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Hi Folks, Just a quick catch up. Had a lovely long chat with Chris last week. He's still at the same care home and waiting potentially for his left knee replacing. Either way there seems to be a possible move, at some time in the future, to sheltered housing. Our conversation soon moved to railways, he's been eyeing up a bay window in the room he has now and is trying to get someone to authorise moving records and equipment out of the way. In the course of our conversation we drifted on to his memories of World War 2 (having been born in 1937) and the early post war film industry. A thought occurred to me that as it's getting near to Christmas perhaps some of you following these posts might want to send a card or perhaps phone him with a Christmas message. PM me for details if you do. Kind regards Paul

Hi Folks, Since writing the above post it might be worth saying that on a number of occasions some computer software packages have been known to be inaccurate. The worst case I've experienced was in Building Micro Layouts, pages 60 and 61. It's a triangular layout design and if you compare the track plan with the 3D you'll see there's a track missing left hand side. The publisher, who was working from my scale drawings, said it wasn't possible to create the plan as seen in the 3D, so I drew him a full size paper template from real track components and he still couldn't make it work! Though I have to say upon reflection he's made it worse, I think, by getting the vertical baseboard length shorter than it should be. Such are the joys of track planning. Kind regards Paul

Hi DCB, In the first image, here is the relevant corner of my 'Young Winston' track plan, made up from actual track components. All are second radius curves including the R643 or ST-227 (depending on which manufacturer you use) shown to imply the neighbouring non-standard piece (NSP). The second image, using two coaches, shows the limit of clearance between both tracks. I find on travels with my Layout Planning and Design Clinic there are many misnomers about the curved point. In reality the inner curve is completely 2nd radius, the outer curve is part second radius curve together with a short section of straight track (where the point blades are). I've shown this in the third and fourth images by overlaying relevant curved sections. I hope this helps for both you and Pmorgancym, please message again if either of you need more help. Kind regards Paul

Hi Folks, will be undertaking the next Layout Planning and Design Clinic at WD Models this coming Saturday, 12th November from 9-15am to 3-30pm (see details above). Whilst the morning session is just about fully booked up, there are some spaces in the afternoon. If I'm busy with someone when you arrive you can book a session by leaving your mobile number with my wife Melenie, there's a great tea shop nearby or Matalan across the road if you want to kill some time whilst you wait, or alternately just have a good look at the new and extensive second hand kit we have in the shop. Look forward to seeing you there. If you can't make it, I'll be doing the next session in December (details to follow soon). Kindest regards Paul

Hi DCB, The plan you see in the magazine was, as usual, arrived at by tracing around Hornby 1/4 scale templates then drawing a centre line, free hand, up the middle of all the track components. I'm not suggesting chopping points at entry-level, rather cutting the plain curve to the right of the point. 2nd radius is shown in the Peco catalogue as being 438mm (17 3/16th of an inch). If memory serves me right I think Peco used to show circle measurements to a centre line which means the inside radius would be about 16 1/2" and indeed I can confirm this to be true when measuring actual track. Do you think Hornby 1/4 scale templates might be wrong? Kind regards Paul.

One possibility would be to shorten the curved track, a little, to the right of the curved point in question, which would then move slightly anti-clockwise, resulting in the outer end of the point, into the inner loop, being at a better angle (almost parallel with the outer loop). Kind regards Paul

Hi Folks, Hornby 1/4 scale plans as promised. The first is as originally designed, the second makes a slight possible change to the curved point area bottom right. Note the solitary, slightly isolated, single straight would need to be a custom length section and save for a 'Y' curve, top right, all curves are second radius. There is certainly an element of 'fudging' with the design which can be done in reality though not on computer, also be aware there are numerous, very small, differences in the length and geometry in a number of Peco and Hornby rigid track sections. You can see from the tape measure the design fits in a quarter scale space of 18" x 1'. If I can help further in any way please contact me, kindest regards Paul

Hi Phil, Yes, will see what I can manage....might take a little while. Kind regards Paul

