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andyram

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  1. andyram

    Belper

    By andyram,

    An 8th show in 10 weekends and another new one for me. A colleague of mine is a member of the Belper Model Railway Group and had told me about this show. So after being kind to the wife I was able to sneak out this morning to make it over to the Strutt's Centre, Belper for this event.
     
    This is another small local show, very similar to the Mansfield event earlier in the month. It featured a number of small layouts, many of which I have seen before. Many of these layouts represented the later eras with the B.R Blue "Church Lane Sidings", privatisation era "Bucknell Lane TMD" and the N gauge "Just Four". The latter features modern image alongside a "preserved" branch which runs from the front of the layout, and climbing to a raised terminus at the back of the layout. I saw this layout at the Midland Railex event at Butterley last year and really enjoyed the constant stream of trains, with the operation on the branch adding interest. Today the branch was operated by an automated DMU. Whilst this "hands free" operation was good, seeing the DMU arrive at a station and immediately reverse without pausing did detract from the "realism" a little. Only a slight criticism though as I did enjoy this layout again.
     
    It was good to see Malcolm's "Bygone Model Railways" display once again. He certainly has a good collection of old Hornby clockwork O gauge. I may be too young to remember it, but its great to see these models doing what they were built for. I look forward to welcoming him with another of his layout's to our show in November.
    Next to this display was a small TT gauge layout. It certainly was packed full of things to see. I do like the TT gauge, amazing how this size isn't more popular than it is.
     
    The Belper Group were showing off the progress on their "modular" project. I have heard a lot about this from my colleague, Tom. Each member has a 1100mm x 400mm module to develop as they wish. The only specification being that the track needs to enter / exit at a specific point. This allows the group to build up a very impressive and different layout as each member develops their own section. The modules on show today ranged from bare boards, to fully scenic sections complete with stations. I certainly enjoyed seeing the progress on these. The brewery module looks an interesting one.
     
    I also enjoyed seeing the "What a load of rubbish" display, where the husband and wife team displayed how to make all kinds of scenic items from household junk. It gave me some ideas. This is another display set to attend our show and it was great to have a chat with the people involved.
     
    I did get a brief chance to catch up with my colleague whilst he was supervising the "drive Thomas" layout. I know he was quite pleased with the crowd. There certainly seemed a few people walking around.
     
    I definitely enjoyed the show. It seemed to have a friendly atmosphere again and it was great to catch up with a few people.
     
    Now where is the next one????
  2. andyram

    Burton 2014

    By andyram,

    Today was the day of the annual Burton Model Railex, the exhibition organised by members of the Burton Railway Society. For the third year the event was held at the National Brewery Centre (former Bass Museum) site. The show is split between the museum's event marquee and the Worthington Suite in one of the buildings. The admission price also allows visitors access to the museum which includes heavy horses, fire brigade vehicles and some full size railway exhibits. If thirsty there is also the "Brewery Tap" bar on site which sells a selection of real ales. With so much to see the £4.00 admission price is a real bargain.
     
    The show itself is usually of a high standard and today's event did not disappoint with a good range of layouts, trade stands and other static exhibits and demonstrations. Amongst the 15 working layouts there were some real gems with very few falling below exhibition standards and others displaying some excellent modelling. In the marquee there was the atmospheric "Tom's Shed" a tiny OO gauge shed scene which crammed so much detail into such a small space. How he managed to get the Garratt model in there I do not know. Displayed at a low level it was the perfect height for children to see although it did mean the older visitors may have had some creaking bones to squat down to get a true ground level view of the scene.
    Broadwater Junction is the Warley Model Railway club's N gauge model. This featured in the latest issue of the Hornby Magazine and had a good procession of passing trains. A nice touch was the stabling of a model of a Burton Brewery loco on the branch line. This layout really captures a main line scene well with gradual curves through sweeping scenery. Excellent.
    Glen Uig is operated by one of RMWeb's own. I have seen this blue diesel era layout on many occasions. Although I am not a diesel fan I cannot fail to be impressed by the detail in the Distillery and the quayside. The sound fitted locos add to the scene and the layout is beautifully lit. The moving seagulls are a wonderfully different and clever touch.
    I mentioned "lighting" and this seemed to be a theme throughout the marquee with some wonderful lighting effects on several of the layouts. Glen Uig and Broadwater both fall into this category for me. The third well lit layout was "Worcester South Quay". This O gauge layout represented a GWR scene. The sound fitted Pannier tank was a wonderful model and the detailed buildings would have kept some people interested for quite a while.
    Remaining on the topic of "lighting" for a moment - I was pleased to see much improved lighting in the Worthington Suite compared to recent years when some layouts were difficult to see. This room featured more impressive layouts including the On30 model "Karolina Falls" which stands out due to its working real waterfall.
    The 009 layout "Old Mineral Line" showed just what could be achieved in a small space whilst the largest layout in the room "Rolleston-on-Dove" was an impressive EM gauge depiction of the station in 1948. This is a beautiful model which has been built after a lot of research.
     
    The static displays included some of John Fownes' cardboard 0 gauge locos. These detailed working models are very impressive and are often displayed on some of the Woodthorpe MRC's working layouts. I did like the model of the Great Central's red 8F although I am sure the purists would sniff at this. Just as impressive was P.R Marshall's large scale models, many also produced in cardboard. The model of Braunton in Barry Island condition was stunning.
     
    There was a good range of trade stands to tempt visitors from their cash including my Dad who was selling his model buses and did quite well by all accounts. The railway based stands provided a good range of used and new models and I did purchase a Bachmann weathered "Small Prairie".
     
    In the past there has been some negative comments from myself and others about the catering at some shows. The food today was very nice although the choice was a little limited. No complaints though; a generous helping of stew with stuffing and roll for £5.95 or a well crammed Pork roll for £3.00 was value for money and was better than some shows I have attended this year, although more expensive than others.
     
    All in all the Burton show lived up to its high standards and congratulations go to the organisers for another excellent event.
     
    Now the light-hearted awards:
     
    Best layout:
    A very tough choice this one as Glen Uig, Broadwater Junction, Tom's Shed, Rolleston on Dove and Worcester South Quay could all have a genuine claim on the title. My winner is going to be Glen Uig for its excellent scenics, sound fitted locos, perfect lighting and moving seagulls!
     
    Best model:
    Again a few contenders including the O gauge cardboard locos and the sound fitted Pannier. But my winner is the cardboard large scale model of Braunton in scrapyard condition. It really had to be seen!!
     
    Best scenic feature:
    For pure detail - Tom's Shed.
     
    And the others:
    The funniest: - My father in law lifting up a "do not touch" sign (written in comedy German) to read it more clearly and knocking it on the floor!
     
    The not so good: I can't really pick too much wrong with this event to be honest.
  3. andyram

    Butterley 2013

    By andyram,

    This year was the third year of Butterley's Midland Rail-ex event. I have been fortunate enough to visit the last two shows and was very much looking forward to this year's event. I had read a one or two concerned comments from people on RMWeb, with these worried about parking and signage at the event. I wondered whether these would be an issue this year.
    Arriving at Butterley shortly after 9am on Sunday parking was certainly not a problem. There was plenty of space in the car park, and there were plenty of stewards to direct you to a space to ensure that they got as many cars in as possible. With an overflow car park available too there seemed plenty of space available and I heard no complaints during the day.
    The queue had been dealt with quickly and there was no delay at the booking hall when paying the entrance fee. On the platform the staff kept us all informed about the various loco movements and arrangements for the train services to the exhibition site at Swanwick Junction. At Butterley the station buffet and gift shop were both open as was the AMRS building all of which provided things to do whilst waiting for the train.
    The first train left on time at 9.30am and deposited us all at Swanwick soon after. With the show due to start at 10am I was surprised that we were allowed access to the event some 20 minutes early. Whilst this meant no hanging about it, it did lead to some exhibitors not being ready. In the station building the Bachmann Collectors Club stall was unmanned and covered over with a sheet. The "Glen Roy" layout was all set up, but was also unmanned. A similar situation was found in the Diesel shed where one layout was also not operating and two trade stands were unmanned with one still covered over.
    This certainly is not a good start to the day. I do not blame the exhibitors for this as the event was advertised to start at 10am and so I guess they were all working to this time. But surely there is a security issue to have unmanned trade stands and layouts when the general public are allowed to enter. We all know that there are the odd "light-fingered" individuals who sometimes attend such events.
    It is clear that the organisors have not quite got the start of the day sorted yet. The same thing happened two years ago, whilst last year the first train was excessively delayed to "kill time". In my opinion if the event is due to start at 10am then the first train should take that into account and should not arrive at Swanwick until this time. Perhaps the first train should be timetabled later, or if the need is to move people from Butterley quickly perhaps the first train could pass through Swanwick, run to Riddings and stop on the return!
     
