JeffP Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 A bit like the DJH Class 03, which first appeared RTR, and is now a decent, if a little expensive, beginners' kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warspite Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 Good for you Stephen. We briefly met at the show in front of Dock Green. Enjoying what you do is what the hobby should be all about. RTR has helped you on your way and you enjoy building things. Your post above is really encouraging re the future of 7mm modelling.Thank you Paul. It was good to meet you at Dock Green. Oh, and thank you for telling me about the 'special' features on St Aldhelm's Quay ..... ;-) Stephen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warspite Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 Stephen, It was great to meet you at Telford. Chris Also good to meet you Chris. Nice to see a good display of Ixion locos on the Dragon stand. Can't wait for the next one! Stephen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puddlejumper Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 So we have agreed. The future for 7mm is marmite and peanut butter sandwiches. Or not. Bill I thought it was peanut butter and cheese sarnies..........or have I misread it....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81A Oldoak Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Shsss....! Andy will lock this thread for pornographic content by mentioning that. Best talk about other 'models" instead....... Mind you Chaz said Googling "Girlie Calendar" for one of the Dock Green cameos was interesting! I was once looking for some photos of Nissen huts for a possible model of a military establishment on my erstwhile Boduan Junction layout. I typed "Camp Army" into Google Images and the result was not Catterick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted September 9, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 9, 2014 In the infancy of the web I idlely typed in Steam Models........... We didn't know there was that much stuff on there. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffP Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 I was once looking for some photos of Nissen huts for a possible model of a military establishment on my erwtwhile Boduan Junction layout. I typed "Camp Army" into Google Images and the result was not Catterick. Puts me in mind of an episode of "The Big Bang Theory", where Dr. Sheldon Cooper agrees to help try and interest 8th grade girls in being scientists, and is about to enter "How to turn on 12 year old girls," into Google when the others rush in and stop him......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Try 'Model Strip'. It took days before I found what I was looking for... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Gilbert Posted September 9, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 9, 2014 In the infancy of the web I idlely typed in Steam Models........... We didn't know there was that much stuff on there. Don My better half and I are involved in coaching - we use PVC tape to mark certain equipment - she said "why don't you try to find some pink tape for the girls equipment". NEVER tape "pink PVC" into a search engine... I also managed to type "Sweet Sixteen models" while searching for "Swift Sixteen" who make 16mm models - big error. I think I got away with it...just don't do the same.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeavyDuty Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Try 'Model Strip'. It took days before I found what I was looking for... ...and that was just sorting through the first page of results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Boucher Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 A few years ago, a project manager at work kept on deferring to management whenever they wanted something changed, so we told him he needed to grow some brass balls and tell them it was too late in the project. Another co-worker decided to google where he could buy some 2" diameter spheres made from brass. Needless to say that googling "Brass balls" was a BAD idea while at work... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N15class Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Another O2 is on my wish list as well. Just need time to build the kits I already have. I have put Jim's site on the locked list for now. I must get some boards and track laid before I go to that naughty site, selling O2's As for O gauge and it's survival, I know there a few people who are retiring, but their ranges are top notch and I am sure they will be taken up by someone. I would of had a look at taking some on if I had still been in the UK. I was looking at a few items but my move to here stopped that unfortunately. Some of newer RTR stuff with their very reasonable prices, will be great for bringing in the younger and those without the kit/scratch building ability. As for the kit and scratch building there is as PD&SWJR said in an earlier post. There is a lack of education of practical subjects at school. When I was there we not only had metal and woodwork classes, but also in school clubs that covered car, train,aircraft and boat modelling as well as electric and electronic clubs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N15class Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 For those who have not gained the necessary practical skills, there is always the RMWeb community. I have seen generous support and advice for those seeking to move into kit building. I know that we only represent a certain percentage of modellers, but younger folk are internet savvy and hopefully will find and join us. The great thing about RMWeb is its interaction is almost instantaneous. I have also personally made new friends through here. I agree totally with this. I would also like to add the thing that stops a lot of people is their lack of faith in their own ability. We all started somewhere, and I know my first models would not cut the mustard now, whether airfix or whatever They see lovely models on here and get put off. I look at the same models and wish I was as good, and then get inspired to do better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaz Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 I agree totally with this. I would also like to add the thing that stops a lot of people is their lack of faith in their own ability. We all started somewhere, and I know my first models would not cut the mustard now, whether airfix or whatever They see lovely models on here and get put off. I look at the same models and wish I was as good, and then get inspired to do better. Quite agree, everyone has models which are best left hidden away. There is only one way to gain experience and that's to do it, but it's not a race and you will be your own harshest judge. That's best seen as a positive, as you say "get inspired to do better". Two things to add.... There is nothing wrong with compromise - every model ever made has some level of compromise - perfection is unavailable Keep in mind at all times that railway modelling is done for fun, when it stops being fun maybe it's time to take up bird-watching or photographing butterflies. This doesn't mean it shouldn't be taken seriously - I only get fun out of it if I do that - just like my bird-watching or butterfly photography! