Craig's Model Trains and Railway Adventures

Video's

2011-06-03T23:52:00.001+01:00

I have linked my YouTube account to post video's on the right hand side of the blog, if you wish to watch just click on the link and watch on the Blog, no redirection. Hope you like!

71000 'Duke of Gloucester' no-show at Tyne Yard 'The Lothian Tornado' May 17th

2011-06-03T23:40:00.002+01:00

I received a phone call from my Grandad at around 10.30am, informing me that he'd seen a plume of Steam pass near to his Security Station of his factory located in Birtley, Co.Durham backing onto the East Coast Mainline, not only that but a Wagon that had visited that morning was collecting water from the chemical plant to fill up the 'Mystery Loco' at Tyne Yard (2 minute drive away). After a quick Google search I found out that the loco was indeed 'Duke of Gloucester' and hauling The Lothian Tornado', the same Train that had took part in a race between Steam Train, Motorbike and Car on BBC's Top Gear in 2009. Unfortunately, due to 60163 A1 'Tornado' having a recent overhaul and new paint work applied, she didn't make the repeat journey this time round...see pics

This obviously did not deter me even though I'd just seen The Duke a few weeks previously at the NYMR Steam Gala, I wanted to catch 71000 on Mainline Duty. Finding out what time they were due to roll in to Tyne Yard, I armed myself with Camera and fellow Spotter Mr. Jim Harker (Also a wonderful Artist) and shot off on my 5 minute journey towards Tyne Yard Depot. Finding a wonderful spot near to the main offices, we waited.......and waited.....and waited. Disappointment at missing the Great Britain IV Tour hauled by A4's 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' and 60019 'Bittern' in her long gone sister's guise as 4492 'Dominion of New Zealand' a month previous (see pics below), I was determined to get some good shots. Here are ones I missed from Saturday April 16th.

Anyway, back to this night, light disappeared and the cold north eastern wind bit, so we admitted defeat and headed off in the direction of the local ale house. The day after we found out that it had been struck by 'Watering Problem's' at Edinburgh which has caused a delay meaning His Grace didn't roll into Tyne Yard until 11.10pm as confirmed by my Grandad's associate, Paul the lorry driver. Luckily we had given up at 9:30pm, but here's what we did get including Cross Country Class 220 returning to base after a full shift.

Sorry to disappoint, but to make it up here's a link to a great video that I found over at Steam Tube, Enjoy
http://steamtube.ning.com/video/71000-duke-of-gloucester-3

North Yorkshire Moors Railway 175th Anniversairy of the Pickering - Whitby Gala, Saturday 7th May

2011-06-03T22:26:00.003+01:00

Picking my Grandad up at 7.20am to drive to Pickering Station, the weather was overcast, but brightened up as we drove through Middlesborough. Having drove through Pickering on the way to Flamingo Land a few weeks previously, I knew roughly how long it took to get there and hoped to catch the 9.00am Train out of Pickering for Grosmont. Unfortunately, we arrived at 9.00am just as the train was departing BUT meant we could mull around the Station and enjoy Tea and Scones!

We travelled on the 10.00am Train in Gresley Teak Coaches, that although dated harked back to a different class of travel. Passing 'Planet' on loan from the Science Museum, Manchester and 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' on route, we alighted at Grosmont to look at the sheds and local shops and enjoyed seeing 9F 92214 newly named 'Cock o' the North' at the coal drop and later travelled with her to Goathland. We had our dinners in The Goathland Hotel, better known as The Aidensfield Arms from the TV series 'Heartbeat', and just made it undercover as the rain began. 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' passed on the way towards Grosmont, and we then caught a Double Header of 45212 'The Lancashire Fusillier and 45407 'George Stephenson' back towards Pickering. A thoroughly enjoyable day out and massive thanks to all at the NYMR for a fantastic venue and Gala. Here's the pics....

So there you go, NYMR is fantastic, if you haven't been before please GO! Video's can be found on my YouTube channel here

NOTE TO SELF: Do not stick your head out of the window of a travelling Steam Train as you will end up with a black face and soot-filled hair!

Wow!