    That criticism aside I thought the show was excellent once again with a good range of trade stands and layouts. The buildings were well sign-posted and the map in the show guide was very clear. I think the organisors had listened to concerns from those less mobile vistors who felt that there was too much walking to do. As a result there were no exhibits in the West Shed this year, with the nearer Stationary Engine building used instead- although these exhibits were upstairs.
    Amongst the highlights of the show for me was the excellent "North Bridge". This small layout is crammed full of detail right down to the litter in the track bed and the detailed building interiors. The sound fitted locos add to the effect. I have seen this layout many a time before and never fail to be impressed. Other excellent models included "Poole in Wharfedale" complete with the moving vehicles on the road, the Ilkeston group's superb "Kimberley" layout filled out the chapel building very well. I do hope people managed to find this model.
    Iron Mould Lane is a fine model of an iron and steel works. Lots of detail and sound here too. My young daughter certainly recognised what it was trying to achieve, pointing and shouting "hot, hot" as one of the blue liveried Austerity tanks shunted a torpedo wagon. I think she recognised this vehicle from a steel works model seen at DEMU Showcase earlier in the year. What a memory for a 20 month old!!
    I did get back to see "Glen Roy" being operated later in the day. This is a very good model with lots of operational interest in a small space.
     
    The theme for the full size railway was stated as "shunters". Sadly this was a bit of a let down with the advertised display of shunting engines not being present. The small Peckett tank "Whitehead" was involved in some shunting during the day and made some light engine runs up the Codnor branch. Not really enough for it to be classed as "theme" though. At least the service trains catered for all though with both sets "top and tailed" by steam and diesel. Sadly I missed any steam haulage as having been diesel hauled by a class 47?? in the morning I had the same loco on the return as it relieved the Jinty for it to be coaled and watered. Never mind!
     
    All in all another great show and congratulations to all of the organising team. I am already looking forward to the 2014 event.
  4. andyram
    The first ever Weston-on-Trent model railway show is getting ever closer. Here is the latest update!
     
     
    I may have been a little worried as I approached the staff meeting last week. The Weston on Trent model railway show was the only item on the agenda, and I faced the task of persuading the female dominated staff of exhibition virgins to provide help on the day. Thankfully my worries proved unfounded. They seemed to get quite excited by the event and a few have got together to take on the organisation of catering. I had expected a few bacon butties, cakes, drinks and sandwiches. But they seem to be planning an even broader menu including jacket spuds and croissants (not on the same plate I hope!!). A few others have decided on a “children’s room” so parents can leave their kids with the staff whilst they go off and spend money. Colouring competitions, Thomas videos and even a Brio train set where mentioned.
     
    With the expected layouts having all confirmed things really are starting to take shape. I have now started the show guide, adding in those layout descriptions and photographs I have received so far. I aim to finish this during the school's October half term so that it can be printed in the week leading up to the show. Gradually I feel that things are "coming together"...now if only I could find a couple more small layouts for the second corridor I would feel like I have completed the job.
     
    Talking of completing the job; I need to really get stuck into Skaleby West and get my layout ready for its exhibition debut. I was back on task last weekend with a rather bizarre modelling day. As Sky Sports showed the Nottingham Forest V Derby County match; there I was dressed in my Rams shirt, working away on the layout, whilst trying not to smirk too much as my Forest supporting wife shouted abuse at the screen (1-0, 1-0, 1-0, 1-0).
    I started by completing the hedgerow at the rear of the layout after finally managing to acquire the final piece. I then added further layers of static grass to hide any gaps at the bottom of the hedge where it refused to stick flush to the top of the embankment. Next I turned my attention to the platform. A few weeks ago I acquired some station fencing from a local swapmeet. This was a nice style, but looked just too bright and white for my liking. It needed some kind of weathering.
     
    Now I admit I have never done any kind of weathering before. I have always been afraid to touch the expensive locomotives and carriages in my collection, preferring to buy factory weathered versions where possible. But as far as I know there does not seem to be factory weathered station fencing out there, so I had to take the plunge.
    First I used a modelling knife to cut the fencing from its plastic holder. Then, using some weathering powders acquired at the Loughborough show, I dry brushed some “muck brown” onto the rear of the fencing. I tried to ensure a good collection of dirt in the corners by the fence posts. I then turned the fencing over and dry brushed a covering onto this side as well. After shaking off the excess I gave each fence piece a generous coating of hair spray which I hoped would fix the powders in place. Everything seemed to remain in place when I glued the fence into position. Fuelled with a little more confidence I then tackled the telephone box. Unfortunately the powders didn’t seem to want to remain in place when treated with hair spray and so I will have to look at this again.

    A view of the newly added, and weathered, station fencing.
    So as the show gradually gets closer I look over the layout and begin to compile the final list of jobs for the big push to the end. I can feel satisfied that many of these jobs fall into the “would be nice to do” rather than the “must get done” category. Ok, the layout does not have any signals and the point motors are not wired yet. But they can be operated, by hand, from underneath the layout away from public view. The layout also needs the additional detail. The recent issue of the Hornby Magazine had some free Sankey Scenic signs which would look great on the station fence. The platform also needs some additional detail including benches, luggage, milk churns and people. I would also like to detail the inside of the signal box and coal merchant’s wagon.

    A low level view of Skaleby West station. It would definitely benefit from the addition of the extra detail described above.
    There is one area that falls into the “must get done” category however. That is the goods yard area. Whilst all sidings have been ballasted, I still need to fill in the gap between this and the main running line. I had planned to have some kind of goods building here, but can’t find one small enough. It looks like I may have to try my hand at kit building. There was a small kit in the first ever issue of the Hornby Magazine which may just do the trick.

    Two views of the unfinished goods yard, showing the gap that needs filling in.
     
    As this scenic work was finished there was just 6 weeks to go until the show. Now, as I write this update, there is only 5 and I have done nothing more to the layout. Time to panic again???
     
    Until next time....
  5. andyram

    Challenge Anneka!

    By andyram,

    RMWeb uses of a certain age will probably remember a television programme by the name of "Challenge Anneka." Anneka Rice, fresh from leaving Treasure Hunt, squeezed her then shapely rear end back into a jumpsuit to race around the country. Instead of looking for clues she attempted to help different good causes by attempting to complete projects in a seemingly impossible time.
    This week I felt like I was facing a similar impossible task. The model railway show is now just a few days away and Skaleby West still needed a lot of work. That gap remained as I turned the calendar over to the month of November. I knew that time was running out and I needed to get the job done. The early days of half term had been blighted by household chores and a baby daughter who would not sleep. The half made kit of the good's shed was still on the desk, gradually falling apart. But time was running out and any hope of starting from scratch seemed to be out of the question.
    On the Thursday of half term I set myself the task of filling the gap and finishing the job. I set to work at 1pm, with a target of finishing the job by the time my wife arrived home at 9pm. This really was a "Challenge Anneka" moment.
     
    1.00pm. I set to work repairing the good's shed kit and adding some interior detail. I added some "goods" to the interior including some barrels and sacks.

     
    2.00pm. I test fitted the building into the gap. A cork base was laid to raise the building's height to the correct level for the track. Cork was also laid behind the good's siding as I had to extend the siding slightly in order for a wagon to reach the unloading platform.

     
    3.00pm. I cut polystyrene blocks to the height of the unloading platform and glued these on both sides of the building to provide a larger platform. Rolled up pieces of newspaper were then glued around the rear of the sidings and across the front to form the base for a small embankment.

     
    4.00pm. Plaster bandage was laid over the top of the polystyrene and the newspaper. I used some Metcalfe stone sheets to form the platform edges.

     
    5.00pm. The building was removed from the layout and the bandage was then painted in brown poster paint to provide a base for scenic work. This was left to dry.

     
    7.00pm. A layer of hanging basket liner was then glued over the top of the dry poster paint. This was covered in a generous amount of Noch static grass. A thin layer of Noch rock compound was mixed and then brushed over the platform area to represent a concrete base.

     
    8.00pm I then attempted to finish building the kit. I cut and added the roof and guttering. This did not work well at all. I now realise the card I used was far too thin. It just absorbed the glue, became soggy and would not fit together at all. When I finally placed the building back onto the layout I have to admit my heart sank. It looked awful! The print was fading, the building would not stand straight, the walls sagged and the roof would not stay attached to the walls. It looked a wreck. I decided to try and develop the scene to make the building look like it was supposed to be run down. I added plenty of lichen and scenic flock materials to try and represent an overgrown and run down good's building. This was the finished effect. I am sure you will agree that it looks dreadful. By now my 9pm deadline had been reached so I had to admit that I had failed in my challenge.

