steve22

Hi Kevin; thanks for that. My comment was in jest, a bit of a tease, but thanks for the reply.

Apologies that I have nothing to contribute to this topic but just to say it's very satisfying for me as an observer to read how like-minded enthusiasts help each other through shared knowledge and experience. I look forward to dropping in again as Banff progresses.

It was c1968 or 1969 when I was a 14 year old that a friend gave me a copy of his dad's 'old' RM; October 1964. Railway of the Month was Peter Denny's Grandborough Junction. I can to this day vividly recall my disbelief that a model railway could look so real. 'Jaw dropping' probably wasn't an expression in common use then but that was my response on seeing this wonderful railway station! I gladly endorse many readers' comments here, especially regarding fifties, sixties and seventies articles and modellers such as Denny, Ahern, Hancock, Jenkinson, Awdrey, Charman, Knife, Harrison, Dyer, Towers, etc. Also, of course, the work of 'Robbo', Northwood, Essery, CJF and so many other inspirational folk. Railway of the Month from RM December 1972 was mentioned; yes, another great model. Plan of the Month from that copy was another favourite of mine - 'Mainly Operational'; a fab layout design and it's whimsical commentary on how it came into being is worthy of Allan Downes (what ever became of him, I wonder?) All these such a profound influence on me - even Jock Armstrong, Angus MacTavish, Jock's bicycle and the dog (Craig, Dec. '67) still stay in my mind to this very day!

Sorry, it's been a while since I last visited here. So much more to see, and you've accomplished so much in that time! I really like the heather on the rock terraces, which will contrast with the 'grey' areas of the layout. I also like the fact that you aren't afraid to use large(ish) structures and buildings on the layout and they do seem to look as though they belong and blend in rather than dominate the scene.

That's really nice, not to say skilled, work.

My first thought was fabulous, so I'll type it here - Fabulous! Foreground, fields, sky, the lot.

That's some work there. This would be a major undertaking for me. Very impressive!

It looks good to me. Very useful to see your methods of construction and read about your painting and weathering techniques. Thanks.

I like the location of the terminus station outside the main layout area as you've shown here and the way its connected to the main layout at two different points. I did wonder how you might cope with the large expanse of bay, particularly the resulting reach you would need to the back part of the layout, e.g. to sort out any derailments in the tunnel. Problem solved when you remove the bay.

I've got that copy of the Railway Modeller - got it for 10p about ten years ago! I've read it loads of times since but I still read it again in your blog!

That third picture looks promising; the track work looks very neat too.

I quite like the 0-6-0 tender locos but that Furness model in red looked really eye-catching.

Oh - my - word. Wonderful !!

Looking at Dobbin's enlarged photo s/he seems a very solid beast.

Nice work, all coming along. Is that tea or coffee in them mugs keeping you going or maybe hot chocolate whilst you work on past midnight?!

My wife and I love the view up river from Barmouth bridge. You've taken on a big challenge there. Best of luck and hoping you can keep your sanity. (That's the polite way of saying: 'I trust this is a labour of love and I hope all that repetition doesn't drive you nuts!')

Slightly OT (as in wrong era) but just to say that growing up on Meole Estate I have vivid memories of hearing trains passing by on the Cambrian line or 'the Welshpool line' as me and my mate Anthony termed it. We'd often cycle across to Meole Village and sit on the kissing gates at the crossing just to wait ages for a single train to pass and the loco was nearly always something we'd seen before! Steam hauled back then, and double track there up to Hook a Gate. Wishing you all the best with your plans.

Ray, your posting is as informative as ever. Lovely to see a line-up of four Warships too - yummy!

I must say they look really good. Thanks for reminding us of an old advert too.

'Billy Cotton Band Show' - that brings back memories! Sunday afternoons was a very happy time in my younger days, also listening to Jimmy Clitheroe, The Navy Lark, etc. I vaguely remember a Milk Bar in my home town although it wasn't somewhere I ever went into, I don't think. But certainly a key building to model for that era. Thanks for the story background to your modelling; compelling stuff. Wishing you all the very best with your improving eyesight.

Job, it's been quite a while since I came over to 'this side' of RMWeb (been watching the Layout Topics threads for some time) but I knew it was high time I paid your work a visit once more. Once again I see some excellent modelling. I always feel that I can walk along your streets, and travel back in time too. Some interesting advice you're giving us too.

Andyram, you always provide an interesting read. I've no interest at all in organising something like this and I know I couldn't anyway, even if I tried. That said, if you read the second part of what you say, it all seems like it all goes quite 'swimmingly'. However, the first part lists some of the worries and pitfalls of being an exhibition manager. Articles like this one will be useful advice to anyone else attempting to do something similar for a school event or whatever; to be aware of the rough as well as the smooth. Here's hoping that it proves as you say, a 'cracking show', I'm sure there's many punters out there looking forward to it!

Looks good. I see you seem to be letting the cat help you. Sighting it's superior eyesight along the lie of the track by the looks of things..?

'Jess' looks rather nice. Those other touches like the white paint around the tyre rims sets it off. All the best with your 009 work.

Great to watch this all evolve. Fast work, Mozzer, and it all looks really good.