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andyram

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  1. andyram

    Trowell 2013

    By andyram,

    My half term break ended as it began with a visit to a model railway exhibition. Like Sileby last week, the Trowell show packs a lot into a relatively small venue. It is always a good show and this year's was no different. I had been looking forward to the event all week, and it looks like I was not the only one. Throughout the morning the show was packed with a very good crowd.
    The show featured three very large layouts. The Ilkeston group's own layout "Kimberley" was on display on the stage. This is an excellent model of the through station in B.R days. The model was making its exhibition debut and it looked fantastic. I was particularly impressed by the detail in the gardens of the buildings near to my vantage point. There was plenty of action and both myself and my 14 month old daughter enjoyed watching the passing trains for quite some time.
    Kimberley was in contrast to Westwold. This 00 gauge 1950/60's model was being exhibited by the Caistor MRC. A spectacular model indeed with loads of detail - it was let down by a serious attack of Gremlins. Nothing seemed to be running well, and I never saw a train travel the entire length of the model untroubled. Such a shame and I really felt for the operators it must be terrible and very frustrating when things like that happen.
    The third large layout was "Tummel" an O gauge Scottish terminus which I have seen before. This is an excellent model with some lovely cameo scenes. O gauge models look great and I really admired their Standard 4 tank and Scottish Director as they entered the station.
    Another Scottish based model was Andy Peters' "Glen Roy" which features digital sound B.R blue diesels. This was also a lovely model and attracted a good crowd.
    The show gave me a chance to view Jim Read's "Moxley Heath" O gauge layout. This attended my Weston show last week. Despite being in the same room as Jim on the day I never got a good look at the model. It is amazing how he has managed to fit a working O gauge model in such a small space. It was nice to chat to Jim again and he has even suggested that I would like to attend Weston again this year if he is free. Fingers crossed!
    Opposite Jim was John Bottomley's "Torridge" layout. This features in the latest issue of Railway Modeller and depicts a West Country terminus complete with milk depot. This is also a lovely detailed model, with scenics achievable for all. Torridge is booked to attend the Weston 2013 show and I look forward to seeing it there.
    One other stand out model was "Tom's Shed" which was built for a recent Hornby Magazine 3ft challenge. What detail. This really depicted a working steam shed very well in such a small space. A real credit to its builders!
     
    There were other exhibits too, all excellent, which made this show another enjoyable event. I did manage to pick up a couple of things for my next modelling project....but that is for another blog!
  2. 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!
  3. andyram
    In a recent "Hornby Magazine" interview Simon Kohler came out and said that he believed that much of Hornby's recent supply problems were behind them, and that he hoped all of the items listed in the 2014 catalogue would be released during the forthcoming year. This means that 2014 should see a lot of exciting models appearing in the shops. The long awaited P2 should finally arrive and should be joined by the new GWR "Hall" as well as many new models announced in the new catalogue.
    For me personally the announcement of the K1 was particularly exciting. As my home layout is based loosely on Goathland this will fit perfectly, especially if they produce a model of 62005. The new, affordable, TSO mark 1 coaches will not go amiss either!
     
    This weekend, however, I read some disturbing news in the business section of a tabloid daily newspaper. The brief article claimed that
    "shares in the company had slid on Friday, after it said that problems with a Chinese supplier would lead to a £1 million loss this year".
    Does this represent further problems for the company, or is it a result of the supply problems from last year? The article also claimed that shares had "fallen by 9%, but recovered to finish the day's trading 3% down". It also claimed that it will cost Hornby "£600,000 to pull out of the supply contract."
     
    I wonder if this perceived loss has been caused by the fact Hornby have decided to cut their losses and pull out of the contract with the supplier who has caused the delays. This outlay could contribute to such a loss. If this is the case, hopefully a new supplier will provide a better service and get Hornby back "on track" by meeting their promise of releasing all items during 2014. If this is not the case then we could be facing another frustrating year of delays.
     
    I really hope that Hornby's promise of a better year is true. It certainly needs a good year, and some good publicity. I would hate to see it lose its way. Perhaps another James May's Toy Stories programme featuring another madcap Hornby challenge would not go amiss!!!
  4. andyram

    Taking Stock

    By andyram,

    As the Weston-on-Trent show creeps closer here is a further update:
     
    The show
    What a difference a few days make. In my last blog I reported that a layout pulling out had reduced the total to 18. Within a few days it has increased to a provisional total of 21. One small layout which had pulled out earlier in the year is now coming again, and I have received a kind offer from another RMWeb user to bring their shunting layout too! It will certainly be good to welcome one of the website's younger members to the event.
    I have also confirmed arrangements for our first ever guest demonstrator. This has resulted in me opening up another small room in the school for this year's event. As part of the demonstration stand RMWeb user DonB's developing model of the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway will be on show. Although work in progress it will be well worth seeing!
    As thing stands the show will feature exhibits in 4 rooms and 2 corridors. This should be made up of 21 layouts, 8 traders and 2 demonstrations. At present there are just a couple of layouts awaiting final confirmation. Once this has been received I will post a full list of visiting layouts on the blog and the show page.
     
     
    The layout
    I now have the extra flowers and some more stock boxes courtesy of the Burton show last weekend. Now all I need to do is complete the extra scenic touches and decide on a loco roster for this year's show. I admit that I have a little bit of a dilemma with this. I am struggling to decide which of my vast collection of locos to roster into service for the day.
    For many years I was a railway modeller without a layout. During this time I did build up a rather large collection of steam outline models. These cover all of the “Big Four” regions as well as a selection of B.R standards. The majority are liveried in British Railways colours with a mix of early and late crests.
    Skaleby West does not represent any particular location or era. It could easily pass for a preserved line or a branch line in the latter days of steam. The only scenic items which suggest a location are the Midland region signal box, and the maroon liveried benches and station lamps. It was for this reason that I chose to run the layout with a Midland region feel last year. The initial loco roster included the following weathered models;
     
    Bachmann Standard 4 number 75065
    Hornby “Black 5” number 44762
    Bachmann Fairburn tank number 42667
    Bachmann Standard 4 number 80120 (seen below on my home layout)

     
    The first two locos did look a little too large for such a small layout, and a certain amount of artistic licence was used when running them on the short passenger trains.
    A second passenger set was worked regularly by my unweathered Bachmann Ivatt tank number 41324. This was borrowed, along with the coaching stock, from my permanent home layout, Skaleby. The loco and carriages worked at regular points during the day to depict a service from the model’s sister station (see below).

    My spare locomotives were two Bachmann unweathered models, “Jinty” number 47279 (seen on the layout below) and Midland 3F number 43474. These were both pressed into regular service due to problems with the Standard 4 tank and the Fairburn and ran impeccably.

    But what should I do this year? Do I stick with the Midland theme? If so what models should I choose? I definitely need to make some changes to last year’s roster. The Fairburn tank has developed a fault and cannot run and 75065 and the Black 5 really are too big.
     