     
    But what to do?
    The show was just over a week away and I was not sure what time I had to put things right. It gave me a few sleepless moments that night. I still had to tackle the additional detail for the rest of the layout and complete the fiddle yard. But I could not leave it like that.
     
    The following day after a night in the pub had been cancelled I embarked on a scratch building project. I used the kit as a template and then cut new walls from a sheet of Metcalfe stone. Glued onto some thicker card I gradually built a replacement shed. This took me a couple of hours. It is not great, but after some detailing I think it looks a little better. I still need to finish and attach the roof.

     
    Until next time...
  6. andyram

    Day 1

    By andyram,

    A big crowd gathered inside the court today for the opening day of the trial of Sir Topham Hatt aka "The Fat Controller". The charges read out related to the negligent running of a public railway and the endangering of human life on many counts.
     
    Mr R.Beeching QC - appearing for the prosecution, began to state his case by showing the jury exhibit A. This was a strange collection of used bricks. Mr Beeching addressed the accused stating he had shown a disregard for public safety as far back as 1945. The prosecution referred to a documented incident where the North Western Railway locomotive number 3 failed with excessive water in the cylinders. The lawyer stated that the accused decided, instead of repairing the said locomotive, to leave it deserted in a single bore tunnel with the portal partly bricked up using the bricks shown.
    Mr Beeching went on to say that the defendant then cut a brand new tunnel, adjacent to the original, with work completed in a matter of days. The lawyer stated that proper safety procedures could not have been followed in such a short space of time.
     
    When questioned about the above matter Mr Topham Hatt declined to comment - stating that his doctor had "forbidden him to speak". Mr Beeching stated that the defendant's silence was "a sure sign of guilt".
     
    Continuing the prosecution, Mr Beeching stated that Mr Topham Hatt showed a further disregard to the safety of the passengers just a few weeks later. An incident was recounted where N.W.R number 4 suffered a failed safety valve near to the tunnel. Due to a lack of available engines N.W.R number 3 was brought out of the tunnel to take the train. The prosecution stated that the locomotive had not passed any fitness to run exam, had not been oiled and was not given enough time to be brought to working pressure.The fact the train made it safely to its destination, assisted by N.W.R number 2, was a miracle.
    Mr Beeching went on to state that the quick return to service may have been a contributing factor to the engine suffering steaming problems and requiring a major rebuild in subsequent years.
     
    In defence Mr Awdry QC stated that the water in the cylinders incident was a complete fabrication of the truth. In fact the engine simply "refused" to leave the tunnel because it did not want to get his paint dirty. The cutting of a new tunnel was, in fact, well under way before this incident and photographs of the incident clearly show a second tunnel portal with track already in situ.
    Mr Awdry stated that no time has been officially recorded to state the duration between the fire being lit and number 3 returning to service at the head of train.
     
    The trial continues.....
  7. andyram

    Day 2

    By andyram,

    There was drama in the courtroom today as the defendant broke his self imposed silence with a verbal attack on the council for the prosecution. It came after the lawyer continued to outline evidence of negligence dating back to the 1940’s. Mr Beeching QC presented exhibit B to the jury in the form of a mangled and charred wooden brake block. This item had been loaned to the prosecution lawyer by the Island of Sodor museum. It had, according to Mr Beeching, been recovered from N.W locomotive number 5, James, following an accident shortly after its arrival on the island’s railway system. Whilst hauling a freight train down the steep gradient, known locally as Gordon’s Hill, the engine had “run away” derailing into a field of cows at the bottom of the hill.
    According to the lawyer; staff at Tidmouth Sheds had alerted the railway’s management to their concerns about the locomotives wooden brake blocks, declaring them as “no good” the moment the locomotive had arrived on the railway.
    Addressing the defendant Mr Beeching stated that he had “purchased the locomotive and put it into service despite knowing the brakes were of insufficient quality”. He continued that this showed a “flagrant disregard for the safety of passengers and crew and that it was a miracle that the crew had not been seriously injured in the accident”.
    It was at this point that the defendant, Sir Topham Hatt, rose from his seat and broke his silence. Pointing a finger at the lawyer he stated that Mr Beeching should “get his facts straight before trying to build a decent case”. Sir Hatt stated that the engine in question had not been newly purchased at the time of the accident. In fact it had been purchased a couple of years previously. Staring straight at the lawyer the defendant stated that “should the council look back at photographs from N.W number 3 (Henry’s) tunnel incident, number 5 can clearly be identified as the locomotive which hauled the carriages away.”
    Mr Beeching interjected that this was not possible as press cuttings linked to the previous incident referred to the engine by the name Eagle. He also stated that this particular engine was painted in a red livery, whilst James had been black at the time of the crash.
    With a big sigh, and speaking to the lawyer as a teacher may speak to a difficult child, the defendant stated that following purchase N.W number 5 had suffered from a number of mechanical problems shortly after its arrival. It was subsequently returned it to the main land for repair before it had been officially named. It was during this time away, stated Sir Hatt, that the wooden brake blocks had been fitted and this action had been against the railway’s wishes. The engine had returned painted in a black undercoat and was carrying this livery when it crashed during a test run. The red livery was restored after the locomotive had been repaired, with improved brakes, following the accident.
     
    This was not the end of Sir Hatt’s attack on the prosecution however. He then asked the lawyer why he felt it pertinent to use, as evidence, events from so long ago. After all, stated Sir Hatt, he was not even running the railway at the time – it was his father who was in charge during the 1940’s when all of these events had taken place!
     
    This led to the judge calling for the trial to be adjourned! The case will resume shortly..
  8. andyram

    Decisions, decisions.

    By andyram,

    Right now I am sat with one of those well known modelling problems, not sure which way to turn. At the start of this year I had two 00 gauge model railways. Skaleby was my 11ft long shelf layout that was permanently erected in our spare room and its little brother, Skaleby West, a 4ft x 1ft micro layout, built for exhibitions was stored alongside it. The latter was considered complete with just the usual maintenance being required, whilst the former was an ongoing project.
    Recently we moved into our new build property. Sadly Skaleby cannot be accommodated into the spare room and has been consigned to the garage. The two moves this year has really taken its toll. The track, laid on ballasted foam underlay, has started to lift and needs relaying, probably on cork with new ballast. With such major surgery needed I am unsure whether to rip it up and start again or leave as a long term project for the summer months.
    Skaleby West is in the spare room. However in order to join the scenic board to the fiddle yard a short extra board will be needed to allow the layout to fit around the corner of the room. This will also mean the part constructed 4ft extension board cannot be accommodated in the house and could only be used at exhibitions.
     
    So what to do?
     
    Do I concentrate on the maintenance of Skaleby West alongside building the short extension piece to allow me to run the layout at home?
     
    Do I use Skaleby West as a shunting layout, minus the fiddle yards, whilst concentrating on overhauling the layout's goods shed and adjacent area (those who have seen the layout will know what I mean!)?
     
    Or do I start something new?
     
    After all, I do have a 4ft x 1ft baseboard all but complete that is sat doing nothing! During my recent holiday in Norfolk the old grey matter has been ticking over and I rather fancy a small coastal terminus model to include a small station and some sort of goods / harbour area for the movement of fish traffic. I have purchased several of the Hornby and Bachmann fish wagons and a low relief Bachmann hotel building in recent months so I do have something to start with.
     
    Decisions, decisions!
     
    Oh and there is still the planning permission passed for the small G scale layout in our new garden, providing Thomas features somewhere!!!
  9. andyram
    The need to get leaflets out to promote our own show at Weston has sent me off to some events this year which I would not normally have attended. As someone whose railway interest is very much preserved steam (with my model railways falling into the same category), a pure diesel and electric event is not one which would normally interest me. That does not mean I have anything against those who model these forms of railway - everyone is entitled to their own opinion and their own interest! I just prefer steam!
     
    I had intended to visit yesterday - but a sleepless night with my daughter and a few household chores put paid to that. Sadly that meant I could not get any leaftlets into the first day of the show. At least I got there today, laid a few out in various locations, and saw a few being carried around during the day, so my visit will prove worthwhile in that respect - especially if these people turn up in November!
     
    As regards the show itself I have to say it was excellent. I never expected to enjoy a diesel and electric show as much as I did. There was a good range of layouts and traders spread amongst the four rooms. Everything was easy to find thanks to a colour coded map in the show guide. Without doubt this is the best show guide I have seen for quite some time - full colour with a full page dedicated to almost every layout, illustrated by plenty of pictures. My congratulations to whoever produced this, it really is superb - and it was free too!
     
