Denbridge

I gave up on Humbrol long ago. It is far too inconsistent. I no longer waste money on the stuff.

The livery issues with the D were raised, promises were made that colours would be correct, yet they came out in the horrid green we see on these samples. So although I've emailed Rails I don't think they will take any notice.

I think I'll wait until the production models arrive. If that livery sample of Olive green is perpetrated I won't be splashing out. It seems you are using the same awful shade as on the D. Why, in this day and age, can't manufacturers get the colours right is beyond me.

The dealer may be prepared to supply 4mm as an add on to his usual order with modelu. Certainly worth asking.

Have you 'borrowed' one of Tornados lamps?

Perhaps the definitive preserved A4 cab roof shape would be from photos of the 2 North American survivors since, apart from repainting ( and the addition of valances on Dominion) are pretty much in the condition as withdrawn from traffic, with no modifications for mainline running.

Until fairly recently, I travelled into London regularly. It was unusual not to see spotters of all ages at the north end of Clapham Junction.

I've always found it easier to have the hinge at the bottom of panels, finding it better for working on the back of switches etc.

I don't know how that works for the many, including me who's modelling depicts periods long before we were born. My own modelling is the 1920's & 30's or earlier and I was born in the early 60's.

If you count proper as being constantly impoverished yeah

Why. The railway that had a huge shed in Swindon that taught everyone else how to do things properly, including Bill Stanier.

I do hope that Grantham has a long term future now it is being replaced in your Chapel by the west coast route.

May I also suggest that they use your own trackplan in any article? When Hornby redraw them in their own 'house' style. They invariably make a complete mess of track formations.

I'd definitely read that. I found myself totally absorbed in looking at the trains on LB when I visited, though I couldn't really take it all in. LB and its trains really are superb.

It's not just Model Railway Clubs that have declining memberships and/or are being forced to close. I think people are just a lot less interested in joining a club these days, preferring the Internet & magazines to actually indulging in any form of group activity. Several clubs of all kinds of activity in my area have ceased to exist in the last few years.

I think the biggest sea change in the hobby is as a result of both the huge improvement in modern rtr detail wise, and the abolition of practical workshop lessons in schools. These are almost certainly attributed to the decline of people actually making things for themselves.

I remember looking back through someone's collection of the RM & MRC and these predictions were certainly being made in the 1950's. I wouldn't mind betting they went back further.

I'm approaching 60 now and ever since I can remember, people have been predicting that the market for steam would shrink, yet here we are 50 years later with steam still hugely popular. Mind you I've also heard the same people predicting the death of the hobby because of an ever increasing age demographic, yet that hasn't happened either.

Interesting that most people are conveniently ignoring the fact that Hornby announced they were making Lion before Rapido. It was also logical that Hornby would capitalise on the models investment to use it for a Titfield range. So, it could be argued that it was in fact Rapido who attempted to steal a march on Hornby.

Oooh, please put my name down for at least one kit

Your comment about a cost of living crisis is interesting. Do you honestly believe that model railways are exempt from the price increases that are going on worldwide? I've just seen an interesting comment from Simon K where amongst other things he mentions the increases Hornby are facing. One that stood out was shipping. A year ago they were paying around £2500 per container. That is now £12500, a huge increase. It makes me laugh when people seem to think their hobby is, or should be exempt from real world financial constraints.

No, it was a courier.

I bought a bottle of Caustic Soda not long ago from Ebay.

I think it was possibly you who recommended Telux paste flux sometime back. I bought a tin off the back of the suggestion and for etched kits it really is great.

Robbo appeared on an episode of one of Bob Symes TV series. I have seen it on YouTube. I seem to recall one of his models. I'll try and find the episode and take a screen shot.