Nelson Jackson

I too am looking forward to this show. Here in Northern Ireland we just had a very similar experience with a mixed genre modelling show. The North Down Model Railway Society decided to open up their annual exhibition to include other forms of modelling. This included RC cars, planes, boats, as well as military modelling wargaming and sci-fi. It was supported by a local gaming shop which provided a “make and take” activity. The coverage in the local newspaper shows just how vast the topics on display were, and from this YouTube video, an interview with exhibition manager Ellen, confirms that it was a success. It will be on again next year in Bangor Grammar School in April. Overall I think it was great to see the hobbies come together and exchange ideas and techniques.

Hello, To bring this situation to a close, I received my order last week and am very happy with the models. Communication was obtained via Facebook Messenger. Kind regards, Nelson.

Hello, Just an update on this situation. I have attempted a few phone calls to no avail and now tried to reach out via Facebook messenger. I understand completely that things can be delayed, and I have no issue with that, as long as it is communicated. Again, if anyone is in regular communication, could they please direct them to this situation, it would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Nelson.

I’m wondering if someone can help me with regards to contacting Niu Models? I placed an order on 12th September 2023. I then sent an email with a query on 9th November. This wasn’t responded to, so another email was sent on 30th November. This also has not been responded to. If there are alternate ways of contact or if someone in frequent contact could give him a heads up, that would be great. Thank you in advance, Nelson.

Hello everyone, Just wanted to share this Incase anyone wasn’t aware of the announcement made by Marks Models at the South Dublin exhibition. This is from their social media channels, “Hello everyone, We have some very exciting news for all of our railway modellers. With help from our friends at Hornby we have commissioned our first exclusive Irish steam locomotive. We are bringing out the UTA (former NCC) 3F tank engine better known as the Jinty. Two of this exceptionally popular tank engines where sent to Ireland during WW2. Our model will represent one member of the duo and we are hoping to have it available sometime in the new year. Numbers are limited to 500 pieces and price is to be confirmed. We hope you enjoy our first foray into Irish steam locomotives!” I congratulate Marks Models for brining another engine onto the scene. Apologies for the blur on the attached photo. Nelson.

Hello all, I noticed this advertised in the recent Railway Modeller, a commissioned Rapido model based on the Will Hay film “Oh Mr Porter”, adjourned with the fictional lettering of the Southern Railway Northern Ireland. A quick google search brought up this website with other featured models. https://www.photogra-fix.com/railways I thought the brake van looked rather smart and wanted to share with others who may be interested in it too. Nelson.

Hello all, The title of this thread may be a bit strange. It is however the name of a new shop that has opened in Newtownards, County Down. I am not affiliated in any way but just want to share for those who like to shop local or see before they buy. Primarily a card gaming shop, it has recently expanded into model kits as well as model supplies. They have a wide range of paints, mostly acrylics with some lacquer and enamel paints coming soon. They have a very detailed range of grass tufts and scenery. Lastly, they have a very good range of airbrushes and airbrush spares. Well worth a look if you are in the area. Or travelling down, this shop along with “Ards Model Centre” make for a good day out. Derails are as follows, 142 Francis Street, Newtownards, BT23 7DY (off the roundabout, parking to the rear or street). 075953 09917 Nelson.

This video is well worth a watch. It includes previously unpublished track plans and drawings.

I too ordered a pack of NER wooden independent snowplough kits and was very happy with the product. A complete package in terms of wheels and transfers too!

I think this is a brilliant announcement and will be very welcomed in 2024! Great stuff!

Hello all, Today I visited Gordon Hunt of Ulster Model Railway Club to see his superb replication of Donaghadee railway station during the 1950s. A fantastic model and a delight to see in person! Nelson.

Here is some footage of “Fenaghy Junction” from the NDMRS show in Bangor. A brilliant layout to must see in person.

Another enjoyable episode to watch I thought. Does anyone know the name of the Pete Goss layout featured in the programme however? Would love to see more pictures of it either online or in print. Edit: answered my own question. https://petegossrailwaymodelling.bigcartel.com/current-layouts

The special 1 hour videos are an absolute treat to watch. Really good camera work and very in-depth too!

Just to add my two pence for what it’s worth, I think answering the OPs question in the title.... YouTube does contribute positively to the hobby, in most ways. There are some videos that are less than perfect, and maybe some just don’t portray the hobby in a way that we want it to be seen. However there are some channels that produce TV programme worthy content that I believe showcases the hobby in the best possible light. One of which (chosen randomly off the top of my head) is the Hornby Magazine’s feature length show videos. They usually come out once a month I believe, but have a great format, very down to earth and available to all levels of interest. I believe YouTube offers that sense of being involved.... there is something for everyone, and the more people that watch railway modelling related videos then the better! It’s all about making it available to everyone no matter what skill level or interest you may have under the broad “modelling” banner. Nelson.

As someone who has recently (few years ago) gone through the same stages of life as yourself, the best advice I was given was if you ever need to choose between education or model railways (or any hobby), then always choose education. You only go through it once and modelling will always be there for as long as you want it. You mention modelling becoming stressful.... sometimes it is, but if it no longer becomes enjoyable then take a break. You need to find a good balance between education and what you enjoy doing. The joy of this hobby is that you can come and go as you wish. Although you may not be doing some actual modelling, you can still keep up to date with all the news, exhibitions and various videos on YouTube, all of which help to inspire me to do some modelling, whenever I am next free. Hopefully this is of some use... there are others out there with vastly more experience than me and can probably give more in-depth advice. Nelson.