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81A Oldoak Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 I agree totally with this. I would also like to add the thing that stops a lot of people is their lack of faith in their own ability. We all started somewhere, and I know my first models would not cut the mustard now, whether airfix or whatever They see lovely models on here and get put off. I look at the same models and wish I was as good, and then get inspired to do better. I agree too. I still have some scratchbuilt buildings I made when I was about 14 to remind me of how things have moved on. I might try to dig them out and post photos on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheffield Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Could the present range of 7mm items be the final flowering before the hobby dies? We are told the average age of modellers is increasing, as the railway modelling generation ages. As we age we tend to move up to 7mm scale. We have more money (mortgage paid off, children left home, and we are the generation with good pensions). We have more space (children left home) but poorer eyesight, and more interest in individual models rather than a layout. So manufactures meet the need we are creating, but as we die the market will disappear. Will the younger modellers following us take to 7mm scale in sufficient numbers to replace us? I suspect not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 You may also find that there's a certain element of houses being more expensive these days so many of us don't have the luxury of the large house with spare rooms, loft space and big gardens that our parents or grandparents had. It's one of the reasons N gauge is so popular in Japan - their average house is even smaller than ours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted September 14, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 14, 2014 You may also find that there's a certain element of houses being more expensive these days so many of us don't have the luxury of the large house with spare rooms, loft space and big gardens that our parents or grandparents had. It's one of the reasons N gauge is so popular in Japan - their average house is even smaller than ours. I am not sure it is as big a problem as you think. You can build quite a nice 0 gauge layout in the garage if its a wide one or a double you can fit in a continuous run. Sheds are another option. You can also build cracking micro layouts in 0 gauge where the added detail makes a big difference. Perhaps my life has been a bit more fortunate than yours. I do think 0 gauge suits those without kids so perhaps that is another reason for the older age profile. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaz Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Could the present range of 7mm items be the final flowering before the hobby dies? We are told the average age of modellers is increasing, as the railway modelling generation ages. As we age we tend to move up to 7mm scale. We have more money (mortgage paid off, children left home, and we are the generation with good pensions). We have more space (children left home) but poorer eyesight, and more interest in individual models rather than a layout. So manufactures meet the need we are creating, but as we die the market will disappear. Will the younger modellers following us take to 7mm scale in sufficient numbers to replace us? I suspect not. It could be, time will tell. If 7mm scale dies through lack of interest I can't see that it matters - who will be left who cares? If it's a final flowering I, for one, am glad I'm still around to enjoy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cromptonnut Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 I am not sure it is as big a problem as you think. You can build quite a nice 0 gauge layout in the garage if its a wide one or a double you can fit in a continuous run. Sheds are another option. Third floor flat, no garage, no garden, no loft. Challenging Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffP Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Certainly is. Drill through your neighbour's wall while he's out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve fay Posted September 14, 2014 Author Share Posted September 14, 2014 Cardiff Canton engine shed, 6X2 foot, it can be done, you don't need the space, although it would be nice. Some of the micro layouts are the most inspiring layouts I've come across Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N15class Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 I am planing Bodmin North in 7mm it is shorten track plan, and it is under 6 metres. It ends at an over bridge. In 4mm I would still end at the overbridge, and the track plan would only be a little shorter. I have not got room for the layout so it will only be put up in full occasionally. It is designed so two boards can be run with the fiddle attached, this way I can play whenever I want in the 3 metre space I have available. Even if the trade support dies off there will still be those who will model 7mm just as there are in S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Donw Posted September 14, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 14, 2014 Third floor flat, no garage, no garden, no loft. Challenging I agree that doesn't make life easy. The first thing to consider is the position likely to change (e.g. retiring to a bungalow somewhere) if so you can build stock now for a future layout and have a small test track / shunting plank for now. If the position will not change then you need to decide whether a small/micro layout will suit otherwise 0 gauge may not suit you. When I started in 0 gauge I had a 7ft 6in x 7ft room a house move changed this to 10ft x 2ft 2in along one wall. I built a small portable layout to fit along the top of cupboards. Maximum train length was 1m. Train length was a small tank and six wagons. Passenger trains were either a single coach or the railcar. It was great fun and I did take it to Guildex. In your case a Crompton might need a bit of extra room a 12ft space could allow 4ft trains but as a Crompton and two coaches would probably stretch to 4.5-5ft a little more would be adviseable. However if you heart is set on a big loco with 8 or 10 on you may have to reconsider. In terms of 0 gauge generally there are plenty of people who can find sufficient room to suit their needs at the moment. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Fitness Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Going back to Steve's original post, I for one would appreciate more mixed media loco kits, if only to reduce the amount of time I spend building them. I may be different in my attitude to building kits than some as I find a lot of them frustrating rather than enjoyable. Some kits seem to be simply designed for filling your every available spare minute which if you work full time and simply just want the end result can result in welcoming an RTR example! Not every item of rolling stock needs the "why use one bit when 20 will do" attitude. Regarding kit manufacturers retiring/selling up etc, a lot of kits (and parts) have been around for many years and are never updated. It seems once they are "out there" that's it until production stops. IMHO some would benefit from handing over to new blood, more inclined to go through the range and bring a bit of "new&improved" to the products. I'm sure 3D printing will steadily improve and allow regular and faster improvements to kits & bits as the technology becomes more the "norm". If a newbie to 7mm who has come from an RTR background picks up a poor/difficult/old kit as their first one and thinks thats what O gauge is all about, it could put them off! Anyway, incoherent rant mode "off".....and yes I've just bought a Connoiseur 02 kit and very nice it looks too but if an RTR one had been available........ Jon F. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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