Not Jeremy

I took a few snaps, not great quality but there are some people in them... Graham "Muz" with Canute Quay featuring an interloper Interloper enlarged Interloper made on to the modules too, Arthur and Culmhead officiating Admirers admire, I think I've seen that bloke in the shirt before…. KIm, Phil and Tim by the bring and buy Simon

Another great day, well done to all the organisers for taking the event on and making a really first class job of it. The layouts were great, lots of variety and no shortage of quality, I too thought the new layout of rooms worked well. Great to meet up with lots of familiar faces and put faces to RMweb names and a great pleasure to meet and chat to Rob NHY581 and PhilH for the first time. It was also very nice to attend as a "civilian" for once, although I did manage to have quite a few Cameo related conversations. Apologies for only being there in the morning, the siren call of the WSR with a 4F, two 7Fs and a diagram 1452 ply van was just too was too much to resist. Thank you again to all those who made it happen. Simon Not Jeremy PS and thanks very much to Not Captain Kernow for the top technology tips too…..

Stubby, I am coming down to Taunton on Sunday and will be able to offer you counselling(!) Speaking for myself just the thought of trying more than one would blow my fuses, I doubt we'll have a rule to ban multiple entries but wouldn't you be better concentrating on one? I quite liked the Himalayan Nose Trumpet Monorail you had at Taunton the other year, honing that into a cameo keep you out of mischief for years I should think!! See you Sunday Simon

Absolutely not - anywhere you like! Simon

Thank you to all contributors to the challenge threads, it all makes for interesting reading and has clearly got a few people thinking about creating their own cameos. I am very pleased to report that as of this moment we have received six entries as a result - splendid! I thought I'd just answer some of the points that have come up and drop in a few thoughts of my own on the competition. Answers to questions: Entries by groups of individuals are fine - a good idea, we hadn't thought of that. Entries do have to be "working" layouts with movement and a degree of "playability". Entries do not have to be in any particular scale or standard, use whatever you wish to. There is no "requirement" to show or share progress here or elsewhere. (but we'll have to see something sometime in order to judge it) Size is not limited, other than by time and space(!) The purchasing of Iain's book is a requirement and yes, it is all part of a cunning plan to sell even more books than I might otherwise have done. It was simply an idea I had which when run past Iain Rice and Paul Karau received a positive reponse. Beyond "selling more books" I have numerous aspirations for the competition and without boring you with all of them they include: Having fun. Getting some layouts built and enjoyed by people who might otherwise not have (Let's call it the "Arendt Effect" in memory of a lovely man). Promoting and sharing the hobby with more people. Getting Iain Rice and his ideas, personality, creativity, humour and humanity a bit more bounced around the hobby. Having fun. Gong back to the requirement to buy a book to enter the competition, some entrants have emailed evidence, for which thank you very much, but I think I'm happy to on the whole just take it on trust that entrants will have done the "decent thing". The thought of "enforcing" anything pretty much fills me with terror. All that said, entrants must be prepared for spot checks from Herr Schirtz at any moment in time and any entrants found to be without well dog eared copies of "Creating Cameos" as a result will be subjected to continuous audio loops of MRJ threads, containing endless references to sausages and WH Smith branches - especially Ealing. Joking apart, both Iain and I are very concerned that participation should be enjoyable and that absolutely nobody should walk away from the challenge feeling in any way that they have "lost". That said, it is a competition and we are aware that does introduce a degree of "tension" but we will be seeking to be as inclusive and recognising of everyone's efforts as possible throughout the whole process. Happily I am not a judge, but genuinely feel that in Iain Rice, Gordon Gravett and Chris Nevard the contest has three judges who will appreciate the widest range of approaches and ideas. I am certainly looking forward to seeing lots of different ideas as a result of the whole business. I intend attending the members day at Taunton next week where I will make myself available for plaudits, rotten tomatoes etc And Arthur, as regards Hitler parodies - yes please! Simon

