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With the very sad news of the passing of Mick Bonwick here is a picture of Fowler Ploughing Engine that he gave me in Aug '19 for no reason other than he thought it would look better on Little Muddle than his layout. A great guy that was full of enthusiasm and knowledge for this hobby of ours which he happy to pass on to all and sundry at the drop of a hat. His weathering skills were sublime and I had the privilege to visit his railway shed only a few weeks ago where I saw his work first hand and it was very good, in fact superb would be a better description. I shall miss his comments and quips that frequented this thread almost on a daily basis plus his many pm's where he was not only asking questions but passing on advice. He will be missed. RIP Mick

Hello Tony I hope you don't mind me adding to your thread, and I appreciate I am very late to the party, but I just wanted to thank you and congratulate you on the excellent BRM right track series. Your superb insights into loco kit construction spurred me to have a go myself during the lockdown in 2020, I have enjoyed model railways for many years but always felt that loco kit building was beyond my abilities. Your patient and in-depth tutorials I felt completely demystified the process, so I was inspired to try my hand on some cheap white metal kits which I was able to purchase on eBay. They were less than £15 for each loco, but were all poorly glued and painted as received. I have found that "Oven pride" oven gel cleaner does a grand job of stripping paint and glue and turning poor models back into a clean kit of parts again (it will also take the paint off Hornby loco bodies without melting the plastic) I appreciate that these models are still far behind the highly detailed and researched specimens that yourself and others are building, but as practice mules I wanted to share them to illustrate that your generous wisdom has taught this kit-building newbie how to properly solder a white metal kit neatly and squarely (hopefully!) My sincere thanks Theo

This morning's This morning's photos are from the Stephenson Railway Museum line at Middle Engine Lane, next to the Silverlink shopping centre in North Shields. Percy Main NER electric parcels van and Class 03 03078 April 93 J13814 Middle Engine Lane Sans Pareil replica Sept 85 C7197 Middle Engine Lane Consett Iron Co 10 Sept 85 C7199 Middle Engine Lane Bagnall 401 Middle Engine Lane to Percy Main 25th May 92 C16873 Middle Engine Lane Bagnall 401 20th June 92 C16933 Percy Main Stephenson Railway Museum Peckett Ashington No 5 April 93 J13818 David

I rounded off a productive and successful weekend today. First, I fixed all the joists, secondary joists and risers in place to support the new section of trackbase. The whole thing looks much tidier now and there is a (fairly) consistent 1 in 100 rise all the way from Treloggan Junction to St Enodoc. Here's the end result looking Up from Treloggan Junction. Next, I glued the foam trackbase down along the new formation. I lined up one side first, using the card templates protected by clingwrap, then completed the other side. I followed the outside of the two points leaving a gap to be filled with cork. At Polperran, the baseboards will be covered with cork as at Paddington and Penzance, so I trimmed the foam back in line with teh baseboard edge. Finally, just for fun, I placed a couple of odd lengths of softwood alongside the straight track and stood the pagoda hut on them to represent Indian Queens Halt. The overbridge will cross the single line on the left, between Wheal Veronica and the halt. The hut is, if I recall correctly, a Bachmann Scenecraft model produced as a limited edition for somebody (Kernow? Model Rail? Can't remember! One of you blokes will though).

Can I change the subject to post this photo after a very enjoyable afternoon spent with @Graham_Muz

Over the bridge at Brasted.

Portrait of a Knight A fairly clean 765 from “The Lane” is readied before working back home in the late afternoon.

The train now standing at Platform 6 is the 1247pm to Cambridge.

Music noise went off 03.57 Music noise came on again 05:21. Wash kit to be extracted from bag, then I'm heading for the club facilities and SSS. Followed by a muggacoffee or two..

02:30 I've had very little sleep. There is loud "music," playing, echoing across the Broads, I went for a wander but the noise is inland from here. I suspect an illegal rave is going on... The noise started around 21:00

Someone on the campsite is cooking bacon. I swore I'd be good and eat healthily but that resolution has just gone out of the window.

