Alex TM

Hi everyone, Used to shop there regularly when I lived in Corby; always a friendly, informed, and helpful group of staff. Went in there last September as I happened to be in Nottingham for the first time in six years - the great bit was that nothing had changed! Hoping that the two gentlemen have a good retirement. Hope someone can pick up the business, too, as a going concern. Regards and best wishes. Alex.

Hi everyone, No developments to report, sadly. This is mostly down to the last couple of weeks being rather hectic with work (this is about the busiest time of my working year). An interesting idea is that one of my friends has tried to persuade me to try this idea out in '0'; showing me pre-production pictures of the forthcoming Heljan 05 has made this very tempting ..... Regards, Alex.

Hi everyone, Thanks to all of you for your comments and suggestions. Regards, Alex.

Hi again, I now have some thoughts about a track-plan; this will now incorporate a little stretch of the branch. Additionally, I am looking at a small, off scene, sector plate to provide the end of a run-round loop. Once details are finalised I'll post a sketch. Inspired by some of Ian Futers' 'Border Counties Railway' layouts in 4mm scale, and Juniper Hill on this forum (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/70516-juniper-hill/), I am looking at some reasonably bleak scenics with only a handful of buildings. As already said, the goods office will be that at Largoward. So far the only negative is the nagging doubt that the layout will provide enough interest in terms of stock. As I am already rewriting history I have no qualms about running non-prototypical stock such as Haymarket based Clayotns, 20s, and 25/2s - all freight only locomotives, and in a variety of liveries too. Anything bigger would look silly. Again, thanks for reading. Hopefully the next post will include a track diagram. Regards, Alex.

If the place is Cumbernauld, the answer's "yes"!

Hi folks, Thanks for all the additional information. I must admit to being rather well-off in terms of model shops. Due to good fortune, friends and family, I have ready access to shops in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Chester, Widnes, Birmingham, Northampton, York, and Norwich. There was also, once, A great shop in Dunfermline (Abbey Models), though that was going as Terry (the owner) was retiring. That said, I always like to explore other places. My next trip north will not take me near Inverness (haven't been there since July 2005 - on a day few of us will ever forget), though a visit there is long overdue. Thanks regards, Alex.

Hi again, Thanks, everyone, for their comments and 'likes'. Jim (Bon Accord) - the date conveniently allows me to avoid mainline steam as I would need to kit build, and that's a range of skills I do not yet possess. That said, if someone released a rtr J36, then time would move. Kit building skills would also tempt me to consider Judith Edge kits for a Barclay 06, or the relevant NB 4w diesel. Locomotives (general): At the moment I have a couple of Hunslet 05s, with a third on order; all operated in either Fife or the Lothians during the period. I have a Hornby 08 awaiting a repaint and renumber into green as one of the half dozen at Dunfermilne Upper or the two at Thornton in late '67 (the body variations on the model are correct for these). At some point a blue D83xx series (new to Haymarket) and a Clayton would be on the list. A two-tone green 25/2 would be good too. All that said, I am trying not to collect too many locos. Locomotives (prototype): As well as the ex-NBR types, I only seem to have pics of the Hunslets, and a Std 4 2-6-0 (IIRC 76111) all of which seem be taken on or before '63. I hope all that makes some kind of sense. Regards, Alex.

Hi folks, Just started a thread for my new layout project. It's a freight only line set in Fife in the latter sixties. Here's the link to the Layout thread: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/121261-baldastard-changing-history/ Hope it's of interest. Regards, Alex.

