A very good day.

Woke up before sunrise. Had planned to attend the Flash Train Meet at Renningers in Kutztown, PA (about a 2 hr drive), but debated a couple minutes while lying in bed. Finally decided to get going, and was on the road by 6:45 AM.

A very nice trip. Saw a freight train running over the Lackawanna Viaduct in Nicholson, PA: first time in years I've seen one (see photo). Started out cloudy, but the weather broke as I headed South.

1/4

#Train #Toys #Tinplate #0Gauge

Good Friday morning! 🌞

Looks to be another spectacular day here in NEPA. If I’m thorough cleaning this morning, I’ll treat myself to a romp in Baby Blue when it heats up this afternoon.

Need to spend a little time prepping for tomorrow’s trip down to Kutztown, PA for the Flash Train Meet at Reningers.

#Friday #NEPA #PAWx #Spring #Train #Toys #Tinplate

TIL that bronze is non-magnetic. I really ought to know this, so it will trigger a deep dive on the magnetic properties of various metals. I have a good general knowledge, but need to discover (and retain) the details.

Why, you ask? Well 19th/early 20th Century toy trains run on early electrical knowledge and technology. Understanding how and why things were made as they were is important for preservation and restoration.

#Trains #Toys #Tinplate #20thCentury

MORRISTON: Work begins to save crumbling historic house

Work is finally moving forward to protect one of Morriston’s most recognisable – and long-neglected – buildings.

The Grade II-listed Danbert House, a striking Victorian townhouse on Morfydd Street, has stood empty for decades – but now fresh efforts are underway to safeguard what remains.

Backed by funding from Swansea Council and the Welsh Government, the next phase of work is focusing on understanding the building’s true condition.

Scaffolding has now been installed both inside and out, allowing specialists safe access to carry out a detailed historic survey of the structure.

Despite its deteriorated state, Danbert House remains a well-known local landmark, originally built in the 1880s for tinplate manufacturer Daniel Edwards and named after his ‘Danbert’ brand.

The building is privately owned, and the current owner is working to create a full and accurate record of its condition. This will be submitted to the Royal Commission to guide any future restoration in line with official heritage requirements.

Councillor David Hopkins said the progress marks an important step forward.

He said: “Danbert House is a well-known Morriston landmark and an important part of the area’s heritage.

“While it has sadly been in a derelict state for many years, it’s encouraging to see positive progress being made.

“These grants will help enable the specialist access and surveys needed to fully understand the building’s condition and plan the next stages of safeguarding and restoration.”

Funding for the work has come through the council’s Economic Stimulus Fund alongside the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

While there’s still a long road ahead, the latest developments raise fresh hopes that the historic building could one day be brought back into use.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Future of iconic Swiss Cottage in doubt again
Concerns grow over the long-term future of the historic Singleton Park landmark.

£803k boost for Port Talbot bridge plans
Funding secured to explore the future of a key Grade II-listed structure.

Former rugby star takes on iconic city building
High-profile figure steps in to help restore a well-known Swansea site.

Work progresses on historic copperworks site
Plans move forward to transform a heritage building into a new restaurant destination.

£134k grant boosts chapel restoration
Funding helps preserve a significant historic building in Llanelli.

Historic Ty Mawr restored into new homes for Pontardawe

Dating back to the 1800s, Ty Mawr is identified by Neath Port Talbot Council as a Building of Local Importance. It once formed part of the sprawling tinplate works owned by W. Gilbertson and Company, which at its peak provided employment for much of Pontardawe’s population and sustained families for generations.

Today, the rest of the site is occupied by Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, retail units and housing — leaving Ty Mawr as the sole surviving structure of the town’s industrial past.

Vacant since the late 2000s, and formerly used as an “Extra Care” facility, the building had fallen into disrepair. Now, thanks to housing association Pobl, working with T.A.D Builders Ltd. and supported by Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant, the landmark has been carefully restored and extended.

New homes and sustainability

The project has created 12 modern, energy‑efficient apartments for social rent — six one‑bedroom and six two‑bedroom units. A new build element complements the refurbished two‑storey detached structure, with improved access from the highway and enhanced parking arrangements. Solar panels have been installed on the roof to boost sustainability.

Jo Brown, Project Manager for Pobl Group, said at the outset:

“This scheme is an excellent example of Pobl’s commitment to build general needs homes and bring existing buildings back into fruition. We look forward to working with T.A.D Builders Ltd, and all being well, working toward a completion date in Summer 2025.”

That completion has now been achieved, with residents beginning to move in.

Blending old and new

A spokesperson for Pobl said:

“Restoring such an old structure came with challenges — from insulating thick walls to retaining its unique character — but the result is a striking mix of old and new.

