JimF51

My SER station kit is still on hold, mainly due to other projects, but I'm considering buying the large LBSC station kit. Haven't found any other kit that looks like a LBSC station, and I do like the look of ABM's Jim F

Thanks for posting this build, Bryan, and it all looks excellent so far. Can the SE Finecast kits be built to EM or P4 gauge, do you know? Jim F

Ok, got it. Think I have said it before, somewhere else, but great job with the Journal. I only have issues from 2004 through 2006 to compare with. It was good then, but even better now. My only problem, I have to try and avoid any postings on forums about each new issue for a couple of weeks after most get their copy, so I don't spoil my surprise when it gets here in the US. Thanks for your efforts. Jim F

Grahame, is it me, or is your moonfruit.com link no longer valid? Jim F

Argos, the following is a email exchange I had with Terry at Fast Tracks: Me--Is there any possibility of frog and point filing jigs being made for UK type bullhead rail in the future? I'm in the US, but modeling early period UK railways. I've used your US items before, in HOn30 and N, and from what I have read, they are far superior to anything offered in the UK for track building. Terry--Sorry, we don't recommend using our tools with bullhead rail and we don't have plans to offer them any time soon. Me--Not what I was hoping to hear, but thank you for the reply. I had mentioned your items on a thread, and today, after I sent you my question, someone asked "why couldn't you file frogs and points from flat bottom rail, and just mate those parts to bullhead rail?". Does that sound plausible to you? Terry--Not being totally familiar with bullhead rail I wonder about the difference in height between it and flat-bottom rail. If you have a solution for that the I think it will work. You didn't mention it and probably don't intend to do so but bullhead rail cannot be used in our assembly fixtures. As Martin's were a custom order, it just might be possible to have something in bullhead rail done, as a custom order. I haven't asked him yet, as I'm still exploring the whole scale/gauge thing, but you might want to drop hima line and see. Jim F

Yes, the kits from both Bernard and Petite Properties have to be finished by the modeller, using whatever materials one enjoys working with. The PP kits appeal to me as they are useful for older periods. Don't think there were many Chinese 'take away' shops in the late 1800's Jim F

The topic of how much detail has been discussed on MRExpress, but I think a thread on here would be a good idea. Jim F

To G-BOAF, I have no issue with critiques and criticism of a model, if warranted. It's this penchant, seemingly among UK modellers, to bash things based on a company;s artwork or pilot models, and not models actually in one's hand. If after seeing the artwork, or a pilot model, one sends such comments to the manufacturer, that I would call constructive. To do so on a public forum, that the mfr may or may not read, just strikes me as petty. As I said earlier, after reading on very similar on MRExpress regarding the new OxfordRail wagons, and then this thread, I just gave in and made my own observations. To all, it was not my intention to start up the track issue, I just used that as a example. Perhaps a better one would have been the couplers most find acceptable. Again, just one of many, it seems, compromises people will accept, while criticizing small accuracy details on a forthcoming product. Jim F

I've read comments on a dollhouse forum that these kits are well thought out. For more British style buildings in 1:48, there is also PETITE PROPERTIES... They plan to eventually offer their kits in a Railway Line, 1:43, 1:76 and 1:148 Jim F

Rob, I do agree with your 1st paragraph, if I read it as wanting to know about a existing product. My issue is that all that has been said so far is in regards to a still to be released product. Again, much like is happening with the OxfordRail wagons. As for the track issue, yes, it has been discussed ad nauseum, I'm sure. To me, it just seems like so much complacency, regarding track. If Peco or similar started to get huge amounts of feedback regarding the wanting of a correct line of track, from a letter/email campaign, public wish lists, etc.., perhaps they would look into the feasibility of a new line of track. But as long as people are acceptable to it, nothing will ever change, no matter how much folks demand more and more accurate models. Again, just my humble opinion. Jim F

Rob, perhaps I am mistaken then. I was under the impression that the forum was about 'modelling' railways, with people wrriting about what they have accomplished, asking questions, discussing new models that are actually in hand. If this thread were about models folks actually had, and were critiquing said model, I could understand. But like the OxfordRail wagons, folks are expounding on items not yet available. Some will say this is constructive criticism for the manufacturer. If that's the case, fine, but send it direct to them, as it may be they don't read the forum. Posting it in public just makes it look like the person expounding his or her own 'expertise'. To me, the pettiness comes from the fact that the majority of OO modellers are perfectly Ok with running their locos and rolling stock on track that is too narrow, making the concern about 100% accuracy in a model a bit much. As I did state, also, this was my 'minor' opinion, as I am far from being more than just a tiny blip on the radar, regarding UK modelling. Jim F.

Yes, OD, my comments were about all the criticisms being posted, that in my minor opinion are just plain petty. If one does not like the details, or lack thereof, on the model, just don't buy one, simple as that. I had just finished reading similar nit picking regarding Oxforrails new wagon releases on another site, before reading this thread, and just was a bit much. I also agree with your "I remain of the view that this is the best Brighton Radial I will ever see in RTR. Enough said." comment, and will buy at least the one I have on pre-order, and hopefully a second, if funds permit at the time. Jim F

Lordy! The splashers are a bit oversized! It's missing the oil pots! The builder's plate isn't there, no, wait, it is, but too large! You all are correct, the model is rubbish! I would advise you all to NOT buy this model, and show Bachmann a thing or two for not listening to all the 'experts' out there. That way, they will end up in the bargain bin, and I can buy several more at cheap prices. Sorry, but I seem to recall threads like this regarding the C Class when it was getting close to release, and the discrepancies pointed but some didn't seem to hurt sales, as they were sold out in a few weeks. Am I being a little complacent about some minor details? Perhaps. But overall, I think the model is excellent based on pics I have seen so far. If things that are 'wrong' with the model bothered me enough, I just would not buy one, simple as that. I for one am very thankful for the models Bachmann has done, and will be doing. So I'll support their effort with at least one purchase. Jim F