Hi everyone, Background: Well, here I go again with another layout project although this time I hope to get it nearer to completion. For some time I had completely lost the enthusiasm to build anything, though I did waste both time and money collecting random bits'n'pieces. All that is now gone, and I have some focus for once. First though, I need to blame a couple of folk for ideas and inspiration; there are Ian Futers' simple Scottish lines; then there are some of the folk on here who have built very simple, yet highly effective, small model railways (e.g. Juniper Hill); finally there's the following book: This is where I got the idea for the name. It's a real place, and once even had a siding. I also like layout names that have a sense of humour. As a fan of 'The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy' I quite liked the late Douglas Adams' idea of using a name that sounded definitely rude but actually was not (that said, if the name is regarded as too risque then I will change it to something suitably dull). Idea: The aim is to build a small shunting layout (around 6'x1') to test a few ideas and techniques. The setting will be around 1967 along the former Lochty branch but with history re-written. The time and general location will allow for a range of shunters and smaller freight only mainline locomotives. The layout will be freight only. Buildings will be scratchbuilt, and based on local prototypes (e.g. the goods office from Largoward; houses typical of those in the local mining communities, etc). Trackplan: As there didn't seem to be anything suitable at the actual location, I plan to rework a prototype plan from somewhere else. Next steps: Hopefully the next couple of weeks will see some progress as regards design, particularly the track plan. For the moment, thanks for taking the time to read this post. Any suggestions for trackplans, resources, etc, are appreciated. Regards, Alex.

Hi David, Thanks for the suggestion. They did come up on the Yell.com search but website is down, no online information re opening hours, phone just seems to ring, etc, etc. I had tried to find Moray Models but they seem to have gone too (is this correct?). Regards, Alex.

Hi folks, I will be making some trips in the near future to the north-east of Scotland. Checking the usual search engines I can't seem to find any model shops to 'escape' to when I have spare time. Can anyone point me to any? If it's of any help my first trip will see me in the Aberdeen and Keith areas. Thanks. Regards, Alex.

Hi Roy, I see there are some up on eBay too. Nothing to say that the seller is the DFR or that the models are 'used'; trader still has 7 at the time of writing this. Regards, Alex.

Hi Dave, Thanks for the swift response. PM to be sent in the next couple of minutes. Regards, Alex.

Hi folks, Just a quick question as to the availabiity of this model. If I have read this thread correctly, and not missed a post along the way, is it still the case that this model is only available directly from DJM, or from the railway? I just ask as I've seen it available elsewhere at full price. Thanks. Alex.

Hi, Have to agree with the others that this is stunning. The shot looking up the line from behind the buffers certainly conveys a great sense of space. Regards, Alex.

Hi folks, Is that the smallest '0-gauge' layout there is? I've seen box-file layout in 0 some years ago, but it was around three times the length of this one. Regards, Alex.

Only one day a week; he must have been a workaholic! Most of us only work for the first half of that day …….

Hi folks, I have had a couple of those over the years, and they ran fine on the range if 00 track types that I had. Fitted wire handrails and crew. Repainted, too, but nothing inspiring on that part. As for alternate chassis types, I've seen them fitted onto the 'Smokey Joe'/Caley Pug type and, I'm sure, a Terrier too! Just go and have some fun with it. Regards, Alex.

Hi Andy, Did I see right, that this is in the new edition of the Toddler? If so, congratulations. Regards, Alex.

Hi David, Don't worry about the tenements, as they do capture the feel of Edinburgh. The fact that the stonework has been cleaned will simply make some think that the layout has moved to Morningside! Please keep up the good work. Regards, Alex.

Hi David, Those look like awfully posh flats - the stonework is so clean! I spent most of today between Leith and Newington, and the majority of the tenements were grey to filthy. Enjoying the progress of this. Regards, Alex.

Hi everyone, Good to read of positive developments in a model shop. Used to be a regular customer when I lived near them but now too far away to drop-in. Always good service and conversation. Staff always had time for customers (including those who didn't quite know what they wanted or were doing). Wishing you all the best for the future. Regards, Alex. (Currently Leith/Trinity - formerly Corby)

Hi David, Still following this and enjoying it's progress. I am tempted to say to forget the gate. On the real Scotland Street the gates to the private siding blocked the only run-round loop! Regards, Alex.

Hi everyone, Mark, thanks for the additional information and the pic of the 20t tippler. Is the tippler in a photographic grey (wondered since the legend seem to be black rather than white)? Does anyone know what the livery would be on the Bachmann type slope sided tippler? Many thanks for all the great help. Regards, Alex.

Hi David, Just wanted to say that this is a great thread, and an even better project. I live just over twenty minutes' walk from the site of Scotland Street; I also know some of the southside areas around Newington and beyond where some of your other influences come from, and combined I think they really work. I'm looking forward to seeing this finished (and exhibited?). Regards, Alex.