on the railways hydraulic loading ramp." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30903272.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/272030000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Here is Steve waiting for the starter signal to pull off" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30903276.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/276030000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="This water crane will eventually work." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30903279.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/279030000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Steve bursts out of the tunnel." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30903283.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/283030000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The lever frame in the signal box controlling the signals" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30903287.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/287030000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="At lunchtime the batteries started to run out so while we had lunch and a cup of tea we hooked them up to one of the railways chargers to rapidly recharge them." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30903290.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/290030000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Later in the day we got some freight stock out.  Here is Steve about to come off shed with the van train we marshalled together." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30903295.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/295030000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Dad drives the van train." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30903299.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/299030000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="another shot of the van train" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30906917.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/917030000906.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="This class 40 "whistler" was the other passenger loco that day.  By the time this pic was taken the batteries were flat, apparently they last two days!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p30903302.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/302030000903.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="This class 45 "Peak" was one of the passenger locomotives of the day." /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
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					<pubDate>Mon Jun 26 2006</pubDate>
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					<title>Livvy the tram engine</title>
					<link>http://matthew895.fotopic.net/c929330.html</link>
					<description>A few pics of my (STILL!) under construction tram engine, in 7 1/4&quot; gauge.  Hopefully, HOPEFULLY, it will be sort of running this Summer, HOPEFULLY!!

*stop press*

as of the 9th of March Livvy has been withdrawn and put into storage at dads work, as she is hopelessly underpowered and worn out.  She will recieve a full overhaul later this year, as soon as Midge is out of the workshop.</description>
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						<![CDATA[ <p><b>Wednesday 19 April 2006</b>: A few pics of my (STILL!) under construction tram engine, in 7 1/4&quot; gauge.  Hopefully, HOPEFULLY, it will be sort of running this Summer, HOPEFULLY!!

*stop press*

as of the 9th of March Livvy has been withdrawn and put into storage at dads work, as she is hopelessly underpowered and worn out.  She will recieve a full overhaul later this year, as soon as Midge is out of the workshop.</p><div><a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p36554522.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/522036000554.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="WOW it works!! Stephen, future key holder (even though he maintains the loco is a big box, which it is!  Here he is heading down the bank out of Hardwick." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p36554523.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/523036000554.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Here is Steve driving back up the bank into Hardwick." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p36554524.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/524036000554.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The owner gets a go, the tender now has pedals so your knees are no longer in your face." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p36554525.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/525036000554.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the owner looking happy!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p36554526.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/526036000554.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Scott gets a go." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p28217027.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/027028000217.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="This shows the motor after it had its useless gearbox removed.  Why was it fitted with one anyway?  It does virtually nothing to reduce the drive ratios and merely taxes the motor!  The motor is an ex Sinclair C5.  I have two, originally it was going to have two motors fitted, but I found from others experiance that one was enough, so I have a spare should I need it!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p28217028.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/028028000217.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Seen in the carpark of the Great Cockcrow Railway (its home) you can see the rest of the locos chassis.  The body is based on "Toby the tram" and will cover everything." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p28217030.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/030028000217.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="another view in the car park.  The white motor mounts have since been cut down and they don't stick out anymore." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p28217029.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/029028000217.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="A view looking down.  Please ignore the wonkyness of the whole thing!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p28217026.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/026028000217.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Finally the motor was bolted on!  This is basically a couple of bits of aluminium angle cut down and drilled to make corner brackets for the motor.  To date this is the only bit of proper engineering done on this loco!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p29156096.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/096029000156.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="umm yes this could beinteresting....this is the chassis for livvies tender, ignore the engine its being sold" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p32389411.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/411032000389.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="and here is the tender!  It still needs corner braces and paint, but you can ride on it.  It does vibrate a lot though!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p32431336.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/336032000431.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="And here is the tender all painted and ready to go into service.  I decided to put a fixed seat in it seeing as it will always be towed in the same direction.  I would like to put the initials "GCR" on it, for "Great Cockcrow Railway", hopefully the loco will be allowed to stay there.  All it needs now is a loco to pull it!  Quite a change from its former life as a petrol powered locomotive!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p32606589.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/589032000606.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="after todays working session I thought it was about time I coupled the engine and tender together to admire!  Wow, its going to be great!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p32606592.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/592032000606.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="In this pic the main things I have done today are apparent.  I have put a bit of angle behind the rear coupling so that the rear buffer beam doesn't break under load.  I have also fixed the layshaft bearing mounts to the chassis.  These are just lengths of aluminium angle I found under the lathe.  I have also painted the buffer beams properly." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p32606594.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/594032000606.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Here you can see the new bearing mounts fitted.  While I was working on this area I also took the time to properly attach the motor and pack the spindle end up with...cereal packet card!  Well if it works..." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p32606596.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/596032000606.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="once again here is the tender, I love it, although I am considering replacing the cushion!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35119411.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/411035000119.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="No more C5 motor!  The new motor is an original motor out of the tube train, which the C5s needlessly replaced.  It came complete with reduction gears and everything!  A little bit of work on me and Stephen's part and it was bolted in.  Please ignore the dodgy packing, it will be trimmed and painted eventually!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35119412.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/412035000119.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Here you can see the reduction gearing." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35119413.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/413035000119.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Mind the gap, this has a chain which is too long but once connected thats it!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35119414.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/414035000119.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the man who said my engineering sucked!" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35161535.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/535035000161.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the next two pics are of the motor after a little bit of alignment work was done (hit it with a hammer, no really!).  The motor was so solid I did away with the awful packing." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35161536.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/536035000161.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="here we go.  The sprockets are perfectly aligned.  I took it to the GCR and coupled up the sprockets and as expected everything turned over beautifully!  Unfortunately the chain is too long at the moment and kept jumping off, so I need to do something about that." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35804604.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/604035000804.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The basic bodyshell when I got it home, I made it in school." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35804605.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/605035000804.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Again, the basic bodyshell" /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35804606.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/606035000804.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The inside, you can see the newly finished transmission and the battery bay." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35804599.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/599035000804.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The body after I had painted in the doors and windows.  You can also see the decorative framing for the body." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35804600.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/600035000804.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="the formers for the roof planks." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35804601.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/601035000804.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The body after I had stained and varnished all the appropriate bits." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35804602.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/602035000804.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Shows the side after the varnish was put on." /></a>
<a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/p35804603.html"><img src="http://thumbs.fotopic.net/603035000804.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="The side skirts are now painted black, the paintwork and decoration is practically finished, just need to do the roof!" /></a>
</div><p>Published in <a href="http://matthew895.fotopic.net/">Matt's miniature and not so miniature railway and nautical ramblings</a></p> ]]>
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					<pubDate>Wed Apr 19 2006</pubDate>
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