“We’re so pleased to welcome new residents to Ty Mawr and see this much‑loved building once again playing an important role in the heart of the community.”

Local heritage preserved

By regenerating Ty Mawr, Pobl say they have helped preserve the character of Pontardawe’s industrial past while addressing contemporary housing needs. The building’s legacy as part of the tinplate works endures — but now with a new role, providing homes and stability for today’s community.

#BuildingOfLocalImportance #construction #CwmtaweCommunitySchool #Pobl #Pontardawe #renovation #socialHousing #TADBuilders #tinplate #TyMawr #WGilbertsonAndCompany

Scarlets unveil new away kit inspired by Llanelli’s heritage

Sosban Fach woven into the design

The shirt, produced in partnership with kit supplier VX3, carries the words of Sosban Fach, the traditional Welsh song adopted as the Scarlets’ anthem. The lyrics are printed across the front of the jersey, symbolising the club’s deep ties to its community and supporters.

A nod to Llanelli’s steel and tinplate past

The grey colour scheme of the shirt, shorts and socks is a deliberate reference to the tinplate and steel industries that shaped Llanelli and the wider West Wales region. Club officials say the design reflects both the area’s industrial heritage and the resilience of its people.

🥄 Why Sosban Fach matters to the Scarlets

Sosban Fach (“Little Saucepan”) is one of Wales’ best‑known folk songs. First adapted in the late 19th century, it became closely linked with Llanelli RFC and later the Scarlets regional side.

The connection comes from Llanelli’s tinplate industry, which produced saucepans and kitchenware for homes across Britain. Fans embraced the saucepan as a symbol of the town’s identity, and the song became a terrace anthem.

At Stradey Park, the Scarlets’ former ground, scarlet‑painted saucepans were famously fixed to the goalposts. The tradition continues at Parc y Scarlets, where supporters still belt out Sosban Fach before big matches.

The Scarlets’ official magazine is even titled “Sosban”, underlining how deeply the song is woven into the club’s culture.

On sale from today

The new away kit is available to buy from Friday 17 October at the Scarlets VX3 shop at Parc y Scarlets, as well as online at shop.scarlets.wales.

https://youtu.be/wsY7Kmi2-s4

🎶 Sosban Fach – full lyrics

Welsh:

Mae bys Meri-Ann wedi brifo,
A Dafydd y gwas ddim yn iach.
Mae’r baban yn y crud yn crio,
A’r gath wedi sgrapo Joni bach.

Sosban fach yn berwi ar y tân,
Sosban fawr yn berwi ar y llawr,
A’r gath wedi sgrapo Joni bach.

Dai bach y sowldiwr,
Dai bach y sowldiwr,
Dai bach y sowldiwr,
A gwt ei grys e mas.

Mae bys Meri-Ann wedi gwella,
A Dafydd y gwas yn ei fedd;
Mae’r baban yn y crud wedi tyfu,
A’r gath wedi huno mewn hedd.

Sosban fach yn berwi ar y tân,
Sosban fawr yn berwi ar y llawr,
A’r gath wedi huno mewn hedd.

English (translation):

Mary-Ann’s finger is injured,
And David the servant is unwell.
The baby in the cradle is crying,
And the cat has scratched little Johnny.

A little saucepan is boiling on the fire,
A big saucepan is boiling on the floor,
And the cat has scratched little Johnny.

Little Dai the soldier,
Little Dai the soldier,
Little Dai the soldier,
With the tail of his shirt hanging out.

Mary-Ann’s finger has healed,
And David the servant is in his grave;
The baby in the cradle has grown,
And the cat is sleeping in peace.

A little saucepan is boiling on the fire,
A big saucepan is boiling on the floor,
And the cat is sleeping in peace.

Note: As with many folk songs, versions vary slightly, but this is the form most often sung by Scarlets supporters.

#awayKit #kitLaunch #Llanelli #ParcYScarlets #Scarlets #ScarletsAnthem #ScarletsAwayKit #ScarletsKit #SosbanFach #steel #tinplate #VX3

Moin !
Wie meine kurzen Abendstunden zur Zeit aussehen:

Eine Lok fertig und Zack schon wieder 3 im AW.
Diese Prozedur macht selbst für heißen italiänerinen nicht halt.
Aber Ende der Woche sind sie alle durch.
.
#Fleischmann #FS #Dampflok #H0 #Gruppo685 #fs685 #modellbahn #modelleisenbahn #1zu87 #1to87 #modeltrains #modelrailroad #TischBahn #tinplate #modellbahnwerkstatt