Recently I ordered some nameplates and smokebox plates from Severn Mill for locos I intend building in the future, it looks like my current BR Standard 4 build might well become 75030 instead... that was a Stoke engine too. I want to build a Brit as the only one I ever saw in BR days was 70010 Owen Glendower at Prestatyn station in 1966, I also have my sights on 46254 City of Stoke on Trent as at the tender age of four my Grandad took me to North Western Yard in Stoke to see this loco which was a part of the City of Stoke Jubilee celebrations. I remember the rake of exhibition coaches there too and the auction selling railway artifacts in a wooden hut near to Cliff Vale Sidings. So here are a few pics of the goodies.
I had some made up for my Hudswell Clarks and Fowlers some time ago. I'm having second thoughts as the Hudswell Clarks are not the best running loco's. Maybe they need a service and a bit more running in. We'll see. I may donate a couple of my name plates to my class 08's. They are all named after my mutts. Ollie, Gypsy, Buddy & Lulu ........ And one named Norman after my hero Norman Wisdom. I fear the purists won't like it.
Indeed indeed Keith... pure"ism" is fine for those who have a particular aspect to model either in authenticity of detail or "realness" but our hobby is each our own and has a huge appeal and interest whatever is done. I am a huge fan of Rule 1
Indeed Rob / Steve, these etches are superb but I have a letter here from Chris and for us modellers he is definitely advocating planning ahead with our requirements.
Like you Paul, I have already done that. Plates in Hand for A4 Sparrow Hawk, V2 St Peters School or Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and Original unstreamlined Coronation Duchess of Buccleuch. However I will need 2 sets for B1, one of which will be 1240 Harry Hinchliffe, and a set for Sam Fay. I note that he also does works plates for the B16 and Q6 but they come with smoke box and shed plate whereas I would only want the works plates. - One advantage with modelling grouping is that I don't need smoke box numbers/shed plates. I suspect that I will probably get Steve at Narrow Planet to do the works plates for me.
I've not tried Narrow Planet yet Rob, their products look very good but what I really like about them (unless I'm mistaken) is that you can order any particular smokebox number you want and they will make it. Whereas with Severn Mill if he doesn't list the number you cannot get it, which is why I had to go for 75030 instead of my original choice 75031 but then the jury are still out on that one.
Hi Paul, Yes they will pretty much make to order. I have some GNR C1 plates on order with them at the minute but in the past I have had wagon plates and some axle box covers for a sentinel loco (LNER Y3) The latter are below. The only downside is that although he will do the artwork, in order to keep costs down he doesn't get them etched until he has a sheet full so there is a wait but at least you can get what you want at a sensible price - I recall that the two sets of plates for two C1 were around £6.50 for both pairs. I will post photos for you when they arrive.
I have been stocking up on plates as I know Chris has had issues in the past with etching. I must order another pair of castle plates!!
Steve I understand he is still having issues and at the moment is in the process of moving so I'm not sure he will still be at his last address. The letter I have from him states to look out on the SM website for the new addy and contact info. Which Castle name are you going for if I may ask?
Those are lovely etches Rob and also from your last post a great choice of loco names too, maybe there is a case for members here to order their needs together which could speed the process up a bit?
I always email Chris before ordering any way Next two castles will be 5081 Lockheed Hudson 5012 Berry Pomeroy Castle
Just picked this up from a thread on RMWeb and by coincidence I had heard the same thing verbally by one of the Finney 7 team a couple of weeks ago but it had slipped my mind "The other sad news was a letter from Chris Watford, the proprietor of Severn Mill Plates. His etchers are no longer willing/able to work to the standards he requires, so he is reluctantly closing the range down. Buy now or miss out."
Yes Rob I have that letter too, it came with my City of Stoke on Trent and Owen Glendower plate sets. However when chatting to Chris over the phone he says he has 17 plastic cases full of loco etches, some loco types are now depleted or running low but they are still currently very much available to buy. He also says he has a chap on the Continent sourcing quality etch makers but I haven't spoken to him in the last couple of months as he has moved from Leicester. He can be contacted here:- http://www.severnmillnameplates.co.uk/ Chris has recently moved to Cambridge now. Hope this helps folks here as the moral of the story is get yer plates now while yer can.
