Alex TM

Hi again, While living in another part of the country I joined the local club, where some of the figures on the layout bore more than a passing resemblance to the members. Other little cameos across the layouts tended to bring smiles to the more observant. Regards, Alex.

Hi again, Managed to get a moment to look at Parkin's book on Mk1 Coaches. He doesn't seem to say what colour the table surfaces were, however photographs in the book suggest some of the TSOs were a pale colour (grey?) while others were darker (tan?). Unfortunately the images were b&w. Regards, Alex.

Hi, I have the book on the Mk1s but don't have the time to look it out just now (work calls) so I'll have a look later today. It may have some answers. Regards, Alex.

Hi Clive, Thanks for posting the method and images. I'll try your way and try not to muck it up! Regards, Alex.

Hi Clive, How did you form the cab roof? To me, that's the bit that looks most difficult. Thanks. Alex.

Hi again, I'll keep a look out for the MRC, etc. It looks like the best way will be the etched kit, though as I haven't done anything like that before I may start with something a bit simpler (wagon?). Again, thanks for all the input. Regards, Alex.

A brilliant idea!

Hi again, Someone, somewhere, had a layout article published that featured a 'Police Box', a 'dandy', and a bright yellow vintage care - all in close proximity. I've seen a couple of club's layouts that were 'run of the mill' but where elements of fun (and fantasy) could be found. Examples: St. Casper's Church - with a friendly, yet odd, looking figure sat on the roof waving; Stone circle with hints of Dennis Wheatley; and a baggage car with distinctly 'x-files' feel to it. Regards, Alex.

Hi again, Looks like the perceived wisdom is to go down the JE models route. That said, has anyone done a full work over on the Hornby model? Having been looking at Clive Mortimore's work on here, does anybody know where I can find published scale drawings of one? Thanks and regards, Alex.

Every river - Runrig

Easy livin' - Uriah Heap

Absolutely hilarious, and brilliant!

Hi everyone, I rated Simon's post showing the RM with a 'like' for one, simple, reason - I believe he was quite right to raise the matter. Like others, I also think that the writer of the letter is wrong. Most railway modelling is based around some flight of fantasy whether it be lines that never were, rewritten histories of lines that did exist, fake gauges (allowing for Padarn and the Glasgow Underground being close enough in 00). To add some humour, and ingenuity, alongside modelling skill and craftsmanship is a good thing for our hobby. At exhibitions I still meet too many of the 'anorak' brigade who manage to put off so many from the hobby. I have shown the RM article of Hobbiton to a few friends, none of who are 'younger' or modellers, and they were highly impressed. I cannot abide by the works of Tolkien nor many of those who followed in his footsteps but long may the layouts continue that follow in his, Pratchet's or others' imaginations. Regards, Alex.

As a modelling project, though it looks interesting, I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole!

Waiting for a train - Flash and the pan

Hi hexagon789, Thanks for elaborating on the service changes. That makes more sense of the Linlithgow/Polmont situation. Regards, Alex.

Crikey - Northern with trains actually working! No wonder they thought it was unrealistic. (I say this as someone who has regularly had the experience of travelling by Northern Rail)

Hi again, Interesting note about the abolition of calls at Linlithgow and Polmont; I wonder how the locals will respond when they realise that they are losing 50% of their service (currently 2ph on the Edinburgh-Glasgow shuttle, and 2ph on the Dunblane service). Regards, Alex.

Hi Mike & Carl, Thanks for that. Having never built an etched kit before, would this be suitable for a complete beginner? Do the instructions contain recommendations for wheels, gears, motor, etc? Are any parts pre-formed, or are they all flat etches? I tried to look at the kits in great detail, however I got the following error: Unknown column 'SID' in 'where clause' Again, thanks for the suggestion. Regards, Alex.

Post deleted - just noticed someone else had made the same PC/MAC comment!

Hi everyone, Despite being convinced that I had seen something about this on here, and having done a variety of searches, I can't locate anything on where to begin to construct a Barclay class 06 shunter. I like the look of them, and remember them just before the last were withdrawn. I have considered adapting the Hornby model but don't know just how much work would be required. A model of one of these would fit in nicely with something I would really like to do. So, has anyone out there upgraded a Hornby 06, kit-built, or scratch-built one and would be happy to offer some advice or guidance as to where to begin. Many thanks in advance for any help or pointers. Regards, Alex.

White hot day - Simple Minds

Hi again, As has already been said by others, this is a truly fascinating thread coupled to an incredible selection of images. If, a couple of years ago, you had said to me that there were images of Adams Radials, Stroudley Terriers, and H&BR locos in service north of the border I would have suggested a vivid imagination was at work! Regards, Alex.

The sign that once was on the front door of 'The Red Fox' near Tarporley in Cheshire: Front Door at Rear To be fair, it did make perfect sense in it's context.

Driving home for Christmas - Chris Rea (First time I've used the 'C' word this year!)