Silver Sidelines

I think Bachmann’s Oakhill Brewery collection is one of those iconic models, similar to their original Blue Pullman.  My Oakhill Brewery buildings are mostly date stamped 2009, with the boiler house chimney marked 2010.  My records show that I purchased my buildings from a variety of retailers in the period 19th to 30th May 2011, almost exactly 13 years ago to the writing of this Post Bachmann Malthouse and Brewery as arrived - Note the extension piece to the loading bay platform At first I only bought the two main buildings, the malthouse and the brewing building.  I had already laid a siding and visualised a gas works!  However I rapidly realised that I needed the full Bachmann Oakhill collection.  As luck would have it there was room for a new piece of baseboard.  Some extra sidings were laid and the full collection of brewery buildings was installed. Bachmann Brewery Buildings shortly after arrival From the outset I was unsure as to which way the maltho...

It was April 2019, almost five years ago to today’s date that I purchased a set of Hornby’s ex LMS non-corridor coaches.  They were finished in BR Maroon livery, Hornby numbers R4689/90/91/91A.  I like the detail, some nice wire handrails, individual roof ventilators and various steps.  They have occasionally come out and trundled around the layout, often in the company of a Bachmann 2-6-4T or ex LMS Crab.  They ran smoothly if somewhat noisily. Hornby ex LMS non-corridor coaches in BR maroon in company with Bachmann Fairburn Tank. Fast forward to 2024 and I have purchased a second set of ex LMS non-corridor coaches.  This time they are finished in BR Crimson livery, Hornby numbers R4799/800/801/801A.  I have included the Hornby coach numbers because my cameras (and on line advertisements) often mix up the crimson and maroon colours.  I would say that ‘maroon’ is the muddy looking red. Hornby ex LMS non-corridor coaches, crimson to the front, maroon to...