Not Jeremy

In case the above rather "off" comment is putting anyone off this book, then having looked at it myself I'd say it was very nicely produced, and the photographs are both interesting and well reproduced. The comments above most certainly do not apply to it. Congratulations to the author, I hope that both he and the publisher do well with it and we see the later volumes too. Simon

£42.50

MRJ 259 is in stock here in Larkhall and should also have by now arrived at all your favourite stockists too. Here's my review of the contents: Martin Nield is in the chair for what is a festive edition, which has a bit of an operational theme to it. Plumpton Green is fully explored and illustrated, with particular reference to operation while the next major article covers operating Midland Sidings by the Westinghouse club. Tony Wilkins describes his fantastic working wagon tippler, Gavin Clark explains how he built his lovely L&Y signal box for Kerrinhead and Bob Essery contributes an Ellerton Road update. The very sad passing of John Spencer is recorded, the builder of Ryton Road and a superb "plywood wonder" signal box with an unpronouncable name for Bernie Baker. Finally we have letters, well a letter really, from one Iain Rice who disusses Tony Wright's recent contribution in the context of OO and P4, informative and measured, it makes for interesting reading I think. Simon

The Titfield Thunderbolt has received more orders for GWJ 103 than it normally does, possibly because it is the last issue or more likely because of what does now appear to be patchy availability across WH Smith branches. This has resulted in an out of stock situation here in Larkhall. Fresh supplies are being sent out to me today so I should have stocks from tomorrow, Yodel allowing. Apologies to anyone who has ordered from the Titfield Thunderbolt and is waiting for a delivery, you have not been forgotten and I will send you your order as soon as I can. As a bonus, Paul and Ann are apparently busy packing up the next issue of MRJ (259) so this should hit the streets soon. Simon

Spoiler Alert... Don't worry - the next one won't either!

No not yet Tim. CK and I are however currently hatching a cunning plan, it may take us a while though..... Simon

I have been authorised by his CKness to release this photograph of the signalbox from Engine Wood whilst previously installed at Camerton. Taken c. 1989 in a garden in Gloucestershire We hope to install it at another Camerton some time in the future. Simon

Good for you Tim, I look forward to the future creativity that will follow the freeing up of a bit of space both physical and mental. Thank you too for remembering about the signal box - one of the relatively few models I have ever finished(!) The pictures taken by Andy York and Chris Nevard (and others) show off what is a really lovely model to extremely good effect. Another thought occurs to me, looking through the wonderful images on this thread, regarding the locomotives in particular. I know that some of the locos featured use RTR as a basis, but (correct me if I'm wrong) the roster doesn't I think owe much if anything to the most recent "high fidelity" RTR. The point of saying which is to observe that you have achieved a realism and "life" in your locomotives that even the most spiffing of RTR products somehow miss. In your photos here, I particularly cite 82041, which just exudes a realistic loveliness and charm which the Bachmann version doesn't to my eyes (I do have one) Also, I don't think you have shown it here, but your Airfix/Kemilway Standard 4 2-6-0 is quite possibly my favourite ever model railway locomotive, something I potentially covet even more than Harold Morris did that ropey old 9F all those years ago…. I guess what I'm saying is that such a lovely layout is a great inspiration to us all, showing that effort and perseverance can and does produce results that pretty much transcend everything around it. I also agree with the "less is more" comment above, knowing that the loco stud is limited and knowing the origins of each somehow makes the whole thing come alive in my mind. More realistically for us "bodgers", chivvying old wagon kits and fiddling with details is hugely enjoyable and really can produce something that is potentially "better" than beautifully made and exquisite RTR products. I'm sure Engine Wood will continue to give pleasure to whoever acquires it, it has certainly given me a lot of pleasure seeing it being featured at shows and in magazines to such great effect over the too many years that have elapsed since its origination high up above Beechen Cliff. And of course it was a hoot occasionally making the odd unauthorised movement, and I can't tell you how pleased I am that John and the Baron came on to the scene to ensure that silliness and levity have maintained a decent presence ever since! A truly great layout! Simon PS of course it's proper name really should have been Timsbury Bottom

Absolutely charming. I'll keep my mouth firmly closed in future.

