Evertonian

Just spoken with son Steve and partner Martin at Model Railway Solutions in Poole, they confirm that orders are still being taken for shop items and workshop b/board kits,helices etc. and dispatched whilst the shop is closed to the public. Please visit the website for details of stocks held and use the phone number listed there (07748 368597) instead of the usual shop contact number. Steve says they will deliver any reasonable sized order within the BH postcode area whilst the present situation exists. Thanks to all customers who are continuing to support their local model shops in these difficult trading conditions, it really is appreciated by those who depend on money in the till to support their families. Good luck and health to all, Chris Knight - on behalf of MRS

We have been busy boxing up 'Bournemouth West' this afternoon ready for the long trip 'oop north' on Friday. The BRM Doncaster show is one of our favourite venues - we are always well looked after and the quality of exhibits invariably first class. Chris Knight - The SCRMD Group

In common with many other comments, I like the 'different' aspects of Gilbert's pictures of LB - although I am thinking it would be difficult to take a bad photograph of Tony's train set. Referring back to 'Calderwood' at the Southampton show I was really pleased to view this before it is sold and retired from the circuit. Small details such as the signal guy ropes indicated the level of detail and care shown in construction. I had quite a chat with the two builders who rather surprised me when they told me they have already embarked on their next layout , in P4 ! I tip my hat to you gents, I am sure they will not mind me mentioning they are not exactly in their first flush of youth, I wish you well chaps. Chris Knight

I can only re-iterate what others have said, I had several e-mail conversations with Ant when he was organising publicity for Railex exhibitions - a nicer guy you couldn't find to deal with. A very sad loss, condolences to his family and all at the club. Chris Knight SCRMD Group

Thanks for the kind comments Joseph and the interest in future appearances of BW. We will be exhibiting at Wigan on 3rd/4th October and finally this year at Eurospoor, Utrecht on Oct.30th/31st/Nov 1st, although with Roger S. away on holiday at present I am unsure if the latter has been fully finalised. Chris K

Just a timely reminder to any thread followers - the layout will be having its first of only three outings this year at the BRM Doncaster Festival of BR Modelling on Feb.8th and 9th. Paul will be bringing at least one more "steam" fitted loco to us for testing this week, we aim to take around a dozen to the show, which we have always found to be an excellent event with a wide variety of layouts and traders. Please make yourself known to us if you follow the thread, or just want to discuss the any aspect of the layout, we like to natter ! Chris Knight

As a member of the operating team on "Bournemouth West" it's good to hear that our 'neighbours' efforts are progressing well, and I look forward to reading further updates and seeing photos of the changes. All the best Chris Knight

Further belated birthday wishes from a fellow member of the 1946 vintage Tony, apologies for the late posting, just catching up after a weekend with the mob operating B'm'th West at GETS, Milton Keynes. Interested to see the Jerry Lee clip as well, was at the Granada recording in Manchester as a guest of Guy Stevens who was running the Chuck Berry app. society at that time. Great days, think the Animals and Sounds Incorporated performed as well if memory serves. Regards, Chris Knight

Very enjoyable show and I would echo previous comments about the high standard of exhibits. Particularly liked Redbridge Wharf as I hadn't seen it before, just lacked the pungent aroma of creosote! Copenhagen Fields, The Summit and Ferring are well known classics on the circuit but there were plenty of other exhibits to admire, my only slight niggle would be the lack of signage directing punters unfamiliar with the venue.

A wise move to create a dedicated thread for "Maindee East" Pete, and I re-iterate my congratulations and thanks for saving such a wonderful piece of work from an unknown fate. I will follow progress with much interest and again repeating myself, would be pleased to contribute financially to a fund should you find that necessary in the future. Should available storage space become a real problem whilst you seek a permanent home I am a member of a railway modellers group with access to premises where we store three exhibition layouts , I am sure we could find sufficient room for M.East if necessary while you progress its future. Best regards, Chris Knight

The late Michael Mensing produced some superb panning shots, take a look at the four "Castle" pics in "Steam in Action - Castles" by Laurence Waters. Stating the obvious Tony, but the biggest drawback to obtaining the elusive speed and movement element you are seeking is the lack of any exhaust or leaking steam. Hang on a mo, why am I offering my thoughts to a very experienced photographer with yours truly a total duffer with a camera? I realise that photoshopping in any "effects" is a no go for you, but perhaps a little experimentation one day? Chris Knight

