WEST ORTON

[Steve M]

Nice.. Can one still get new driveshafts for them?

Yes, at a price that makes model railways appear cheap.
The special tool for pulling the hub was £140+ and that's before you buy any replacement parts.
Strange knocking noise from the rear axle so I'm starting with new bearings on the hub and differential. I have new universal joints but the ones on the car appear OK. If I have to replace the diff itself, I'm facing a bill of up to £1200.

[Steve M]

You just have spare parts arriving with every post It will be nice to get the Spitfire up and running for the summer. Pleased to hear that Hornby found the parts you needed for the 4P.

I got very lucky with that part - they robbed it from a returned scrap loco. These parts simply don't exist.

[Mountain Goat]

You just have spare parts arriving with every post It will be nice to get the Spitfire up and running for the summer. Pleased to hear that Hornby found the parts you needed for the 4P.

I got very lucky with that part - they robbed it from a returned scrap loco. These parts simply don't exist.

Is a good service to do that though as it keeps peoples models on the rails.

[Steve M]

A little Spitfire update.
Completely rebuilt the rear axle and the knocking almost completely disappeared. That is until one of the bearing caps on the new UJ decided to go it's own way - rapid unscheduled deconstruction. It seems 'modern' circlips are fractionally larger and don't fully seat properly. New UJ and thinned circlips fitted last week.
I can still hear a slight knock so some digging around reveals a front wheel bearing with excessive play - new parts for both sides ordered ready for another shift on the tools.
For the time being I have tightened the hub nuts on both sides as the bearings are tapered - at least that way I can replace them as and when. Looks like the tyres will be the next thing to need changing as they have seen better days - age deterioration rather than wear.

[Steve M]

We've just got home after a short break in the Yorkshire Dales - managed a few walks without the memsahib whose ankles are not up to the job anymore. Managed to finish off my knee - it simply won't allow me to step up anything. At least I am on a NHS list - that's a list to wait my turn for an assessment not treatment!
I know there has been much said about how dry it has been, so it was no surprise to see only diesels running on the K&WVR at Haworth this morning. But to give you an idea of just how dry the whole area is, take a look at the photo of Aysgarth Falls - usually a torrent but they have officially dried up completely with no flow at all. The reservoirs in the Peak District are no better.






One disappointment at Haworth was to discover that the station shop no longer carries a range of model railway stuff and have turned the whole thing over to tacky souvenirs. Shame as I have bought at least one loco ever time I've visited in the past.

[Steve M]

This was another 'find' while we were up there, Hawes station and goods shed. The loco is a former colliery engine, renumbered to simulate the last passenger train to run on the line. And of course. There was the usual pilgrimage to Ribblehead.

[bulleidboy]

Looks like you had a good time and the weather was good.

[Steve M]

Yes Barry, weather was very good. And yes we had a great time but we both went down with a cold which took the edge off a bit.
We found a hotel in Wharfedale some years ago and this is our third visit. The hotel is over 400 years old and is adjacent to Kilnsey Crag. Comfortable, good food and dog friendly.

[bulleidboy]

I don't know the area at all Steve - we need to get out a bit more.

[Carl L]

You certainly had the best of the weather. I know the area well, it’s stunning. We visit the hamlet of Hubberholme, just off from Buckden, regularly. In fact one visit I was given a pannier tank by our hosts. Winner winner