Latest News
Second pre-production Castle as 5055 'Lydford Castle',
as shown at the Telford 0 Gauge Guild Show on 6 and 7 September 2008.
Regular updates focusing on our Castle class locomotives and their development, together with information about our suppliers and associates, will follow at frequent intervals.
Latest up-date
31st October 2008
The second pre-production model is on its way back to the builder. They need to check cab detail and other aspects. It will be returned to UK and we were hoping to show 5055 ‘Lydford Castle’ at the Reading Trade Show on 6th December but unfortunately all stands have been taken.
Matters are moving swiftly with sound chips. We will advise when there is further firm news. Some interesting developments.
Only 15 Castles now remain available – 2 aircraft; 4 Earls (including much to my surprise, that esteemed Chairman of the GWR at the turn of the century - ‘Earl Cawdor’); and 9 actual Castles. Expect website ‘Model Availability’ to be changed next week, with detailed descriptions of each locomotive available.
Martyn Welch has completed research into display options. Shown here is an example of Martyn’s typical embankment, which will present your Castle to advantage.
Click to enlarge
Some may object to weeds on GWR track but you can decide your own level of ‘weeds’ and other things with Martyn directly, as well as prices. As each embankment will be built individually they will not be cheap but as Martyn built an entire layout for me, I can thoroughly recommend him. Because Masterpiece Models has to be VAT registered and Martyn isn’t, it will be less expensive to deal with him directly for display units, rather than Masterpiece Models. Martyn’s e-mail address is: 'martynwelch@blueyonder.co.uk' and his phone is 01752 344068. Contact him if you are interesting in displaying your Castle to best advantage.
You may remember we illustrated differences between BR and GWR livery and lining for Collett 4000 gallon tenders last month. Shown here are the locomotive differences. Essential; as more than a quarter of our Castles will be produced in BR condition. [Incidentally there have been some last minute changes to the list originally shown in a previous ‘Latest News’]. Our thanks to Malcolm Mitchell who produced this drawing and allowed it to be shown here. Our painter have this drawing to follow.
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Click to enlarge
Finally, there are no fewer than four letters in November British Railways Illustrated commenting about my article ‘Castles in the Sky’. Some interesting observations and different opinions. Again, recommended reading.
Michael Brooks
31st October 2008