Hi Mervyn No worries and well spotted. If you look at the listing though, the book is being offered by a separate business through "Amazon Marketplace", in this case the estimable Ian McCall trading as Mainline and Maritime. It is not being offered by Amazon itself. And as you observe, it is not being offered at a reduced price and I would imagine delivery costs will be related to real world costs and charged accordingly. Simon

Brian It will not be available from the "Book Depository" (Amazon by another name) as along with most of the specialist/quality railway publishers, Twelveheads do not supply the suppliers to Amazon on the terms required for Amazon and Book Depository to "rape" the specialist market. This "issue" incidentally deprives these same specialist book publishers of having the use of general book wholesalers into the UK book trade. This is a problem that limits sales and affects the overall viability of specialist publishing (of all types) within the UK. I can understand any of us not wishing to pay more than we have to for anything we buy, but why on Earth some people seem to have an "expectation" of paying lower prices all of the time beggars belief. And as for expecting books to be shipped half way across the Globe for "free", just how do you really think that happens, is there really no cost, do you expect packaging as well?! Simon

Very sad news, a highlight for me of visiting the Exe MRS shows in recentish years had been chatting to Peter on and off the RCTS stand. A lovely chap and very accomplished photographer, I have many of his books and look at them regularly. What a great service he did all of us in recording the railway scene, and not least in carrying on with his photography once the diesels arrived. RIP Peter, much missed. Simon Castens

Good grief - reading some of the comments here from folk who didn't attend I'd say the Scalefour Society have pitched it exactly right. I for one truly hope that they can keep future Scalefour clear of the "miserable brigade" as appear to be evidenced on this thread. All I saw over the weekend were happy and friendly faces, a lot of super modelling and lots of useful and interesting things that you could purchase if you wanted to. If people are determined to find fault, criticise and denigrate then they will, it matters not one jot what any organiser of any show does, we are all apparently doomed to endlessly read this sort of rot. And if that makes me "elitist" so be it. Simon

I really don't agree with this, ExpoEM and Scaleforum are different animals and if you combined them you'd inevitably lose interest and character, in my opinion. In fact, I'd go further and say that in doing what on the face of it appears sensible, you would effectively reduce overall attendance, quality and interest. The overall market would shrink too, which is not what we want at all. Anyone remember John Menzies? WH Smith took them over, reduced the overall number of outlets on the high street and since then with no competition have arguably screwed their own retail business. I bet the combined sales of Menzies and WH Smith in the last year they were operating together vastly exceeds WH Smith's current take. Pathetic. Going back to the subject at hand, I am a trader at both events and find sales buoyant. My commercial success is much more linked to the products I bring to sell, my efficiency at bringing the right things and then displaying them properly, as opposed to fretting about just what Graham, Terry and all the other fine volunteers and participants have done or not done, the price of tea etc etc. Without wishing to appear harsh, I suspect that those with poor sales need to look at what they are doing and how they are doing it. If after doing this the show(s) aren't worth attending then pull out of them - simples. I do get fed up with the "standard traders moan" mentality that seems to affect a lot of us (in the trade). I had a bloody good time at both shows and look forward to both of them next year, wherever they are. If my sales are crap then I will be taking full responsibility for the fact rather than blaming someone else. Which is not to say that there aren't shows I think we could do without. Personally I just avoid them, rather than visiting them and then bellyaching about the experience afterwards. Apologies Mike, I appreciate you weren't suggesting most of what I'm having a bit of a rant about(!) Simon

Just for information, although it is at the printers GWJ 103 won't make it for Scaleforum but should hopefully be out in the following week. This is definitely the last ever issue of the magazine in its current format. Simon

Indeed I will. With any luck GWJ 103 will be there too. Simon

I believe issue 103 is now at the printers. Simon

Thank you very much for visiting us Mike, very much appreciated. Here's a snap of Nick de Courtais, myself and Steve Trinder, the Mayor of Wantage no less and a railway enthusiast to boot - top chap! Thanks to Gordon and Robin for supporting us with Robin's lovely "Wantage" model, the museum for their hospitality and to Chris Turner for getting the organisational ball rolling. I believe that there should be a photographic feature in the Oxford mail "Herald" local paper series next Wednesday. Simon

Hi Mike I will have a range of Wild Swan books with me, plus possibly a few of the latest titles from the shop. Also, I am very happy to say that Robin Gay is bringing his really lovely P4 model of Wantage along to the event too. Best Wishes Simon