2011-06-03T14:06:00.002+01:00

As you know I love the GNER livery which was replaced by a not so different NXEC livery and now East Coast. Previous posts will show you that now East Coast have sorted out the mess NXEC left they decided on their own livery of a Silver/Grey body, darkened windows and a Purple Stripe.

But now they seem to be really spoiling us! Not only are they reviving one of the oldest traditions on the East Coast of naming Locomotives (Already we have Sir Bobby Robson and Lincolnshire Echo....) they have now revived The Flying Scotsman service and named Loco 91101 'Flying Scotsman', seen here at Newcastle Central Station on the maiden voyage from Edinburgh to London.

and another shot from the Mainline

A wonderful livery, so much that I've already contacted Hornby for a model version! AND you can email East Coast YOUR suggestions of Loco names by visiting their website here. Eyes to the bottom of the page!

I've requested localised one's such as 'City of Newcastle', 'Durham Cathedral' 'River Tyne' and 'Angel of the North'. I even requested 'Craig Ian Pearson'!!! Worth a try I suppose!

Track Ahead Clear

2011-06-03T13:41:00.001+01:00

Apologies for not posting for a few weeks (nearly a month now) but as mentioned below I have bought a car and with it comes extra expense which has drained my model railway fund dry! However, having a car does has it's advantages as I enjoyed many a day up Northumberland's unbelievably beautiful coastline enjoying the heatwave during the May Bank Holiday weekend which I also had a week off before and also included a run out to Flamingo Land (I never get old!)

As well as pleasing the missus with lovely days out, I have been a very busy boy playing in the real world, well, real as in not the model world anyway. Such a fun time I've had these last few weeks (the car is very useful for this) I've decided to rename the Blog to include Railway Adventures, this being useful as not much modelling has gone on but I've been very busy spotting plenty of Loco's and attended a few Special Railway Events, more details to follow. I have a abundance of Photos and Videos to upload of my 'Adventures' so I hope you don't mind me mixing Model Rail and Railway together and sharing them with you!

Coming Soon......

*Whitby Station and Black 5's*
*60019 'Bittern' masquarading as 4492 'Dominion of New Zealand' and 60009 'Sir Nigel Gresley' on Great Britain IV Tour*
*NYMR 175th Anniversairy Event*
*Duke of Gloucester no-show at Tyne Yard*
*NRM Shildon*
*plus NRM York and 'Flying Scotsman's' unveiling in LNER Wartime Black....SHE'S BACK!*

Your Train has been delayed!

2011-04-24T19:08:00.000+01:00

Well, I feel like an early morning commuter being told their train has been delayed with no further information!

I have recently passed my driving test (only one minor!!!) and purchased a car (goodbye Model Railway fund) putting the preverbial brakes on my layout plans for now.

The only bonus of this is that I get to visit more Model Railway shows this year and learn and see more, maybe getting myself linked to a local club or something! Anyway I will keep my eyes open to all bargains on eBay and the likes plus visit some local markets who I know have second hand Model Railway goods (maybe do some deals on my older stock!) I will too be looking to create some Depot Buildings from scratch as this is cost effective, hopefully I'll do a good job at the modelling! Updates as ever to follow

Back on Board!

2011-04-08T20:08:00.000+01:00

Well, I have been away for a few weeks now with work (along with passing my driving test!!!) and finally got round to catching up on things this week. Aswell as taking some pics of my new Maroon Mk1 Coach to run as a support coach to 'Mallard' I managed to bag a bargain and ventured into new livery territory, paying out just £50 for a Class 390 Virgin 'Pendolino' by Hornby. I was actually not expecting the detail to be as good but I must admit it is a brilliant model and very realistic! The layout will now be based around a North London depot as this is the only way to explain 'Pendos' passing EC stock, although there are plans to run Pendos up the EC, 11 car units too! Now to find some coaches for it, gotta have a full rake!!!! To the pictures then...

Update!

2011-03-29T13:57:00.000+01:00

Been away lots with work recently so no further news to update with, although I managed to get a Maroon Mk1 Brake Coach to run behind Mallard/Flying Scotsman. (Pics to follow soon). I will also be trying to get another in the next few weeks. I did find this via a post on http://www.railforums.co.uk/ about a new depot building based on the loco testing shed at Peterborough . This is to be produced by Bachmann, no news on price range yet.