    My plan is to run with two passenger sets and two mixed freight sets throughout the day, with the freights being shunted in the yard in between each arrival and departure. This means I need 5 regular locomotives and a couple of spares. Perhaps I will throw it open to others. Any suggestions as to what I should run??
  5. andyram

    Wirksworth 2014

    By andyram,

    It has been a fair few months since I have added an entry to this blog. That is not because of a lack of show visits. I have visited several over the last few months including Derby, Mickleover, Butterley, Bakewall and more. Many of my comments have been posted on the show's own pages. Sadly some of my comments have led to some criticism from some of the argumentative members of this site! As a result I would like to issue a safety warning. The views on here are my opinions only, and any criticisms are meant as constructive comments!!!
     
    And so to today. I like the Wirksworth event - it is rather unique in having three different sites spread across the town. The short walk between them breaks up the event and there are some nice little shops to look at whilst en-route. There is also the Ecclesborne Valley Railway to ride on as well if you so wish with DMU's on the main route and steam on the short incline branch.
     
    Back to the show and there was a good mix of layouts. I know that the organisers had had some problems with booked layouts dropping out, but they had done well to put on a decent show. The Ilkeston group had provided three layouts with the pick being "Fenby Quay" which is becoming a real show regular. Meanwhile their "Elveden Road" was a recently completed project showing a modern day servicing depot.
    The third Ilkeston model was "Woodside Lane Stabling Point". This small layout has also been seen at many shows over the years and has visited this show on at least one previous occasion.
    For 0 gauge enthusiasts there were two models - Catley Chemicals and Woodthorpe Shed. The latter showing some outstanding models. For someone who is a 00 gauge steam enthusiast there was very little. The only model to fit the bill was Derek Gelsthorpe's "Sutton Junction". I have seen this on many occasions and really like the model. It is a nicely sized terminus layout and there is always something happening. However one thing that, in my opinion, lets it down is how the model is operated. When shunting stock locos are allowed to change direction in an instant without any kind of pause. To me that spoils any sort of realism the model portrays. This may be a personal preference as I have seen similar practice on another of Derek's layouts - "Idle Way".
     
    The second room had another good mix of layouts. It was good to catch up with some Mickleover Club members and see one of their layouts for the first time. There was a lot of modern image here again, diesel layouts seem to be in the majority at this year's event. There was also a trio of foreign layouts. Those who admire the continental modelling could not fail to be impressed by the sizeable "L'Etoile de Chevineaux" a lengthy HO gauge French inspired model. Sadly I do not find these kind of models of interest.
     
    The modelling quality was varied in this room with one layout which, in my opinion, did not reach exhibition standard. Model buildings that were not well fixed together, exposed polystyrene formers, ill fitting building and tunnel fronts that exposed the constructions behind all spoilt a very busy and unique model. There was little operational interest either. I am sure some found the various cameo scenes impressive but for me the very poor workmanship spoilt it all.
     
    The third room mainly featured trade but there was a large display of Twix Twin and two small layouts including the N gauge layout Bitsand which had lots of passing trains.
     
    All in all an enjoyable show. Here are my light hearted awards.
     
    Best layout:
    3rd: Elveden Road - only completed in the week leading up to the show. A good looking modern day layout.
    2nd: L'Etoile de Cehvineaux - the largest model in the show. An impressive HO gauge French layout.
    1st: Fenby Quay - for the scenic and sound fitted locos it gets my vote.
     
    Best model loco:
    An 0 gauge "Crab" on Woodthorpe Shed caught my eye.
     
    The humorous:
    The inaccuracies of one visitor's monologue on the production "Deltic" which seemed to bore one of the operators.
     
    The worst:
    The poor workmanship on one layout in the second room despite displaying some "best in show" trophies! If it was "work in progress" model I could understand its appearance, but it wasn't.
  6. andyram
    Well I managed it! Four weekends in February and four model railway shows visited,.....and my wife is still talking to me! Result!!!
     
    This is another small show, but I really did enjoy it. Lots of very good layouts to enjoy. The club's own model of Ilkeston Town station in 00 gauge was excellent a really good depiction of the branch line terminus from the days of the LMS. The scenics were excellent.
    The Soar Valley M.R.C layout, Aylett End, is one I have seen a couple of times before. It is also very nice and there always seemed to be something happening. The last couple of times I saw it it seemed to be worked by sound fitted locos, on this occasion it didn't seem to be the case though. Despite this I still very much enjoyed watching the action once again.
     
    Now that I am in the middle of sorting out the exhibition for my school, any show visit seems to involve looking for exhibits. Today was a big success. I liked Chris Trafford's ironing board layout "Board Lane" so much that I asked him if he was free straight away. Layout booked - just need to put him somewhere in the floor plan. It was a great little shunting layout in 00 gauge fine scale and I could have watched it for ages. How impressive to fit so much in such a small space!
     
    Great credit also goes to the Ilkeston Woodside MRC members. This was their 10th annual show and their 25th anniversary. They were such a great help to me. A chance conversation with a member produced all sorts of help with the possibilities of layouts and trade stands. A big thanks to all, with support like that no wonder they have been running for so long. I look forward to seeing them at our show in November.
     
    My only disappointment - well two actually!
    1) I still can't find the dry stone wall pieces I need for the rear of the station on my Skaleby layout. I did buy a book to help with my ideas for Skaleby West though, so my money didn't stay in my pocket this time.
    2) I picked the wrong time to go to the canteen. Just as the exhibitors lunches were being given out! No bacon ready for the general public! Not going to complain though, the exhibitors need their lunches and the cup of tea and cake was nice instead. Apparantly the bacon sandwiches were very nice - so says my father in law. Yes! 2 weeks after we bought him his first Hornby train set for his 65th birthday he is now firmly bitten by the modelling bug and Trowell was his first show. He spent more than me too!!!!
     
    So 4 shows in 4 weekends. Can I make it 5 in 5??? Well there is the Mansfield show on Saturday and Sunday. I wonder if the wife will babysit.....
  7. andyram
    Last Sunday I was sitting in the spare bedroom catching up on school work. I had lifted the window blinds and was enjoying the warmth of the Autumn sunshine which was streaming through the window whilst I beavered away on the laptop. I suddenly noticed that the sunlight was hitting Skaleby West which was lying dormant on top of the rabbit hutch. The natural light created some great effects and I could not resist taking advantage and taking some photos. I hope you like them.

    The sun peeks through the trees, casting shadows over the thatched cottage.

    A view of the cottage taken from track level.

    A quiet moment on the platform.........

    .....is disturbed by the passing of a light engine as Pannier tank 5775 passes through.

    The Pannier returns with a short freight.
     

    And finally another picture from the Weston show as Ivatt tank 41324 is seen at Skaleby West with the final train of the day.
  8. 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.
  9. andyram
    Weston-on-Trent Model Railway Show 2013
     
    Last year I wrote a blog entry, entitled "The Longest Day", to recount the events of the inaugral Weston-on-Trent model railway show. Without doubt this year's event produced an even longer "longest" day.
     
