The Toy Train
The crude tank wagon was indeed part of the Triang Hornby or Hornby range. It came with two open wagons, a circle of track and an equally crude clockwork loco.
Various versions were sold, including one with a loco called Timmy on the box design ...
... but with the loco IN the box called Ivor.
Another version with loco 7321 as above ...
... highlighted "OO gauge metal track" and came with one plastic car.
So fbb's seller was right! His recent purchase was a genuine Hornby product.
The old bloke has had a jackpot idea about what to do with at least one of these toy tanks, and that doesn't include crushing, melting or adding it to the fbb recycling bin. It is, however, a cheap and nasty, part of the history of OO gauge tank wagons.
Bet you can't wait.
More from Mr Moore
First, a correction. Maurice Patchett who actually drove the bus was a London Transport senior Driving Instructor. The plan was that he would train Roger Moore to do the stunts himself. But 'eyebrows' Moore couldn't do it, so Maurice did the clever stuff.
The BBC, on one of its 'magazine' TV programmes, actually did a piece on Mr P, notably his prowess on the famous LT skid pan.
fbb also remembers a black and white film showing the broadcaster Richard Dimbleby doing what Roger Moore couldn't; but also on the skid pan at Chiswick.
At Last, You May Cheer?
Double deck trains are coming to the UK! The only previous effort was Oliver Bulleid's two 4DD sets, eight carriages in all, for the Southern Railway but delivered to the Southern Region.
Although designed to ease overcrowding on busy commuter routes, the idea failed because getting on and off was so much slower.
They weren't double deck at all.
Probably you would describe them as two "low height two thirds deck interlocking compartments". The 'upper deck' passengers' posteriors were positioned just above the heads of those in the lower seats,
You can see how it worked from this external view.
From the doors, the higher echelons of commuter society had to clamber through the legs of the lower orders then climb up narrow steps to gain the upper deck. No upper deck windows could be opened so the area became stuffy and hot.
Thus it took ages to get in and out.
Eurostar has ordered new double deck trains with on-line pictures offering different designs ...
... traditional above and long nosed below.
These are not commuter trains, so access to a proper top deck will be from stairs adjacent to the entrance doors at the ends of the carriages.
Doubtless the seats will be better than on European commuter trains.
Although operating in the UK, they will only run on the 'High Speed' tracks from St Pancras which have been built with greater clearance than for standard UK stock..
Let's hope the Channel Tunnel is tall enough!
But don't rush to book your tickets! The new trains are not due for delivery until 2031.
fbb does not think it took six years for Mr Bulleid to design and build his 4DD units. And back then there was a war on!
Red Funnel Is Sold?
Or Is It?
The Isle of Wight ferry company has been teetering on the brink of bankruptcy for a few years. The sale to an asset management conglomerate comes "just in time' to prevent to company's total collapse, it is rumoured.
But is the sale still "on"?
Yes - and no!
The deal cannot be completed until "the authorities" have approved it. As yet they haven't.
As they say, there is always the possibility of many slip twixt seller's cup and buyer's lip. Or to use another phrase from the 'Overworked Euphemism' bible, it ain't all over till the fat lady sings.
What have Njord Partners actually bought? It appears the buyers are to pay off Red Funnels massive debt, so if the purchase goes ahead they will need to be taking in some dosh very quickly. And it is the winter season when earnings are light. Njord has bought (or taken over leases on) three tired, old, out-of-date, clapped-out car ferries which keep breaking down.
They also will own two Red Jet fast boats with no spare to cover for breakdowns because Red Funnel sold the spare to Singapore to scrabble in a bit of cash.
The service desperately needs new tonnage!
And what does Njord say about that?
The future fleet development is ongoing?
Or, to out it another way, "We are trying to work out how to pay for it!"
Hmmmm?
Were fbb a regular passenger between Cowes and Southampton, he would not yet have confidence in a secure future.
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Tomorrow we go to Grove Park.
Next Variety blog : Sunday 28 Oct
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