I'm afraid Mrs Doyle didn't do any such thing, in fact I had to make her a coffee in addition to making my own tea.. However, said beverage was indeed consumed and I think I have also (hopefully) got something intelligible and useful loaded up to the new challenge area. Here's a measure of just how seriously I'm taking the whole business by the way, I used my very special mug... Thank you again Andy for facilitating it all - let's go Cameo! Simon

To help people who haven't read the book decide whether they'd like to get involved or not, here is a quick guide to the key points that Iain believes "makes" a Cameo layout, all taken from the book. A Cameo Layout is one where: The 3D modelled scene is combined with a 2D backdrop. Complementary fascias, wings and other display aids set off the modelled scene. Carefully considered and built in lighting provides natural illumination for the modelled scene. Necessary offstage areas or staging tracks are built in to the layout. Support structures display the model at a "natural" viewing height. Necessary electrical and mechanical "gubbins" are built in to the layout. In summary, the underlying criteria are that it should be easy on the eye, easy to move, and require only a single plug to power it. The book is readily available from all decent railway booksellers, here is a link to its description and details on my own website: http://titfield.co.uk/Shop.htm Simon Castens

Welcome to the part of RMweb that Andy York has kindly made available for entries to and discussion of the creating a Cameo layout competition announced in MRJ issue 254. Timing Please note that the competition timing has been extended to allow more time for entrants. The final display of winning and shortlisted entries will now take place at "Railex" in Aylesbury in May of 2019 rather than 2018 as originally announced. Entering the competition All competition entries need to be registered using the form provided and all entries need to be received on or before Saturday 23rd September 2017. Completed entries may be emailed or sent by post, email to cameocomp@wildswanbooks.co.uk or post to WSB Cameo Competition, 3a Upper Lambridge Street, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6RY. Rules Each entrant needs to have purchased a copy of Iain Rice's "Creating Cameo Layouts" published by Wild Swan Books, which describes in detail what a "Cameo Layout" is in the context of this competition, in addition to providing ideas and source material for would be Cameo builders. Judging The competition will be judged by Iain Rice, Gordon Gravett and Chris Nevard, initially using material submitted by entrants by means of written or electronic media, including threads on this forum. It is hoped to include actual viewing of entries by one or more judges for as many entries as possible, particularly after initial shortlisting. Entries need, for all practical purposes, to be completed before and in time for potential exhibition in May 2019 at Railex in Aylesbury. Entry form: Competition form.doc Simon Castens and Iain Rice April 2017

Ahem Andy has very kindly set it up, I'm just finalising a few bits of "furniture" for the place before everyone gets stuck in. I have consulted with his Riceness and things will be appearing shortly - won't be a moment, just got to make another tea…. Simon

The entry form doesn't set out any parameters, a cameo layout's recipe is set out in the book and further guidance is given in the MRJ piece that introduces the competion. In answer to Ian's question, the competition is for layouts that are being built or new build projects, so completed projects are effectively out. I should say, a condition of actual entry to the competition is the purchase of Iain's book. Beyond that I don't think there are any "conditions" or hard and fast rules, although as I said above Iain is looking for a piece of railway that can be operated and not "just" a diorama. Simon

Vraiment, mais non saucissons s'il vous plait. Good grief, why did I even think that..... Not Jeremy

Given that display at Railex in the UK is the "destination" then being outside the UK would undoubtedly pose some challenges, although we have the post, e-mails, websites and places such as RMweb at our disposal, so I'm not sure it's completely impossible. I can definitely assure everyone that the whole approach from the "judging end" is going to be flexible and open minded. We are happily ahead of team Pendon's very good multiple cameos display suggestion though, as this is the form the final display will take. Exact shape and size to be confirmed but in principle cleared with David Lane, although I don't think there will be any judging at the event itself. Simon

