'Upnor Castle' was the first diesel that would haul anything like a normal passenger train for a 1970s Ffestiniog Railway. The locomotive was still a major performer in the early 90s, supported by modified sibling 'Conwy Castle'. These locomotives were the diesel 'heavies' before the arrival of 'Criccieth Castle' in 1995.

The photograph detailing 'Upnor Castle' is firstly the property of the Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) and secondly, the image details the locomotive as working on the aforementioned railway. Other than a similar, yet different livery and a few external alterations the locomotives appears here as it was found working the Ffestiniog during the 90s, albeit in thoroughly better external condition.

With the Puffin Lodge bedded-down for the winter, there was some activity at home on the Hilton Valley. Number Eight was used to clear the track, ensuing that snow-covered views were enjoyed by your host.

Every year we strike out in the cold to play trains when Weston Park is closed to the public.
I unexpectedly ended up driving things, mainly because everyone was getting too cold!
Jim Steptoe's new diesel is fast and looks superb with the wagons (ex-Brian Hollingsworth) which match the proportions of the locomotive excellently. It rides well and the wagon screw-brake is lovely to use. Thanks Jim for making us tea and entrusting me with your locomotive.

Later in the day when everyone was getting very cold I had a go on Douglas (24). After a couple of trips I took it back to the shed knowing that the boiler had to be blown down to expel all the water. Stunning locomotive, very docile and I really enjoyed climbing up through the woods on the second trip. Magical. Many thanks Brett.

All the usual old hands were there. Graham with his Hunslet from Kinver was a nice surprise. The Rogers team also - just like the old days!
Yes it was cold but great to see everyone.

Happy New Year!

Those who have happened across the Puffin Lodge will have concluded that Rob Bennett makes all the employees and general characters that adorn the Puffin Lodge world. Rob's characters are not just 'figures' but artistic artefacts characterised according to Rob's amazing take on people. Without them the Puffin Lodge just wouldn't be.

Thanks Rob, great selection!
So, may we present the new intake for 2010.............

Ten years ago my fourth locomotive (after selling three mamod types) was a Roundhouse Millie. Ten years on and the locomotive is still very much a favourite.

Puffin Lodge Millie number one holds the as yet unbroken record of one hour ten minutes of steam once away from shed, as timed by the late Roy Archer. This was achieved during the middle of a summer season after the locomotive had achieved similar performance during the previous four weeks or so. One hour five minutes Roundhouse state they have achieved.
The locomotive is so good in fact that a second millie would be most welcome and the surprise appearance of number fifteen was great news for the Puffin Lodge. Even experienced operators who have a number of finely detailed engines love a 'pop pop' or 'fill up and go' locomotive. Sometimes you just need a reliable workhorse.

This 2009 Millie sports the new roundhouse regular and the new victorian maroon colour. Other than these small innovations, she appears identical to my earlier model.

Her colour will ensure that she will be rostered with rolling stock that number one is less aesthetically suited to such as the Pickering coach set, for example.

Number fifteen will be kept as an open cab engine. It is felt the millie holds a unique charm in this form and vitally the driver can reach all the controls!

Car 122 is a prototype coach. Boston Lodge built it with the aim of developing a design of coach that could operate across the Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog networks. Hence this carriage has more head room than the original barns or tin tops and some see it as a fusion of FR and WHR carriage design. In any case, a number of limitations prevent it from operating on sections of the WHR yet it remains a recent coach of 2003 vintage.

The push/pull livery? Personal preference I'm afraid.

Car 117 was one of the 'tin cars' based on under-frames acquired from the Isle of Man Railway. Cars 111-121 all incorporate IOMR running gear. This 16mm scale model depicts the coach as running in the early 1990s.

Another model from Paul Kings with a little input from me. I photographed the carriages to include interiors, numbering, corridor walkways and brake gear. These photographs were grouped and assigned to an appropriate line drawing of the coach obtained from the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association. These were then scaled up to 16mm scale by Paul.

An evocative model which is designed to match Conwy Castle but would also pair wonderfully with Linda who towed this car in this livery while sporting her own charismatic midnight blue look.

Following a three month build by Paul Kings, with less than usual input from me, he kindly offered the locomotive to me as a christmas gift this year. Many thanks Paul it has been great to receive your updates as you as been building the model: it looks superb and evokes many memories.

For the technically persuaded:
Electronic speed controller, removable AAs (8), 4WD (chain), cab light, two-sets-of-two directional LED lights, prototypical cab detail and authentic early 90s push/pull green livery. IP engineering couplings, wheels and axle-boxes.

