Not Jeremy

Yes that is the case. As I said, Iain has thought long and hard about it and decided that anything beyond 2 metres really isn't a cameo in the sense that the book and competition means it. Can you re-jig the design to shrink it a bit, or just build it as it is and enjoy the process? It's a great idea you've got there I think. Best Wishes Simon Castens

A further update on the maximum size of competition entries. Following a number of queries and much pondering, Iain has decided that 2.0 metres is the absolute upper limit of the size of the scenic frontage of cameo competition entries. Simon Edit, we have since made a couple of "exceptions to the rule" as noted in the welcome to the cameo competition thread, neither of which exceed 2.1 metres.

Please all consider yourselves reassured, here is my good friend Alan looking suitably reassuring...

Herewith the "further notes and guidance" which appeared in MRJ 256: Cameo Competition Update From Iain Rice and Simon Castens We have been delighted – nay, o’erwhelmed – by the number and variety of the models proposed and the originality of many of the concepts, which cover scales from 2mmFS to Gauge 3! We’re also impressed by the enthusiasm shown in the responses and the number of people who have already put saw to wood and made a start. There are also a number of projects which are well-advanced, pre-dating the idea of the contest but nonetheless conforming to the parameters set. On which point, we have been asked to be a little more prescriptive and provide more guidance as to acceptability of entries, particularly with regard to size and footprint. So going through each original definition of a Cameo Layout as set out in the announcement in MRJ 254: 1) It is small and concise, typically in the range of 1 - 2 metres length for the modelled scene with an integrated or add-on fiddleyard The figure of 1 - 2 metres length quoted is for the modelled scene and does not have to include the fiddle-yard(s), which can be additional to this. We are however looking for such addenda to be in proportion to the size of the modelled scene and are looking for the total ‘offstage’ portions to not exceed the length of the modelled scene. A ‘through’ cameo could thus have a fiddleyard of half the scene length at each end, as on ‘Longwood Edge’. For single-ended layouts, we would suggest the offstage addenda should be in the order of a half to two-thirds of the scene length. These figures are not mandatory; the overall objective is to keep a pleasing visual and practical/operational balance between the elements of the layout as a whole and the judges will be looking for good proportions rather than mere conformity to some arbitrary number. 2) It seeks to present its subject in as realistic and natural a manner as possible, using ‘staged’ presentation and eye-level viewpoints A ‘realistic viewing height’ should seek to put the ‘horizon line’ incorporated in the model as close as possible to the eye level of the viewer – typically, to a tolerance of +/- 2 inches. So the height at which the layout needs to be displayed for this to be achieved has to take account of how it is intended that it should be viewed, e.g., standing/seated on a high stool or seated at normal chair height. For persons of average stature, those alternatives typically equate to eye levels of about 63ins standing/high seat and 45 ins normally seated. In the context of the competion, either approach is perfectly acceptable. As the viewing height is determined by the stance of the viewer, there is no effective difference in the model itself or its presentation; so long as the display height relates correctly to the audience eye level, the required natural viewpoint will be achieved. Hope that makes sense! 3) The model is integrated with a display and support structure – including lighting and electrics – that seeks to set it off to best advantage. Nothing to add here, except perhaps to point out that the display design needs to take account of factors like concealing light sources to avoid glare and also to eliminate anomalies (such as visible exits through backscenes) that impair realism. 4) The modelling is executed to a high standard: ‘small but exquisite’, favouring fine-scale wheel and track standards and a high level of detail The opportunity for good modelling, high levels of detail and finer standards are one of the virtues of the cameo format (or any other form of small model railway). But that is not to say that the use of fine scale standards in the context of this competition is mandatory or that layouts using more mainstream standards will be ‘marked down’. Rather, marks will be awarded for the success of the model as an integrated whole rather than merely for numerical adherance to a particular set of scale dimensions. 5) The layout is engineered and specified for realistic, reliable and refined running and prototypical operation The operational success of a layout in the context of this competition will be judged on the ability of the model to replicate convincingly the working of the prototype depicted. 6) The whole thing should be as self-contained as possible and easy to transport, set up and store This means just what it says. We’re looking for thought and practicality in the design of the layout infrastructure and the ease with which it can be moved and set-up. As a guide point, we’re looking for models that can be handled by 1 - 2 people and the use of a car, car-trailer or small van for transport. Experience with Longwood Edge at 2.1m x 0.75m, 30 Kg in weight suggests this is about the upper limit for a an integrated cameo. Hence our suggestion that this order of bulk (think a generous casket…) is about the practicable limit of cameo-dom. Hopefully these notes have put a bit more meat on the bones, if you’ve got any further queries or questions don’t hesitate to drop us a line or send an e-mail to cameocomp@wildswanbooks.co.uk.