Something Else

2011-03-11T20:32:00.001Z

I found a great website that depicts different loco classes in all different liveries well worth a look! As my favourite is GNER here's a link to that page, but have a look around for your favourite too!

http://www.fictitiousliveries.co.uk/index.php?sort=&livery=GNER&class=&group=&coll=

Support Coach

2011-03-11T20:13:00.002Z

Well after a manic week at work and another coming up I took myself of to 'Model Railway Land' as soon as I got in tonight! I can't even be bothered to get ready to go out for a swift half, a mixture of tiredness and weather making the decision to stay in with the heating on full blast! So what a perfect opportunity to have a little run out on the test track.

As I said I bought a MK1 Brake Coach a couple of days ago which arrived on Wednesday. A very nice coach indeed, much better quality than expected. The decision of which Steam Loco I will run it behind was kind of made when I saw the colours of it. Anyway here's some images that helped me make the decision I came too...

The Coach!

Here it is with A4 'Mallard' 4468, looking quite nice together...however as you'll see below the real 'Mallard' has a different coloured support coach...more about that later!

Now with my NRM Edition A3 'Flying Scotsman' 4472

Again it doesn't look bad, but the NRM have a support coach which runs with the 'Flying Scotsman' as seen below.

The coach was produced by Bachmann and VERY hard to find! So on to the next loco...

Now I did find this picture of the Support Coach of A4 'Bittern' on the net which is a pretty close match to the one I have bought.

And here's my Bachmann A4 'Bittern' with new support coach in tow

A nice addition to the collection...now to find some Maroon coaches for the other two!!!

Sketch

2011-03-07T13:20:00.000Z

A little bit bored on my lunch hour at work so decided to throw on a quick sketch of the layout so far. Yes of course I have better more graphical and correct drawings of the layout, but not here and now! I promise to post these as soon as completed! But here is for now the scrawlings of one bored railway modeller!

The only things I've really decided on is the track layout and the position of the depot. The holding area is basically a fiddle yard and the TBC area is exactly that. To Be Confirmed! I'm thinking maybe a small town scene or a trading estate with office/warehouse buildings. I do have correct scale buses/lorries/cars that could find their way onto the layout so maybe a small town scene maybe the way to go! More updates to follow....

Mk1 Brake Coach

2011-03-06T20:42:00.002Z

I have added to my ever growing collection of rolling stock, a Hornby Mk1 brake coach R4205 as seen below:

This will be used as a support coach to my Steam Loco's. I am thinking of creating a fictional National Railway Museum logo and attaching it to this. This would be to run it behind my recently aquired NRM Flying Scotsman. I know NRM did their own support coach with Bachmann but finding one is difficult! But, if not it won't look out of place behind my A4 'Bittern' loco!

Now to try and spend no more this month as holidays and cars take precedence with the remainder of this months wages!!!

Bits and Pieces

2011-03-04T20:23:00.000Z

Here's some more pictures collected during some research sessions lately. I am having a few issues with where to place points on the plans so picked up a couple of images to get the creative juices flowing once again. I have also located some fantastic boards for the layout at my workplace which are used as workbenches except there not being used at the minute (and are in very good condition) and are about 8-9ft long by 5ft wide each plus some 8-9ft long by 3ft wide! May have to put a bid into the gaffer!

This last one here really caught the eye. Although on a city/town layout and probably not ideal with a suburb rail depot, it does beg the question whether or not to forge a road underneath the depot/mainline and incorporate some road traffic too? Hmmmmmmmm.......

Here she blows!

2011-03-04T20:12:00.001Z

Well here she is, my new Hornby NRM 4472 Flying Scotsman. It's quite something with the detail being a very high quality. The guy who I purchased this from has also added a Driver and Fireman in the Cab with realistic coal in the tender! It runs as good as any loco I have. I also track tested and uploaded my older Flying Scotsman to eBay, see here if your interested! I also had fun with my two little friends Max and Alfie who took as much pleasure from the testing session as I did!