Robin I can see no reason why we should not do this, I wouldn't rule out an MRJ listing but can certainly compile an online "roll of honour". You raise a very important point though, both Iain and I are keen that everyone who participates feels properly "included" and that participation should be enjoyable for all. Although it is a competition, we imagine it as a process where people are sharing and comparing ideas as they go along and whilst there will (hopefully!) be a "winner" and shortlist, nobody should come out of the process feeling that they have in any way "lost". I found the book quite inspiring and am thinking about how I might create my own "Cameo" layout, (I'm excluded from the competition by the way) and what we both hope for the whole process is that it provides enjoyment and maybe gets some of many ideas that we all have going around our heads translated into actual "playable with" model railways. This "playable with" last bit is definitely part of what Iain has in mind, a lot of my ideas for example veer off into diorama territory, and whilst presentation is key, he wants to see some operation built into entries. If you read his book you'll get a good feel for what it's all about. I got to know the late Carl Arendt pretty well via emails etc and would be really pleased if this competition achieved just a small part of his great "Micro Layout" success in getting people actually modelling, and also sharing ideas and enjoyment along the way. Details of "online arrangements" will be sorted out shortly and I'm very pleased to say that Andy has been in touch with me and generously given the green light to there being a proper presence for the competition on RMweb. Simon (Edited for spelling mistakes)

Hi Rob (and all other interested parties) Iain and I have just now finalised "form arrangements", rest assured they are simple, uncomplicated and tolerant of changes to ideas etc as projects progress(!) We are considering the "online options" and would both be delighted to see a presence on RMweb. This would however probably be in addition to whatever we set up and in any case I think we ought to clear it with Andy and Warners before going too much further. I apologise for the details still not being on the website, we have finalised the form but are just waiting on a few other arrangements being sorted out before putting it all in place. Thanks to everyone for their interest, I think I am right in saying that both this book and Authentic operation will receive reviews in the next issue of BRM. Simon

Thanks for the pictures of the works at Bath station, it looks like they are doing a pretty good job. I wouldn't worry about canopy mangled edges though, the edge of the canopy on the down platform was cut back donkeys years ago and is nothing to do with electrification. What is a pity is that they destroyed the S&D overbridge next to Bellots Road on some pretext or other. Still, mustn't grumble…. Simon

Great thread and pictures, here's a modest contribution. A friendly bunch of P Way guys fettling the plain line that they had just replaced the turnout for the North Chord at Bradford Junction with, 1989 from memory. Simon

Thank you very much for those nice comments regarding Titfield service - much appreciated. We don't always get it right, but we do try. I should add that I am greatly aided by my very good friend George Mumford who not only works very hard packing books but is also the genius who has built and manages the database driven parts of the website. I hope folk won't mind but I won't be discussing price here, although I will say that I do actually give it quite a lot of thought. We are all entitled to our opinions and I have no problem with anyone saying whatever they think on this or any other aspect of the books, and I quite respect that these opinions are sincerely held and expressed. As regards Iain, getting to know him a little has been one of the greatest of the many pleasures I have enjoyed since taking on Wild Swan. I'm sure he won't mind me saying that he has been told by his specialists that he will die with Parkinsons rather than of it, but it does nonetheless present him with some real challenges. He still gets a great deal done however and I hugely admire his good humour and the positive way in which he deals with it. I will stick my neck out and reveal that he is working on a new book for Wild Swan about which I am very excited, I hope to have more information on this later this year. Back to Creating Cameo layouts, I do agree that it could have done with a few more worked up schemes and ideas. I am hoping that I can persuade Iain to write a little more around the subject through the pages of MRJ in connection with the Cameo competition idea, the introduction to which is now hopefully on its way to publication. As an aside and going back to the Titfield Thunderbolt side of things, George and I have been interested if not a little surprised by what appears to us to be an increase in sales of back issues of Great Western Railway Journal (and possibly MRJ too) since the effective demise of GWJ was announced. I don't know whether other sellers of these titles have noticed anything similar? Thank you again to everybody for all the interest and feedback on the book. Best Wishes Simon Castens