    I had seen some of the layouts at other shows. I have viewed Loch Tat on several previous occasions. I do like this N gauge model. The superbly modelled loch scene, complete with fishing boat, always takes me back to my honeymoon in the Highlands a few years ago. Also bringing back memories of those two weeks in Fort William and Inverness were the models "Rannoch Moor" and "Dalmally".
    Dalmally has a track layout which is based on Killin Junction. The Killin - Loch Tay branch is one I hope to model in the future, having bought a book on the line from a book shop in Fort William. It is nice to see a modern take on one of these stations.
    Rannoch Moor is a lovely depiction on the West Highland line. I loved the curving viaduct at one end. The trains services gave a good impression of those which can be seen in Scotland today. I did raise a smile at the charter train set stored at the back of the fiddle yard, complete with a steam interloper in the form of a Hornby "Black 5". Interestingly it had disappeared when I returned to the layout a second time. Had someone really been asked to remove it????
     
    The Hornby demonstration stand also had some steam interlopers. The models of "Duke of Gloucester" look very impressive. That is definitely one for a future shopping list. The DCC sound display was interesting and my daughter was certainly captivated when Simon Kohler set one of the sound fitted steam locos going on a rolling road! She was leaning forward wondering where the noise was coming from. Mind you, it did seem to upset a couple of other punters to hear a "steamy" at the DEMU show. Thanks Simon!!
    Returning to non-steam issues though. The new Sentinel shunter looks fantastic and did spark ideas for a modern shunting puzzle layout. I bet I am not the only one to be impressed enough with this model to think along those lines!
     
    I've mentioned my daughter a couple of times. At 18 months old she has already attended more than 10 events during her short life and she certainly enjoys them. We had only been inside a couple of minutes when she got excited by the steady stream of trains on the large 00 gauge layout - "Coppell". She was craning her neck over the security barriers to view an oncoming train shouting "Here it is" to the amusement of those nearby. But her favourite layout, and mine too, was "Rhydwyn Fawr". Set in a steel works this 7mm O gauge model featured in a recent issue of Railway Modeller. It looked good in the article, but it is even better in the flesh. The freelance industrial engines were busy moving the various stock around the different levels. The appropriate sounds and lights gave a great impression of a working steel mill. So much so that my daughter pointed to the large building and proclaimed it to be "hot, hot!". A brilliant layout, I could have watched it all day and so could my daughter. She dragged me back to it three times and moaned when I took her away.
     
    So to finish off. I may not have an interest in diesel and electric modelling - but this event was very enjoyable and well organised. I will certainly be back next year.
  10. andyram

    Derby

    By andyram,

    Well it has been that time of year again - the Derby show at Moorways. I always look forward to this event as it is practically on my doorstep. I have been visiting each year since I was knee high to a grasshopper and the show was at the Assembly Rooms. It is a little smaller these days since the switch to the new venue, but at least it does have a free on-site car park which is an improvement. The new date (May instead of April) also ensures that it avoids clashing with any Rams home games and this year it avoided clashing with the FA Cup Final too!
     
    The show did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a good mix of layouts and trade stands and was able to pick up a few items for my ongoing modelling projects, acquiring a point motor and some more ballast material which should allow me to get back to work on Skaleby West. Time is ticking towards our show in November!! On the subject of which I did drop off a large pile of advertising leaflets for this event, fingers crossed a few of them went during the weekend!
     
    Onto the layouts and I was pleased to see again three excellent layouts which I had first seen at previous shows. The 009 gauge layout "Crumley" is superb. Dad thought the scenics were a bit too "brown" for his liking - but he is notoriously picky!! To me it gave the perfect impression of a day during a long hot summer (I believe we used to have a few of those). The layout has a strange view. You sort of look at it from one end, at an angle, allowing you to look up (or down) the valley as the trains make their way from one station to another. Excellent!
     
    The other two layouts have also appeared in the Hornby Magazine. The 00 gauge "Kirkby Stephen West" is an excellent model of the S&C. It has a constant stream of trains and lots of great detail. I love the tv detector (Rivett Counter detector van!!) and the bonfire. They are nice touches. The O gauge "Hospital Gates" is also truely superb.
     
    There were many other excellent models, including a lovely micro GWR branch line station which I think was called Aylett End! This gave me plenty of inspiration for my own modelling project.
     
    Sadly during my time there I did see a number of layouts which seemed to be static displays. I am all for realistic operation, but people do need to see something move from time to time. One layout in particular had nothing moving (other than a few bells) for five minutes!
    Despite this I really I did enjoy the show, and even considered making a second visit the following day. My wallet won the argument though.
     
    Congrats to all involved.
  11. andyram

    Derby 2013

    By andyram,

    It has long been a tradition that my Dad and I always visit the Derby show on the Saturday. We have done so right back to the days of the Assembly Rooms, and the late opening until around 7pm. We always used to do the Darwin Suite first to get the foreign stuff "out of the way" (it is not our thing!). Then we would do the balcony, great hall and finish off in the foyer at the top of the stairs before a spot of lunch and a pint (when I was old enough) before going around our favourite exhibits again.
     
    These days the Assembly Rooms venue and the late opening have been condemned to history. But the Derby show remains a must visit date on our calendar.
     
    Today we were there not long after opening allowing me to drop off some leaflets for the Weston show. We then spent an enjoyable few hours at the event. It was nice to catch up with some fellow RMWeb users - seeing Don operating the "Layout in a T.V" and hearing an update on his Bridgnorth model. It was good to see Pete Harvey again and to not ignore him this time as I almost did at Mansfield. Nice to see a steam interloper on his mainly Diesel layout.
    The show was as enjoyable as ever and there were some excellent layouts. One of the highlights for me was the Taff Valley Railway model "Ynysybwl". The detail in the back gardens of the buildings were superb. It was interesting to see the fiddle yard on view, and it seemed to be partial scenic too. Without doubt this was my favourite layout in the show.
    The LNER layout "Fryupdale" brought back a few memories of holidays in North Yorkshire, taking inspiration from such locations as Sleights and Glaisdale. I loved the bridged section over the river, which really did remind me of a section of the NYMR.
    There did seem to be a lot of more modern D&E layouts this year including Meadow Lane TMD, Crimson Road, Oil Drum Lane and New Bryford. Despite favouring steam era models, I thoroughly enjoyed viewing these. New Bryford being the pick of them aided by the sound fitted models.
     
    Amongst the many trade stands I managed to pick up a Gaugemaster photo backscene for my, as yet unstarted, Skaleby West extension. There were a few other things to tempt me, but somehow I managed to keep my hands in my pocket.
     
    Still an excellent show and congrats to all concerned. I look forward to the next one...well actually the wife has told me she wants me to take our 17 month old daughter out for a couple of hours tomorrow whilst she does the cleaning. I wonder where I can take her..................
  12. andyram

    Doubling Up

    By andyram,

    Last weekend my wife Sarah had a little moan about how she had not had much of a break recently. With my school workload and the recent house move pressures she was becoming very tired due to constantly looking after our 2 year old girl. She, quite clearly, needed a break - a few hours on her own to wind down and have some peace and quiet.
    After breaking up for the half term holiday yesterday I promised to take the little one out for a "daddy and daughter" day today. As it happened this weekend has not one, but two local model railway exhibitions and I managed to visit them both today.
    The day started at Allestree in Derby. This "trains day" has been running for a number of years. In the past it has been an amateur run event to raise money for the local church. The exhibitors were made up of local enthusiasts who came along and set up their displays on the morning of the show. Many would never exhibit at any other events. That being said the show was always worth a visit with many displays showing off collections of older models providing a sense of nostalga. Almost all had something moving all of the time which was perfect for the children.
    This year's event represented a change of organiser. The local "Famous Trains" charity having taken on the event. This change has produced a larger show with two rooms being used this year. The other change saw a few more professional show layouts in attendance. The "Famous Trains" own Darley Factory layout provided plenty of shunting action. David Lenton's "Linton Yard" was a work in progress minimum space diesel model complete with sound fitted locos.
    The show had not forgotten its roots. In the original main hall there was once again plenty of vintage displays with Lone Star and Triang models. There was also a G Scale display on the stage with a Toby style tram engine shunting some stock. Once again there was always something moving on many layouts which kept the children thoroughly entertained.
    For me it was great to catch up with some friends from the Mickleover club and some exhibitors from last year's Weston show. I have also got to know some Famous Trains members and it was great to chat to some of them, even if I could have landed another modelling job as a result.
     