A photographic collection by railway photographer Paul Whittaker depicting the 16mmNG themed afternoon at the Hilton Valley Railway, which took place during September 2009.

I think you will agree that this album is a wonderful record of the afternoon. Many thanks Paul.

Other contributions from events at home are always very welcome.

Dave very kindly offered his garden and extensive railway as the venue for a running session and catch-up. He launched a Hunslet locomotive that he has recently finished rebuilding. It now appears in a blue livery.

I revealed Charles, nothing that special, we've all seen volumes of these - we were more taken with Dave's rebuilt locomotive.

It was the first time Paul, Will, Dave and I had met up for a few months and the usual laughs were had. I learnt new things - such as just how great channel 4oD really is.

Overall it was great to operate on a challenging circuit with a spiral and many gradients. Dave's line is certainly a 'real railway' and the operator has to really drive their locomotive!

During the evening, Will and I travelled to Newport for some chipped potatoes and I wished the staff there Merry Christmas. They did not seem too impressed.

Following a later than expected delivery, this locomotive has finally arrived at my college in Oxford, directly from Roundhouse. Brother to 'Linda', it is wonderful to finally unpack 'Charles'.

There are a number of small changes to this later batch of Penrhyn locomotives. Firstly the frames, smokebox, cab roof and cylinders are finished in satin paint - surely a first for Roundhouse. Secondly, 'Charles' sports a new regulator handle: a friend informs me that other new Roundhouse engines also adopt the new, laser cut handles.

One is struck by how much smaller 'Charles' appears compared to a generic Roundhouse locomotive. It is amazing just how much they have crammed into this locomotive while getting it to look superb also. What more can I say, very pleased!

The eventual aim is to photograph my early 90s 'Linda' with 'Charles' as a tribute to the 'Hunslet Hundred gala', which took place at the Ffestiniog Railway in 1993, where 'Charles' appeared on loan from Penrhyn Castle (National Trust).

Like other recent arrivals, this locomotive will have to wait until I have the time to initiate the process of having it lined out. Before then, it will run once or twice. Following lining, 'Charles' may be paired with various Ffestiniog engines that form the basis of the Puffin Lodge fleet.

Any event at Weston is well worth the dash back from Oxford. However, a night-time event is particularly special. Although I was busy for most of the evening (keeping the 750 halloween visitors entertained at the keyboard) I did manage to capture a few rather elementary photographs. The ride was fantastic and it is well known, that to me, other than my own railway, this line remains unparalleled to anything else, miniature or otherwise. Indeed the railway forms part of a history that stretches back over fifty years.

A fantastic evening. From 1992 onwards I began to ride regularly behind our number 4. Seventeen years later and it still gets better every time.....

Thanks to you all, indebted as ever....

I coincided our end of season at Hilton (in an operational sense) with a request from Shropshire 16mm association members to come and see the railway at home. They were the first guests to ride over the new track laid through Hilton House Halt. A variety of locomotives were seen in action. A splendid afternoon and a great way to end the season.

My thanks go to our small team at Hilton and to guests. I for one had a fun afternoon.

These photographs were taken by Paul Kings.

After your host remembered the transmitter, the locomotive ran faultlessly as they usually do.....

As much as the cosmetic detail found in plastic kits is desirable, their tendency to become troublesome behind larger locomotives is an issue. With this in mind, a new prototype has been constructed which uses metal wheels and axle boxes. Although the detail is functional, their ruggedness should allow the units to be placed behind a Roundhouse locomotive with comparative ease.

Your host yet again reminisces backward to the early 1990s with this project to scratch build 'Conwy Castle', a once daily performer on the Ffestiniog Railway. The locomotive is fondly remembered for hauling the early and late bird trains. Conwy was the FR's front-line diesel seconded by Upnor Castle. Of course, they both pre-date the arrival of 'Criccieth Castle' in 1995. Following Linda's disappearance during the mid-1990s, one unconsciously witnessed the passing of an outstanding series in operational quality. The new 16mm scale model will no doubt blend with other Ffestiniog models which also gain their inspiration from this wonderful era.

Home for the academic year 2009/10: Green Templeton College, Oxford.

Over the last twelve months or so tastes have changed a little, possibly towards more generic locomotives, which are, in some cases, not based on specific prototypes. This is quite possibly a short phase but nonetheless, such an outlook inspired the choice of this locomotive.

In line with devout 'Katie' practice, a rear lamp and bucket was fitted to the rear of the locomotive.
The 2.4GHz radio control was a welcome surprise. It appears that Roundhouse are fitting this as standard to all their locomotives. Furthermore, the shade of blue applied was a darker shade than expected.

