Chris Knight

Good afternoon Tony, As a member of the group with responsibility for "The Great Marquess" when it came to grief you will understand how immensely pleased to see her running again on LB looking in first class order - the sight has really made my day, and I will pass on the good news to the other culprits. I know it was a good few years ago Tony, but it was actually at Wolverhampton when breaking down and packing away after we had been giving her a run on 'Kensal Green' which made a nice change for us instead of all that copper engined stuff. Regards to yourself and Mo, who knows these days when our paths will cross again ! Chris K

Steve and Martin have re-opened Model Railway Solutions (shop and baseboard production) at Poole from last Monday 15th June, albeit with reduced opening hours of 10am to 4pm Mon to Fri. and 9.30 to 12 Saturday. Fortunately 2 doors allows for safe progress through the shop for customers via a one way system, please contact via their website for further details and stock availability. Chris Knight

Continuing the children's theme I hope layout operators follow Sam Porters request to include a Christmas related feature for the youngsters quiz. Dave installed our's this week, despite much pleading from the rest of the crew he opted not to include a miniature Roger S in his Santa suit. Dave's excuse blamed an insufficient stock of plastic granules at Modelu.

Interesting that Brian Mc.D mentions Stan Cherrett, a real character whom I met when I joined the Wessex Railfans Club sometime around 1955/6. Stan was a BR guard at that time and lived close to Bournemouth Central in the Springbourne area. I remember many trips he organised, the first I went on was to Swindon Works and shed and I well recall him joshing me over my penchant for all things GWR. One trip was a weekend in the North West (via a Blackpool illuminations special) when we seemed to visit every shed in Lancashire as well as Gorton Works. He had a great way of keeping us oiks in some sort of order and was really a top bloke in every way.

I submit this post somewhat tentatively as I agree with Tony's thoughts that we have been here many times before. As a committed analogue man for more years than I care to remember I had to compromise when Graham Taverner converted his WR shed layout Kensal Green to DCC a few years ago and it was either ' learn or leave'. I must admit that I,somewhat grudgingly, had to agree that on an MPD type scenario the benefits of bypassing numerous switched sections were considerable. I insisted however that our mainline 'Horfield' remain analogue at 'my' end when the layout was upgraded(?) to DCC. My rather ambivalent attitude continues although now as part of the Bournemouth West team primarily used as the station pilot operator where the need for regular coupling/uncoupling reliably is paramount (using the excellent precimodels system) I am seeing its benefits whilst still getting frustrated with occasional glitches. I would suggest though to anybody wishing to enjoy the latest developments digital control offers, just have a look at the B'm'th Belle departing West station as depicted on the BRM downloaded Dec. DVD. Pure magic,for me anyway.

Kindly leave my fundament out of this bossman - and don't forget Gods Wonderful Railway took over responsibility for the S & D in later years. To paraphrase Bob Dylan 'The times could be a changing' so watch this space GWR rules OK !

Tim, I couldn't give a tinker's cuss whether the loco and/or the coaches are wobbling a bit - just enjoying, the wonderful sight and sound of a "King* belting through towing a rake of chocolate and cream stock, makes a pleasant change from all those Gresley and Thompson creations normally inhabiting this site !! Sorry Tony - coudn't resist.

Thanks for posting your BW photos Paul - and yes I was concentrating on my station pilot stock shunting - NOT asleep as it may appear to some (or many). We look forward to bringing it to Wimborne next March.

Yes, good wishes from the B'm'th West team Paul,when you are feeling more like it give Steve or Roger a call and we will make sure you are able to view (and play) with the layout should you wish at MRS. Regards, Chris K

Thanks for posting those links Frank, you must show me how to do it when we next catch up !

Thanks for the kind comments from yourself and Phil when discussing B'm'th West on your preview piece Andy, it would appear to be the usual high standard we have come to expect when looking at the list of those invited. Thought it best to clarify that the exciting new synchronised sound/smoke effect featured will not be fitted to the whole loco stud performing - probably only 2 or 3 locos will be fitted as such - as you know the system is still on trial and under development with the " brainbox " involved. Roger is threatening to dust off his Santa suit, best to warn you all methinks.

A reminder of some dates when BW will be "on show". The Poole MRC event at Poole Grammar School is on Sunday 4th Nov., always a good exhibition 13 layouts are scheduled to attend plus trade support and demos,refreshments etc. The BRM National Festival of Railway Modelling follows on Dec. 8th/9th, to coincide with this major show the layout will be strongly featured in the Dec. issue of the magazine and associated free cover mounted DVD,which as well as video and further stills will show an interview with layout supremo Roger Sunderland. A show preview is now on the Exhibition Topics section of RM web (sorry, don't know how to set up a link) and footage features of an exciting new synchronised sound/smoke effect. For clarification we must stress this is still under development - only 2 or 3 locos so equipped are likely to perform at Poole and Peterborough. We look forward to meeting any followers or contributors to this thread at either (or both!) event

Yep, we will all be happy Paul - especially if our lot beat Mourinho's mob the day before!!

The SCRMD Group are looking forward to bringing B'm'th West for only its second public outing. Always a good show put on by the Poole MRC, personally pleased to see Earls Court again, a lovely rendition of London suburbia.

Good to see you have attracted the terrific Sidmouth layout Paul, modelling of the highest quality on show there. The B'm'th West team, which includes several of your members, are looking forward already to this always excellent event.