Thank you for your kind words, it was mostly Humbrol Enamel that I used for the various shades of brown and orange. The wash I can’t think of off the top of my head, but I will certainly have a look and get back to you.

Hello all, Just a quick update to share with you all. I've been doing quite a lot in the background but thought I would share this with you all. GNR(I) Y5 Passenger Van from Provincial Wagons. Available as a resin kit or Ready To Run (RTR). The kit is complete with metal buffer heads, metal wheels, tension lock couplings and transfers. Email Leslie McAllister at, lesliemcallister@aol.com or check out rest of the range on the Provincial Wagons website. Stay safe everyone! Nelson.

Hello all, I thought I would share my efforts at reproducing Teak/Mahogany using Mikes method. Im pleased to report everything went well and I'm very happy. Nonetheless with more practise I'm sure it's able to perfect the technique. Thank you for sharing the great guide, it only took me many years to actually get round to carrying it out. GNR(I) Y5 Passenger Van from Provincial Wagons. Available as a resin kit or Ready To Run (RTR). The kit is complete with metal buffer heads, metal wheels, tension lock couplings and transfers. Email Leslie McAllister at, lesliemcallister@aol.com or check out rest of the range on the Provincial Wagons website. Nelson.

I do hope that the mandatory wearing of face masks will only last for a short while. Why? Because it will make things extremely difficult for the deaf/hard of hearing community. Yes you can get see through versions, but who will wear them? They also have a tendency to steam up making lip reading difficult. Not being able to see conversations happening around them, as well as potential difficulty understanding anyone who doesn't know sign language, will only create anxiety and unnecessary stress. I hope greater awareness of this is brought to the people in charge.

Hello everyone, I hope we are all safe and sound during these awful times! The only good thing to come from it however is more time at the workbench! For me I have now finished university, and due to the pandemic it was a rush of chaotic mayhem, but I'm glad to say everything is done and dusted! I was also selected for a job interview, but due to the virus, this has been postponed. So it's just a waiting game. Enough about real world problems, me and rubbish! I almost visit the forum daily and it's just so good to check out what other people are getting up to. So I hope to do the same! There have also been a number of notifications from post reactions and approval, from over the past couple of months, which I am very grateful of, so thank you! During my time at university, my modelling has been progressing at a snails pace! And even at that, my military modelling comes out on top! So hopefully that'll change. One thing I did do over lockdown was restore this NCC rail chair. I obtained it a while ago and decided to clean it up using a wire brush. Once that's done, gave it a coat of red oxide, gloss black and outlined the letters in white. Take care! Nelson.

Hello everyone, Excuse me me if there is already a topic on this, but I did try the forum search engine and Google search to no avail. I was wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of LMS (20/30s) road vehicle transfers in 4mm, it can be for buses, lorries or trailers.... I'm starting my search wide. I don't mind if they are waterslide or rub down either! I did try sunrise and fox transfers, but they don't seem to have anything apart from a sheet of "LMS" lettering. Thank you in advance, Nelson.

Making great progress on this! I too like many others have this kit hidden away in the stash. Yours is looking well, keep at it!

Hello everyone! I just recently finished this diorama, I hope you like it! Here is a bit more information for anyone interested... Peenemünde, Northern Germany, 12th November, 1945. Anyone with a basic understanding of pulse jet engines will realise that the model as portrayed... Would simply not be feasible in real life. Hence why I have based it upon a "alternate" history, outlined within the title above. The kit was supposed to be a stand alone, few evenings worth... But this changed into a fully fledged diorama within a couple of days. The E100, is pretty much OTB with a camouflage scheme loosely based upon the heavily debated King Tiger "Octopus" example. The reason for the red primer sides is to indicate that the spaced armour, was removed to compensate for the weight of the V1 rocket and launcher. No actual vehicle of this type was ever considered and only a chassis for the E100 was completed by 1945, which was then later shipped to England for testing. The buildings are completely scratchbuilt from plasticard and texture clay, again loosely based on real life examples. This time from the rocket factory in Peenemünde. The site itself was not fully operational until 1943 utilising slave labour in an effort to increase capacity for the infamous V2 rockets and newer inventions. It's effectiveness was short lived, whenever 596 British aircraft heavily bombed the site in August 1943, forcing production to be moved further into central Germany. The figures represent a strong contingent that would have been evident in Berlin around April/May, 1945. I have chosen to feature Waffen SS "Charlemagne", and Volkssturm soldiers within the diorama and each of them are using a variety of weaponry such as MP44s, MP40s, K98s, and the ubiquitous Panzerfaust. Specifications: Base (LxWxH) - 17x13x15cm Vehicle - Modelcollect E100 V1 Figures - Italeri SS & Pegasus Hobbies "Germans in Berlin" Build time - Approx 9 weeks Total hours - Unknown (probably too many) Disclaimer: For everyone who can read or speak German, then please forgive my ignorance to "Verlassen", it was only after that I found out it did not mean "exit", however I can live with it, for now! Nelson.

This is how I have achieved brickwork on my models. Indeed there is no correct way, but this is how I have done mine, 1) Spray whole model with red primer 2) Whitewash the whole model for mortar 3) Dry brush your selected colour onto the model in a diagonal fashion (I prefer enamels as they dry slower and tend to dry flat without any sheen from the dry brushing) 4) Usually at this point weathering takes place, I first of all use a weak brown wash for the mortar and use various browns and oranges for picking out the different bricks (via the dry brushing again). Hope hope this helps! Nelson.