    For me the Weston 2013 event began with an unwelcome 5am alarm. This was followed by a leisurely breakfast, before I embarked on the "ninja" loading up of the car as I tried to load up Skaleby West without disturbing my slumbering wife and daughter. Things seemed to go very well and the layout was packed up quicker than last year. Amazing considering I was taking an extra board this time.
    I was ready to leave by 6.30am. The journey to school was slow as I paused to put up the road signs. Following the comments from last year's event we were fortunate enough to have the loan of some larger and professional signs. A big thank you to the Mickleover Model Railway Club for allowing us to use their signs. Mind you, putting them up in the dark and the early morning drizzle was an interesting experience!!
     
    I arrived at school by 7am at the same time as the first trader. A quick wrestle with the padlock and I was able to open the side gate and allow them into the hall.
    The next few hours passed by in a whirl with a constant procession of arrivals as setting up got into full swing. Inbetween showing people to their pitches I was able to set up Skaleby West. I was pleased that the layout had arrived intact with none of the damage sustained last year. The station fencing, lamps and furniture all remained firmly in place, and even the trees had not shed many of their leaves. It looks like last year's repairs had worked well. Then the moment of truth arrived. The controller was plugged in and the first loco was placed on the track. Unlike last year it worked first time. My trusty "Jinty" 47279 shunted from fiddle yard to fiddle yard with a single wagon in tow. A few little pieces of track cleaning and everything seemed ok.
     
    Before long opening time arrived and the stress levels seemed very low. Things seemed to be going smoothly. There were none of the dramas compared to last year - no sluggish ovens or staff locked in the toilets! I should have known things were too good to be true. Within the first half an hour I received reports of complaints over the car parking. It seemed that the car park was "rammed" by opening time. Whether some of the exhibitors had not heeded my request to move their cars to the pub car park, whether some of the school staff had likewise ignored the request or whether we had had an early rush I do not know! There was also a report from a colleague that someone had backed their car into a lamp-post although no member of the public reported that to me. Having done the same thing myself a few years ago after a particularly tiring day I hope there was not too much damage.
    In response to the obvious parking issue I called in an offer of help from members of the Ilkeston Woodside Model Railway club and deployed their members on car park duty. A huge thanks to them. If I can ever repay the favour in anyway I will!
     
    Later in the day I heard reports that there was plenty of cars parked in the nearby Village Hall car park and in the adjoining roads. We certainly seemed to have had a good number of visitors and there was a steady crowd all day. The stall holders reported much improved takings.
     
    All in all the show seemed to go well. Once again the ladies in the kitched worked tirelessly and there was plenty of praise from exhibitors and public about the quality of the lunches. Lots of people seemed to pass on positive comments and the only issue that was raised was the parking.
     
    As for Skaleby West after its smooth start it produced a tempremental morning. There was lots of stalling issues, especially from the usually reliable "Jinty". After much consideration the final loco roster was made up of:
    Jinty 47279
    Ivatt tank 41324
    Midland 3F 43474
    Standard 4 tank 80120
    Standard 4 75065 (afternoon only)
    Super D 49395
     
    Of these locos the Standards generally ran well, although the tank had a habit of stalling in the same place all day. The Jinty had a tendancy to derail wagons during shunting movements as its coupling seemed to ride under those on the wagons. The most reliable proved to be the Ivatt tank.
    The Super D was the one new engine into the ranks. It had never left the box before and so was understandably a little sluggish at first. By the afternoon it ran well.
     
    During the day I also managed to sell a few unwanted items and reinvested the money into a new purchase. A second Ivatt tank, a weathered version, was added to the ranks and made a brief appearance late in the day whilst a young "fan" was having an operating turn.
     
    So all in all the show seemed to be a success. The current total is just under £1000 which is much higher than last year. A big thank you to all involved - the exhibitors, traders, visitors and staff. A special thanks to the Mickleover group for the loan of the road signs and their donation and the Ilkeston club for their work in the car park. I hope to post some photos soon although the files are currently being described as "too big".
     
    As I sit he bleary eyed after being awake for 18 hours I feel pleased with the efforts. Another year has gone. I have now organised two shows. Would I do it again.....you bet I would!!!
  10. andyram

    Mansfield 2013

    By andyram,

    If you are free tomorrow (Sunday 3rd March) I recommend you get over to Mansfield for the second day of this show. I am sure you will not be disappointed!
     
    I first visited the Mansfield show last year and found it to be a very friendly show. This year's visit was the same. I only expected to stay for about an hour, but ended up staying for over three. So many of the exhibitors and visitors to this show are friendly and are willing to chat. Of course it helps that many are RMWeb members.
    I have only been a member of this site for about a year or so, so still consider myself a "newbie", but there were so many fellow users who said hello and wanted to chat that I was made to feel very welcome. Even one of the stallholders asked my name and conducted business on first name terms - it is just those little touches!
     
    As for the layouts there were some very impressive ones on display too. Several familiar models were present - Jim Read with his excellent "Moxley Heath" and "Dava" with his new layout "Coney Hill" which is coming along a treat. It was great to see the Ixion O gauge tank engine running on this layout. What a nice model and very smooth runner too.
    Redgate Models "Fourgig East" was on display again. It is still a work in progress, but is looking a very nice model. It was nice to watch Ian at work with tooth brush and ballast.
    I saw Andy Peters' "Glen Roy" for a second week in a row. This time there were a few steam interlopers on this B.R blue era layout - these had DCC sound too. The Black 5 was an excellent model - wish I had the cash for one! Oh well I can't be greedy. I did pick up a lovely Bachmann D11 today. Not sure what to tell the wife!!
     
    Upon visiting the show I expected to be voting for Kirkby Stephen West as the best in show. A truely impressive 00 gauge model of the S & C. I did watch this for quite a while. The scenics and the procession of trains never disappoint. There is always something new to see, and to raise a smile. The "Rivet Counter detector van" was still doing its rounds, and has been joined by a builders van - neatly belonging to Bob!
    However "Mozzers" Coombe Rock layout gave me a dilema! Now I am not usually a fan of U.S layouts. Nothing against them, they are just not my thing. But the detail in this was superb right down to the details inside the buildings including the card game in the saloon bar and the drunk slumped outside. So much to see - this really is a fantastic layout and it made choosing which to vote for very tricky!
    I could mention all the layouts as they were all great. I enjoyed the two modern image layouts Dudley Road and Peter's Street and one or both could be winging their way to Weston at the end of the year. In fact there could be a couple of other layouts being added to the show from today. That was completely unexpected - but I will tell more when I update the Weston show blog.
  11. andyram
    It has been a few weeks since I have last posted. Work has been very hectic with loads of management issues to deal with. One student teacher has departed, and another one has now arrived. A round of interviews and new teaching assistant appointments have been completed and shortlisting for a new teacher is taking place. All of this, alongside, the day to day teaching has understandably taken my focus away from the Weston on Trent Model Railway Show.
    That does not mean that there has not been progress however. The show has started to take shape. More of the layout information forms have started to drift back in with 7 having now arrived. Another two emails were received to confirm layout bookings and the forms should arrive soon. These, along with the other verbal agreements I have received, mean I reckon that the provisional layout total has risen to 15. There are couple of layouts, discussed at exhibitions, that have gone worryingly quiet - but there is still a time to go before the show so plenty of opportunity to secure other exhibits.
    RMWeb has come up trumps again. One member has contacted me and offered to bring their layout. They have a fair journey but have offered to pay their own travel and accommodation. I feel humbled by such an offer. Another member has put me in touch with a friend who may be interested in bringing their layout. Once again I am indebted to this site.
     