It concerns me rather Pete that you may ultimately suffer financially for your efforts in saving M.East should you end up donating it to a museum. Now that may or may not concern you, however I, for one, and I suspect quite a few others would be willing to contribute a few quid on a purely unofficial basis ( i.e. not crowdfunding etc) to ameliorate any financial loss you incur. I trust I am not breaking web rules or upsetting TW or AY in proposing. Chris Knight

Excellent news Pete, congratulations on obtaining ( and more importantly) saving Steffan's last layout. I am sure whatever you decide to do with "Maindee East" in the future will be satisfying, it would be a treat for myself , and many others I suspect, to be able to see it again one day - either at an exhibition should you be willing and able - or at a suitable museum. Well done and thanks. Chris Knight

Often remarked upon how quickly the thread topics move along when you haven't logged on for a couple of days, I'm just catching up with the (rather sad to me) news of "Maindee East" offered for auction today I think (?) . Too late now of course, but I would have thought a good opportunity for a South Wales based industrial museum, if there is one, or Swindon Council as operators of the GWR Steam Museum to have acquired this showpiece of modelling at a reasonable price if the price guide accurately reflects the ultimate sale price. I suppose that in these days of council's pleading poverty a forlorn hope although funds seem to be forthcoming regularly for status symbol limos and suchlike fripperies. Wouldn't it have been a great legacy of Steffan's inspirational work to see it on permanent display. Chris Knight

I am a firm believer in raising the standards of presenting exhibition layouts, and although much of of a technophobe myself, anything which adds to the visual scene offered to the spectators in the way of further information (if required) can only be beneficial in my view. Perhaps only a handful of people may take advantage, but still worthwhile methinks. Chris Knight

Tony's remarks concerning the dearth of large P4 steam era exhibition layouts reminded me of 'Aberhafren', the late (and greatly missed) Steffan Lewis's depiction, with the assistance of others, of the Aberystwyth locality. I am not sure you ever photographed it Tony - scenes from this layout seem hard to find - his final wonderful shed creation of 'Maindee East' a testament to his abilities, including removable telephone wires referring to recent discussion of same on here. Chris K

My post when "correcting" Tony was meant in a spirit of fun, knowing his fastidious use of English and in view of his own post when picking up the wrong spelling of definite recently. I have not in the past, or intend in the future, to embarrass anybody regarding their spelling or use of English on this or any other thread. Chris K

"to illicit praise or sympathy" ....... surely elicit Tony? Regards Chris K

Sorry for messing up previous attempt - I am still getting used to the new format - I just wanted to add that as well as utilising toilet roll inners in a similar way when using aerosols, they make useful end "spacers" when packing stock in the well known storage boxes which many of those carting stock to and fro at exhibitions employ. The longer kitchen roll ones are particularly handy, the "give"in these items providing a shock absorbing function.

A good few years ago we were showing Kensal Green at the Wolverhampton MRC exhibition. Our leader kindly loaned his scratch built K4 'The Great Marquess' as a guest on shed. To my eternal dismay,regret, shame and any other suitable adjective a member of our team dropped this much cherished loco when clearing away on the Sunday evening causing terminal damage. Tony was obviously crestfallen , I believe it was his first s/built loco, but was extremely sanguine over the episode - I still feel I need to apologise whenever our paths cross. As I am sure all who follow this thread realise that TW is a true gent in every sense of the word. Chris Knight

Yes I agree Ian, it is a little confusing, although in good weather the door is usually propped open. The good news is that Steve and Martin have acquired the larger premises to the right and are currently refurbishing to expand the shop side of the business resulting in a doubling (at least) of the retailing space. A new shop entrance will be incorporated right in front of the ample car parking.

Peter, the shop is open on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm ( 9.30 to 5 Mon to Fri) and was definitely open on June 8th . I know because I was helping out on what is usually a busy day. Incidentally, MRS do attend exhibitions with their own trade stand and as operators on the layouts with which they are involved, New Kensal Green and B'm'th West - however the shop has, and will, always remain open on these occasions. Hope this clears up any misunderstanding. Chris Knight

A last word on the smoke discussion, and thanks to Phil Parker for his contribution. Paul has seen the various comments expressed here and feels that any commercial result will be at least 18 months in the future if at all, so feels that any further information would be of little value at present. He wants to concentrate on improving the system and will do so via exhibiting at shows which the group will be taking either of the layouts currently on the circuit. Thanks for your interest. Chris K