Al.

After much soul searching, I've taken the hard decision to retire Remagen from the exhibition circuit. Coming away from Glasgow in 2020 with 'Best in Show' was an achievement. But then going straight into lock-down was difficult to manage, particularly as I had a critical job and worked all the way through in some very difficult circumstances. However, since we reopened up, and returned to Glasgow with Paul Stapleton's Beijiao in 2022, I have found it difficult to commit the time Remagen needs to maintain it as a high quality exhibition layout. Much of this is down to changes in both my work and personal circumstances. Remagen is a solo layout. I built every element of it, the baseboards, the scenery, the electronics, and all the unique military trains. Without a club or society in support, it requires a huge amount of my time. Under current circumstance I just do not have the available time the layout deserves. I therefore taken the difficult decision to withdraw Remagen from the exhibition circuit for the foreseeable future. Remagen will be going into storage until circumstance change, and I have the available time the layout needs. Once again, I’m sorry for the disappointment this courses to anyone who was hoping to see the layout. This is a decision I've made with deep regret.

I believe that scorch marks are still there.

I remember we had that at one of the earlier show, that time the layout caught fire. 😂

Just a thousand more to go. 😁

Unfortunately, due to family circumstances, I've had to withdraw from the Bristol show. Apologies to everyone who were hoping to see the layout. We're hoping to now attend in 2025.

You said 'trees'. A single tree hardly meets expectations.

Thanks for your comments. Von Ryan's Express does feature on the layout. Having over shot the Alps, they're now making a run for the Belgium coast.

I was talking to a guy the other week who is looking to start running an 'Orient Express' style service in China. Sort of a high end 5 day package deal with across Mongolia and Northern China. 5-star on board service with cultural stops each night. He was looking at diesel hauled (DF4s?), but had not considered the appear of steam hauled for either part or all the trip and the appeal this would have to his European/American market. Maybe this is a bit of a blind spot in the Chinese culture, with no historical mid-class to exploit? The guy is back in China this week, and from the conversation, I had with him, he may be looking at what QJ's and QS's might remain might be available to for the service. I hope he can pull this venture off. It sounds appealing (he was touting for investment, so the presentation may have rose-coloured. However the investment proposal looked sound) In my view, his is aiming too high end, with his focus on the top end of the new Chinese middle class market. I think he needs to look at a tier down for the Steam Rail Enthusiast market, with slightly less pomp and a bit more steam. This one has potential.

There was a definite step change in the layouts at Keithley. Finally there was reliability and stability. I'm pleased this has continued onto the following two shows. Now that the team isn't fire fighting the layout just to keep it running, they can start looking at all the other stuff that vexed us for some many years.

That has always been the main appeal of the layout. Something is always moving on the front. I think we've manage to keep that going at almost every shows to date. Even at the one when the layout has actually caught fire.

Spoken like a seasoned operator of the layout. 🤣

And the layout isn't on fire either... 🤣

Paul wasn't happy with a couple aspects of the station sign. First, it was a bit too tall, and second, he didn't like the look of the final character. A little reworking and both fixed. The sign now reads 'Beijiao Steel Works Commuter Station 4'. Hopefully Paul will have them painted and fitted in time for Taunton.

Another cameo for Beijiao? https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107483362778706/permalink/2286993094827721/