Binky

When Mary had a little lamb the midwife was surprised. But when Old MacDonald had a farm she couldn't believe her eyes!

I've dabbled in Gn15 although it had quite a following at one point, and quite a few kits are/were available using OO gauge chassies so I wouldn't say it's the most difficult scale to get started in.

I doubt the TV producers or the big manufacturers are concerned about the difference between "modellers", RTR box openers and collectors (a whole subject on it's own!). The TV producers (if they bothered estimating at all) probably included all of the above for the purpose of presenting railway modelling as a large hobby, And manufacturers will mostly be interested in how many people buy their product, not necessarily what level of the hobby they are used for once purchased. Most casual watchers of the programme would probably call anything involving small trains as "railway modelling" anyway and in my opinion all levels of the hobby are part of a big community, sales of RTR and to collectors still bring money into the industry to keep manufacturers afloat and help to promote the hobby at "entry" level. As for numbers I'd agree that magazine circulation and social media account interactions are a good way of getting an idea of how many modellers there are. Or perhaps if we knew what annual sales of model railway products were and how much an average modeller spent we could do some maths. I'm curious as to wether it really is the "biggest indoor hobby in the UK" but I guess the definition of "hobby" is another can of worms. There are probably more households with board games than a model railway but many will only be played occasionally and the owners may not consider it a hobby as such. Computer gaming would also have a claim to the title.

Thanks for all the advice, everyone. I managed to find another HD wagon which was cheap and suitable for spares (good wheels, poor body) so I can bring this van back to life.

I see the pope is selling some of his old robes on ebay. I was thinking of putting in a bid... But it's Papal only!

Nice idea, a Red Star sign and a few trolleys on the platform are all you'd need to give the impression that parcels are being handled there.

The third option looks good to me. A track either side of the platform gives slightly more scope for passenger and perhaps parcels operation.

Looking at that end of your layout I'm thinking a station arrangement like Appleford could work well. The station has very few facilities (only 2 shelters) and access is from steps down from a road bridge which would provide a scenic break. http://www.hondawanderer.com/165103_Appleford_2009.htm ..and a view from the bridge.

Good to know, thanks!

Looking at the railway buildings recently I notied that not all of the kits are available in all the brickwork colour options. It would be nice to see these offered so that people building a station area or similar can get everything in matching brickwork.

My layout is going to be inspired by Wolverhampton Low Level which was closed to passengers then shortened and used part of the original platforms for parcels in the 1970s, the disused stations website has some good photos. A bay platform such as that at Oxford would be good for modelling parcels handling in a small space too.

I'm hoping to start a business making money from used chewing gum. But I need some help getting it off the ground!

I do like those 6 wheelers, I believe they are only available as a brass kit?

Still a very interesting bit of info. I can see myself being tempted into buying an MLV too!

Nothing wrong with consenting adults having a quick laugh at something like this but I'd have to question the maturity of someone who finds it funny long enough to actually order the figures and put them on a model railway. I agree that they're just a bit naff, people should stick to the overused "man reading newspaper on the toilet" or naming lineside industries "Norfolk & Goode" if they really want to get a chuckle out of people viewing the layout.

I seem to remember the plates actually have something like "Height of nearest rail" written on them.

Maybe it's used for weather forecasting? Forecasting stone - Berneray by Andrew Walsh, on Flickr

Forecasting stone - Berneray by Andrew Walsh, on Flickr

Some great info, Rob. Thanks. I'll have to find that thread. It's good to see the 70s cars in that shot. Interesting to see the white door insides on the PMV too. I'd never given much thought to what colour they were inside but I guess this was done to maximise light.

A little off topic but I'm a bargain hunter too, and part of the fun of modelling for me is repairing/altering/restoring things, just like preservation and restoration in the real world. I once had someone in the radio control model truck community get very angry at me when I asked if anyone had a used cab for sale as a project, because in his mind I was "cheap" for not buying a new one when cutting up and repurposing a used one would be just as good and more satisfying.

I'm looking for some more realistic wheels for this Hornby Dublo SR Utility van. Solid wheels with non-pinpoint axles to fit the HD chassis. Does anyone have a set they are happy to part with before I have to buy a pack of 8 sets off ebay? Thanks

I think Budget Model Railways has covered this a bit on youtube. Newcomers would certainly benefit from a guide of what to look out for/avoid, where money can be saved and what things are worth spending money on. Something in text format would be good so it can be printed off or saved on a smartphone for reference.

I love this. The rather motley collection of wagons behind twin class 20s. :)

Thanks Cypherman. I've found some suitable wheelsets on ebay but they work out at £15 for 12 when I only want 2. Considering I'd also need replacement buffers I'm wondering if sticking an entire Parkside chassis under it would be a cheaper option, although as this van has some memories to it I'd like to keep as much of it as possible. It reminds me of a song I picked up somewhere: They come in little plastic packs in groups of five or ten we haven't sold them singley since I can't remember when 'Cause in the little plastic packs they're easier for us to sell and they'll cost you twice the original price and they won't work half as well!

Thanks for the advice. I certainly think it could do with a wheel upgrade. I wasn't sure if finding wheelsets to fit those H/D axleboxes was an issue or if modern replacements should fit straight in.