Hi Pmorgancym, I'm surprised you're having trouble making the plan fit, as Nimbus says, I always use Hornby 1/4 scale templates to test smaller entry-level designs out. I tend to avoid first radius curves these days and usually suggest second as a minimum for everything. If I do use anything but second radius I usually add a relevant number e.g. 1, 3, or 4 . I notice there is one section marked NSP - Non standard piece. If you want to PM me I'll try and dig out the original drawing and we can have a chat by phone. Hope this helps, kind regards Paul

Hi Folks, Pre Covid I attended numerous exhibitions, but struggling to get everything in a small Peugeot. The one thing about Covid and subsequent Long Covid is it left me with lots of thinking time, well, at least when I was awake. During one such more proactive thinking sessions we decided to analyse what our needs were; something for four on holiday use, for carrying materials for our house renovation, but most important, and primary use for attending railway events, both model and real. The answer? Ditch the car and buy a small van. Best for our needs was a Ford Transit Connect Combi; a 5 seater with large boot or with sliding bulkhead a 2 seater with a full van behind. No van hire for us just diesel. Perfect in every way and proving to be the best move we made. Regards Paul

Thanks to everyone who came, it was good to see Alan in the shop for a couple of hours. I hope to repeat the clinic once a month, from now till Christmas, and will post details accordingly. I am also in the shop most Wednesdays and can help then too. Just check by phoning the shop first to make sure I'm in. Kindest regards Paul

Hi folks, as some of you will know I've been helping at WD Models, Chesterfield, given that Alan Walters, the owner, is seriously ill. I did a layout planning and design clinic in the shop a short while ago (listed on RMweb) and am repeating the session this month, Saturday 17th September, 9.30 am to 3.45pm. It's my hope to repeat the clinic in October, November and December, and will provide details nearer the time. For those not familiar with my sessions, I'm available to help with Layout Planning and Design, either an existing project that's 'hit the buffers' or a completely new design. Sessions are free, open to all ages and skill level, and last between 15 and 30 minutes, sometimes a little longer if it's not too busy. If you do decide to spend more than £30 in the shop, you'll get a copy of my book, Making Tracks for free too. Look forward to seeing some of you there, kindest regards Paul

Hi Folks, looking for a bit of help. Does anyone know which shunting loco's operated at the works from its opening 1951/52 to end of use. This is what I have so far; there were 3 Ruston Hornsby built 88hp loco’s; No. 1, 321717 or could be 321727 (conflicting info on several sites) built 1953 (year almost certainly wrong) * plus two others. That said I believe one was number 4! The last remainer was 0-4-0DH Hunslet built 1977 works number 7460, was used for shunting and placing wagons* on site ready for BR collection. My copy of Industrial and Independent Locomotives and Railways of North Wales, Birmingham Locomotive Club, 1968, suggests two loco's; No 1 4wDM RH 321727 new in 1952 and No. 2 0-4-0DM 313394 also new in 1952. *Both loco's still in store on-site 1997 Any help would be much appreciated Kind regards Paul

Hi Folks, Many thanks for supporting us on Saturday, we had a bumper day, lots of layout designing and an outstanding number of sales, especially in second hand. The most amazing sale, geographically, was for a modeller from Somerset who ordered through James a modeller in Chesterfield, who's arranging for a friend to drop it off when he passes through. We plan to arrange another two events, one in August and one on September, and I'll post details on here nearer the time. Once again, many thanks to everyone for their support. Kindest regards Paul

Hi folks, Just in case you haven't seen my topic in Layouts, I’ll be undertaking a free layout planning and design clinic from 9-15 to 15-30, on the 16th July, 2022, at WD Models, Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield. Along with other volunteers, we are supporting the owner, Alan Walters, who is seriously ill and has recently been on life support, though is fairing a little better now. In this troubled time we are doing our best to help his wife Karen keep things afloat. There are lots of great offers on both new and second hand products and anyone who spends more than £30 in store will receive a free copy of my book, Making Tracks. There’s a warm welcome for everyone, please help support us. Kindest regards Paul