Although I'm not really interested in the olympics I have a lot of admiration for those who through hard work and dedication reach that level in physical achievement, as I have for people who do so in other walks of life. What does annoy me a little, though, is that such athletes are often then awarded various honours as though what they have done was due to philanthropic motives and that they somehow set out to benefit the rest of the population. I very much doubt that any such motives drove them and I think that the honours system should reflect public service rather than someone simply achieving greatness through their own interest. Doubtless others will disagree with me. Dave

What a lousy nights sleep, woke at 3 and couldn't get back to sleep until 45 minutes ago. Now and about to set off for Eastleigh where I'm meeting a chap to exchange several O Scale GOOODIES for a bundle of notes. From there I head up the A34 and then the M40 to Cherwell Services where I am meeting two more Gentlemen to hand over even more GOODIES. A grand total of 9 O Scale Blue Box Goodies will be parted with today. so I need to get my rear in gear, and GO GO GO. At least its dry, bright and looking O.K outside at the moment. Have a good day one and all, stay safe and keep well.

Travel in real is still not easy so I thought we'd go to Austria this afternoon. The photos were taken on the western end of the Arlberg Line as it drops down from the Arlberg Tunnel towards the extreme west of Austria, Switzeland and southern Germany. The first photo at Langen am Arlberg is at the western portal of the tunnel. Then we head west to pause at Wald am Arlberg before reaching Nenzing, not very far from the Swiss border. At Nenzing you will notice the dark sky, a few moments after taking the photo there was a flash of lightning, a loud clap of thunder and all the lights went out in the station, though the signals stayed on as did the overhead. I beat a hasty retreat to my car and sheltered in it during a period of torrential rain while watching the trains go by. Langen am Arlberg 1044 209 Bregenz to Wien 1st Aug 92 C17253 The Arlberg tunnel portal can be seen. Wald am Arlberg 1044 223 westbound 1st Aug 92 C17261 Wald am Arlberg 1020 035 at rear of a freight train 1st Aug 92 C17259 Wald am Arlberg 4020 114 eastbound 1st Aug 92 C17266 Nenzing Class 4020 1st Aug 92 C17282 David

Yup, that's why team GB had a lot to thank Yorkshire for in 2012 - more medals from one country than some countries. I'll echo Baz's Yorkshire day greetings to all; it's the first time in a number of years that I won't be able to fly my flag from my boat due to being in that there London as noted yesterday. SWMBO is running in the London landmarks half marathon ( https://llhm.co.uk/ ) later this morning, whereas I will be partaking of a fat b@stard breakfast in the Wetherspoon's nearest to the start line. I may then go and have a look around a certain transport museum in Covent Garden before meeting up with her later. Stay safe, sane and well folks.

WHITE RABBITS! Happy Yorkshire Day! Ey up! Some scrote ram raided my Farcebook account and set a new one up. Farcebook are "investigating" how they did it as "settings" were changed. Pah! All reset and passwords changed etc. Happy Anniversary to the Abels! Hope it was a nice one! Her indoors made a Courgette and Carrot Cake for our Easter week Bogglers tea and wads. It went very well, I admit it was not something I would have eaten but it was very nice ( as was the beetroot and chocolate cake!) Cricket was ok..it was fairly chilly but all played in an excellent manner. Any "sledging" was jocular and funny ... makes a change! Today is a rest day but we may watch a cup final at you gest Herberts cricket Club. Stay safe! Baz

It wasn't Bear cos' I wasn't there. And if I woz there I know nuffink about it..... Grandparents? Let's see now..... Well my paternal Grandmother died when I was nine; Grandfather ten years later. Sadly I had little contact with them (even though they lived less than a mile away) due to feeling a bit awkward about doing so as if they were "the other side", being the parents of "The B'stard". Momma Bear never, ever influenced me in such a manner though. I particularly remember an occasion when my Brother and I were at their house one Sunday morning playing with my Cousins (they lived their too, along with my Uncle & Aunt as it was a large extended house). The "B" turned up unexpectedly and gave my Brother a Transistor radio; when my Grandad saw this he went inside and came out shortly afterwards with a radio for me - a Sanyo in a leather case, with rechargeable batteries - which must've been an expensive radio in the early 70's. I still have it.... As for maternal Grandparents, well my Grandad died in 1992, three days after his 80th. He was the best, and I really, really wish he was still around. My Grandmother died in 2005. How refreshing to see a Hubby offering such selfless support to his SWMBO in her moment of need..... In other news: I see that the Authorities have finally come to their senses and stopped big cruise ships from entering Venice. Long overdue.

