Ross34

Excellent effects - I think railway modellers can learn a lot from the military modelling community I have a sub to this magazine which I find very useful.. http://www.migjimenez.com/en/35-the-weathering-magazine-publications You can download a free taster here.. http://www.migjimenez.com/en/content/9-the-weathering-magazine-specials

In principle, a good suggestion but of course almost certainly there would be a cost element. Asking 00 modellers to potentially pay slightly more because the model is easily convertible for the benefit of a small percentage of P4 or EM enthusiasts isn't commercially feasible IMO. Manufacturers of RTR 00 products currently have no need whatsoever to consider the "EM or P4 market" - why would they?

Hmm.. that might be a good reason to rekindle an old hobby - a days plane spotting at Manchester.

Sorry to see Monarch go. My wife and I used to fly to Gibraltar with them quite regularly and never had a problem - Gib airport was quiet at the best of times so I wonder who'll take those slots? Also had good experiences with Eastern flying up to Aberdeen. Sadly there seems to have been a few small UK airlines go under or bought out - BMI, BMI Baby, Air Southwest, Manx, Astraeus, etc I was to suggest "what now of Jet2?" but they seem to doing ok at present.

Yeah, looks good - one to follow.

You could always buy said child some code 83 and HO stock - or even HOm perhaps ..scale problems solved. Personally, I can't say track gauge actually bothers me too much when I'm viewing a layout - if at all. I'd go as far to say impressive layouts like Liverpool Lime Street (em) or even as far back as Heckmondwyke or Aylesbury (one of my favorites) would have been equally impressive in 00. Conversely, Dewsbury Midland for example wouldn't have been a better layout on EM or P4 IMHO.

Just to update: I've corresponded with Jacqui, the business is still taking orders and my order is progressing.

Thanks Robin. I'm also aware the owner has health issues - and of course that comes first but it would be good to know if the business is still active or if I need to look elsewhere for bespoke trees (or make 'em myself!)

Has anybody had any contact with this supplier of late? I ordered some bespoke trees back in May and have literally heard nothing since - despite a number of emails. I haven't rang them yet - obviously the next step or see them at Warley. Seems a bit odd thats all. Cheers

Hmm.. I pondering whether to go myself for similar reasons. Wigan is normally a "no-brainer" for me but as I get older traffic and parking is getting to be a bit of a hassle. I can actually get a bus - its an hour each way from Lowton and £3.60 return - so real complaints there - we'll see. The other reason I may not bother this time is the small amount of overseas content - and before anybody gets on their high 'orse that isn't a pop at the show or the work the team have put in - and I "know" good modelling is just that but, well personally I'd like more non UK stuff to look at. Having said that I'm sure the show wil be a success - with or without my tenner.

A local show that I often attend when I can .. but forgive me, I cant see on your website what layouts or traders will be there?

I think this is as close we are likely to get for now .. pretty good I think. https://youtu.be/oCtmyaEN2-k

Should be EM I guess (or a scale 5' 3" in HO) - I'm not as brave as Iain or have the time (or the skill) to convert so I've used code 75. Iain kindly let me run some of my SAR locos at Wigan a while ago - a great layout - is it still on the circuit. Thanks mana - yeah, your right. When we first moved to SA dad bought a beautiful two tone EK - then I learnt to drive in an EH wagon - great looking cars.

I think its roughly about the same size as 4mm "fine" ballast - which I have also used it for. Hope that helps

I've used a product in the past called florists black sand.. http://www.easyfloristsupplies.co.uk/vase-fillers/coloured-sand/c21.html Its surprising how much useful stuff you can find from florists suppliers - well, for scenery at least.

The layout has been inspired by younger days spent in South Australia during the 70s and 80s - mostly in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. An additional challenge is that the fact that is been built in the UK. It currently measures 3.30m x 400mm with 900mm radius curve sections at each end. Most of the stock is imported from Australia and produced by the main HO scale manufacturers (Austrains, Auscision, Trainorama, Powerline and Orient Express Models). Some stock has been obtained/swapped from Iain Hunter / Andrew Burnham - some will recall their excellent "Broadford" - a Victorian Railways broad gauge and standard gauge layout currently, as far as I'm aware, the only HO Australain model on the UK exhibition scene.. unless somebody knows different. The layout made its first appearance at the Leigh Model Railway exhbition on the 2nd / 3rd September - a few teething problems were evident (almost all due to my bodging!) but generally it didn't perform too badly. There is still much to do but hopefully the pics give a flavour of what I'm trying to achieve.

Not bad at all...

I have .. (on the 29th) As Ceynix were mentioned a few times in the thread I thought asking here wouldn't be a problem? ...sorry to bother you.

Ordered 2 bespoke trees from Ceynix back in May - emailed last week (29th) - had no response since 5th May?? Anybody know something I don't? Cheers.

Star Wars - obviously..nodded off after 10mins. All the Police Academy efforts...again rather obviously. Independence Day...just bad. U571...really!!...nobody actually paid money to see that surely!.

Just put Ross Creek back in the shed complete with "snag list" but for a first outing I was quite pleased and encouraged to develop the layout further. Thanks to the Leigh club for the invite and putting on a friendly show with a good range of exhibits. It was nice to catch up with old mates but a special thanks to Craig and Phil for getting me going on Saturday morning and putting up with a complete DCC novice throughout the weekend. For those with an interest in BR blue check out Craig's superb refuelling depot layout "Leigh Bridge" at the Warrington show - complete with sound and lovely weathering which he does himself.. nearly made me convert back to UK modelling....nearly. :-) Also nice to meet Jennifer Kirk (of this parish) and her partner - they brought along a nice compact shunting layout with some great detailing. For someone with a preference for the overseas scene John Edges US switching layout warranted an extended lean on the barrier as did Arcadia Terminal by David and Sue George. Finally a special thanks to my wife who has no interest in "toy trains" whatsoever but without whom I couldn't have made the show. Oh, and thanks for everybody's best wishes with regard to my dad - which he certainly appreciated.

Quick answer, Yes. I use Gaugemaster DCC80 autofrogs - and they seem to work fine - doddle to install and if you don't object to paying a fiver a pop for 'em give 'em a go.

Very sad. An abiding memory is being totally immersed in Castle Rackrent many years ago at the Manchester show - a masterpiece.

Fire and water -Free

I owe you nothing - Bros