merddinemrys

I'm a 4mm narrow gauge modeller - 009 if you prefer - but I try to attend Scaleforum and ExpoEM (I'm not a member of either) every year for the same reason I buy MRJ. To be inspired, to learn and to try and expand my own modelling skills and horizons. And it's a great place to pick up the bits and pieces that one doesn't see too much at general shows. The layouts may not be narrow gauge (I don't think I've seen 00 at these events!) but there's always something to pinch for one's own modelling, whether they're under construction or complete. We railway modellers are all kleptomaniacs at heart after all!! I must admit I couldn't attend the show last weekend this year. As someone mentioned earlier, September is becoming very full for railway event's - modelling and prototype. Saturday I was booked elsewhere, Sunday we had our local NG group get together and to get direct from Aylesbury to the meeting would have taken too much time out of the day for either event unfortunately. The list of layouts inspired but a number I'd seen elsewhere and the others will appear at a show soon - be it a forum, expo or a more general show! I missed meeting up with some of the friends I see only once a year for a chat and a natter but we'll be in contact by email no doubt! Long may both shows continue! Sure, the hobby's changing and the participants generally getting older, but we need shows like this for it to continue into the future. David

Hello Carl I have a 009 exhibition layout - Green End - which draws inspiration from the Welshpool line. We run Beyer Peacocks built from the Golden Arrow kit - unfortunately this is no longer available and is as rare as hen's teeth! I've been researching for a layout of Llanfair Caereinion for too long. I've got over 300 historic photos of the whole railway and a number of drawings and surveys. Unfortunately I'm all archived out and have no enthusiam to build the layout at the moment! I wish you luck - it's a fantastic little railway. If you haven't got a copy, do get the Wild Swan history of the line - it's a great help in working out the various track changes over the years - particularly at the Welspool yard. I look forward to following your progress. Dest wishes David Gander

Hello John A nice simple track plan and plenty of buildings - very nice! Looking forward to seeing it finished for Pewsey!!! David

Hello Roger I think I've already emailed you about one of these. Please can you advise which wheels it should use. Many thanks David

Hello there This is all bringing back memories - not of the railway unfortunately as I didn't have the real interest or wherewithall in those days to investigate. I've lived in Ampthill all my life and remember the smell (funny, I've just noticed it's gone!!) and the Pool in Stewartby where I won second prize at one of the School swimming gala's! I have pictures somewhere of the chimneys at Chimney Corner coming down. The site was opened to the public for the event - though at a distance! I do recall how large the kilns were though. I seem to recall that the late Fred Dibnah was responsible though there was a competition to win the opportunity to press the button! This must have been late 70s / early 80s. Narrow gauge is my thing and I'm sure I have material about the NG systems in the various Marston Vale brickworks somewhere. David

Hi Paul Very neat work! You seem to have all the same kits I have stored away but with the time to build them! At least I'll know what to do when the time comes! I'll stick to the 009 for the time being! Hope all is well and that we can catch up sometime. David Gander

Wills have released the sluice gates and water wheel from their mill kit as a separate item. For the sake of a fiver, it might be worth having a look - it seems to have all the mechanism details you need - and you could always sell the waterwheel to a friend!! David Gander