Quote from: eddief83 on July 13, 2026, 02:38:56 PMI have the full SLOA pullman set and want an intercity charter set similar to Mallard pulled in 1988 for the anniversary run.

What is your SLOA rake made up from? From the period photos I've seen the formation changed a little. My interpretation is made up of Mk1 Pullmans plus a RMB and some regular blue/grey or Intercity FO.

I've got the Pilkington set on my to-do list. All over green with light blue and red markings at the ends - possibly the worst livery every painted on a train.

For those like me who had to look up SLOA, it's........
"Steam Locomotive Operator's Association"

Quote from: Newportnobby on July 14, 2026, 08:50:02 AMFor those like me who had to look up SLOA, it's........
"Steam Locomotive Operator's Association"

Or, in the case of my mishap whilst playing trains in the loft the other day,
"Slipped, Landed On A**e".

PW

Quote from: KiwiAlan on July 14, 2026, 07:54:23 AM

Quote from: eddief83 on July 13, 2026, 02:38:56 PMAs someone who models the 1980's its much easier as support coaches didn't have much if any modifications then 

You raise an interesting point. When did the practice of a dedicated, customised support coach actually start, rather than simply attaching a reasonably standard BSK or BCK behind the locomotive?

In the early preservation era and railtour days, my impression is that the support vehicle was often little more than a convenient brake coach for the crew and equipment. The heavily modified support coaches we see today seem to have evolved gradually as main line operations became more professionalised, locomotives spent longer periods away from base, and support crews started carrying significantly more tools, spares and onboard facilities.

In theory I'm modelling the autumn of 1988, so a fairly standard BR Mk1 would probably be the correct answer. However, occasional bouts of time travel permit the appearance of a visiting locomotive, which is how I've ended up down the support coach rabbit hole!

Looking at stream hauled tours by preserved locos in the 60's (Scotsman and Gresley for example) had nothing like a support coach I can tell, perhaps with staff who had experience it was not deemed necessary.

Looking on https://www.nrmfriends.org.uk/post/the-fnrm-s-support-coach it says the first time the NRM used a support coach December 1979 which was an old LNWR Royal Train coach, they acquired a Mark 1 in 1983 which had a kitchen fitted then by removing one compartment so it seems the mid 80's was the start of the change to provide better facilities

Quote from: Steven B on July 14, 2026, 08:40:51 AM

Quote from: eddief83 on July 13, 2026, 02:38:56 PMI have the full SLOA pullman set and want an intercity charter set similar to Mallard pulled in 1988 for the anniversary run.

What is your SLOA rake made up from? From the period photos I've seen the formation changed a little. My interpretation is made up of Mk1 Pullmans plus a RMB and some regular blue/grey or Intercity FO.

I've got the Pilkington set on my to-do list. All over green with light blue and red markings at the ends - possibly the worst livery every painted on a train.

I have 2 Farish Mk1 BCK's Car 355 and 356 from the collectors club (plus a spare 355 I was renumbering if anyone needs a brake) all the correct numbered pullman parlours 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352 and 353 plus kitchen 335 and the Hadrian Bar. Its currently a mixture of White and Grey roofed stock but one day I will repaint them all grey. One day I will add some standard mark 1's to the box to vary it up a bit.

I do want an intercity set as per Mallard on 3rd July 88.

Pilkington stock would be great for modelling charters. I wonder if we can persuade Bachmann to do them as a club exclusive

I noticed this thread

https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=40102.0


Pilkington set may need vinyls

Eddie
@eddief83


this train?

Live Game CS
NOT my photo
https://www.facebook.com/share/1cFWPkknrV/

Farish products

Be interested to see who does vinyls since electra disappeared