Phil Copleston

Scott, What a lovely, characterful and historic S scale model! But may I question whether you need to rebuild this model so much to bring it up to date? Body-wise, the paintwork looks pretty good considering its age and perhaps only needs careful touching up - as per this Photoshopped version of your image I prepared: Chassis-wise, I suspect the stud-contact collection means far more intervention is needed. As it is not split-framed, new frame spacers and axles will be required. But it would be nice to keep as much original material as possible, such as retaining the wheels but turning down their tyres and mounting on new axles. Just a thought. How does it run otherwise? (under isolated power, of course)

Jim, Seems fine to me. I've not had a problem in selecting emoticons (smilies), except they ain't in any particular order so can take longer to find...

Actually Jim, I think our diversity of prototype interests is a strength in our Society. It would be sooooo tedious if we were all modelling the same thing. Diversity of outlook spawns dynamic solutions to problems, for which the S scale modelling fraternity has always been noted. Similarly, the challenges of scratchbuilding and the need to be self-reliant and inventive are real positives in my book, which also makes S scale a magnet for those in the hobby of that bent. And long may it continue! On the wheels issue and 3D printing: I'm with you on that one, Jim. The proper name for the process is 'Rapid Prototyping', of course, which gives the lie to its original purpose - the rapid production of masters for lost-wax casting. This ought be be the best use for 3D printing as a stage in the production of brass loco wheel centres. On their own, I can't see that 3D printed plastic wheel centres would be robust enough for the rigures of protracted layout operation.

Hi Jerry, Wow amazing, the Port Cochere is looking superb. A stunning piece of 2mm modelling. Well done Jerry "Hollow Balls" Clifford!

Me too. I've always liked John's urban/industrial townscape scenes. Very artistic. I look forward to seeing the new layout and catching up with the man himself!

Ohhhh the shameful admission of a secret 'streamliner'!!

Wow Jerry, it's really come along in the two weeks since I was last in your shed! Even I am getting pretty excited by your rapid progress with the benchwork (not to mention the prospect of Kim's rhubarb crumble... hopefully at Taunton). Keep at it matie, this is going to be one 'ell ova 2-mil layout!

I feel slightly sick...

Mark, These drawings are indeed interesting. Not just as an insight into the design and concept behind these historic models, but also as part of a supporting 'documentary archive'. Thanks for scanning and posting. I wonder what else is known about Mr Langridge and his pioneering 2mm models. Did the EMU in one of the drawings ever get built?

Mark, Thanks so much for the links to these excellent photos. For me, this is the first time I've really had a good look at these pioneering 2mm scale models by J J Langridge. These are rare models indeed, with a style of John Ahern about them. I've looked through them all, and although of their period and perhaps lack some of the fine detail expected of current 2mm finescale models, they nevertheless simply ooze character and convey a certain delightful hand-made charm and quality. It is such a pleasure to see these lovely skilfully scratchbuilt models to true 1:152nd scale. A tribute to what can be achieved with simple materials such as tinplate, card and gummed paper. Absolutely superb! Seeing their 'For Sale' notice in the latest 2mm Scale Association Magazine, I only hope they go to an appreciative new home, are kept together as a collection, and are periodically made available for display at future Association events. (I only wish I could afford them myself!) Please let us know what happens to them.

Andy, Next time we meet up, I'd be happy to help you sort out and date some of those 2-mil archive photos. I remember where a lot of them came from. I may even have a list somewhere...

Andy, Those look like the photos I rescued from the collection of 2mm Magazine material inherited from Geoff Balfour when I was Publicity Officer. There were sack-fulls of yellowing gluey copy text and paste-ups from 25 years of Geoff editing the Magazine. I separated out and cleaned all the photos and original artwork (including Stewart Hine Magazine covers from the 1960s). The whole lot eventually was passed to Nigel Cliffe when I gave up the post; I guess that's how you got it. There should be loads more fascinating period stuff in there somewhere!

Pixie, According to Mark F (I made the same mistake) that was a different 2-mil C14 model. It was published in the 1960s, I think: Model Railway News or Railway Modeller perhaps. Still a superb, albeit younger, model though!

Wow, they look surprisingly 'modern' looking, particularly underneath, considering they are at least 85 years old! How wonderful to see. It would be nice to think these historic models, from the very dawn of 2mm scale and miniature modelling, could find a more permanent home in the care of the Association.

T'was good to see you too, Jerry. I agree, St Albans is certainly a long, long way for us both. But hey, what you luyk boy? Even Waaarminster zeems luyk aalmost up Lunn'on way fur uzz this zide o' Tamar!

Not at all Tony, it was a pleasure to see you again and have a chat. And thank you for building such a delightful layout! Yes, agreed: I think I'd rather gaze upon your skillfully painted backscene than your "moobs" Errrr yes of course, I meant to say BR liveried NER-types, you are quite right. Thanks, I'd love to see 'Brafferton' again soon, but Middlesborough is even further away from Cornwall than St Albans! However, I do get to some northern events, particularly if I stay with David Long near Manchester. Anyway, let me know if you'll be exhibiting the layout 'down south' again and I'll try and catch up with you. Keep up the excellent 2-mil modelling Tony, it's very inspiring to see

Hello there two-millers! Here are a few shots of Tony Simms's 'Brafferton' I took at the St Albans show last weekend. First time I have caught up with it and I was most impressed. The layout exudes a quiet charm and that bucolic feeling of an underused country station from some 50-odd years ago. As well as the overall superb modelling, I particularly like the use of muted scenic colours, the 'open' feel (not much clutter), and the sensitive modelling and grouping of trees and bushes. The watercolour painted backscene keeps the horizon low and the sky large, which is good. But I'm not sure a backscene suits the convex curve on the inside of a circular layout, as here: possibly better to do without. However, the high-level 54 inch of the baseboards is particularly suited to realistic viewing of 2mm modelling, I think. This delightful grouping of the railway buildings, the redundant platform on the left, and the period road vehicle all look very effective in this scene. Open country, quiet meadows, trees rustling in the breeze with mute railway tracks passing between... I can almost hear the skylarks! We've seen this type of overbridge scene modelled before, but rarely with such skill and observation. A few goods wagons in a siding silently await their collection. Time passes in this quiet station yard... (that's Tony in the background) I can see why Tony selected this station as a subject for a layout: it has most of the attractive elements of the 'traditional' railway. But much as I like diesels, for my money steam locos, such as NER 0-6-0s, would suit this layout better. This group of buildings is a sheer delight and sensitively modelled. I like the subtle brick and painted wood colours. Yep, I am really taken in by this lovely 2mm finescale layout. Well done Tony!