Jol Wilkinson

A somewhat late reply but I was giving some guidance to a visiting friend on building a P4 point. He has tinkered with 00 and 0 but since taking early retirement wanted to enjoy the challenges and enjoyment of P4. Sometimes there is a conflict between keeping the trains running and talking to to visitors. After several years of exhibiting with ready access for viewers to the operators running the fiddle yards we found it better to put up full height surrounds. The reason was simply that the operators couldn't concentrate on keeping to the schedule we needed to follow to avoid confusion and keep the trains running. Whilst the best solution was having someone devoted to the doing the latter, it isn't always possible or economic for the exhibition manager to provide for an extra body. A partial solution is to provide information displays, which we did with London Road. These covered the LNWR as well as the layout.

The Spanish GP to be held in Madrid from 2026. Another circuit with a boring street track section, but presumably the FIA/FOM get more money out of it.

I can only lay claim to building a Proscale LNWR Coal Tank. This was the first P4 loco I built and the only problem with the kit itself was the boiler to smokebox fit as I recall. This was easily remedied. The frames which had "drop in" slots for the driving wheel axle bearings, which might have been alright for 00, but weren't suitable for P4 so I built a new chassis with AGW milled brass frames. At the time it was the best kit for a LNWR Coal Tank, the other option being a K's white metal kit. I don't think they ever became available again after the original designer withdrew them, one of the reasons why London Road Models introduced their kit of the Coal Tank.

Thanks, its not that heavy but was made big enough to accommodate a number of 16vac to 12vdc rectifier/regulators as well as several long tag strips between the switches and connector sockets to arrange the wiring systematically and for fault detection. It isn't quite so neat now as it was! The more spacious layout was also intended to make it easier for the signalman at exhibitions to see what he was doing. A smaller, neater unit would now be better but it was easier to keep this one and rewire it for the new track sections. I've just got to make the two new connector cables and will then start on the storage sidings panel.

When I read The Johnsters posting I thought I was confused and this was the "Accentuate the negative - who's trying to kill the hobby?" topic. Whilst there may be fewer modellers building models of locos, carriages etc., seduced by the easy availability of RTR, the kit building sector of the hobby is still strong as others have pointed out. The downside of RTR is a "commonality of modelling", whereas kits provide a much wider range of models for those who prefer to choose what they model, rather than be led by the manufacturers. Etched kits, some supplemented by resin castings, currently provide the best offerings. White metal casting, if well done can provide good models but - other than weight - are not comparable in terms of crips detail and finesse. 3D printing is still in its infancy and, like the early days of etching, some suppliers have yet to realise that it isn't perfect for everything. Mixed media kits, using the best materials for different parts, give the best results. The etch loco kit suppliers do that, with etches, resin, w/m, brass and n/s castings, etc. So why do white metal kits remain popular? Because they are cheaper and simpler.

Looks very good. Any further thoughts on the LNWR Northlight engine shed we spoke about some time ago?

The wiring changes to the main control panel box are nearly complete, the rest will need to wait until I can set up and test what I have already done. So I fitted the support arms on the opposite side of the baseboards. I had to relocate one and so checked that the panel fitted okay. It is now the wrong way round as it was operated from the other side. That means that the existing connection cables are to the front. However as I had raised the baseboards a few inches I'll modify the arms so that the panel is angled at about 30 degrees so that the cables will be less obtrusive. The box, made by my late friend Harry is a bit too deep. but holds various ac/dc voltage regulators for the servos and MERG controllers, Cobalt point motors, etc. This looks rather darker than it is in reality. I need to make two more umbilical connection cables (that system is a legacy of the original layout being designed for exhibiting) and have just ordered the wire needed to make those (I already had some). Two thirty plus way cables 1.75m long need a lot of wire. The control panel kit for the storage sidings section has arrived from Model Railway Solutions has arrived and I'll start on the soon.