For a few weeks now I have been meaning to wash down, refuel and generally 'spruce up' the Hilton diesel locomotives. For the first time this afternoon, three were running simultaneously (the fourth is off-site undergoing restoration).
Multiple bottles of energy drink were required, as usual, to start and operate the locomotives. Twin cylinder Lister Diesel engines keep their maverick completely occupied and the whole business may be compared to a workout at the gym.
Nonetheless, it was lovely to offer specific attention to the historic diesel fleet, the steam shed remained firmly closed during the day!

The set includes the Welshpool Pickering coaches running in their historic form and some L&B bogie vans and wagons.

I don't usually post photographs of any miniature railway pursuits here but realizing there maybe a common interest I have posted two photos sent to me by the locomotive engineer overhauling the locomotive; a half-size scale model of the Neil Simkins built 'Norfolk Hero' which operates for the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway.

Windy conditions influenced the unusually short rolling stock formation shown in these photos. The locomotive appears following a re-calibration of the regulator servo linkage, kindly carried out by David Evans.

A rare outing for scratch-built locomotives 'Prince' and 'Criccieth Castle'. The England locomotive seen here is not to be confused with the Slaters-built 'Prince' photographed earlier this year.

Number Twelve also made an appearance and is seen alongside Fuggles resident 'Jack': a Roundhouse locomotive much-loved by many 'old hands'.

A super day and lovely to see the Puffin Lodge working trains where it all began.....

See you in a couple of weeks Mark for another session!

The locomotive steamed well requiring very little attention. It may now await a repaint into fully early WHR livery; a while yet perhaps!

Stewart Browne of Archangel Locomotives runs coal-fired locomotive William Byrd and offers your host some invaluable tips for coal firing in 16mm scale.
The time passed far too quickly, certainly an action packed afternoon.

A fantastic time. Super to see some master 16millers at work....

See this locomotive at work at Rob Bennett's 'Indian Hill' broadcasting channel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdESpaG8PJs

Although the 'Prince of Wales' remained poised for action, it was not called upon; your host became distracted along with a number of 'old hands'. We became focussed on the second Puffin Lodge loco to attend, 'William Byrd' (see separate collection).

During this year, the Puffin Lodge has expanded disproportionately and refitting the storage and maintenance facilities has formed part of a general catch-up program. Over half the steam locomotives have yet to receive permanent carry boxes. They may be seen stacked alongside one another in their temporary cardboard versions. Provision will be made for this work later in the season.

Some increasingly familiar British Model Supply boxes can be found on one of the shelves, these contain part of a new rolling stock set currently under development. It will consist of mixed-purpose vehicles and may appear before the end of the 2009 season.

The locomotive is a Roundhouse Silver Lady. Unfortunately, due to time constraints the locomotive has yet to be customized. To make use of the three headlamp brackets, three lamps are intended together with a red rear lamp, bucket and firing irons. Number and name plates are also required. Lining may also be considered, although it is currently placed on the lower end of the waiting list created for this work.

Certainly not a typical choice of locomotive for the Puffin Lodge; although, as a regular little workhorse it is becoming a welcome addition to the roster.

When we began a decade ago, we were unsure of scale and certain other 'standards' that we come to expect as our experiences grow. 'O' gauge components taken from Triang 'Big Big Train' sets were the starting point for scratch building in 16mm scale. The photos show these early 'narrow gauge' attempts operating at the Paddock Railway, Hampton Loade. All of the locomotives still exist, some in a much-modified form. They will all re-run during 2009 to mark the first ten years. Now the Puffin Lodge maintains and operates with a fleet of twenty-seven locomotives yet it is fun to look back to those first steps into 16mm NG modeling. Finally, the photographs reveal the Paddock Railway in a somewhat historic light. Here the railway is seen with two operational circuits and a harbor. Some would say this was the railway in a kind of 'secondary form' as originally the line consisted of just a single loop laid on a wooden base. Trellises and other wooden supports occupied the space where the brick arches now stand.

A reliable member of the fleet

I almost have as much affection for the Countax Garden tractor as I do for 16 mm live steam! I find their quaint aesthetic irresistible.....

The new 2008 model arrived this morning and I couldn't resist taking a few photos of this lovely machine.

See Rob Bennett's video of the running session here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/indianhill#p/u/50/XC4crb6WiAc

View Rob Bennett's short film of the day here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkXSbJEjwJ0&feature=channel_page