    Another demonstration has been agreed, and this could possibly bring huge benefits to the show. Details of this are still to be confirmed so I cannot share, what could be exciting news, just yet. As soon as I can, I will!
     
    Finally there is an update on my layout building plans. As described in my last post - I had decided that Skaleby West should not be shown for a fifth successive year. Work has begun on Skaleby North Yard which, hopefully, will be debuting at the show. The layout has its own thread in the layout topics section. However here is a picture preview.
     
    Until next time..
  12. 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??
  13. andyram
    On Saturday evening, as I headed up to Nottingham to collect my wife from another visit to her mum's, the legendary Queen song that has leant its name to this entry came onto the radio. I could not help but think it was a rather poignant choice. Not only could some of the lyrics rather brutally refer to the fallen soldiers who had been remembered earlier in the day, but the title could also refer to Weston on Trent Model Railway show. After all another one had just bitten the dust. This time it was definitely the show that nearly did not happen - and, more than likely, had been the very last one.
     
    The day had been another epic. I was up at 5am, after precious little sleep, and hastily packed Skaleby West into the car. With welcome help from fellow RMWeb member, Andy Sharpe (leopard), I had avoided the job of putting up road signs on the drive to the school.
    Andy had proved to be a real gem. He also gave up his Friday afternoon to come over to the school and help me set up the hall and clear the classrooms. I was indebted to my new boss for releasing me to go over to the old place during my allotted planning time. The Friday set up proved vital as it helped to iron out a few flaws in the floorpan.
    Since I had left the school the renovations to the building had been completed, and this led to some last minute alterations to my plan. Relocated fire doors, plug sockets and large pieces of furniture all caused some difficulties.
     
    On the Saturday morning I arrived just before 7am and was relieved to see that the old boss was true to his word - the school had been opened up on time, although it was the caretaker who had performed the task rather than the big chief. Unfortunately he had forgotten to unlock the side access gate to the hall. Fortunately I was able to locate the key much quicker than last year and this exhibitors, who had been waiting on the doorstep, could get in to set up.
    Having commandeered the school stage blocks the previous day, I was able to get Skaleby West set up much more quickly. The staging once again provided the support structure instead of the usual trestles. This meant I simply had to sit the layout onto the blocks and connect it up. Once again Andy stepped in to help and fitted the drapes that hang down beneath the layout.
     
    Set up raced by with all layouts ready in plenty of time. There were very few grumbles about the request to move cars to the nearby pub and we were able to get the school car park as clear as possible ready for the public. The only pre-opening issues came from the non-completion of a couple of jobs allocated to the staff earlier in the week. The secretary had failed to print off and envelope up the lunch passes, whilst another staff member had not completed the signs pointing the way to the new classroom. The cleaners had also failed to deal with an unpleasant mess in one of the children's toilets. Ironically my replacement on the staff stepped up to sort out the first two jobs whilst I dealt with the toilet!
     
    The show opened to a small queue at 10.30am and I started to worry. Due to my difficult working situation I had not publicised the show between December and June. Leaflets went out in a rush from the summer and we did what we could to promote the show as much as we could. I worried that it had not been enough. Fortunately the arrival of the 11am service bus brought a mini-rush and things picked up from then on with further mini-rushes brought in by the 12.00 and 1pm buses.
    At 11am the show paused. My hard working helper, Chris, left her kitchen duties to signal the start of the Armistice Day silence by ringing the bell at 11am. Despite the show being sprawled across seven different rooms, the bell brought about a perfect silence. You really could hear a pin drop across the whole school. A big thank you to all the layout owners for quietening their sound fitted locos and the visitors who showed the appropriate respect. As I bowed my head behind Skaleby West, with an Ivatt 2 tank paused in the platform, I have to admit to having a lump in my throat.
     
    The rest of the day flew by. We were never packed, with the classrooms seeming quiet at times. However the main hall always seemed busy and there was a nice buzz about the place. A friend from church was exhibiting a layout too, and their teenage son took a break from duties there to relieve me on my layout. We actually had a bit of banter about who could solve the card generated shunting puzzles the quickest.
     
    The layout ran well and proved enjoyable to operate. Unlike its previous outing at Sheffield, it ran with the river bridge extension. It was further embellished by the addition of an EFE made Barton's bus that had been a gift from the school's parents when I left. It was altered to carry my name and class' name along the sides with the village name added to the destination blind. Sadly very few parents and children from the school were there to see it. This seemed to be the poorest turn out from within the school community in the show's history. The fact that few children seemed to be aware of the show when I visited on Friday may have had something to do with it. It seems the school had not bothered to promote it from within. The show did not even warrant an advert in their latest newsletter!
     
    Despite the lack of school advertising, the numbers through the door were comparable to previous years - maybe slightly less. The combination of ticket sales, refreshments and raffle sales helped to bring in a total profit of £956. This means that in six years the show has raised around £5,500 for school funds.That it something I am very proud of.
     
    And what of the head teacher I hear you ask? The person who I hold solely responsible for my decision to leave, the person who will benefit from most of the money raised had rostered himself to help out for the whole day. He finally arrived at 3.15pm although I did not see him until nearly an hour later when I was in the hall giving out the best in show trophy. The reason for his absence changed from one story to another - I definitely smell a rat.
     
    I am not concerned by the ex-boss' apathy however. I am very proud of what the show team achieved. The ladies in the kitchen excelled themselves again. Their friendly service and the quality of the food received countless praise throughout the day. I am just putting together a compilation of the positive feedback to pass on to them. Many visitors also praised the varied exhibits on display. With a record 25 layouts on display we certainly had something for everyone. One member told me that he felt the show was better than some of the larger exhibitions he had attended. That really is welcome praise. Many said that they hoped that the show would not prove to be the last........
     
    And so what next?
     
    I cannot believe what has happened. Back in February 2012, after visiting a local church show, I had a fledgeling idea that we could stage a model railway show in our school to raise funds. Four days later, whilst visiting the Severn Valley Railway, I allowed the idea to grow and put together a full plan for the show whilst I sat on the train. That "business plan" was shared at a staff meeting and the show was given the go-ahead. The first event used the hall and one classroom. It led to the birth of this blog. Since then the show has grown year on year culminating in this year's event which filled the hall, corridor and six classrooms.
     
    And now it appears to be all over. I have reached the end of the journey.
     