Just to reassure you that your entry has been received and accepted - a great subject by the way! Simon

I am actively pursuing this idea with Peter, it is something I would very much like to produce. Simon Castens

Available now: From Wild Swan, a brand new and much enlarged edition of Nic de Courtais' 1981 book on this iconic prototype. Printed and produced by Amadeus Press in Cleckheaton. Softback, gloss laminated cover and sewn spine, heavily illustrated, 96 pages, ISBN 9781912038718, £18.95. Available direct or from any good bookseller. In common with all Wild Swan books this will not be available at reduced prices from Amazon or any of the other cut price merchants. Simon Castens

The "further thoughts and guidance" are in the latest MRJ (256) which I flagged up on the "what is a cameo" thread on 20th July. We will be contacting everyone, at the moment we are still seeing a few new entries together with the odd withdrawal. Rest assured it's going ahead, there are lots of great ideas coming through. I have been a bit distracted by Larkrail, hols and also getting the new Wild Swan book "The Wantage Tramway" out, I pick up stocks tomorrow. Simon Simon

Here's a preview of Rich patrolling Alma Street Quay:

Cameo compadres may be interested to hear that there is full page "Cameo Competition Update" in the latest MRJ (256) which expands a little on a couple of rule type points, including some thoughts on layout h**ght as It relates to the competition. Nothing revolutionary or different but a slight concern that physical dimensions don't propel some entries out of the competition. As the update says, the response to the idea has been terrific, both here and off the net and there are lots of really interesting ideas and schemes taking shape. I'm still contemplating one of my own in G1, but it is a very big scale for a small space. If I do manage to build anything it will of course be without the competition. Simon

Thank you for the comments and for everyone who came along and joined in with this year's event. We had a great time, lots of talking, tea drunk and Lesley and I both got ourselves scanned by Alan at his ModelU stand. Hopefully there will be some photos later but in the meantime great to catch up with lots of friends including a number of RMwebbers -!talking to Arthur it appears that he may well be working on a new model railway based Downfall/Hitler parody... And thanks very much to various friends who really support the event, including our own Captain Kernow, all in all a great day celebrating our fantastic hobby. Simon

Floor plans finalised, there are enough tables, keys picked up, it's insured, lettuce and ham being sorted out by competent individuals, Steve Cook is on the road and from conversations had there are a number of folk heading for Larkhall tomorrow. Only disappointment is that the new Wantage book hasn't quite made it for tomorrow, I will be receiving stocks later in the week. More significantly this year we will remember Dave Finney who has sadly just passed away, Dave was a friend and great supporter of my shows over many years and will be much missed. Thank you again to everyone who helps to make this such an enjoyable event. Simon

Suitably edited, don't want to incur the wrath of Cornish Archaeology on the event…. Shame you can't make it, next year's event will be on the 14th July…. Thanks for the "p" heads up! Simon

Larkrail 2017 Saturday 15th July 2017, 10.00am to 4.30pm £4.00 admission to all comers, accompanied children free. New Oriel Hall Larkhall Bath 1.5 miles out from bus and railway stations, bus No 7 from outside Debenhams in front of Bath Spa station. Robin Gay's P4 Wantage station and Nic De Courtais' EM model of Wantage lower yard spearhead a fairly Wantage-ish show which will also hopefully see the launch of Nic’s new book on the subject from Wild Swan. Roger Bird’s beautifully observed Tralee and Dingle diorama, Annascaul Llanfair: Welsh Narrow Gauge from Andy Cundick Portskerra: Highland Railway terminus circa 1916 EM by Tim Tinknell Drews Sidings: RMweb featured Br Blue inglenook OO from Adrian Full Demonstrators Iain Rice will be in attendance with something jolly interesting. Phil Coplestone will be representing S scale Simon De Souza: Wantage Stock and plastikard modelling Justin Newitt: fiendishly clever wagon etchings Gordon Ashton: P4 wagon building Ted Olney: OO kit building Dennis Lepper figure painting, plus two G1 locos painted in full glorious Southern Maunsell livery Dave Easto: Larger scale scratchbuilding, American boxcab Steve Harrod: Weathered G1 diesels and new OO project Laurie Griffin: locomotives and miniatures Steve Parks: Wellow diorama in N Jonathan Persse: Larger scale structure scratchbuilding Jerry Clifford and or John Greenwood: smallscale wonderfullness David Whitcomb and the Festiniog Railway roadshow Trade Dave Simpson's Gas Cupboard Brian Osborn's Branchlines And Alan Buttler’s ingenious ModelU come to Bath for the first time. I think that's it, it all seems to fit in, I must have forgotten something…. As before profits go to Julian House, a locally based charity supporting the homeless, last year's event raised £600.00 and finally, Roger Swan’s ode to 2016: At The Larkrail Train Show Let us not speak for the love we share for these trainsets: Let us drink Tea and look. She, checking watch: eating cake Tapping foot: He, acquiring another Railway Book. And both, Puzzled for a moment, In this Larkhall Inglenook Edited for taking the P out of Copplestone

