BlackFivesMatter

I think it was O S Nock or more likely his publishers who let slip and article about a Duchess racing through Abingdon, instead of Abington. That would have been interesting if not messy.

When a number of former Highland locos were sent for repairs/ rebuilds to Kilmarnock works, their painted names were misspelt by the paint shop. Bring in Gaelic there were a few tongue twisters but surely someone kept a note? Evidently not.

What about Hufflepuff-puff's Improved Engine Green?

Is the perceived decline the same in other countries with a proportionate number of railway modellers? The US has an equivalent "baby boomer bubble", Japan has an even worse demographic issue. Germany sounds to have its own economic woes. Not having contact with the modelling fraternity in those countries is it us or all of us?

Part of the issue in newsprint and to an extent broadcast TV is that there are a lot fewer reporters, writers or actual journalists writing original copy. Souch of what we see/ read is from Associated Press, Reuters, and local newspapers. Editorial or owner control has a strong steering influence. The biggest issue I see in the hobby is that we are as a rule lacking in Alphas - people who will say "Yes I'm a model railway enthusiast. Got a problem with that? Pete Waterman is not a shrinking violet and I cannot see him accepting some of the abuse and scorn I hear of others suffering.

I think the issue with aggressive defenders/accusers to which you mention is a social media issue, more than a model issue. There are always reviews in the main modelling magazines and although "options may differ" I don't think all reviewers can be "bought". As regards fixing defects in models, it depends. A faulty item is a faulty item, whether a washing machine, model loco or anything else. I cannot think anyone would accept poor quality without redress. However if you buy a limited run and it is faulty, then if there is not a replacement you would only get a refund. If you feel you can make good the defect to keep the limited edition model then fair enough. Going back to the original post, I recall an item on radio four - the country which has the most people who hate the UK is .... the UK". It applies to model railways. We can be the hobbies worst ambassadors.

Talking about the ad pages in modelling magazines, I'm not seeing hugely discounted models which would be the case if the manufacturers or retailers had misread the market or over produced. This rather puts paid to the "nothing for me in the releases" thankfully.

The idea of support from the "trade" is great and would be a sales boost and excellent publicity. Well done Warhammer - who will step up from the model railway scene?

As regards child protection, which is essential for reassurance it is not a huge problem for clubs to access and download policies from regulating bodies, other longer established organisations, and for charities and volunteers in many cases a PVG (protection of vulnerable groups ) certificate is not chargeable. With a bit of planning, organisation and forethought, it is not necessary for everyone in a club to be certificated. It does mean that say juniors night is on a separate night or day and only with vetted personnel or parents/guardians. There is a lot of pearl clutching from some at the thought of child protection, which is more worrying.

Do you know the area or the railway company that you are intending to model? A number of the former companies have associations, oh such as the Glasgow and south western railway association, or the great eastern as mentioned. These associations have a wealth of plans of station buildings, signal boxes, engine sheds, etc. Many such associations have Zoom meetings as well as face to face meetings, ideal for overseas enthusiasts to keep in the loop.

There appears to be a strong tendency to catastrophise in many parts of the media and the "model railways is about to fall" is a great by line. The example that comes to me is the vandalism at Stamford. It could do easily have been a "crossed arms, frowns" and generated a "poor train spotters, innit a shame, kids these days". No - whether it was media wise members, or good pr background they turned a bad story to a more "we can do it" and that generated the positivity and support.

With regard to "stranger danger" and fear of abuse by a stranger, the sad statistics suggest in a huge precent of cases, a child is more likely to suffer at the hands of a close and trusted family member or close contact. I deal with this in my work in primary care. Modelling helps de-stress and clear the mind.

There are two manufacturers of kits (one of which has I believe bought the kits or etched from an earlier manufacturer) whose kits are either enlargements of 4mm kits or are scratch building aids. I'm not saying they are bad kits or bad companies simply that they have their challenges. Some kit builders will say they will not touch them as they require a lot of fettling. Often we are told to "Be nice" with small operatives in the hobby sector. They are one person businesses, they are often a sideline etc. I'd agree in most instances, but failure to produce with no communication is not justifiable. An email/phone call/letter does not take any time. Even medical reasons can be brief "Joe Stiggins unwell - I'll be in touch an a month or so". Not difficult. A good builder will have a backlog and you may have to wait, but worth it in the end. Have you looked at the Gauge O guild website for kit builders?

Are there any plans for a further series, now that there are new personalities and no doubt new challenges?