Rob, yes there will be a Cameo challenge. I was down in deepest darkest (actually it was lovely and sunny) Devon yesterday discussing the very subject with Iain himself. A piece launching and explaining the competition will appear in MRJ very shortly. Simon

It is out, featuring the final part of Birmingham Snow Hill, Newbury operations, More St Ives in close up, 4259 in close up, lad porter at Yelverton plus informed, even illustrated, letters. A really good isue I think. Simon

Thank you for the very nice comments regarding Titfield deliveries, I do try and have even been told that I am very trying. As does George, my trusty friend, who is the brains behind all the databases and systems and also an ace book packer. If I may correct one aspect of the Amazon discussion, this and all other Wild Swan books are not available from Amazon themselves, but rather from bona fide retailers who choose to place books for sale through Amazon, the two outfits in this case being Andrew Neale and Woodpecker Books. I am glad people are on the whole liking the book and appreciate both Phil Parker's and Paul Marshall Potter's reviews, to name but two, as they are thoughtfully written and are not praising anything blindly, for want of a better expression. I don't want to start criticising my own stuff but I'd agree with Tim's comments that we could have done with a few more examples and schemes. I'm quite fired up by the book myself though and am trying to come up with a Gauge One cameo using "Pomparles Siding" as a basis, which was itself the result of the very excellent "Six Square Foot Challenge" here on RMweb when we were all much younger. I think Pugsley won that, from memory. Right - tea down and back to packing up Cameo Layouts for onward distribution... Best Wishes to all Simon Castens

For those that are after more information, Paul Marshall Potter has just published a review of the book on his blog. https://albionyard.wordpress.com/2017/01/13/creating-cameo-layouts-iain-rice-wild-swan-books/

Creating Cameo Layouts by Iain Rice is now out and available to purchase. Direct from http://titfield.co.uk/Wild-Swan/Model-Reference.htm or alternatively from your favourite bookseller. Price £24.95, 120pp, sewn softback on quality art paper and printed in the UK by Amadeus up at Cleckheaton. Apologies for the rather delayed release - it was all my fault for making some rather last minute photographic improvements. I was aided by (and am extremely grateful to) Chris Nevard, Jerry Clifford and Dave Lowery in this regard. Copies should be available at the excellent Chiltern Model Railway Exhibition next weekend, I believe Rail Books and Roger Carpenter will be carrying stock. Simon Castens

Neal I apologise if my reply sounded arrogant, that wasn't my intention, and I can quite see and accept that you are approaching the whole subject from the point of view of a loyal reader. I also accept that as a producer of a serial publication you do have some sort of obligation to your readers, which is why the journal will run for a further three issues, i.e. to complete outstanding subscriptions. But that apart I stand by my comments, and as others have observed the times are changing, but that is probably subject for another discussion. Best Wishes Simon

Well, if you looked in MRJ you'd see exactly what is going on, because they will most assuredly be flagging any publications up there. As for selling it on, well maybe, but without Paul's input and John Copsey's editorship and contributions just exactly what would you have left? There is nothing to stop anyone else starting a new publication of course, apart from the monstrous fees you have to pay to get WH Smith to put it on to their shelves, the printing costs, warehousing, handling subscriptions, oh and of course you've got to write it as well. And then while you are working away on the next issue, you also get to enjoy hugely witty comments on Internet forums about how very stupid you are for splitting articles into several parts, being late etc. And as for the books, well they have all been available and advertised and displayed by pretty much all of the specialist booksellers ever since they were first published right up until now, so I don't really understand how they could have passed anyone by without being noticed. Simon

For information and clarification, from the Autumn 2016 Issue number 100 and verbatim: Publishers Notice We plan to end the publication of Great Western Railway Journal as a quarterly magazine at issue 103. Thereafter we may publish the occasional special.