I have also only just realised what has happened and the news is still sinking in. I noticed something in another thread last night, that with hindsight was clearly a reference to it, but I didn't twig, so I went to bed last night none the wiser. It is hard to believe that he has been taken so soon and unexpectedly. I couldn't claim to have been a close personal friend, nor had I ever attended any of his hugely popular tutorials at Missenden, but I did know Mick in person and it wasn't difficult to recognise as soon as you met him, that Mick was a fundamentally decent, kind and generous human being. We always spent time chatting about various matters, including weathering, at any show that we both happened to be at, especially Scaleforum in Aylesbury and of course there was always the banter on here. Typical of his helpfulness and generosity of spirit might be the time that I asked him (on the Saturday at a Scaleforum) about weathering brick paper and card buildings. Not only did he take the trouble there and then, to go through how he might go about it, the following morning he came in with a sheet of Superquick brick paper, that he had spent time weathering with different powders in his own time the previous evening. As ever, his advice was perceptive and spot-on for that particular task. It's hard to think of anything else to say at the moment. May he Rest in Peace and my condolences to his family and friends. One of life's good guys.

Morning. 19c so a bit better, dry but overcast, the overcast may make archery difficult with lack of contrast for both aim and spotting (my job) in the trees and dense undergrowth gloom in the glen. The moaner is coming along today so there will be a bit of a grudge going on! Supportive thoughts for Tiggy and family and congrats to the Abels. NHN could have had another hour or two abed this morning, Mrs NHN reporting the same, we did a lot of general running around yesterday, I actually made the mythical 10k steps target with the resultant hip and foot pain. An easy morning then, followed by a picnic lunch handily adjacent to a railway station, then to archery we will go.

Good moan8ng from a slightly sunny Charente, but that may well change. Thoughts are with @tigerburnie, a horrible situation. Congrats to Ian and Mrs Abel. Here we had a good day yesterday and ended up having a BBQ with the friends whose house we look after. Much falling down water of several different kinds was disposed of. Somethi g to do with tidying up the drinks cabinet that had been in store for 2 years. It's a hard life. Up in good time this morning and on my way back through the shed a fledgling Redstart was rescued and taken gently outside to be reunited with it's parents. The fledglings seem to spend a day or so practising flying in the shed then the parents want them to get outside but the younsters can't seem to use the usual route via the roofspace and eaves. They then end up trying to peck their way through a window, whilst the parents call them from outside. At this point they are quite easy to catch. Youngster is now on the lawn being fed. Grandparents were mentioned. My first died in 1926, no 2 in 1929 and the thhird in 1936, after a heart attack on Sark. The final one, my paternal grandma died in 1953 when I was only a few months old. Thus I never had any grandparents but did have substitutes in the firm of a collection of great aunts and a great uncle. My maternal grandad was born in the 1860's which is quite a thing to think about. Anyway the narket is to be visited so Regards to all. Jamie

Good evening everyone 4 years ago today (31st July) is anniversary of my last day in paid employment and the start of my retirement, those 4 years have really flown by quickly. Despite the dull and cool weather, I have quite a good day in the garden. The roses have been dead headed and a general tidy up has been done. I filled my garden waste bag after dinner I emptied it into the green bin. The weather by then was looking decidedly dodgy, so I took all the parts for the cupboard, that had been stored in the workshop to the cellar. I then began measuring and marking up the wood that will form the new legs. I managed to get the 4 legs done and the 2 side cross pieces. Next will be the joints where the cross piece joins to the 2 legs. After tea we at and watched some recorded TV before we opened a bottle of wine and watched a film. Tonight’s film was called ‘Catch Me If You Can’, starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio, it was based on a true story and was very well acted and compelling viewing. TigerB, sorry to read about your brother’s diagnosis, fingers crossed. Ian A and Mrs A, congratulations on your anniversary.

Sadly we have just updated the Missenden Railway Modellers website with the following devastating news: It is with great regret that we have to announce that Missenden Railway Modellers organiser and weathering tutor Mick Bonwick has died. We are sure all those who have attended our events at Missenden Abbey, met Mick at various model railways exhibitions or interacted with him via our virtual events will share in the sadness that his family and those involved with Mick feel at this time. All of our thoughts go out to his wife Ann and the rest of his family. Chris Hopper

Just before Gulf 1 kicked off we were in Cyprus having been pre-positioned 'just in case'. Things were fairly low key for a while until one day Kate Adie arrived and people began saying, "Oh, sh1t, we're going to war." It was true too. Dave

Until I saw that, I hadn't given any thought to the date - for me retirement was two years ago. 65 in April when I said I was leaving, paid a small bonus to stay on to end of July for an 'orderly handover' to someone who was only recruited the week before I left, and started after I had gone! Then due to the transition of pension age from 65 to 66, it was actually in November of that year that I got my state pension and bus pass - which I have used twice in two years ! I see that the music was so loud, it created an echo . . echo

More '50s freight action as 16xx pannier class 1608 continues west.