Tony, at least you tried. Too many people seem to suffer from Fear of Failure so don't even have a go. Incidentally Ian Rathbones recommend technique for airbrushing Ronseal varnish works very well. As for patience, isn't that waiting for something to happen, rather than getting on with it? What you appear to suffer from/enjoy is frustration with your own work rate, which in my view is remarkable. If you want to see slow progress, pop round someday. Jol

I took a look at the list of traders for Stafford 2023 and very few fit what I think of as smaller traders or appear in that forum topic on RMweb, compared with those that do attend the shows I mentioned, most of whom tend to be manufacturer suppliers. Roxey Mouldings, Alan Gibs, NuCast Partners/Branchlines, London Road Models, Brassmasters, Cambrian, Rumney Models, Judith Edge kits, Dart Castings and various others. These are the backbone of the 4mm kit building sector of this hobby yet it is often not worthwhile them attending many shows. While attending shows can be good PR, it still only works if their are sufficient prospective buyers there.

Small local shows are often not worthwhile for the small "specialist" suppliers (e.g. etched kits and bits) as they don't get enough of the "specialist" modeller. The national Society shows and medium size "finescale" shows are those that tend to be most viable.

From the experience of one Smaller Supplier that I know well, it appears that people often don't look at website information about ordering, payment, deliveries, etc. and send emails asking for that very information. So time is wasted dealing with those enquires (some of which then repeatedly come back with further questions on the same topics) hence delaying more relevant questions from other regular or potential customers. An example of people's inability to RTFM?

From first hand experience I know that quite a few modellers want to start their etched kit building journey with a loco and often an unsuitable one for a first choice at that - outside valve gear, etc. - rather than a relatively simple and low cost item like a four wheel van. Learning how to solder effectively isn't difficult if you follow a few basic and sensible rules, which I learned from several experienced and competent modellers. Unfortunately advice on social media platforms is often contradictory (just search for "How to Solder" on RMweb to see by how much) and often recommends the cheapest way to do it, rather than using the proper tools and materials. A bit like recommending leftover Dulux matt wall paint when you should be using modelling enamel or acrylic paint. As regard to the cost of RTR versus kits, it is perhaps worth looking at the overall picture. How many model builders have as many kit built locos as those that buy RTR ones (Tony excepted!). I have fifteen, plus two partially built and three unbuilt kits. I don't need any more to run my (as yet) unfinished layout. I have built a few more over time but no longer have those as they weren't up to my now quite average standard or didn't fit my later modelling direction. A look at the manufacturer's new product announcements on RMweb and other threads will show that people will readily buy multiples of new models, especially where different liveries and "eras" are available. So collections of fifty or one hundred plus locos are not at all uncommon. So while the unit cost may not be very different and has often been more for a complete kit "package", it is quite likely that those that build from kits spend less over time.

It is disappointing that so many "modellers" claim they don't have the ability or skill to build models from kits. None of are skilled when we are born. We have to learn to walk, talk, draw, paint, ride a bike, play golf, solder, make a bacon sandwich, the list is endless. We learn because we have to or want to. Perhaps too many people, increasingly want to be spoon fed in many walks of life (how often do you hear "somebody should do something about it"). If you want to create a model of a place, a period of time, etc. than you will make the effort to do what is required. The alternative is to create a layout around what others manufacture, which can have its limitations. That appears to be the route most bpeople are happy to tread.

Both, although I am more inclined to think that it isn't just laziness but an unwillingness to have a go at building something perceived as difficult and the fear of failure. Perhaps the "popularity"of Easi-chass and other products to "improve" RTR models such as the High Level chassis kits is more down to those who model EM and P4 gauges, than the 00 modeller wanting to improve what they see as already excellent models. The downside of the availability or such RTR models is that people tend to create layouts around what they can readily buy off the shelf, rather than choosing what they want to model and buying/building/creating the models to achieve that. A look at the layouts appearing at the 4mm Society and other "finescale2 exhibitions will usually include a number of early BR steam, pre-WW2 and pre-group layouts where the models have been kit or scratch built. Contrast that to as show with a majority of 00 layouts, which will invariably have BR diesel focussed modelling.

