Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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30th May, 2025

May update on overhaul of Ivatt Mogul 46428​

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Carriage bogie to support the boiler


The Bury Standard 4 Group has issued its latest report on progress to overhaul Ivatt 2-6-0 No. 46428 since reports were issued last October and in January 2025.

Current work concentrates on the boiler firebox, with the first task being to remove the foundation ring, which is a large steel member that runs around the base of the firebox, to which the inner and outer wrappers, or inner and outer walls, are riveted.

Cracking of the foundation ring is quite common, which means it must be removed.

The copper inner wrapper is in very good condition, but the steel outer wrapper is worn all around the base and must be replaced.
 
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Carriage bogie to support the boiler


To enable that to be done, the boiler needs to be inverted, and the plan is to hoist the boiler onto a chassis and then carry out the work inside the group’s workshop over the next few years.

The chassis will be constructed from a carriage bogie made of steel sections donated by the East Lancashire Railway.

This was designed to carry half of a 30-ton Mk1 carriage, whereas it is estimated the boiler weighs about a quarter of that, at about 7 tons.

A mechanism to actuate the bogie brakes is being fabricated, as well as support members on which the boiler firebox and barrel will rest.

When fabrication work on the bogie is complete, the boiler will need to be lifted onto it, rolled into the workshop, and a scaffold erected.

Once inside the workshop, work can start on the serious but laborious task of rivet busting.
 
31st May, 2025

Somerset heritage railway enjoys busy Spring Gala​

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Somerset and Dorset Spring Gala


The Somerset and Dorset Railway reports that visitors had a great time at its Spring Gala on Monday 26 May – despite the weather.

Rain showers alternated with warm sunshine, but this did not stop the fun.

Although the day started quietly, it then became much busier.

The Gala took place at the Railway’s Midsomer Norton South station, and trains ran every thirty minutes.

The first service was a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), which departed at 10 o’clock in the morning.

After that, the DMU took turns with top-and-tailing diesel shunters D4095 and D1120 to haul the Mark 1 coaches.

During lunchtime, the Wickham Trolley made a limited number of runs.

The DMU hauled the final train of the day, departing the station at 4pm.
 
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Steampunk at Somerset and Dorset Spring Gala


Other attractions open at the station were the museum, WW2 pillbox and Anderson Shelter.

Visitors, especially railway modellers, also browsed the goods on offer at the Railway’s Station Shop and Emporium.

The Restaurant Miniature Buffet (RMB) coach served light refreshments to visitors throughout the day.

The Somerset and Dorset Railway runs on a restored section of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, which was closed under the ‘Beeching Axe’ in 1966.

It had first opened in 1874.
 
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Somerset and Dorset Spring Gala


The standard gauge heritage railway currently runs for just one mile, but it continues with its plans for expansion.

Two years ago, it acquired a new section of trackbed of the former Somerset and Dorset mainline railway.

In October last year, it received planning permission for its proposed Somervale Sidings at Midsomer Norton.

The permission included requirements for the Railway to preserve biodiversity and wildlife habitats around the new sidings.


"Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and there were plenty of positive comments. Thank you to all those who supported the event, and a big Thank You to all the volunteers who worked hard to make the day the success that it was."

Somerset and Dorset Railway
 
Singapore Currency

In circulation in 1966

As I have already told you, we moved to Singapore in 1966.

When it comes to coins, I have more memory of the later Singapore coins that were issued in 1967.

Until Singapore issued their own coins the Malaya and British Borneo Dollar was used as currency.

The coins used were the 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent and $1 [I cannot find any images or references to a $1 Coin].

Being a kid I never saw any large notes.

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1 Dollar

Features
Issuer Malaya and British Borneo (British Malaysia)
Type Standard circulation banknotes
Currency Dollar (1953-1967)
Demonetized 16 January 1969

Obverse
Sailing boat at left

Lettering:
Board of Commissioners of Currency
Malaya and British Borneo
This note is legal tender for
One Dollar
in the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo and Brunei

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10 Dollars

Features
Issuer Malaya and British Borneo (British Malaysia)
Type Standard circulation banknotes
Currency Dollar (1953-1967)
Demonetized 16 January 1969

Obverse
Ploughing at right

Lettering:
Board of Commissioners of Currency
Malaya and British Borneo
This note is legal tender for
Ten Dollars
in the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo and Brunei

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Last edited:
Saturday 31st May 2025

4917


ETHNONRAIL UPDATE

TRAIN SHED UPDATE

Today I went in the shed and cleared the track circuits from stuff I had temporarily stored stuff.

Next it was to see how the running test went.

I cleaned both circuits and the trains ran satisfactorily.