The factory used decided to use silver for a primer. It's a beautiful, well detailed model, a real credit to Kernow.

Afternoon All Up at 7 - bookwork done by 8, and then the G(arage) word was uttered, and I was bidden to clear out all of the old tins of paint, and get the ones which were still of use packed into crates - as the removal people won't move them at all, and 30747 wants to keep them, as many are unused tins of chalk paint, which apparently is expensive - as we plan to move nearer to her best friend in Hereford, it appears that the plan is to take all the paint when we next go down to do any viewings, in the back of the car, and store it all at her friend's place - no problems there as she has massive outbuildings - and then found that there was a load of useless paint, jam jars, and other assorted rubbish - so then a tip run was indicated. Luckily our tips are now open for business, and no appointment is needed - and as we chose the quieter tip, which is five miles further, we didn't need to queue - had we gone to the nearer and busier, I have no doubt we would still be in the queue now. As you might therefore have guessed, the people whom I showed round on Saturday indicated that they will be contacting the agent on Monday to make an offer, and he indicated the level of that offer to me, and it is acceptable. Now then, all posts have been read, and the warmest of greetings are on offer to those ERs who are either ailing themselves or who have relatives who are unwell Regards to All Stewart

WAHT RUBBITS to all and especially Yorkshire folks. I celebrated with a Muggertee (‘arragit’s finest ) with the bacon’n’eggs earlier. Welcome one and all to Sunday, August and yet another moist day Upon the Hill of Strawberries. New neighbours continue to import more stuff than seems feasible but I am reminded of our own arrival. A 20-foot container wasn’t quite big enough for our 274 packed shipping boxes so the last 12 were consigned and arrived separately. That was the shipping estimator’s error and was at their cost but the cramming of the container’s load into our flat left us with the narrowest of walkways between boxes packed floor to ceiling. It is time to give the garden shrubs a major hair-cut. I shall do so in between the heavy showers. I am going outside and I may be some time.

Morning All, Not a pleasant night: today is the 1st of August - Swiss National Day - which normally means cockwombles letting off fireworks (mostly of the banger variety) pretty much all night. This means distressed dogs But as August 2nd is a workday, so last night meant the local inhabitants of the left hand side of the IQ curve were letting the damn things off on July 31st and started early to boot. Poor Schotty barked crazily at every loud bang and Lucy became incredibly agitated. Mrs iD disappeared to the cellar with Schotty and I to the attic office/guest bedroom. The attic office has air-conditioning - which provided enough white noise to cover the noise of most of the fireworks and I lay on the bed with Lucy lying in front of me, holding and stroking her until her breathing calmed down and her heart rate slowed. Then mirabilis de mirabilis, it started to p**s down (but even then there were a few die-hard Stercus pro Cerebro that kept on letting off bangers), things finally quieted down about 1 am. By which time Lucy had calmed down and I was on edge! I quite enjoy watching fireworks, but can’t see the point of setting off explosions are just for the hell of it (probably because I have no psychosocial problems nor do I have any anatomical inadequacies that require compensation). As callous as this may sound, I wish that a goodly number of these morons would get their fingers and hands blown off by playing with these explosives so that the authorities would then ban them. Actually, come to think of it, far from not allowing these ASBO individuals to enjoy setting off big explosions, perhaps we should volunteer them to go and clear mines and thus enjoy really big bangs (not forgetting to tell them that the best way to deactivate a mine, especially an anti-tank mine, is to jump on it!)

I have been completely taken aback by the passing of Mick Bonwick last week. I never had the good fortune to meet him, but he became a follower of Ladmanlow after the virtual exhibition in 2020, and he was a regular and often funny commentator on this thread, and he was unfailingly generous in his praise of my modelling, despite it paling into insignificance compared to his own abilities. We corresponded a few times, with him offering advice and help on a number of subjects. He was the instigator of the current farm diorama, after a chance remark about wanting to see a shed with a Land Rover in it, and again was supportive and complementary of the progress of the build. As an example of his generosity, just before he died he sent me, unsolicited, an Oxford Diecast Land Rover which he had painstakingly dismantled and paint-stripped, so that I could incorporate it into the scene I am building. Sadly, he never got to see it used. I know that a lot of you will have similar tales to tell, as he was equally supportive and generous to all RMWeb members who caught his eye, as well as many, many others who benefitted from his tutelage. I feel honoured to have known, even if so briefly, such a kind, funny and generous man. RIP Mick, you will be sorely missed. Al.

