Additions to my Reference Library

While viewing St Merryn at Scaleforum with my partner and having discussions with a couple the SLAG guys the book below was purchased. Unfortunately for me I had to wait until Christmas Day to get my hands on it.


We have spent the last few days away visiting family but in quiet moments I've managed to skim read through most of the book, picking out a number of helpful tips in the process. I will need to read the book in more depth but it comes across as one that any budding P4 modeller (or possibly any modeller) should have in their collection. It is especially useful for myself due to the area in which St. Merryn is based covering many aspects that I need to consider: differences in track in the area; LSWR tiebars; Bachmann 45xx conversion to P4; Airfix 'B' Set conversion/detailing; Cornish hedges; layout lighting; and stock boxes being just a few. St. Merryn is a fine example of P4 modelling by an accomplished group of modellers and the book is written in a easy friendly style that should encourage rather than discourage. If it had gone into more detail it may have become a tome of information but unfriendly, certainly to the P4 newcomer. It is one book in my library that will not spend much time on the shelf.

The second book that Santa brought me was Colin Marsden's, 'The Diesel Shunter'.


This was a book that I discovered a couple of months ago while kicking my heels in Lincoln waiting for a new timing belt being fitted to my car. Apparently fitting the timing belt was a specialised job requiring special tools which non of my local garages had, so a trip to the main Peugeot dealer was arranged. I had to wait about 4 hours and while browsing W.H. Smiths I came across the above book. Having very little knowledge of anything relating to BR shunters, knowing I will need an 03 and an 08 for Tredethy Wharf, I immediately thought 'I need that one'. Unfortunately the dust jacket was damaged so, noting down the ISBN number, it was one destined for my Amazon Wish List. Then, when searching on Amazon, I realised that it was out of print...... second hand fetching a price far higher than its RRP. After mentioning this to my partner she came up trumps again by making a visit to W.H.Smiths to purchase the book, apparently getting a good discount in the bargain.

The little lady is a true treasure.

North Cornwall Railway (An Illustrated History of)

For anyone that is interested in the North Cornwall Railway this book has got to be part of their collection.




Bought by my partner as a birthday present, I have only, up until the last few days, scanned the pages. While I've been away I've started to read more and found this book to be a very in depth book on the NRC. Chapters cover the history of all stations from Okhampton to Padstow, including track plans and signal diagrams and a few drawings of typical structures. Also chapters on freight and passenger workings, and loco diagrams along with excellent appendices containing coach diagrams and timetables. Included throughout the book are many splendid photographs with very informative text, in many cases itemising train make up with coach numbers and freight descriptions. So far I have not read anything that might alter my proposed layouts or my alternative history for Grogley Junction but there is plenty of information that will help to enhance the project.

A truly excellent book.

Great Northern Engine Sheds

I know this is why off beam to Cornwall but I am still very interested in railway history of my local area. Browsing though a discount book shop the other week I turned up this little treasure.

It covers sheds such as Lincoln, Louth, Mablethorpe, Horncastle, Gainsborough, Spilsby, Wainfleet and Boston in Lincolnshire as well as those further a field at Colwick, Derby, Newark, Nottingham and Retford.

Of the Lincolnshire sheds Boston would make a good layout. It has a backdrop of terrace houses, shed buildings either end and a Coaling plant that would mask the exit point nicely. It's worth a look.

Belated Christmas pressie

The little woman has came up trumps with a late pressie. The book 'Branch Line to Padstow' which was one on my wish list. Not disappointed either...this has to be on your bookshelf if your interested in the North Cornwall line. It follows the same format as other books in this series. Plenty of nice photos with descriptive captions, track plans of stations along the line, snapshots of timetables and traffic.

It's nice when someone listens. Thank you.

Branch Line to Padstow

Branch Line to Padstow

Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith

Middleton Press

ISBN 978-1-873793-54-1

Another book on the wish list.....

http://www.middletonpress.co.uk

Bodmin and Wadebridge 1834 - 1978

Southern Branch Line Special No.1
Bodmin and Wadebridge 1834-1978
Tony Fairclough and Alan Wills
Bradford Barton
ISBN 085153 3434

The first book I purchased on the line so this is where it all started.

North Cornwall Railway

An Illustrated History of the North Cornwall Railway
Irwell Press
ISBN 1-903266-89-0

Updated version of David Wroe's classic

Looks like a book I shall have to get hold of.....

http://www.irwellpress.co.uk/BOOKS/SOUTHERN/SR18.HTM

Branch Lines Around Bodmin

Branch Lines Around Bodmin
Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith
Southern Classics
Middleton Press

Excellent book containing full historical background for the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway. Including track plans and gradients, a small selection of timetables and many black and white photographs from cira 1920's until closure and beyond with the Bodmin and Wenford Railway Preservation Society.

http://www.middletonpress.co.uk/details.php?bdetails=978+1+873793+83+1