    Six years ago I had no idea how to organise a model railway event. I really did learn "on the job". This blog is a record of that experience. It has been an unforgettable experience and one that I am very proud of. I would dare to say that organising the Weston on Trent show is one of my proudest achievements and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I would like to thank everyone who helped with the show whether they have been exhibitor, trader, visitor or helper. If my time as an exhibition manager is at an end, I will miss it. Thanks to everyone who has read and commented on this blog.
     
    THE END!
  14. andyram
    I cannot believe it has been over a year since I last posted in this blog. The story of the 2016 Weston on Trent Model Railway show has been told in its own thread in the exhibitions section of RMWeb. It was a big success, breaking all records with the most layouts ever in attendance and raising over £1000 for school funds. On that day posters were already up around the school advertising the 2017 event. I was already thinking about layout bookings and was, in my mind, thinking about 2018, 2019 and beyond. Then all went quiet! Why?
     
    This academic year has been the most difficult of my entire teaching career. A large number of negative circumstances, none of which are my own doing, have made my working life very difficult. This has contributed to excessively long working days, illness and a huge reduction in job satisfaction. To be fair many of these aspects were in place at the time of the last show but I had battled through it. Since December I have been actively seeking new employment whether that be a promotion into school leadership or a teaching post elsewhere. This has meant that I had put the show firmly to the back of my mind. Throughout the early part of this year it was described as "on hold" and "unlikely to happen". In May I took the decision to resign my post and I will officially leave the school at the end of this term. Where am I going? At present I have no idea. I am continuing to seek employment and have signed to a supply teaching agency so that I can continue to earn from September. At present I have a couple of other job irons in the fire. It is a scary time, but also quite exciting. The decision has eased the huge stress that had been mounting up throughout the year and was threatening my health, my well being and my marriage.
     
    But...and this is where the title of this thread comes in. It has nothing to do with my booked tickets to see the mighty Queen and Adam Lambert perform in December. The Show Must Go On!!!
    Once my resignation had been announced to the staff I had a couple of my regular helpers persuade me that we really ought to stick to the advertised 2017 date. They also were keen to do the show again. After all a £1000 a year is not to be sniffed at!!! Despite the money I was surprised that these non-railway modelling ladies wanted to repeat the show, and did not want to take the opportunity of an extra day of pre-Christmas shopping. But they actually enjoy the show and the friendly, pleasant people who frequent our little event. And so their persuasions have worked.
     
    The Show Must Go On!!!
     
    I have agreed (not that I took too much persuading) to organise the event for 2017. Will it be my swansong? My final act for the school? Time will tell. At present I have agreed for this year, and this year only. The future of the event will depend on several factors:
    a) its success this year and the money raised.
    b) how workable it is for me to organise when I am no longer on the staff
    c) my working situation post 2017.
     
    And so I now have a challenge. When the show was originally conceived way back in 2012, I managed to throw it together in just nine months. Then it was brand new, with nothing to live up to. Now we have a reputation, and from what I understand, it is a very good one. I have just 5 months to put together an event that is up there with our previous offerings. No pressure there then!
    So far - all of our traders have agreed to return and we have assembled approximately 10 - 12 layouts. We need more of these. The search is on and not a lot of time to find them. I am therefore throwing myself towards the good people of RMWeb to help. You helped to make this show what it is. At every event over 50% of the layouts have come from the good people of this website. Can anyone help us?
     
    The Show Must Go On!!!!
     
    THE DATE IS
     
    SATURDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
     
    (edited to include the date)
  15. andyram

    The clock is ticking!

    By andyram,

    Back in February I uttered those immortal words during a school staff meeting...."perhaps we could have a model railway show to raise funds for the school". And so there was no backing out. The staff liked the idea and handed the organisation over to me. After all, I am sure that none of the female dominated staff had ever been to a model railway show, let alone realised such things existed!! I am not being sexist here you understand...there are some great blogs written by female modellers out there...they are just not part of our staff who see the token male and his interest in all things model railways to be a passing amusement! Mind you, I think they saw a great "get out clause". With the school celebrating its 5th anniversary in its new purpose built building, and needing to raise £5,000, the headteacher wanted the staff to run a fundraising event to contribute. So why not let the token male go away and do it all?? Perfect for them...not so for me!
     
    In February I was panicing. How on earth could I get this done. I have never been a member of a model railway club, and didn't know a thing about organising a show! What was I to do?? Thankfully many fellow RMWebbers came to my assistance and things began to move. Now the clock is ticking and there are just a few weeks to go until the day of the event finally arrives! It is amazing to look back and see how far things have come. From having no layouts and no idea how to get any..I now have several. Fellow bloggers have promised some layouts with Irton Road, Friarsgate, Guy's Cuttings and Summat Colliery all agreeing to attend for little or no expenses. A big thanks to these guys in advance and I can't wait to see all of these layouts on the day. I also have a demostrator and a diorama that I must confirm in the next few days.
     
    The organising of the show has also given me plenty of bargaining power with my wife. She has been very understanding as I have disappeared off to attend countless local shows in the hunt for more layouts. This has produced a display of micro layouts from Ken Jones and Malcolm Hughes as well as a commitment from the Famous Trains group to bring their "Darley Green" layout. Chris Trafford's "Board Lane" has also been promised and I await an email from a gentleman I saw at Butterley who also promised to attend with his foreign based layout. I also have some representatives from the Ilkeston group who are attending with their Thomas layout which the children can pay to drive - funds going to the school. Thanks in advance guys!!!
     
    I was flying even before a visiting teacher heard about the event and promised a rather large modular layout from the Belper group.
     
    And then of course there is my own layout, Skaleby West. I hadn't even thought of attempting a show layout before February, but now this is nearly finished. The fiddle yard board has been completed and one small area of scenery still needs to be attempted. Can I leave it until October half term??? Maybe not! That is just two weeks before the show.
     
    So as I take stock, and finalise the floor plan over a relaxing pint of "Flying Scotsman" real ale I can feel the panic subsiding a little. Lots of layouts and plenty of trade stands promised too! Hang on! There is still the catering to organise, the show guide to finish and the traders stall rents to collect. Oh and the hope that all my measurements are correct and everything fits where I intend it to go! Oh and that enough people respond to our adverts and turn up on the day...nothing worse than an exhibition with no punters! I can feel the panic returning. Maybe I need another pint!!!
     
    Actually what I do need is the staff to step forward and help out with the catering and the raffle. I had better hope that they step up during tomorrow night's fundraising meeting. The only thing on the agenda - the Weston-on-Trent Model Railway show. Oh and I have a couple of small gaps in corridors. Just right for a couple of small shelf layouts. Now then....if anyone is free on Saturday 10th November....................
     
     
    Until next time...
  16. andyram
    Just over a week ago I broke up for my school's half term planning a relaxing week at home with my wife and new daughter. I had even hoped that I could end my modelling drought by restarting work on my home layout of Skaleby. But like the best laid plans of mice and men life does not always work out how you expect it. Visits to two model railway shows and several local model shops failed to find the dry stone wall pieces that I needed for my planned half term project. And with no other parts of Skaleby really providing me alternative inspiration, things have remained static in that area.
    But that was not to be it of course. A flippant comment made during a school fundraising meeting has landed me with the job of organising a model railway show at the school. This will be to raise funds for our "fifth anniversary appeal". It also landed me with the job of providing a layout of my own for the show. Sadly, Skaleby is not portable so I have decided to start another layout which will be Skaleby's little brother and one that will be built specifically to attend shows.
     