    After a nice lunch at Allestree we headed over to Sileby in Leicestershire for the annual Syston Model Railway Exhibition. This is always an enjoyable show although parking is often a problem. The signs direct visitors to the car park for the local supermarket, but this is quite small and on a Saturday spaces are like rocking horse manure!! There was already three or four cars circling the car park when I got there. Luckily I managed to park in the nearby housing estate although this meant a five minute walk in the rain.
    The show featured 14 layouts with this year's event seeming to be heavily weighted towards the more modern image. Of the 14 layouts, 8 of them represented various periods of the diesel era. This did spoil my enjoyment a little as I am more a steam era 00 gauge modeller. Only 3 layouts represented steam. Of these the 0 gauge model on show was a long way from being finished. The other two were both N gauge meaning there were no layouts to fit my style of modelling. That was disappointing!
    Of the layouts that were there I enjoyed Mike Kelly's "Cromer". I have seen this many a time before and always admire the quality of the scenic modelling. It also brings back memories of some recent holidays. Brenton Midland also featured plenty of sound fitted models and had a constant procession of trains. Midchester City also provided the flavour of a inner city terminus station with plenty of DMU's.
    The N gauge Nunbrook and Loxley also provided plenty of modern image action on the main line. The branch did provide "something for kids" as a Thomas the tank engine shuffled back and forth with Annie and Clarabel - no wonder my daughter kept dragging me back there!
    As for steam models there were two N gauge layouts which provided scenic branch line action. Whatton Parva, based on Tenterden, represented the Colonel Stephens light railways. The pick of layouts for me was "Elmfield" which represented the station in the final years of its life.
     
    The lack of steam era layouts coupled with a tired daughter meant my stay at Sileby was briefer than usual. We left and drove to Quorn and Woodhouse Station on the G.C. Sadly a heavy rain shower along with a 45 minute wait for the final steam hauled train of the day had us heading for home.
     
    And so the "awards"
     
    Best layout (across both events):
    3rd Darley Factory (at Allestree) - a rare 00 gauge steam model today. Plenty of Austerity shunting in a well modelled industrial environment.
    2nd Cromer (at Sileby) - always a favourite as it is well modelled and brings back good memories.
    1st Elmfield (at Sileby) - a tough call, but the fact it was a rare steam model at the show helped. Lovely modelled scenics and accurate shunting in N gauge which is never easy.
     
    Best model loco
    Runner Up: An N gauge Stroudley Terrier on the Whatton Parva layout at Sileby. A lovely model of a diminutive loco in a small gauge.
     
    Winner: The 0 gauge Ivatt Class 2 on the unfinished layout at Sileby. I like this class of loco and this model was superb.
     
    Best scenic item
     
    The factory complex on Darley Factory a very large card model.
     
    And the not so good:
    The lack of 00 gauge steam at Sileby was very disappointing. Other than that there was nothing "bad" that stood out.
     
    Finally, the humourous:
    The motorised "mouse" on a layout at Allestree raised a smile and had my daughter coming back time and time again!
  13. andyram
    I can't believe that my last blog entry was in June! Where has the time gone?? All of a sudden there has been the first chill of the upcoming Autumn and the nights are starting to draw in and that means the second Weston-on-Trent model railway show is starting to creep ever closer. As I write this there is less than two months to go. So much has happened since the last blog, and so little has happened too.
     
    I had hoped that my six week summer break would see me get stuck into the planned extension to Skaleby West ahead of its second ever exhibition appearance at Weston 2013. Sadly things did not work out that way as other things got in the way - family trips out, decorating and a curtailed deviation into G scale modelling all eroded the time I had to work on the layout. In the final week of the summer break I did manage to glue together the wood to form the extension baseboard and that is it! The board still sits in our garage awaiting the final screwing together before scenic work can begin.
    Recently we have put our house on the market, and as we look to move into a new build via the government's "Help to Buy" scheme we have just a four week window in which to sell. During this time there is strictly no modelling as much of my stuff has been secreted away out of sight. It is looking very much like the extension will not get finished in time - in fact I probably won't have time to even start scenic work.
    I do have a "Plan B". If I can finish fixing the board together I may use it as a temporary second fiddle yard allowing Skaleby West to be displayed as a through station for the first time. The current scenic section has seen one or two improvements during the summer and I will refer to these in a later blog.
     
    But now the big news!
     
    The show will be extended this year!
    Yes I have gained permission to open up a second classroom which should allow me to fit in all the exhibits I have planned. There were a couple of layouts which I had put on my provisional list and had not got back to the owners. Both of these are RMWeb members so apologies to them. I will be in touch in due course. Right now I am measuring up the new room and beginning to finalise the floor plan to include all current exhibits. At present there are 17 layouts and 8 trade stands on the roster! We will also have the raffle and the same ladies on catering so all exhibitors and visitors can expect to be well fed!
     
    Less than two months to go then!
     
    Until next time (I promise to update soon!!!)
  14. andyram

    Fiddling around

    By andyram,

    An update on Skaleby West
     
    This week has been the school's half term holidays and I had hoped to get cracking with the Skaleby West extension. Sadly one or two family issues have prevented the development of the additional board. But I have managed to make progress elsewhere!
     
    Today I had a free afternoon whilst my wife was visiting her mother, so I turned my attention to the fiddle yard for the layout. This was built in a bit of a rush prior to last year's show and appeared with the facia board only painted in a white undercoat.
    After a look around the tester pots in B & Q I found a nice maroon shade and used this to paint the board in something resembling Midland Railway colours. Although Skaleby West's location is vague, I did run the layout with Midland region stock at the show so decided to lean this way for the colour scheme.
    Whilst painting the board I took the chance to erect the whole layout in our front room. This is the first time the whole layout has been erected since the Weston show last year. Even at only 8ft in length it certainly filled a good proportion of our front room. I am not so sure what my wife would have made it!

    Skaleby West invading our front room today. Note the newly painted fiddle yard.
     
    With the layout up, and a few hours of freedom it would have been rude not to have a little play! I connected up the controller, placed a short train in the fiddle yard - turned the control knob and....nothing! This was a sense of de-ja vu! The same thing happened during the set up at Weston. I fiddled around with a few things, but got no luck. Upon further investigation I soon discovered the reason. The cable from the adaptor was almost completely broken! I am not sure how that happened - but clearly the controller would not be any good without a new adaptor.
    I connected up my spare controller. That didn't work either. This was becoming the Weston show all over again.
    Now both controllers are former train set models. One of the old black and red type, and one the newer version. Both are fairly lightweight and so I was not too concerned by their failures. They were going to be replaced anyway.
     
    A few months ago I had been gifted a Gaugemaster controller by my father in law. He has been developing his own layout and has a habit of buying things before he has completed his plans. The controller was one of two purchased and became surplus to requirements once he had finalised his plan. I duely received it, and this was always earmarked for use on Skaleby West. I decided to have a go at wiring this up today.
     
    I connected the wires to the controller and then used crocodile clips to make a temporary connection to the track at the tunnel end. I powered up again and the Bachmann "Jinty" 47279 duely moved! Success? Actually no! The engine moved a short distance forward, then the controller cut out and the engine stopped. This was the pattern for the next half an hour or so. When travelling towards the controller the engine would move slightly, then stall as the controller cut out. Yet when travelling in reverse, away from the powerpoint it ran sweet as a nut!
    I fiddled around again.
    I then;
    - switched the connectors over.
    - turned the loco around.
    - checked the connections on the controller.
    - disconnected and re-connected all wiring.
     
    Nothing seemed to work. I was beginning to despair!!
     
    Finally I swapped the loco for my Standard 4 tank 80120. This ran smoothly in both directions both as a light engine and with a short freight! I then tried the Jinty again and it ran perfectly too! I was totally bemused at that point, and still am! What on earth happened there??
     
    At least the layout was running and inbetween my planned job of track cleaning I was able to enjoy half an hour running some trains - my first proper operating session since the show last November. Sadly after the half hour my wife text to say she was on her way home - cue a mad clear up to return the lounge to its proper condition before she arrived home.
    I did at least take a few shots during the short operating session. I hope you like them!

    Skaleby West station is seen through the tunnel. The troublesome "Jinty" can be seen in the distance.

    47279 is posed in the platform at Skaleby West.

    Finally working 47279 arrives with a passenger train.

    The Jinty passes the signal box as it runs round its train.

    Ivatt 4 number 43160 arrives with another passenger train.

    The Ivatt runs round its train.

    Ready to depart.
     