I used two locomotives that didn't use rubber traction tyres.

These tyres I have found in the past can be easily damaged when carry out running tests and track cleaning.


The running test locos on the up and down lines.
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I thought I'd take a look at some of recent acquisitions.

First the second hand Hornby R2199M Coronation Scot train pack.

Featuring the London, Midland & Scottish Railway 7P streamlined Coronation class 4-6-2 steam locomotive plus three matching coaches in crimson & gold livery.


The box
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2nd June, 2025

Marcus & Neo Share 'Father and Son' Time Cardiff!

It's been awhile since we had a day to ourselves,, Neo had booked time off work so we could have a fun time in Cardiff.

Cleo stayed at home so we could have quality 'Father and Son' time together.

We took the train into the centre.

We went to 'The Great Western' for a pint, I had a pint of 'Wrecker' and Neo had a pint of 'Jemima's Pitchfork'.

I popped into my model railway shop, but there was nothing there for me today.

Then we went to the indoor market for some lunch.

We had Louisiana burritos and some lamb samosas. Tasty!

Then it was a visit to 'Tiny Rebel' a craft beer pub.

I had a pint of 'Coal Drop' a very nice stout, Neo had a pint of fruit flavoured IPA.

Then we went to 'The Gatekeeper' where I had a pint of 'Abbot Ale', a usual favourite beer of mine, Neo went for a bottle of 'Hooch'.

After these drinks it was decided it was cocktail time, so we went to 'Be At One', one of our favourite cocktail bars.

Our first cocktail was 'Singapore Sling' and our second was 'Candy Pants'.

Then we went for some food and chose a fast food chicken place called 'Wingstop', I had Korean boneless wings which were really tasty.

Neo had 'Spicy Atomic Hot Wings', well they made him suffer. Lol

Then we caught the train home after a great day out in the city.


The train to Cardiff Central was a Class 150 'Sprinter' 150213
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2nd June, 2025

Event to mark 100th birthday of steam locomotive No. 777 Sir Lamiel​

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777 Sir Lamiel


The National Railway Museum is celebrating the centenary of SR S15 ‘King Arthur’ No. 777 ‘Sir Lamiel’.

The Southern Railway King Arthur class steam locomotive was designed by Richard Edward Lloyd Maunsell and built by Glasgow’s North British Locomotive Company in June 1925.

It was one of a total of 74 locomotives of this class built between 1919 and 1926.

Following the post-WW1 grouping of railway companies into the ‘Big Four’, the London & South Western Railway (LSWR) became part of the Southern Railway, and Richard Maunsell developed the Class N15s to meet the demand for new express passenger locomotives. 

Southern's publicity department decided to name the N15s, which were the first British locomotives fitted with smoke-deflector plates, after characters from Arthurian legend.

Sir Lamiel entered service in 1925 and spent most of its working life on the Bournemouth and West of England service.

After 36 years in service, the locomotive was withdrawn in 1961.

It is now part of the National Railway Museum’s collection, and is under the custodianship of the 5305 Locomotive Association.

The 5305 Locomotive Association will be leading the celebrations.

It had hoped that Sir Lamiel, which is named after a minor knight of King Arthur’s Round Table, would have been ready to celebrate its birthday in steam, hauling celebratory services on the Great Central Railway.

However, its overhaul, which began in 2020, was interrupted first by the Covid-19 pandemic and then by the discovery of asbestos residue on the loco.
 
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777 Sir Lamiel at Scarborough in 2006


Sir Lamiel is based under cover at the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire, with work being carried out by the 5305 Locomotive Association’s engineering team at Loughborough.

The final part of the overhaul will see the locomotive repainted in lined out BR Green with early crests on the tender, which will replace the current Southern Railway Malachite Green.

Having hoped that the loco would be operational again this year, the Society now says that it expects the work to be complete early next year and is looking forward to a more active 101st birthday celebration!

In the meantime, Sir Lamiel’s centenary will be marked with a celebration event at Loughborough on Saturday 21 June, hosted by the Great Central Railway and 5305 Locomotive Association.

Visitors to the event will be able to see the progress that has been made on the loco’s overhaul.

Once the overhaul is finished, a second, five-year loan agreement will be negotiated to enable Sir Lamiel to begin main line tours and a schedule of appearances at heritage railways across the country.

Craig Bentley, Interim Director of the National Railway Museum said: “Sir Lamiel is a magnificent example of Britain’s steam heritage, and we’re proud to see this important locomotive reach its centenary. This event is a fantastic opportunity for the public to see the care and craftsmanship going into Sir Lamiel’s vitally important overhaul.”
 
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