    So here is where we have got to now:
     
    The show
    Throughout half term I have been frantically researching show dates for the end of the year. The school's headteacher wants the event to take place in 2012 in order to fit in with our year of fundraising events. I have checked the dates of as many local shows as I can think of, and have come up with a list of prospective dates that won't clash. These will be taken to the governor's meeting later this week for confirmation.
    At present I am 99.9% certain that the show will be on Saturday 10th November and will take place at Weston-on-Trent Primary School in South Derbyshire. Once the date is confirmed I will be turning my attention to creating leaflets and posters to advertise the event.
    I have been very humbled by the response I have received from fellow RMWeb members and the offers of layouts I have already received. As this is a new show, and one that is being run to raise funds for the school, I have already stated the fact that I am unable to pay out much in the way of expenses. This has not stopped the layout offers coming in and I am really excited by the offers I have had. At least one layout offered had appeared on the "hit list" I dreamt up during the last few days.
    I have also received two definites for trade stands too, and that was from the first two people I asked!
     
    My recent visit to the Sileby show even brought up the possibility of a couple more layouts too. I am so amazed how easy it was to discuss this with people. As someone who admits to being quite shy, it was a big effort to actually ask people face to face for help. Thanks to all of those for being so helpful and understanding.
     
    So I hope to be able to formally announce the date soon and will then start finalising the list of layouts and looking for trade stands. It is all quite exciting!
     
    The layout
    I never thought a week ago that I would be contemplating another layout build. I have so much to do on my permanant home layout, Skaleby, that starting another one would be a ridiculous notion. But I have promised to show a layout of my own at our show. In reality, building a show layout has always appealed to me anyway and so this is a good excuse, even if the Weston show may be the only one it ever visits!
    As I am on a deadline and need to construct the model in just 8 or 9 months I have decided on a small micro layout. I have already purchased wood for the baseboard which will be 4 ft x 1 ft. The railway has been given a working title of "Skaleby West" and will feature a small branch line station complete with passing / run-round loop and a couple of goods sidings. This will allow me to transport some of my smaller stock over from Skaleby.
    I am not intending to model a particular region, and will make things deliberately freelance and vague. That way I could choose to run the model as ex GWR, Midland or even North Eastern region as I have appropriate locos and stock for these areas.
    So far I have played around with the track layout and have come up with what I think will be the final track plan. This is shown in the picture below. So far the board is sat on the top of the rabbit hutch which shares the railway room with Skaleby. I just need to run a few trains to check the plan is operable.

  17. andyram

    Mansfield

    By andyram,

    I must have a very understanding wife! Five shows in five weekends! Mind you I am taking her out for a meal this evening in return for today's "pass out" to the Mansfield show!
     
    I have never been to this event before and have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. The venue was a bit hard to find, not knowing Mansfield very well and I did drive past it once. Never mind! I got there in the end.
    The show is on two floors in lots of different rooms in the St Peter's Church Centre. It is a bit like a rabbit warren with lots of different places to find, but the show map made things nice and clear. Some great layouts too. It was nice to see "Hatton Parkway" which I remember from a series of articles in the Hornby Magazine. I am not a modern image fan, but I did enjoy seeing this particular layout. I have also seen St Minions in a magazine recently and it was also nice to see this layout "in the flesh". It shows just how much you can realistically pack into a small space. The display space was even smaller than "Board Lane", the ironing board shunting layout which I saw for a second weekend in a row. I am looking forward to welcoming "Board Lane" to our show in November - just a pity I ran out of time and didn't get to speak to the owner of St Minions.
    The two stand out layouts for me were the O gauge "Tummel VIII". I saw this at the Nottingham show last year and loved it. The layout is a lovely model of a Scottish branch terminus and depicts it very well - the "protesting cows" were a rather amusing addition!
    Avyn-a-Llyin is the second stand out layout of the show. This narrow gauge layout had lots to see. The scenics were fantastic with a beautiful wooden pier on one corner of the layout. Superb.
    I don't usually pay a lot of attention to Thomas layouts. But the N gauge one on show here was using the Hornby Railmaster control system. This is the first time I have seen it used and it looks fantastic.
     
    Unlike the other shows I have visited recently I did actually end up spending money on some scenic items as work gathers pace on my Skaleby West show layout. I picked up some ballast, a Gaugemaster backscene and a couple of Skaledale tunnel portals for each end of the layout. I did hang an admiring glance over the newly released Heljan "Railbus". There was no price on this so I hate to think how much it would have set me back. Although not a diesel fan, I have ridden on one of these at the North Norfolk Railway and thought one would add something different to my smaller layout. Maybe next time then!
     
    The show did seem to have a really friendly atmosphere. It was great to chat to so many people. Some were quite interested in attending my school's show too which is encouraging. More on that in my next show blog!
    Oh and the bacon sandwiches were nice too - biggest I've had so far!
     
    Now 5 / 5 - don't think there is a local show next week. But its Nottingham the following weekend so I think I will need to save money until then!
  18. 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..
  19. andyram
    Another weekend and another show. After Allestree and Sileby last week I headed off, with daughter in tow, to the 12th annual show at Trowell. This is run by the Ilkeston Woodside Model Railway club and is always an enjoyable event.
    With 10 layouts, 7 trade stands and a couple of demonstrations the show is a nice size. It can all be seen in an hour, but has plenty to keep people there for a lot longer. It certainly seems popular and there was a good crowd throughout the time I was there. This does provide one issue, the room does get quite cramped, and the amount of people generated a lot of heat inside the room. I was certainly sweating a lot by the time I left. This is only a very minor criticism though.
    Amongst the layouts were a couple of well known layouts from the local (and not so local) show circuit. "Aberdeen Kirkhill" has been around for many years and models a large Scotrail servicing depot. Its frosty, winter scenics are superb and there is always plenty of movement. In addition John Huddlestone's tram layout set around "Elstree" studios has been seen at many shows in the local area. This is also an excellent model, and was set at a perfect level for children to view without the need for standing on steps. My two year old daughter certainly appreciated it!
     
    With the Weston-on-Trent show in mind I was on the look out for further layouts to add to this year's roster. The small shunting layout "Tom's Sidings" impressed me. So much detail packed into a small space, and a lovely use of photographs built up to create a 3D back scene. Sadly the operator is not available for this year's Weston show!
    Newton East provided a lovely view of the 1950's and 1960's B.R scene. Today it was representing the southern region. The scenics looked superb with an excellent card station building and very nice canal scene added at the front. This layout is a possible for Weston 2014.
    The group's own "Fenby Quay" also featured a canal scene with a raised quay in front of the station. This model came to Weston last year, but I never really got to view it properly. It is an excellent model enhanced today by the sound fitted locos, complete with flashing red lights in the steam loco cabs to represent the firebox flicker. The sound fitted City of Truro once again looked fantastic.
     
