[Gary]

I had a little chat with Simon Kohler of Hornby today at "The Great Gathering" at Crewe. Hornby, one of the show sponsors, had their roadshow in town.

One of the topics under discussion was the Hornby model of the A4 Mallard. I was looking closely at the model on display in the cabinet and felt that the LNER blue of the Mallard seemed different to previous Hornby versions of this loco. Simon assured me that the colour used was similar to previous versions and that it could be the effect of lighting, which was a fair comment to make.

However, Simon then said that today was the perfect day to answer such a question about loco colours.

He promptly invited me outside and we stood on the balcony of the Hornby roadshow and took in the once in a lifetime view opposite.

For there were four Stanier pacifics all in steam and all parked in such a way that all four were visible at the same time. Fantastic!

Simon invited me to look at the four Stanier pacifics.

What could I say...

They were all different shades of the same red!

Simon then turned to me and smiled.

He knew that this particular discussion was at an end!

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Gary]

For those who are impatient the webmaster of the Crewe event has published a large number of photographs already:-

http://www.creweopendays.co.uk/news.htm

However, mine will be better!

And the images include the line up of the four red Stanier pacific locomotives, all in glorious steam. And a roaring Class 20 diesel spitting out black exhaust fumes. I was standing about 2m away from the engine at the time and the engine doors were open with the massive throbbing diesel engine visible for all to see. And Hogwarts Express!

And I purchased a massive piston, coated in carbon on the head and complete with piston rings, from the dismantled engine of an HST, for just £5! It looks a work of art and has now taken pride of place in the living room.

Happy modelling
Gary

 

[Gary]

QUOTE I bet your wife was excited about that.

After some negotiations it acts as a stand for a bowl of pot pourri.

If you're lucky I'll publish a picture of the aforementioned piston so that you can all get as excited as the wife!

Happy modelling
Gary