On Saturday 16th September we are having an "official" book launch for The Wantage Tramway at the most excellent Vale and Downland Museum in Wantage town centre. Come along and meet Nic de Courtais, the author, and Chris Turner, the noted railway historian who conducted a number of interviews with people who had first hand experience of using the tramway, which also feature in the book. The museum itself is an absolute gem, with completely free admission and with extensive displays covering the town and locality including a "walk in" recreation of a Wantage tramway coach. There is a museum shop and cafe and I will have a range of Wild Swan titles with me. I'm hoping to bring a relevant model railway along too, but in the event that I fail the museum has its own model railway which will amuse you and is suitable for chilren to get involved with. Thank you very much to Suzie Tilbury the curator and Kate Pozzolli the museum manager for allowing this to take place. Books apart, I can't stress just how good the museum is in its own right. I was quite bowled over by its quality and size when I visited with Chris a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully see some of you there! Simon

It strikes me that the main difference between the mainstream magazines and MRJ, NG&IR and Bob's Finescale Review is really more one of style than content. If I were Phil Parker I might by now be banging my head against a brick wall after receiving endless advice to try doing something that I was already doing(!) I suspect that style-wise if you work for a commercial organisation then you are bound to be more or less producing things to their "style" and quite possibly have little influence in this area. Whereas MRJ NG&IR and actually Railway Modeller too do not have this "problem". (If such it be) Rotating MRJ editorwise, yes I agree if a brilliant full time editor were available, but I've got a feeling that such an individual doesn't currently exist. The rotating editors do bring lots of benefits though, and generally I try and see life from a "half full" perspective. No it isn't the same as it was under Bob Barlow back in the 1980s, but then neither is the hobby, nor am I, and Bob was also an exceptional individual in many ways. I still love MRJ though and more generally think that we are all incredibly lucky to have so many "comics" available to us in this glorious hobby of ours. What we "need" is fresh ideas and enthusiasm, and it seems to me that as a hobby we do pretty well on both counts. All that said, I do myself think there is scope for (another) magazine in "MRJ territory" as I believe Bob demonstrated before his very sad passing. I doubt such a magazine would "damage" any other though, it's highly unlikely to be on the shelves of WH Smith and as far as MRJ readers go, I suspect they'd buy both. When Finescale Review came out and I was selling quite a lot of it, I didn't notice any corresponding drop in sales of MRJ and don't think there ever would have been. I doubt very much that it touched any of the mainstream magazine's sales either. In any event, I've always bought magazines that appeal to me on browsing rather than slavishly buying all of one or the other. OK, two exceptions, I bought every Railway Modeller back in 1973 and I do have a more or less complete set of MRJs, oh and quite a lot of "Model Railway News" and "Model Railways" which I loved and I think is the progenitor of MRJ. Who knows what the future holds, I for one sure hope it isn't the same as the past - wouldn't that be a bit boring? Simon

Ahem! Editor PK Peter Kazer scratch builds some Tallyllyn Railway coaches WIP from Shipley MRS on magnum opus Clayton in EM Stephen Williams builds the Victory Snack Bar 4mm scale Shoal of Herrings from Geoff Kent 4mm scale EM Alan Whitehouse writes up "Hallam Town" 2mm FS Barry Norman shows us a 7mm dockside tram T Pott and PK each tweak cars in 4m scale And Jim Smith Wright's Brettell Road trails Scaleforum, looking very effective in the rain. A decent looking issue to me. As most of you won't have seen 257 yet and therefore can't comment on the actual contents, you may instead be interested to know that the price has increased to £4.80 from this issue - so something else to discuss other than WH Smith etc perhaps(!) Mind you, the prospects of the Master of sludge carrier MV Whippet saying anything sensible seems vanishingly unlikely. Barry Manilow indeed - I don't know what he's talking about….. Simon

No book as yet, but I met with Malcolm earlier this year to discuss the project and hope to progress it further. It is a book that I would myself very much like to see published. Simon

Paul, it's a great layout and idea, but as previously stated it is too large for the competition. The various comments about cameos being different sizes in different scales are amusing in their way but clearly (if you have read the book) irrelevant to the actual competition. And for the record, when Iain talks about "Frecclesham" in the book, he says: This just might be the largest cameo I've met so far but then goes on to add Whether you could ever describe Frecclesham as such is a moot point But as I said, it’s a great layout idea and theme, so I wouldn't let that stop me building it! Simon