    N gauge interests were covered by "Bitsand" and "Lagganmoor", both were very nice models with lots of passing trains.
     
    All in all a very nice show once again and congratulations go to the organisers. For me the show was further enhanced by an unexpected incident. Whilst walking around I bumped into someone who has been a regular visitor to the Weston shows. We stopped to chat and during this he told me about his own layout which he had just started constructing. He told me that he had been inspired by my own "Skaleby West" model - stating that my layout showed what could be achieved, in a small space, from off the shelf materials.
    Now I am fully aware of Skaleby West's limitations. I do not confess to being an experienced modeller, and I do not believe my skills are comparable to those I see at many shows. But it was very nice, and very humbling to hear someone speak so highly of my model and that they have taken inspiration from my work. A proud moment!
     
    And so the "lighthearted" awards:
     
    Best layout:
    3rd: Newton East: A superb 00 gauge model of the 50's and 60's B.R era.
    2nd: Fenby Quay: A very close second - great scenics and lots of operational interest.
    1st: Tom's Sidings: Such detail in a small space both myself and daughter spent a long time viewing it at close quarters. It just pips Fenby Quay as I went back to this one slightly more.
     
    Best scenic item:
    The 3d photo back scene on Tom's Sidings was a clear winner for me.
     
    Best model loco:
    Sound and light fitted models on Fenby Quay - not often you see the firebox flicker represented. City of Truro was the pick again for me - that is twice this loco has featured in my "awards" on two different layouts. I think I need to add it to my wish list.
     
    And finally:
    The nice surprise:
    Kind comments about my layout and the thought that it has inspired someone - a proud and humbling moment.
     
    And the not so good!
    One incident on a layout where the uncoupling ramp failed and the operator resorted to picking up the brake van to uncouple by hand. At least use an un-coupling hook!
  20. andyram

    A rollercoaster ride!

    By andyram,

    It has been a few weeks since I posted an update about the Weston 2014 event. It has definitely been a busy time. The show has started to take shape with a number of RMWeb users set to attend. "Up the Line", "Wheelock Mill" and "Werrington Road" will all be representing this website at the event in November. A further RMWeb layout could be confirmed within the next few days. I also have one or two other layouts on the "probable" list that just need final confirmation and I hope to do this soon.
     
    Things have rather been on hold though. The first house move finally took place at the end of February and we are now residing in my Grandfather's bungalow until the end of May. Following the move we had a couple of weeks without the internet which did hold things up. Since the move things have got hectic at work. We returned after the half term break to an announcement from our head teacher that she is to retire in July. Over the last few weeks we have all been nervously checking out the applicants who have been touring the school. After a lot of soul searching I put in an application for the job. Sadly I was not shortlisted!
    If that was not enough Ofsted landed on our doorstep for two days earlier in the week. We seem to have done ok but we await the final report after a stressful time.
    With all that in mind it is no wonder I have not had time to chase layouts or follow up earlier enquiries. Hopefully with the Easter holiday just around the corner I can find some time to catch up.
    What I do know is that we still need some more layouts, especially some smaller micro layouts which would suit the corridors. If there is anyone out there......
     
    The layout:
    Following the move Skaleby West is stored in the spare bedroom. It is behind a large pile of storage boxes and so is not accessible. There is simply no chance of any modelling work during our stay here. At least the new house will be ready a month early so fingers crossed I can crack on with the layout extension during the June half term and the summer break. There may still be a chance that I can unveil an extended Skaleby West at this year's event.
     
    Until next time..
  21. 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.....
  22. andyram

    Under Pressure

    By andyram,

    Several months have passed since my last entry and so much has happened. I left Weston on Trent School in July to a lot of touching comments from the parents and many staff members. I secured a supply post back at the school where my teaching career began and this was made permenant in October. Since the start of the new academic year I have caught up with a few old colleagues and planning for the 2017 show has continued. Meanwhile Queen and Adam Lambert have started their sold out European tour and tickets for their Nottingham show landed on our door mat earlier in the week.
     
    Now there is less than a week to go until the show, that looked like it would never happen, opens the doors to the public. To quote one of the famous tracks from the legendary band I am feeling "Under Pressure".
     
    In a sense things are going well. We have a confirmed line up of 24 layouts - more than we have ever had. It could have been more but, sadly, two layouts have had to pull out due to ill health. Nothing that can be done of course and their withdrawals are perfectly understandable. However, despite the record number of layouts, there are still some gaps to fill. This has become more pressing after one of regular traders also withdrew due to ill health.
     
    The clock is ticking - can I really fill those gaps?
     
    If not, should I let it worry me? After all we already have a record number of layouts.
     
    But - I do have a particular reason for wanting this show to be extra special. It will be my last show as organiser. After six shows I will be bowing out from organising it and, unless someone else takes it on, it will be the last show at this venue.
     
    Simply; I have struggled to motivate myself to organise an event to benefit somewhere where I no longer work. Being on the outside has caused some logistical problems too. I will need to get the show guide completed earlier in order for it to be sent to the school for printing. I will also need to do the same for the exhibitors passes and lunch passes etc. This means less time to complete these jobs and I am struggling to fit it all in - I am definitely "Under Pressure".
     
    I am sure it will all work itself out. I just need to get my head down for a couple of days whilst also ensuring my work for the new place does not suffer. Busy times!
     
    Meanwhile - I have also decided to exhibit Skaleby West at the final show. It seems fitting - after all it was built for the inaugural event back in 2012 and has been there at every show since. The extra space should allow me to use it with the scenic extension again which means a few last minute renovations to get it ready.
     
    Hopefully I will post some updates over the next few days.
     
    Until next time.
  23. andyram
    I suppose it is fitting that the 50th post in this blog marks the end of another show! The third Weston on Trent show is now behind us. In the previous two years I have followed up the event by posting a blog entry that suggested that the day of the show felt like the longest day. Without doubt this year's event can claim to be the longest of longest days. Here is the true story of Weston 2014!
     
    The final preparation for the event did not go well. A hectic week at school with leadership courses, parents meetings and student visits added to my growing work load. Then my beloved wife, Sarah, decided to go down with the flu! Ironically she had only had the flu jab the previous Thursday, but by Monday she was confined to bed! So my evenings became a time for looking after our young daughter and trying to do as much as I could for Sarah whilst trying to stay on top of my workload. Predictably the show preparation took a back seat. All of the jobs I normally am so on top of were left to the very last minute - final confirmation e-mails, exhibitors passes, lunch passes and show guide were all completed at the very last minute. In the case of the latter it certainly showed as there were a couple of glaring mistakes that slipped through the net.
    I had hoped to do so much to Skaleby West too. Sadly my exhibition layout saw very little work although I did manage to replace the goods shed and refresh the goods yard - more on the layout's own thread!
     