I missed this one last night in a quick read through. Anne makes courgette cake to deal with part of the surplus at this time of year. It is similar to the above but baked in two sponge tins then stuck together with home made lemon curd and topped with runny lime icing. Other variations include Courgette Chocolate Cake and Courgette Tea Bread which is served either buttered or lightly toasted and buttered.

Bear awoke to this sad news: In other news: Bear didn't think much of the US President's plan to bribe young 'uns with a hundred bucks for getting jabbed; now it seems we are to join in: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58044088 Today's plan involves (maybe) a bit more fixing of skirting. Why maybe? Well one piece is to go on the boxed-in area of pipework - I'd like to screw it on, but if I can't be absolutely sure of pipe locations (I do have measurements) then that ain't gonna happen..... Gluing it on is Plan 2, but that would have to wait until after the door lining is fitted as the skirting will butt up against it - the skirting is cut slightly over-length at the moment, with the intention of unscrewing and trimming it as a part of the door lining installation. If it's glued on then I can't do this.... Then I have various "bits n' pieces" kitchen jobs, followed (probably) by the sorting of the wall tiles into their various shades (there's maybe five shades - some with very subtle differences and each box of tiles is a random mix). I also have some stuff I'd like to get rid of via the 'bay, if I can be ar$ed to get around to listing it today. One of the items is the pack of unused laminate floor underlay that I've been unable to offload via Freecycle; a couple of time-wasters asked for it then messed me about. I've also had requests for my sick Miele Hoover and a nearly full roll of DPC - yet both have yet to reply back to my responses...... It seems some people are fine on Freecycle, whilst others are just pig ignorant and some are just plain T0ssers. That last bit could qualify as a rant.

Another warm day - around 32°C with temperatures knocked down by a high layer of cloud and wildfire smoke. Humidity was higher than we usually see in the summer (still well below what you would find in the tropics or subtropics) but noticeable. Not horrible, but not our picture perfect summer weather either. Enough to make me want to enjoy my air conditioning. Warm and grey (tinged with yellow hues from the smoke) is not very picturesque or enjoyable. Can't really complain though, many weather conditions are much worse.

Until they effectively demoted her to presenting FOOC, I beleve there was a joke in the airline industry that the presence of Kate Adie on a flight was sufficient grounds for the captain to divert to a safer destination. Rather truer was squaddies joking that when she arrived they knew they were in trouble.

I totally agree, Flávio, and think that such recipients of honours are actually less deserving than the althletes and footballers to whom I referred. A friend of mine got an OBE for long term civil service chair polishing and freely admits that it was undeserved. He asked those of us who know about it not to tell anyone else as he finds it embarrassing! Dave

Not even for warming a chair in the Civil Service for 25 years??? (I know, I know: bad, bad, bad, Captain Cynical….)

While I like courgettes, I can't imagine having them sweet. BUT if the garden produces what we had last year, I'll have enough to make a whole load of sweet treats. A good start to the day but sad it's turned cold. Only a little but enough for me to notice. My ideal temperature is mid 20s. Anything hotter is too intense, although when I was in Florida, I didn't notice the mid 30's really - likely due to having too much fun with Mickey and co.

I live near a church (more precisely a LDS ward meeting house). They had some kind of two day, youth event ending with music on Friday night. It ended promptly at 10:00pm. They are good neighbours.

Indeed Rick. As I'm sure you well know, Australians are pretty sanguine about an "authentic" Aussie barbie. I'm thinking in particular of "the song". If you found that the "snags all taste like fried toothpaste", then they got it about right! Incidentally it is interesting how badly "the internet" lyrics websites get much of this song wrong. I saw one that substituted "snacks" for "snags". Even the linked version had a couple of changes to the words. "Bloody last time" comes to mind.

It's the summer of 1957 as BR 16xx pannier tank 1608 heads west with a short freight.

An exclusive for ANTB as I took a photo to shew the underframe detail on the rail motor. The use of etched components adds to the quality on show. The bogies are correctly different on the two diagrams.