Seems everyones taking an interest in Model Railways these days! :-)

Hornby NRM Flying Scotsman

2011-03-01T23:47:00.000Z

I have just purchased one of my favourite Locomotives of all time, The Flying Scotsman modelled by Hornby as a special National Railway Museum Edition. Big thanks to John who could have, but didn't ask too much for this on eBay giving the genuine buyer a chance at a bit of a bargain. I am very excited to recieve this and upload some pics when it arrives at 'Station Craig'! Here's some pictures kindly taken by John for now!

The detail on this loco is very impressive which unfortunately renders my older 4472 redundant, so it will be going on eBay to a more suitable 'Engine Shed' in the near future

The newer model will be nearer to the actual Flying Scotsman who should be returning to mainline service in 2011. As you'll know I'm a supporter of this effort to get this engine back in Steam by donating to the SOS (Steam Our Scotsman) Appeal ran by the NRM.

Want to know more? Go to http://www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/

News

2011-03-01T23:32:00.000Z

Well today saw the announcement of the IEP that will now go ahead. Building of these Bi-mode trains will take place in Newton Aycliffe, which is a shame as I was hoping they may choose the Tyne Yard site near to my home, but still wonderful news for the North-East of England! The new Trains should begin service in 2016! Here's another pic for your viewing pleasure!

Complete!

2011-02-27T16:33:00.002Z

Finally completed my GNER Mk4 'Mallard' coach rake with the final two standard class coaches for £33 off eBay! Will post some pictures up of the full train as soon as I can find some room to stretch it out properly!

Addition

2011-02-25T13:31:00.000Z

Another Mk4 GNER 'Mallard' First Class coach just arrived, only need 2 Standard Class 'Mallard' coaches (of which are currently on eBay with me leading the auction) to complete another full rake of these Blue Beauties!

New Loco's and Coach

2011-02-15T23:31:00.000Z

Well had a little time to finally picture my recently purchased new rolling stock. Below is a Lima RES Coach, (another) GNER Class 91 and matching DVT, plus my wonderful new Class 158 in Northern Trans Pennine Express Livery. I've also got my Class 91 bogie up and running to a great standard which I have now fitted to one of my Class 91's in Intercity Livery. Now all that needs is a new pantograph and we've got a 'new' loco! As for the layout I have made a couple of alterations to the track set-up. Once I have fully decided on this I will then post the drawings on here for your viewing pleasure! So here you go....

60163 Tornado leaves Tyne Yard

2011-02-14T16:18:00.000Z

A recent video of 60163 Tornado leaving Tyne Yard took by me on my iPhone 4 on a bloody freezing cold November lunch hour! Thought I'd share this.

New Addition

2011-02-13T18:03:00.001Z

Finally managed to win an auction on a Class 158 Bachmann 3 Car set in Transpennine Purple!!! I've been trying tonein one if these for a while now and probably under valued it on occasion but put in a £50 bid in this morning to find out I won it for £46 this afternoon! Another 'target' knocked off the list! Pictures to follow in good time!

Detailing

2011-02-11T13:29:00.000Z

Looking at Hornby's Class 91's compared to some of the more recent model railway classes, shows just how much extra detail could be added if they were to re-release Class 91's onto the market (as per HST sets recently). Well until that days comes (or doesn't) I've added to my list of jobs to do some detailing of my own. Looking at the picture below this is something I could create by myself!

Something as simple as this could make a load of difference in the realism of my model railway.

New Addition

2011-02-09T13:37:00.000Z

Class 91 GNER and DVT arrived yesterday, will have them 'Test Tracked' hopefully tomorrow with picture updates. Bit stretched for time as I'm helping my Grandparents move over the next few days. But theres always time for some 'messing on'!

On the Way!

2011-02-05T00:52:00.001Z

Well I managed to bag a Class 91 + DVT in GNER colours together from eBay for only £35.00! Bargain! Unfortunately I lost out to a very very late bid on the GNER Eurostar Divisable coach pack! I had bid up to £42.01 and would have spent £45 knowing how rare these are but as the saying goes "you win some, you lose some"!

Next Up...

2011-02-02T20:48:00.001Z

I've got a GNER Class 91 and DVT plus another GNER Eurostar Divisable Coach Pack that I am winning the auction on on eBay so I hopefully I can add to my collection. Updates to follow...