    And so the layout is safely packed away. I'm not sure when I will get to operate it again. Apart from the obvious need to get on with constructing the extension board, I do need to solder permenant wire connections for the Gaugemaster controller. That should be fun. The last time I used a soldering iron was at secondary school.
     
    As far as the second Weston show is concerned I have not done too much. The main work has been on publicity. I have contacted various publications and another website to try and get adverts in the events diaries. I know it now appears on another prominent website which is good news. Leaflets were out on both days at the Derby show and quite a few appeared to have been picked up. I aim to put some more out at Bakewell next week.
     
    Until next time...
  15. andyram

    Foxfield

    By andyram,

    And so the school summer holidays are finally here, and whilst many parents are dreading the next six weeks, this particular teaching parent is relishing the time to spend it with wife, new daughter and also on some serious model railway work. For me there is my home layout, Skaleby, to continue with and also my show layout, Skaleby West. Lots to do. On top of this I always try to make the most of the summer break and visit as many preserved railways as I can, and get in as many steam hauled miles as possible.
    It may not be strictly a model railway theme, but I thought some people out there may find an interest in the photos taken during my trips out. Some may provide some modelling inspiration - you never know!
     
    This weekend I began my summer of steam with a trip to the Foxfield Steam gala. It has been four years since my one and only previous visit. I was a little disappointed by the line on that occasion, but not this time. The line put on an excellent show with seven engines in steam, six of them taking turns on the passenger and freight services and the Dubs Crane Tank 4101 on duty at Foxfield Colliery.
    The railway put on a free bus service from Caverswall Road to the colliery site and, having missed the first train of the day, I made use of this. I was delighted to see areas opened up for photographers with signs into the nearby fields and the footpath to Dilhorne Park station clearly signed. Makes a change from some lines!
    Whilst at the colliery I photographed the vintage well tank "Bellerophon" which was paired with the little 0-4-0 Bagnall No.2. The first picture shows the pair at the colliery, whilst the next two are shots of the first freight of the day to ascend the 1 in 19 Foxfield Bank. Hope you like them! The Bagnall was a "cop" for me. Yes I do actually have a small preserved steam loco spotters book. I am that sad! During the weekend I also "copped" the visiting "Ugly" and resident "Lewisham No.2"

     
    The railway followed the usual gala routine of swapping engines at all stations. The passenger train loco would bring the freight back down the bank, whilst the freight engines would take the passenger train back from Dilhorne Park to Caverswall Road where they would be swapped again. The Bagnall and the Well tank relieved the Austerity "Whiston" for my first passenger run. Whiston is seen here at Dilhorne Park after I had safely navigated the muddy footpath!!


     
    I managed to get a few rides in during the day, and successfully managed to be hauled by all locos except Whiston, seen above leaving Dilhorne Park, and the Dubs which was not on passenger duty. Mind you I was a bit gutted to miss its impromptu ascent of the bank with a brake van moments after I had left the location from which I took the picture below!

    This picture shows Lewisham No.2 and Austerity "Wimblebury".
     
    With several of my trips being on trains from Dilhorne Park, and therefore downhill, I didn't really get too many decent runs. The best was behind the Bagnall and Bellerophon on a train from Caverswall Road later in the day. They did make some nice noise on some of the steeper sections of the passenger line.
    Star guest was the "Ugly" class so I suppose I had better include a shot of that. Not a great pic, but I never seemed to catch it at a decent location. Would have loved to have seen that go up Foxfield Bank. Sadly I was rather limited with time and only had four hours there. I did enjoy it, and would recommend a visit to next year's gala. In such a small space of time I still got a few pictures, and covered 12 and a half miles behind steam. Oh and the colliery did give me a fledgling idea for an extension to Skaleby West in the future.

     
    So there it is. Like I said, not especially a model railway entry, but I hope the pictures at least provide some interest.
     
    Peak Rail next I think!
  16. andyram

    Frustration!

    By andyram,

    Another week and another update. Things had been going so well. I had those layouts booked, trade stands sold, measurements and floor plan well on the way. I had even made a start on the show guide. I was feeling pretty pleased with myself! In the last week I even had another RMWebber contact me with an expression of interest in bringing a layout to the show. Oh and Derby beat Forest 1-0. Things really were going so well!
    But they say pride comes before a fall don't they? Just as the machine is running well someone shoves a spanner in the works!
     
    Oh I love technology! No sooner had I digested the celebratory bottle of (Jake) Buxton mineral water, things began to go wrong. The connection between my laptop and its screen decided to die on me and the screen went blank. So a visit to the school's technician was in order. Fortunately, so I thought, I managed to do a temporary repair and removed all of the show files from the computer's hard drive onto a USB stick. What a relief!
     
    NO!!!!!!
     
    Two days later and, for no apparant reason, the school's computers decided to wipe the memory stick. All my work files....gone! This included all of the work I had done on the show, the floor plan, show guide, contact records everything!!! Have you ever seen a grown man cry?? You nearly did at this point!
     
    Fortunately I had some paper copies of the measurements and I have saved important emails so I did manage to start again and redo most of the stuff. As I redrew the floor plan I found that one of the layouts didn't fit in its original location! Why??? I have no clue. Did I make a mistake before or am I missing something? I have still not worked this one out so, for now, this particular layout has been relocated.
     
    And so I think I am almost back to where I was before the computers decided to have their teenage strop! I still have the show guide to restart but that is not a pressing problem at this stage.
     
    I remain on the lookout for more layouts and trade stands though. I asked a couple of people at the Nottingham show. Both layouts turned me down, but I did get one more trader showing an interest. I am still waiting on replies from all of those referred to last week and I still hope for a few more people. I hope to have more luck at Belper a week on Saturday.
     
    The layout
    Apart from the purchase of a few more items for Skaleby West there is no progress to report.
  17. andyram
    On Saturday I enjoyed an all too brief visit to the Great Central Railway's winter gala. What a spectacle. A constant stream of trains on the double track main line section with a good mix of passenger, freight and TPO workings. Gorgeous sunshine and snow lying on the ground made for great photographic conditions. I am sure those who are lucky enough to have a lineside pass enjoyed the show, especially those who positioned themselves around Swithland Sidings. Here trains were looped for others to overtake and, in the case of the TPO, were terminated here. I certainly enjoyed watching the Swithland action whilst sat in the looped DMU. Just a shame a couple of grumpy old men behind me didn't stop complaining throughout the time we were stationary. According to them the DMU was looped due to late running and the timetable was well behind. Shame they hadn't read their timetable booklet as the train was actually running on time and the stop at Swithland was planned!
     
    The GCR put out a number of locos on the day - star of the show was the blue King 6023 "King Edward II", looking immaculate. It was joined by visiting GWR 2-8-0 3802. From the home fleet there was:
    King Arthur 777 "Sir Lamiel"
    Standard 2 78019
    Ivatt 2 46521
    Red 8F 48624
    Jinty 47406
    N2 1744
     
    That is 8 steam locos and a DMU. A pretty good show!
     
    Just a shame I couldn't stop long. But here are some pictures from the day.

    Ivatt 2 46521 waits on the Mountsorrel Branch.

    Red liveried 8F 48624 waits to depart Loughborough Central with a short freight.

    The King at Quorn.

    6023 departs Quorn.
  18. andyram
    Another week has passed and the show is now just one month away. Here is the latest update!
     
    This week has seen more changes to the show line up. Sadly the Hockley Goods diorama has had to withdraw from the event. A big thanks to its owner, Don, for giving me as much notice as he could. Nothing he could do and just one of these things. A big thanks to him as well for all of his help and advice over the last few months. Fortunately I have managed to secure a replacement exhibit with a small layout from the Mickleover show agreeing to attend. This will go nicely with some of the other smaller layouts in the show which seem to be forming a display all of their own. We now have a collection of layouts built in suitcases, box files and even a television - perfect inspiration for the space starved modeller. Now has anyone got anything just as "different" which could be displayed on November 10th???
     
    The week gone by has also seen the publication of a small advert in the Hornby Magazine which hopefully will attract some more interest. The headteacher was quite pleased to see that one. She then uttered those immortal words..."perhaps you will need to have an advert next year as well...." Let's not run before we can walk please boss!
     
    Work on the raffle has also begun. This had been passed onto others. Unfortunately the contacting of the local preserved railways for potential prizes came back to me. Last weekend I sent off emails to several railways asking for help. These included the GCR, Churnet Valley, Battlefield, Foxfield, Peak Rail, Midland Railway and even the SVR and NYMR. I didn't expect them all to respond with offers of help. and I was right. Sadly I have received only one response so far. At least this did herald the offer of a prize. A big salute of thanks to the Midland Railway Centre!
     