The first test train has just completed a circuit on my first layout since I built one for the boys 30 years ago. A feeling of smugness pervades the train shed. It's not finescale just code 100 10x8 roundy roundy from a CJ Freezer plan. But it works and nothing falls off the track so well happy. Next job is ballasting Chris

I totally agree.....though having just seen a certain GB young lady on a 2-wheeled thingummy defying all known (and a few unknown) laws of both gravity and physics (whilst pulling off something that has apparently never been done before) to become numero uno top doggie then my resolve has experienced a little tremble..... In other news: Skirting all done (bar a couple of very, very short pieces that must await the installation of a door lining); the piece that is secured to the boxed-in pipework was eventually screwed into position (after a false start resulting in the scrapping of the original length of skirting due to holes in the wrong place - this was then used as a pattern to ensure the replacement was drilled correctly). No water is visible on the floor, the electrics didn't go off and Bear can't smell gas so I'm guessing I missed the bits that needed to be missed. A spring loaded door stop arrived around 10am from S.America - which is pretty good going as I only ordered it at 10pm last night; this now stops the back door from hitting the wall I never did get to sort the wall tiles though

Afternoon all, Mixed fortunes for ERs judging by recent posts. Sympathies and positive thoughts for all those Life's not being kind to right now. Maybe I've been lucky but have not had issues with the editor recently, though a couple of times in the last few days, the site has decided my ratings were 'invalid' and deleted them. Hmmm... Our weather does not feel like August. Some G-word was done this am and when the sun was out in the late am, it was shirtsleeve weather - but it weren't out very much and when it weren't, a fleece was appreciated. Some spots of rain felt too, more like spring than mid-summer. While bumbling about on G-word activity, I was told off in no uncertain terms by the hedgehog. Having previously seen a possible lair, I was keeping a distance (I hate my sleep being disturbed as much as the next creature) but obviously wasn't quiet enough as some protests were made. Afterwards, it decided I wasn't too much of a threat, emerged and had a short amble round, stopping fairly frequently for a right good scratch. Whether it is a holiday home or a permanent residence we'll see. I can leave that part of the garden as it is for a while but will need to go within a few feet sometime before the autumn. Time to read my comic...

Cool and showery in North Somerset. 6.5mm rain since sunrise. At least the sun comes out between showers which is nice. A squirrel is trying to get at my nuts, but is having some trouble.

Not weathered yet, but all the same, my tribute to someone I knew so briefly. RIP Mick.

Hope you make some progress Douglas. It doesn't sound good. Here i've just been to let the hens out and on the way through the shed the redstarts were very vocal. On the way back i saw the fledgling trying to gdt out through a window. I was able to trap it gently usi g an old margarine carton and a dustpan, it's amazing what comes to hand. Then it was taken out and put near where one of the parents was making a racket. They are now reunited. A good start to the day. Jamie

No progress has been made and it’s looking very likely our seats our going to be sold out from under us as we are flying on United Miles. What a joke.

It is truly awful news. I knew that Mick had suffered a heart attack a week or so back and was in hospital, but I was not expecting this. It came as a complete shock when I got a call from Pendon earlier today. I was privileged to have had the opportunity a few years ago to learn weathering skills from Mick that would otherwise have alluded me. We struck up a instant raport following my attendance at an early weathering course at Pendon, at the time run by Tim Shackleton with Mick helping. This was followed by an invitation to visit to his home after which we struck up a strong friendship which I have valued highly ever since. We went on to develop and jointly run together two of Pendon's workshops each year. We became known at Pendon as the "Mick and Nick show". Mick accompanied me many times to shows with Much Murkle and has always been the most discerning member of my operating team. After setting up he would examine the layout for cobwebs, every stray bit of dust or ballast before the show opened to make sure it was looking at its best. He would not tolerate misbehaving locos, couplings or stock and after making sure that it was not operating error on his part, would suggest that perhaps it would be better if the offending items were removed from the public view. He was a perfectionist and I loved him for it. Before many exhibitions Mick would stay at our home overnight prior to taking Much Murkle out. He always without fail, despite telling him not to, would bring a bottle of my favourite red and flowers for my wife. The mark of a true gentleman His wife Ann and his family will be devastated. The hobby has lost one of those precious few individuals who were very keen to share their incredible knowledge and skills whilst at the same time delivering it in a humble and endearing manner. RIP MIck, we'll all remember you fondly.

As many others have said, I am shocked and saddened to hear this awful news. Over the past months, I’ve read a huge number of Mick’s posts and watched his video tutorials on the Missenden website. He truly was an incredibly skilled and gifted modeller, as well as a true gentleman. His death is a huge loss to the hobby and RMWeb. The tributes and words expressed by others shows what a lovely chap he was and how he will continue to be remembered and his skills passed on to others. May he rest in peace. Nick.