Hello again everybody...I'm back at last!....Hellfire!
I must apologise for the 3 months that have passed since the last update and I'm afraid this is likely to be the trend for a while, but fear not - the Corkscrew-Lines project is alive and well although presently in a semi-comatose state! I'll go into further detail later. Suffice it to say, this is a shorter update than those I normally produce (hooray I hear you cheer!) because I've spent hardly any time involved in modelling due to the new job and the intensive training courses I've been on.
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| A pair of brand new NBL Baby-Warships head a short freight past Shinbash Lane Box |
Traction Action!
A detailed look at what's currently happening to the Corkscrew-Lines traction fleet.
You'll recall from the last update that I was experiencing some serious issues with the pair of Dapol class 52 Western locos I recently received. Well, following discussion with Hattons it was agreed that the locos would be returned for a full refund. Subsequent research on internet forums indicates I was not alone and the problems I experienced were shared by many others. This is a great shame and I can only hope the problems with quality control over these fine models can be resolved because I intend to try again when the next batches are released.
There is better Dapol news regarding their fantastic class 22 models. You'll see from the opening shot that I have received another pair of these little beauties but this time in original condition without the headcode boxes. They should of course have indicator discs fitted and side valences but this will come when they go through the works and eventually gain "Totally Bald Headed" specification (see earlier updates for further details).
Whilst I am delighted that Dapol has entered the OO Gauge RTR loco market and given me such gems as the Baby Warships and forthcoming Kernow limited edition Class 41 Warships, I must confess, I still prefer the smooth running, reliability and simply better value of Bachmann and Heljan locos. There seems to be a huge amount of anecdotal and forum based evidence that Dapol have not got their Chinese factories manufacturing to consistent tolerances and standards and I can confirm every Corkscrew-Lines based Dapol loco has either needed a lot of fettling to run smoothly or has had to be returned. I think we modellers feel too grateful to Dapol about the exciting models they announce and are a little too reticent to complain and point out that they are not being built with the same quality control as their Bachmann, Heljan or Hornby equivalents. It's a real shame but hopefully things will improve.
Full Sized Railway Adventures
Over the last couple of months I have been attending several Network Rail training courses for my new Mobile Operations Manager role, so I've have had little time for getting out with a camera. I did however manage to get a few snaps at Doncaster at the end of another training week and include below some of the seemingly constant procession of class 66 hauled freights.
I thought you may be amused to see me in my new fashionable outfit for work..."You know when you've been tango'd"
DEMU 2013 - Burton On Trent
I keep saying I have had little or no time for modelling recently, but I did manage to join my great mate and Corkette, Rooster, and headed for Burton-On-Trent Town Hall a few weeks ago for the DEMU model show. We met up with Mike of Durham Trains of Stanley fame and really enjoyed the show. This is the 3rd year I've gone and there are always some pretty inspirational layouts to see. Interestingly, this year some of my favourites were either small layouts or micro layouts. I've included a few shots of some of the highlights below on the basis that even if I'm not able to do any modelling right now, at least I can show you some other people's efforts...Dreadful!
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| Burton-On-Trent Town Hall |
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| Tremore - Micro layout |
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| Calcutta Sidings - Amazing permanent way realism |
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| Mike & Rooster browsing the traders stands |
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| Margery Street - Fantastic atmosphere |
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| Margery Street - Just love the street scene |
New Arrivals on the Corkscrew-Lines
It's been very quiet on the purchasing front lately...much to the satisfaction of Mrs Corky! Apart from the pair of Dapol class 22's previously mentioned, and the Westerns which didn't stay here very long, I have been giving my credit card a well earned rest...Dreadful!
I have however over the last 6 months or so been collecting the odd die-cast vehicle here and there - I just cannot resist them. I have no doubt collecting these models would be a worthwhile hobby in itself and I have various obsessions regarding British Railways liveried vehicles and fire engines which need to be satisfied! I've added a few shots of the latest arrivals from Oxford Die-Cast and I cannot praise them highly enough. The cars cost just a few pounds and the commercials are normally about a tenner. Deserving special praise is the gorgeous Leyland Royal Tiger coach in Southdown livery which at only a tenner from Hattons is an absolute bargain. Similar models from EFE or Corgi retail for at least double that amount. Well done Oxford..keep em coming...Hellfire!
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| Devon General AEC Matador & Southdown Royal Tiger coach |
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| AEC Ergo cab & Austin 3-Way van - Oh My Lords! |
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| Mk1 Transit with Mk1 Cortina - Gorgeous! |
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| Austin A40 Farina - fabulous! |
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| Minis and Ivo Peter's Bentley Mk VI |
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| Oh My Lords! - AEC & Dennis delights! |
Absent Friends!
Some sad news for those Corkettes who have visited me here at Jones-Towers. Our beloved Tammy has passed away since the last Update was published. Although she was only a daft old cat...she was our daft old cat and we all miss her. A few photos of her for those that remember her. She was the most loving and docile cat I've ever known. Rest in peace now Tammy.
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| Cat in a Box! |
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| Tammy |
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| Tammy |
The Future of the Corkscrew-Lines
Now then...what's happening to the Corkscrew-Lines and why haven't you made any progress with it? I hear you cry. Well, having made the decision to relocate to a location closer to where we both work, it was time to prepare Jones-Towers to go on the market. As anybody who has sold a house will tell you, this can be a lengthy and tiring process. We got there though and the house is now for sale. It seemed prudent not to continue with any further track laying or major construction because the whole layout will need to be disassembled (soon hopefully) ready for its move.
I don't know when we will sell but we will. I don't know at this stage where we will move to and I don't know how much room there will be for the layout. I am hopeful that I will have at least as much room as I do now and I can then once again get stuck into the project. However, inevitably this is going to be a lengthy process so there will be fewer updates over the coming months. Don't despair though my Corkette chums...Corky will be back and the magnificent Corkscrew-Lines Mk2 will majestically rise again and our adventure will continue as previously...Oh My Lords! - Dreadful!
That's all for now folks!
Corky!
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