    Meanwhile back to my layout. Things have been a little quiet again on Skaleby West. Sadly it has been too quiet. The reason for this has been the arrival of the dreaded gremlins - or could that be very dirty track? I tried to use the layout last night to test run a loco which I intended to sell on EBay. Everything was connected up, the engine placed on the Peco loco lift ready to run onto the scenic section and.......nothing! I tried other locos and none of them breathed any life or movement at all. A quick check of the controller proves that it is working so there is something wrong with the layout. Not what I need at this stage! Now I admit I have been a little slack in protecting the track during much of my scenic work, and it has not had a clean with a track cleaning rubber for quite some time. Hopefully a good clean up of excess scatter with a hand held vacuum cleaner and a good dose of treatment with the track cleaning rubber will bring life back to the layout. If not then it may be time to panic.
    As for the scenics I have at least made a start on the Hornby magazine kit. I sneaked onto the school's colour photocopier on Friday and copied the kit onto card. This was then cut up over the weekend with the intention of starting the build. Unfortunately family commitments has prevented this, but hopefully I can get started during the week.
     
    Until next time...
  19. andyram
    Today saw the first day of the Gresley and Wychnor Model Railway Group's two day Easter show. This is more of a club open day than a full scale exhibition as it takes place in the club's own premises. That being said the club have certainly maximised their space to produce a decent event and a visit is well recommended.
    Since my last visit the premises seem to have been extended with a new room, "The Sir Nigel Gresley Room" now open at the front of the venue. In here there were two layouts. Burdale Colliery was a work in progress 0 gauge model in the early stages of development. A sound fitted Pannier tank drew admiring glances from many, including my 4 year old daughter.
    The other layout in this room was "Swad Lane". This modern image 00 gauge model depicts a privately owned maintenance depot to the rear with a passenger branch at the front. This model also used sound fitted stock.
    Also in this room there was one trade stand, carrying a good range of stock. RMWeb member Andy Peters was also providing a weathering demonstration, offering to weather stock for a donation. I was pretty annoyed that I forgot to pick up my models when I left home this morning.
     
    In the main room there was one of the stand out models. The club is home to the impressive 0 gauge Wychnor-on-Trent layout. This has featured in many railway magazines. It is a huge model that begins with a terminus station, runs along one wall before curving around the end of the room to a through station. Trains then disappear into a fiddle yard behind an impressive loco shed scene. There are many other scenes including a brewery (currently being rebuilt), goods yard and a second loco shed. There was an impressive array of stock on view.
    In the centre of the main room were a few tables and chairs for visitors to sit and enjoy snacks and drinks from the kitchen. My daughter and I enjoyed a light dinner whilst observing a procession of trains on the layout. Highlight for me was a superb green liveried "Jubilee" (see picture below).
     
    Upstairs there was the second large layout. "Coopers Dale and Marston" is an impressive 00 gauge model. There is always something running on here either passing through the station on the lower level or passing behind the roof tops on the upper track. On the other side there is a superb viaduct scene. Organisers had carefully place some seats at this viewing point and it was nice to sit and watch the trains pass over this impressive structure. One IPhone snap (below) shows a Crosti 9F at this location.
    I could have sat here for quite some time, but my daughter had other ideas. Sadly she soon decided the attraction of Easter eggs at home was a better option and wanted to head for home. As a result I only got the briefest of views of the other layouts on the upper floor. These included a developing N gauge GWR model, "Princetown", a Thomas 00 gauge layout, a developing Scottish based 0 gauge model called "Dornock", a narrow gauge layout and a 00 gauge shunting layout called "Windmill Road". In addition there was also another demonstration in the upstairs room.
    There was certainly lots to see and the club is blessed with a host of impressive layouts. There is even a large G scale model near the entrance. I would certainly recommend a visit. The members are friendly. I met so many familiar faces who all wanted to stop and chat and I was made to feel very welcome. I could have stayed a lot longer than I did. My daughter was also greeted warmly. She was given a small chocolate egg with her dinner and was offered a sweet lollipop as she left. Certainly the club have the right idea for attracting the next generation.
     
    All in all - a great event, very enjoyable - possibly my favourite of the year so far.
    Here are a couple of pictures.
  20. andyram

    Here to stay!

    By andyram,

    What a difference a few days make. Since my last post a few layout confirmations have started to come in, and there have been one or two more layouts offered. If all confirm then the layout count will grow to about 16 so I am beginning to panic less. 7 layouts are definitely signed and sealed, and many of them include RMWeb members. Without a doubt the Weston 2015 event could well prove to be something of an RMWeb social. At the moment there could be up to 10 RMWeb members exhibiting this year. Now whose for the pub after the event???
    If anyone else wants to add to our number there are still spaces to fill! The school is undergoing some building work in the summer which will change the make up of some of the rooms we use, but space should not greatly suffer.
    This week has also seen my search for new trade stands prove fruitful with one new trader agreeing to attend, replacing one of our long standing traders who has been forced to pull out.
     
    But the biggest news of all can be revealed today. The Weston on Trent Exhibition has been run on a year to year basis since its birth in 2012. Initially it was planned as a one off event as part of a special year of school fundraising. Its success resulted in the event being repeated in 2013 and again in 2014. The new head teacher was happy enough with the funds raised last year to sanction this year's event. But that has pretty much been how its been, we have worked from year to year with layouts having to be booked in just an 11 month time span.
    But following a meeting with the head teacher today I can confirm that this uncertainty is no more. The new boss has given the go ahead for us to set dates for future years too. We are definitely here to stay and that means I can start long term planning and layout booking:
     
    And so the events are as follows:
    2015: Saturday 14th November.
    2016: Saturday 12th November.
     
    Come and join our friendly little show.
  21. andyram

    Is Big really the Best?

    By andyram,

    Throughout this week there has been plenty of excitement about this weekend's Warley exhibition. Sadly I have never been to this event, and my plans for a visit this weekend have been scuppered by a nasty case of flu! Strangely enough I do not feel that disappointed.
     
    This year Warley advertises 87 layouts, numerous demonstrations and plenty of traders ready to tempt people to part with their hard earned cash. There is also the manufacturers who will be announcing new products, and full size exhibits such as the part built Patriot class. There really is plenty to see. So why I am not that disappointed to be visiting this mecca of model railways.
     
    That fact is - I am going to play devils advocat for a few minutes. Can a show grow to be too big?
     
    The show is advertised as running from 9.45 - 6.00. Let's assume I can get in the show at 10am and stay until closing. That gives me 8 hours. Take away half an hour to have some lunch and that leaves 7 and a half hours or 450 minutes. That means that during that time, just to see all the layouts I would have an average of just over 5 minutes per layout. That does not account for the demos / traders and all other exhibits. Considering them would reduce the average time down to 2 or 3 minutes per exhibit. To me that sounds like a real rush!
    Considering the number of people who say they are going to the show, I am sure that there will be a large crowd inside the NEC and I wonder how easy it will be to get to see some of the exhibits.
    Entrance to the show is £13, and parking can be as much as £10. If I am going to pay that much out before I even get into the show I want to know that I will enjoy the event and have the time to see all that I want to see.
     
    The biggest event I regularly visit is the Stafford show which is quite a bit smaller than Warley. Despite spending the whole day there I sometimes come away feeling that I have not had enough time to properly see everything.
     
    At the smaller shows there is plenty of time to make two or three circuits of the exhibits, see everything, go back and view and photograph my favoured layouts and also spend time talking to some of the exhibitors. At these events it seems a lot more relaxed and less rushed, as a result I often come away having enjoyed them more.
     
    So, at the risk of asking a contraversial question, can a show actually be too big??
  22. andyram

    It is almost here!

    By andyram,

    I can't quite believe it. The Weston-on-Trent model railway show is almost here! The last nine months have flown by. It only seems like yesterday that I was suggesting the show during a fundraising staff meeting back in February. So much has happened in the mean time. The show, and the layout, have dominated my thoughts. Now the nerves are really jangling. Will the show be a success? Will we make some money for the school? Have I done enough advertising? Will enough people come through the door? Were my measurements accurate? Will all the exhibits fit in? Will all the exhibitors turn up?
     
    Only time will tell.
     
    One thing is for sure - the school is set up and ready. After a monumental attempt from the staff we have the hall, classroom and corridors set up and ready to receive their exhibits. One layout is partial set up in the classroom and Skaleby West is as ready as it can be. Just some packing up to do tonight,
     
    Let's hope it goes well!
     