I started the SER station a few months ago, got stumped by the roof not fitting correctly, so put it aside to work on some US structures and a 3DK kit, for a bit. Plan to get it on the wb again very soon, and have another go at it. Jim F

Eric, thanks for clearing things up. The yahoo list I am still on, titled The_Brighton, has all of 26 members, and had a grand total of 22 messages for the whole of 2014. So I think it is safe to assume it is NOT the email list for The Brighton Circle I see they still do not have a means of joining online, so will have to contact a friend in London, and if so, have her mail a check and application in for me. Thanks again. Jim F

I think the new digest is great, thanks to all who put it together. Eight or so years ago, I was a member of the Brighton Circle, as well as the SECR Society, the HMRS, the 2mm Association, the N Gauge Society as well as a subscriber to 2 or 3 UK model railway magazines. Unfortunately, it all became too expensive as income dropped. I waffled between N and OO back then, never did get much done other than a lot of reading. Now, my interests have reared their head(s), so exploring options again. Most likely will work in N, less expensive to have things posted to the US, but not locked in yet. Will definitely have a South/South East pre-grouping look about it, whatever I do, One question, is the Brighton Circle members email group the one on Yahoo? I ask, as I am still a member of it, but notice it is not very busy. Jim F

If this Brit thing with wishlists and new release speculations ever dies out, most forums and newsgroups would become see a big drop in message traffic lol Jim F

Nice conversion, interesting changes to the basic kit. How well do you think these kits would work, used for a O gauge layout? Jim F

My public thanks to Michael, for asking his original question, which got us to this point. To Claude for requesting the creation of this sub forum, to Andy for setting it up, and all the others who supported the idea. Thank you all. Jim F

Michael, and all I fully agree with your last sentance, and I really do hope that a central point can be set up for pre-grouping modelling. And I will contribute what I can, and as often as I can, to it, whatever form it takes. I was just voicing doubts about whether a forum was the best means. Once I can get the mental decision made, regarding scale and gauge, I'm sure my contibutions will be asking questions, more than supplying answers But if it gets discussions going, good. With N, 2FS, OO, EMS, P4, O and 7FS, my head is a bit muddled right now (ok, more than usual .

After spending a couple of hours browsing various topics on this forum, I'm less convinced a Pre Grouping sub forum will be very useful, over the long term. For one thing, it seems way too easy for a topic to get off track, and there is no means of keeping the info on a subject updated. People post photos, or links to a site that are current, but if the photo is removed at a later time from the host site, or moved to a different one, it's gone from here. Same with links to blogs and web sites. And info itself is not updated, so it could get frustrating for someone exlporing modelling the time period. One example: I found several references in different threads, to C. Cox's 5 & 9 models, and the locos available, yet they aren't any longer. Another problem is the not wanting to post info that one can only get from a particular Society or Association. There is a reluctance, it seems, to post info that has 'members only' availability. Not sure if there is a viable alternative, such as a Yahoo group, a dedicated website, or maybe even a Pre-Grouping Association , I guess we can only wait and see how this works out. Jim F

Ideally, perhaps, there should be a Pre-Grouping forum, with a sub forums devoted to the individual railways? Perhap those sub forums sanctioned by the official Associations? That way, general period modelling would be discussed in the main forum, and modelling of specific Railway items would be in the appropriate sub group. Much like a central info building, where one could wander the hall, and look in a specific room, either out of curiousity, or for specific info. It would save having to go various different web sites, and would promote more cross information sharing, as Buckjumper suggests. For my self, I do hope to settle my mental quandry of scale/gauge, and get get into some actual modelling, soon. Jim F

Claude, Thanks for putting in the request. I wasn't sure how one went about it, so only wrote to Admin., haven't heard back yet. Hope your request gets a result. All, I guess I envision a Pre-Grouping sub forum more as a central point for exchanging information on how to model the 'world' of that time period, more that a clearing house for info on specific railways. As was mentioned, most lines have a Society of one type or another for sharing information on it's subject railway. Most have a web presence, and may also have a forum or email group of some sort. I am on the SECR yahoo group, and the members do share info, but it is very railway equipment and infrastructure orientated. Jim F

Thanks all, for the replies... Claude, my interest is the SECR and the LBSC, and I'll probably do some fictional setting, allowing both companies to make appearances. I've worked in US N scale most of my rail modelling life, and did look at UK N, but is there really enough of the non railway type items to model the early time periods? And for any locos other than the Terrier, they would either have to be kit (if there are any) or scratch built, correct? Eric, modelling in OO (4mm) is still on the table , was just wondering about the 7mm availability. And I was wondering more about the non railway items like structures, vehicles, figures, that sort of thing. BG John, you're correct, it does cover a large time span, but I'm guessing that there are too few modellers modelling in any one part of that span, to warrent any more of a specialized sub forum, such as a SECR, or GER, etc.. Pre Grouping one. But a sub forum for that time period might work, at least to keep from having to wade through Big 4 and later period topics. Just a thought. Jim F

I have 2 questions, which I'll ask here. First, should we ask that a Pre-Grouping sub forum be created, to allow discussion of non Southern area line to be discussed? As I am still trying to settle on which scale to work in, my second question is more general: For all the 'bits and bobs' to recreate that late 1800's/early 1900's time period, can anyone say how readily available such items are, in O, verses OO? Thanks. Jim F