Hi Folks, Will be at WD Models, in Chesterfield, on Saturday 16th July 2022, with a 'mini' Layout Planning and Design Clinic. We're tight on space so come and book a session for time during the day, with my wife Melenie and she'll phone you when I'm free ( it's difficult to keep exactly to time) or you can book on here in advance. We're starting about 9-30am and ending at 4-00pm. Sessions usually last between 15 minutes and half an hour or so. Whatever your age or skill level, if you're having problems with an existing layout plan or need help sorting out a new idea then come along, the advice is free and if you spend £30 pounds or more in the shop you'll get a copy of my book, Making Tracks for free too. Places are starting to fill up, so don't leave it too late. Kind regards Paul

HI Folks, Keep having the odd chat with Chris and sending modelling magazines. Had a fab letter from him too discussing his layouts, I think he's keen to get on with some modelling. His health, apart form his legs, seems to be doing well but he's still waiting to know what happens next, but suspects it'll be a nursing home (he's hoping big enough to have a layout or two). Kind regards Paul

Hi folks, Helping modelling friend Alan Walter's family in his shop today, 25-06-22, (he's not well) at WD Models on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, if anyone's passing pop in and have a chat. There'll be a proper Layout Planning and Design Clinic there on the 16th of July, with more details to follow in the next few days. Kind regards Paul

Hi Folks, I'm just about to post off a few magazines to Chris, BRM and Hornby. If anyone else has anything to pass on, especially Railway and Continental Modeller, I know he'd be pleased to receive them and help occupy the time. Kind regards Paul and thanks if you can help.

Hi Jordan, Have PM'd a message with his address. It's a great idea and happy to do the same if anyone else wants to write (remember he's not into electronic devices) so it'll have to be long-hand. Kind regards Paul

Hi Rob, I still have some copies of Scale Model Trains and whilst their black and white appearance and print style can be a bit dated their content remains superb and something we can all learn from. It shows just how much Chris was ahead of his time and a great influencer. Kind regards Paul

Hi Chris, He's going to love hearing this, many thanks Paul

Hi Folks, Had a great chat with Chris this afternoon. We talked first about his health, he needs a hoist to get in and out of bed and onto a wheel chair, so walking unaided is a problem. There's been a meeting with his sons and health care providers and he's waiting to hear the outcome, although he's staying at the nursing home for now, in a larger room, until they sort out his mobility. He was over the moon about all your comments and people who'd looked at the topic, taking great, but modest, pleasure in being able to influence and help a large number of railway modellers. In speaking of his layouts he has a small 'Tunning Fork' design that has three guises; German, British and American, with three different fasten-on back scenes and a larger Inglenook for American practice. He spoke enthusiastically about an American Z gauge layout, about 2' and a bit long and something way back in S/1:64 gauge, he seemed very approving of its fidelity. I suspect he has a lot of time on his hands and have said I'll send him some reading material. If anyone lives nearby and can visit I have no doubt it will lift his spirits, he's keen to talk shop about model railways. He's at an address in Surbiton, let me know if that's something you can do and I'll try to arrange it. Kind regards Paul.

Hi Folks, many thanks for your advice so far, it seems pretty straightforward for Tri-ang's modern plastic, but would really like to find a solution for gluing cellulose acetate. I'm told the optical industry use cellulose acetate for many spectacle frames and there's a section on-line recommending a variety of glues, unfortunately some say one will work and then others say it's no good. The favourites so far, for structural rather than cosmetic joints, seem to be a two part epoxy and Gorilla glue with super glue the consistent one not to be used. One person talked about soaking the ends of two pieces in nail varnish remover (acetone) and pushing the 'melted' ends together, but I'm pretty certain that will cause severe damage to neighbouring areas, and my problematic lungs won't cope with the 'aroma'. It would be helpful if any members have experience of gluing cellulose acetate, though I must stress it has to be for structural joints. Hope you can help, kind regards Paul

Hi Folks, just starting to revisit Triang/ Triang Hornby. Have collected a few items and looking to modify/repair/improve several bodies. My first question is what's the best glue for Triang early 'plastic' and for Triang/early Hornby 'plastic' and on a second request, can anyone recommend a suitable oil for loco's of the same period, and especially for early Triang open axle boxes? Kind regards Paul