    Whatever happens the last few months have been an interesting experience. I hope people have enjoyed reading about my experiences. If any RMWeb user visits the show tomorrow I hope you will have an enjoyable day. Please remember that it is our first attempt. We may make mistakes, please be patient with us! If you do come please come and say hello. I will be there all day operating Skaleby West. It will be great to chat to some fellow RMWebbers.
     
    And if you are coming here are some pics to wet your appetite.

    The main hall awaits the exhibits.
     

    The main corridor is also ready.
     

    An additional Skaleby West photograph for the show guide.
     
    Hope to see you tomorrow...
  23. andyram
    In my last blog entry a month ago I mentioned that I had begun the hunt for layouts to make up the 2013 Weston on Trent model railway show. With plenty of time until the November date I was expecting things to move slowly! I was wrong! The period around the school's half term break produced a rather manic spell when everything seemed to happen at once!
     
    It all started with a visit to the Sileby show where I had discussed the show with three layout owners. One of these was booked and another is on the reserve list. Then I went to Trowell and was offered the chance to have the Moxley Heath O gauge layout again. This was duely booked and things started to take shape. And then it happened - my email went into meltdown. Not a day went by without at least one show related email and some came completely out of the blue - like the message from the owners of last year's exhibit - Guy's Cuttings, offerring to return with one of their other layouts. These were N gauge monsters and led to some hasty remeasuring of the hall before I could finally feel confident that I can squeeze their 21 foot long Watts Crossing layout into the show.
    Other emails brought even more exhibits. One owner responded to my request for his layout, agreeing to come and offerring to bring his mate with him, complete with an additional 009 model. The offers just kept on coming.
     
    I was feeling fairly settled that things were progressing well...then I went to the Mansfield show. I had always intended to visit, and also wanted to chat to another exhibitor as well as having a first look at their layout. Not only did I do that, I came away with other potential exhibits too. During the day I spoke to a couple of other layout owners, both were keen to attend this year's Weston show. Apologies to them that I haven't yet been in touch. I will be soon!
     
    Following the Mansfield show I was finally able to sit down and take a breath. All of a sudden the floor plan was looking a lot more full. In fact my problem could now be fitting everyone in. I was speaking to our headteacher's husband at a school social the other night. He suggested I look at trying to blag another classroom. He may have a point - especially as offers kept on coming. I arranged the final trade stand for the event - they offered to bring their layout too! Then I was walking around Burton toy fair. My dad, who was standing the event, called me over. A gentleman had picked up a leaflet for the Weston show and was wanting to bring his minic motorway layout!!! I really could not believe it!
     
    So as I write this blog I have 16 layouts as good as booked. If I add those from the Mansfield show I will have 19, and I could push the total up to 21 with those two recent offers. Things really have come together, and it has definitely all happened at once.......
     
    The layout
    If the progress on the show was not enough - the same period brought a significant development with my show layout. The Skaleby and District council have formally passed the planning consent for the extension to the line. In real terms my wife has given me permission to construct the second scenic board. The wood is on order and so I can start to develop my plans. At present I plan to build the second board to fit at the goods shed end of Skaleby West, providing an extra run from station to fiddle yard. I plan to represent a little more of Skaleby village on this board, and have bought a couple more Skaledale buildings for this purpose. More updates soon.
     
    Until next time....
  24. andyram

    Keeping people happy

    By andyram,

    Earlier this week I read a blog by one of our exhibitors. Kev, builder and owner of the fabulous World War One layout "Up the Line" was discussing his preparation for an upcoming event. In his post he had a self confessed rant about the amount of time it took him to get ready for the event. He stated that he hoped his efforts were appreciated by exhibition managers. He then mentioned that he had it all to do again for the Weston show on the 14th November.
    Far from being offended by Kev's comments, I actually agree with them - and they got me thinking. I am sure that there is not an exhibition manager anywhere in the country who does not appreciate the efforts of the exhibitors who help to make their shows a success. The question is, do they do enough to show that appreciation?
    That is a question I really cannot answer. Apart from our own show, I have only exhibited at one other event - this was the Belper event back in March. On this occasion I would say that the organisers did show their appreciation. I was warmly welcomed upon arrival, offered help throughout the set up and was verbally thanked at the end of the event. I was also given an acceptable sandwich meal and four free drink vouchers. My exhibitors pack also included a dated badge to put on the layout to record its attendance. Is all this the norm? I do not know.
    As a show organiser I feel indebted to all of our exhibitors and their efforts. Without them the Weston show would not have been going for as long as it has. In recognition of this I do try and ensure I show our gratitude. I ensure all exhibitors are given full details in advance of the event, clearly explaining the day's arrangements. I ensure any expenses are paid on time. Our ladies in the kitchen pride themselves in delivering a good hot meal for all operators and we give out free drinks to them all day. Not sure on the menu for this year yet, but jacket spuds, salad and pasta were being discussed the other day!
    Finally I make sure that I email all exhibitors after the event to thank them for their attendance. I hope that this is enough!
     
    This year's show is now coming together. The current layout count has grown to 21. There are some fantastic layouts amongst them. Kev's newly extended "Up the Line" is back this year, defending its best in show title. It will certainly be one of the front runners for this year's award, but there is some good competition.
    My layout is making slow progress, see the Skaleby a West blog for details. I doubt the extension will be finished in time, but it can be shown as a work in progress on 14th November.
    At least the raffle is coming together. In the last week we have received generous donations of prizes from some local attractions. Step forward and take a bow Crich Tramway, Peak Rail, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and the Donington Collection.
     
    Hope to see you on the 14th November.
  25. andyram
    The Easter holidays are here, and a break from the constant round of planning, marking, teaching and assessing student teachers. A chance to spend some time with the family and catch up with some modelling. Here is the latest update....
     
    The layout
    Despite the granting of planning permission for the extension to Skaleby West, and the placing of an order for the wood, there has been no physical progress as regards the second scenic board. That does not mean things have been at a standstill however. The early part of the Easter break has seen me tackling a few more jobs on the orginal board.
    Some of the scenics for Skaleby West were completed in a rush, in order to get the job done for last year's show. The buildings, with the exception of the cottage, were simply placed onto the layout with no additional detailing. They served their purpose, but I always felt that the Skaledale signal box looked a little too clean and fresh out of the box. So on Easter Monday, whilst watching the Rams record their ninth successive win over Leeds on Sky tv, I set about the model with the weathering powders. This was a little nerve wracking as the only item I had previously weathered was the station's red telephone box. Initially I used some "brown muck" and dry brushed this down the cream top of the 'box, ensuring the powders were worked into the corners and the recesses between each "plank of wood". The same colour was then dry brushed over the brick work, and lightly over the roof. Quite a bit of the powder did fall onto the cinder ground cover. I brushed this into the scatter material and it does seem to blend in like a "sandy soil". I am not sure yet whether to leave this or re-cover it with fresh scatter material as I am not sure about how effective the current look is.
    Once I had finished the brown I added a dry brush covering of "black muck" to the signal box. This blended in quite well. I then followed this up with a liberal covering of hairspray. I used this method on the telephone box and it seems to work well. The hairpsray does seem to fix the powders without leaving a "sheen".
    The completed signal box can be seen here. The weathering does appear subtle as the hairspray does remove some of the powders as it is sprayed.

     
    I then used the "black muck" powder to weather the grounded van body which acts as the office for the coal merchants. This can be seen here.

    I am quite pleased with the effect on both models, although I may add a touch more weathering to the signal box as I am not sure it is weathered enough. I still have plans to detail the interior of this model too.
     
    During the last few days I have taken advantage of the layout's "temporary" location in the lounge to run a few trains. I am not able to fit the fiddle yard board in, so the Peco loco lift has been used instead, meaning short trains only. For the benefit of my daughter, my 25 (ish) year old model of Thomas the Tank Engine visited Skaleby West complete with Annie and Clarabel. But recently it has been my large Prairie tank, number 6134 that has been used to shunt wagons in the goods yard. Here are a few pics of the locomotive stood at the platform.


     
    The poor scratchbuilt goods shed remains in-situ at present and can be seen here with the wagons awaiting their turn to be unloaded.

     
    And so with a week and a half of my break remaining I hope to make further progress. At the very least I want to have picked up the wood and made a start on finalising the plans for the second board. I do know that this will likely feature a single track running through, with the scenery depicting more of the village scene - beyond that my plans remain a little bit hazy.
     
    The show
    After a busy few weeks at work things have been a little bit quiet in terms of the show. Apologies to those people awaiting emails from me, I have not forgotten, I have just not got around to it yet. Expect to hear from me shortly.
    I have started sending out more publicity leaflets and I have finalised the final trade stand for the show. Things are continuing to take shape.
     
    Until next time....
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