Always a really good show, hope it goes well for everybody. I'm not there with the books as Titfield has retired from shows but Ian McCall is attending with Mainline and Maritime and is carrying a good stock of Wild Swan books. This includes lots of copies of Peter Barnfield's new "Memories of West Country Railway Journeys" which I hope many visitors will pick up over the weekend. Have a great time and I look forward to attending as a visitor in future years, it does feel a bit odd not being there. Simon

Just to let folk know that all entries have been received and "logged", we have not as a matter of course acknowledged all of the entries, so don't worry if you haven't heard anything yet. Iain and I sat down and reviewed entries so far on Sunday, and we have a great variety of ideas and approaches, which is very pleasing, many of them unfolding on this thread. Iain is concocting a letter with which we will be contacting and acknowledging all entrants shortly, I will let you know when we are doing this on this thread so that everyone can be sure they are "included". He also has some further thoughts and even guidance(!) having seen the entries so far and we will be publishing these here and on Western thunder, and even on my website... Simon Castens

What with you being the new editor of the most illustrious Snooze and all, is there any chance you might be able to correct your sort of "post cider" spelling? as in "Rastock - Midford Tramway at Wellow" Or this some cunning subterfuge to prolong pondering and pontification around the considerations concerning the very highly unlikely building by your good self of an imaginary model of an imaginary tramway that never existed? and "more interesting than the S&D" indeed - pshaw! Perhaps you have been on the cider after all... Yours as ever, a concerned Scalefour member

Here are a few pictorial extracts to give a bit of a "feel" for the book, in no particular order... All photographs copyright Peter Barnfield and Wild Swan Simon Castens

Not exactly, one view shows the rear end wall and most/part view of front elevation. Interestingly, the war memorial has been removed from the end wall by the date of the photo, August 65. I think this particular view has appeared previously in one of Irwell's "S&D Files" books, it also has the roof ventilator to "A" box in it. Simon

Available now, Peter Barnfield's photographs and recollections of travelling over Western Region lines in the West Country. Subjects are the ex Great Western lines, and photographs feature some early diesels and units in operation, notably a brilliant low angle shot of D6315 heading the "Cornishman" at Truro. There is also an extended chapter on a run along the S&D branch to Burnham, headed by a "Bulldog" and featuring extensive photography of Highbridge and Burnham. Printed and produced by Amadeus up in Cleckheaton. Gloss laminated cover, sewn spine, 120pp, heavily illustrated, ISBN 9781912038725, £14.95. Available direct or from any good bookseller. In common with all Wild Swan books this will not be available at reduced prices from Amazon or any of the other cut price merchants. Simon Castens

I had a brilliant day, talking cobblers as usual but this time without any books..... Lovely venue, top quality visitors and nice trains too. Thank you to Jerry for organizing it and to Kim and the girls for all the glamour and cakes. I enjoyed sharing my gauge one bits and at least managed to de-mask my sprayed brake van and ream out one hole in the BR van kit ready for roller bearings. All the layouts were good I thought, Arun Quay was clever and visually pleasing - the whole show was very inspiring. Apparently all the bread pudding I made got eaten too, wonders wil never cease....... Simon

My copy has arrived, I haven't had a detailed study yet but it looks properly good, oodles of detailed wagonry and some stonking plans too. And very nice to see it has been printed by Amadeus in Cleckheaton too, who also packed it very well. Well done on all fronts! Simon

Belated tailpiece: A great show, as ever, thanks to David and the team for all their hard work. All aboard for beer…. Here's to 2018! Simon

Perhaps this would help?

GWJ 102 arrived in the shop today, so will now be going out to subscribers, other outlets and even WH Smiths branches. Apart from finishing off Snow Hill, Newbury and Castles in traffic, there is a very informative article on Collet bow ended coaches, with good drawings included - It'll be missed when its gone. I'll be bringing a good few to Railex at Aylesbury this coming weekend.. Simon