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Post by AndrewP on May 10, 2007 23:48:53 GMT
Any suggestions for greasetop suppliers that might be able to provide me with a big one, I get all sorts of 'funny' remarks when I say I need 7 3/4 ( and that's an imperial measurement!).
Bring on the jokes I bet I've heard most of them!
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Tony K
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,573
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Post by Tony K on May 11, 2007 7:42:49 GMT
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Post by spurley on May 11, 2007 7:50:10 GMT
Hi Andrew
I think I may be able to help here, can you confirm that your hat size really is 7 3/4. I was offered two greasetops by a mate a fortnight ago, both genuine BR too! One was a 6 and the other way up in the 7s, neither any good to me though (I'm 6 7/8).
Please get back to me either on thread or PM and I'll see what I can do. I think the owner is selling the hats on behalf of a preserved line in the South, either Bluebell or Swanage as he's involved in both.
Cheers
Brian
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Post by AndrewP on May 11, 2007 9:40:14 GMT
Thanks Tony, emailed enquiry. That's why I'm leaving the cab off my Hunslet, the windows in the spectacle plate are too close together!
Thanks too Brian - you have mail.
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Post by andrewtoplis on May 11, 2007 12:59:45 GMT
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Post by spurley on May 11, 2007 13:31:03 GMT
Hi Andrew
Sorry, this is a bit tenuous but, I have spoken to spoken to my mate who knows the guy with the hats. He has confirmed that they are genuine BR and that one is well over size 7.
Fingers crossed. The best thing I can do, once I know for sure, is put the owner in direct touch with you.
Cheers
Brian
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Post by AndrewP on May 11, 2007 13:58:55 GMT
Cheers Brian, all leads appreciated, the first thing said to me in a hat shop was 'strewth, you'll be lucky' and that was before I'd said a word!
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Post by AndrewP on May 11, 2007 14:53:06 GMT
Andrew, thanks, sorted from Longleat, Brian - as you were!
Isn't it good when a system comes together!
Cheers guys
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Post by spurley on May 12, 2007 9:35:52 GMT
Hi Andrew
Just for info; the seller of the greasetop I was talking about has got in touch and it is a genuine unused BR item size 7 5/8 (might have been too small anyway?) and he wants £30 plus postage for it.
I have been told that some of the reproductions are very poor by my contacts at preserved lines. So I'd be very interested to know what the one you've got from Longleat is like.
Cheers
Brian
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Lurkio
Seasoned Member
Posts: 101
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Post by Lurkio on May 12, 2007 12:04:00 GMT
Andrew,
There was another short discussion recently on this forum regarding greasetop hats.
My experience is that most new hats are plastic-top rather than the proper greasetop.
Even these sell for between £20 - £35. They're often sold by preserved railways so at least in that case your cash goes to a good cause.
Make sure you know what you're getting before you part with your money.
An ex BR one ought to be the real McCoy I would have thought.
If anyone knows of a supplier of 'proper' greasetops it would be nice if they could post it here.
Lurkio.
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Post by GWRdriver on May 12, 2007 12:26:12 GMT
J N Beesley (19 Swing Gate Lane, Berkhamstead) sells them also, as well as other kit for preserved railway operation. I have one of these and its nice enough, and according to Monsewer Beesley exactly to BR standard. I have a mate in Florida who got himself one through a friend who is associated with the Exmoor Rwy which is positively superb in every respect, better made than the Beesley cap, but naturally he cannot now locate the source.
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Post by andrewtoplis on May 13, 2007 10:07:55 GMT
The one from Longleat will have plastic on top but will be ok quality-wise. Its almost impossible to get decent footplate kit nowadays, I have a Beesley hat from about 12 years ago which is superb, indistinguishable from a real BR one IMHO, but its too small now. The Beesley replacement a few years ago wasnt nearly so good as the first one so I switched to Longleat. Occasionally you will spot hats in the shops of preserved rlys at a good price, Swanage had a few for under £10, now kicking myself for not getting one for a spare!
Proper overalls are rare too, NYMR Shed Shop or Beesleys are the only places really, otherwise they are too thin, shrink heavily or have loops and belts to hang hammers etc on and dont really look right. Avoid poly-cotton ones too, they dont like the heat!
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Post by AndrewP on May 16, 2007 14:45:57 GMT
Greasetop arrived from Longleat today, seems well enough made, a bit clean and stiff obviously but we'll soon put paid to that. Not sure how the plastic top is going to fare once I deposit the contents of the grate on it, via the chimney of course, but I suppose it's better than increasing the size of my bald patch!
Cheers, Andy
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Post by Boadicea on May 18, 2007 8:08:00 GMT
Just to round this one off, I tried to order from Longleat, telephoned them twice and had to leave a message for them to ring back. I have to say I received no such return call and went elsewhere.  I found the insurers Walker Midgley were doing them (6¾ to 7¾) at £21.00 inclusive of VAT and UK postage - and they answered the phone!  |
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Post by Phil Sutton on May 18, 2007 19:56:37 GMT
Funny,that Bo,I've had several bits and pieces from Longleat,including a hat,and had no bother from them,apart from a small ommission,which was righted straight away.
Must have been a glitch........
Phil
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;D