    The morning of the show did not have the best of starts. At just 2am my daughter Amber woke up and decided to join us in bed. Nothing odd in that as it is par for the course these days. But she then inexplicably woke up at 3am, 4am and just before my 5am alarm. Once she drifted back off to sleep after the last of these I got up, bleary eyed, to begin the preparation. I did manage to avoid waking her again as I loaded the car with the layout and stock, and she was still asleep when I left at just before 6am.
    The journey to school was interrupted by the need to put up road signs. Our attempts to do this the night before had been scuppered by a argumentative member of a local parish council - lessons learned for future years there! The signs did not go up smoothly. The first was no trouble, the second did not seem to want to play. The cable ties I had bought did not seem to be up to the job and I wrecked several in the battle that followed. At one point whilst trying to adjust the sign I got up and smacked my head on the underneath of the sign above and so started the day by seeing stars. Fortunately a small cut and a bump were the only outcomes!
    Once that sign was up the rest played along nicely and I arrived at school well before my 7am opening time. At least the security firm had unlocked early so I could get straight in. That was lucky as two stall holders were sat on the doorstep! As soon as they were inside and all the rooms were opened up, lights switched on and water heater up and running I was able to start unloading Skaleby West. My plans had placed me in a different classroom, but a last minute moment of doubt had me change things around again and I was back in the same place as last year.
    Things went smoothly from then on as I set up the layout in breaks between guiding other exhibitors and traders to their pitch. A number of exhibitors needed help with lifting and carrying and I was only too happy to oblige. By 8.30am Skaleby West was ready. I plugged it in and placed my trusty old Jinty on the track and held my breath. The layout had not run since the week following the 2013 show and had suffered two house moves and several location changes. Surely it would not work! It did though - with no issues aside from some track cleaning.
    By 9am I was free to stroll around the show and take some pictures. Things seemed to be coming together well, but there were still 3 missing layouts and 1 missing trader. Time was ticking and I was starting to worry. Thankfully all turned up within a few minutes of each other.
    The new head teacher was around and he was deployed to act as car park marshall, encouraging those who had set up to move their vehicles to the nearby pub car park. Last year a number (including school staff) did not and this led to a packed car park and some visitors turning for home without stopping. This year it seemed most answered our pleas and there were less cars left in the car park by the time the public started to drive in.
    The official opening was listed as 10.30, but the cold temperatures saw the ladies on the door take the decision to let some people in twenty minutes early. Fortunately all exhibitors had (just about) set up in time!
    Things seemed to go well. There was a good crowd throughout the morning and lots of positive comments about the show and the layouts. Quite a few people said some nice things about Skaleby West which was flattering.
    I did have one heart sink moment when one of the girls from the door approached me at 10.35am stating that she had had the "first complaint". I held my breath and waited for the onslaught. Thankfully it was a gentleman who won a raffle prize last year and had never received it. In the hectic year of house moves it had slipped my mind, but fortunately I had the prize put to one side in case he turned up and was able to hand it over straight away. And that was it! The only negative comment all day. Lots of seemingly happy punters amongst a big crowd during the morning. Loads of nice comments from people as they went out! They did seem to be impressed with our collection of layouts and once again the battle for the "Best in Show" prize was hard fought. One of RMWeb's own "Up the Line" was the winner, and deservedly so.
    The crowd thinned out spectacularly at lunch time and the afternoon had only a brief revival. On the face of it we thought attendance must have been down, but on closer inspection it can't have been. Unlike last year we ran out of show guides. We also matched our takings on the door and raffle. Once we added the profit from the kitchen we had pretty much matched last year's total - making just under £1000 profit!
    The new head teacher was extremely happy and by the afternoon was taking down details of people who stated they would like to exhibit next year! Yes - next year! I had hedged my bets about 2015. Would our new boss want us to continue? The answer is an absolute yes. The date has been set for Saturday 14th November. And so I am starting all over again! Some layout owners have already agreed to return with some of their other layouts - but I need more. So here is the challenge!!
     
    This year there were SEVEN representatives from this website. A special thanks to the owners of Wheelock Mill, Werrington Road, Muckton Bottom, Thomas, Foster Street and Up the Line which joined my own Skaleby West. My classroom was a total RMWeb zone. And so the question is - can we do it again? Is there anybody out there who would like to try and help us top the seven RMWeb layout total from this year? Come on we can do it!!
     
    Finally I would like to thank all of the exhibitors, traders and visitors for making our show such a success. Of course the school staff deserve a real pat on the back and they will get their thanks and reward tomorrow.
     
    Until next time....
  24. andyram
    I have not posted in this blog since the end of the Weston 2014 event. The new head teacher was so happy with the money raised that he gave the green light to the 2015 show. It seems we are here to stay. Planning has been underway for many months, and there are already many layouts booked. I am pleased that a couple of my top targets have agreed to attend this year's event, and I have various layout plans bubbling along for my own exhibit. Hopefully we will reach the heights of previous years.
     
    Sadly there have been a few down moments. Family health issues have caused me to be deflected away from organising the event for a month or two which has resulted in a slowing of layout bookings. We have also lost a couple of long term exhibitors. Our Meccano man sadly passed away just before Christmas and will be very much missed. A further layout owner has since pulled out due to ill health, whilst another double booked himself and has also pulled out. This has been added to by a long term trader who also double booked himself and has pulled out whilst another has cut down the number of events he is to attend and cut us from his programme.
     
    All this has left a few holes to fill. If anyone is interested in filling those gaps they will be most welcome.
  25. andyram

    A RMWeb festival?

    By andyram,

    It has been quite a while since I posted anything in this blog. Things have not been good at present. The new house is still not ready and we have found major damp in two rooms of our temporary accommodation (my late grandfather's bungalow). Stress levels are at an all time high and have led to some careless and costly errors which readers of the Early Riser's thread will be well aware of. I don't want to repeat myself but will say that all the trouble has kept me away from working too much on the show. I have even struggled to get leaflets out to some events.
     
    However during the recent half term holiday I have managed to sit down and start to piece together the Weston 2014 show. At present the layout count stands at 14 with several of these having featured on RMWeb, or are owned by RMWeb members. With "Up the Line", "Wheel lock Mill", "Weyburn Road", "Forster Street" and "Skaleby West" all definitely attending along with one of Jim Read's layouts the show is already set to feature 6 RMWeb layouts. Not quite a second RMWeb Live event but we are certainly are doing the website proud! I am waiting to hear from another member who I contacted recently. Anyone else up for it?
     
    One disappointment was the news that the Belper Modular layout has had to pull out. Its owner has decided to dismantle his modules and start a new retirement project. He is still going to help out on the day and is likely to be deployed on car park duties and as a relief operator on Skaleby West.
     
    Recently I joined the Mickleover Model Railway Group and at least one fellow member has put their layout forward and another is keen to attend so that should help push the layout total towards my target of 20 layouts.
     
    The layout
    I have now started a separate Skaleby West layout thread in the layout's section as I want to separate the layout from the show. Currently the model remains stored until our house move. It is due to attend Weston 2014 and is available for other events.
     
    Until next time...
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