Chris Parrish closed the shop and moved to Pickering, drawn by his involvement with the NYMR. When he passed away the range of Puffers/Perseverance remained with his wife but after some years are now with another "small supplier" (otherwise they would have ended in the skip) although, as is often the case they were undocumented or catalogued and need sorting out. It required a LWB Transit to move it.

When living in Ilford I would occasionally visit Kings Cross Models, one buying a Jamieson MR Compound kit, but it was beyond my abilities at the time and was sold on partly built. Later I had a job that covered quite a large area in the south east and so was able to visit a number of model shops during my travels. Some disappointed - not living up to what their RM adverts lead you to believe, while others were real treasure troves. On such was Tony Collets shop in Portsmouth, where the kit/scratch builder could find literally anything they wanted. Later Puffers of Kenton became my go to shop, where a wide range of kits and bits, plus advice were available. I occasionally visited Blunts of Mill Hill, although they were more of a "general" model shop with RC models, etc.

Positive news, although the statement that the business was founded by Frank Hornby seems a bit wide of the mark.

Is their a difference between online selling and distance selling? Although Brassmasters have an online catalogue. you can't click and order from them in the same way you can from eBay or Amazon. I have just had a looklon eBay at an item I bought recently from a registered trader and couldn't find a postal address other than Middlesex, UK.

David, it isn't the internet. its some of the people that use it. Jol

Their new loco and chassis kit announcements would indicate otherwise. This is probably BM simply streamlining their business and discontinuing the low volume. low value sales items. Their statement that they are discontinuing sales of etched windows appears to have gone unnoticed but I understand that these will still be available through another supplier.

Because mobile phones have made photography very easy. You don't have to think about settings, composition, etc. just point and squirt. If you don't like the result, do it again. You can also share your photos easily and at no cost, although it does appear that photo prints are becoming popular again.

Whilst videos can show layouts that can only be seen in the owners home, much also depends on the quality of the filming. Often a video fails to capture the extent and overall view of a layout, something which you can appreciate when seeing it at an exhibition. You ca, if you wish, also interact with the layout builders/operators as well as other viewers Social media, dvds and books provides a platform for teaching and sharing skills and techniques but there are often times when a one to one meeting provides a much better opportunity to learn. Why else are there demonstrators at many shows? How thick should the paint really be when you are airbrushing it, why does someone's attempts at soldering not work, how can I make this loco run better, etc. etc. I am a member of a national model railway society area group with eleven members. Two are also model engineers, one has a comprehensive woodwork shop, one is an experienced CAD etched kit designer, another an outstanding model figure painter (from a wargaming background), some are experienced kit and track builders. So there is a lot of experience, capability, tools and experience to be shared within the group. So whilst many people may prefer to model in isolation, there can be advantages from being within a club or group. How many of the solo modellers also attend shows, a significant number I would suggest. So while social media provides another way to share information and see layouts, for many the "social" side of modelling is also very important and can play a part in their modelling journey.

The LNWR Society has a very active Facebook group. The Forum is somewhat less active, which is regrettable as as forums have "index pages" are more readily searchable for the material I am interested in. For me, forums beat Facebook any time.

The RTR suppliers already have plenty of outlets for their product news. RMweb and other forums, magazine reviews together with PR announcements and advertising, as well as other major shows such as Alexander Palace. Bachmann already take a stand at York and I am sure that several other exhibition managers would be happy to have the RTR producers take a presence at their show, to raise its "profile".

Roger Sawyer of the EMGS demonstrated soldering at the CMRA Stevenage shows. Children seemed to be the ones that took up the offer to try it. When exhibiting London Road I usually spent my time interacting with viewers where possible. Children were always accompanied by their parents or grandad, so you had to get them onside too. At the Warley 2016 show one grandad said they had been back three times to look at the layout, so they were invited behind the scenes, the late Colin McCullum showing the youngster how to operate the control panel the . Whether or not he is still into model railways I don't know but hopefully a seed was sown.