Scottish-Exile

Good to see Crinan again today.

Wigan & Model Rail Scotland are my two fixed show visits each year with other shows slotted in depending on what's on offer. This years Wigan show was once again top drawer with some great layouts on show. Surprisingly given that I'm an OO modeller, it was the 'n' guage layouts that really caught my eye: Deansmoor with its OHLE; Titheridge Junction with its tripple headed class 37's pulling 26 ore wagons and St Ruth in 2mm finescale. In OO, Scorbiton was running very well - loved those bridges - and for an Exiled Scot, Strathmuir revoked memories of SPTE Orange class 101's & 107's from my youth and it was good to see Crinnan again. All the other layouts were worthy of a look and some really good 009 stuff although I do wonder if shunting wagons and making up train consists is really suited for such a fine guage. Parked right outside the door and for just £4, it was far better than hiking over to one of the free car parks. Can't understand why people moan so much. It's nothing compared to the NEC or some other venues. Spent a small fortune on the DCKits stand where Charlie managed to empty my wallet as I added t my collection of RealTrack DMU's. Finally I managed to confuse the young girl doing the catering by asking for a roll and sausage. Apparently they're called Barms in these parts. Who knew.

An update from the latest Rapido Newsletter:

Nice 'one' Will be ordering several for sure.

Speedlink Coal Network, from the days before Trainload Coal branding became the norm.

37 222 on the jacks at Haymarket. October 1988.

I'm currently a 'collector' as I only have a small 7' end to end layout. Got married last month and sold off a few to fund that and the honeymoon. Hopefully be moving house next year and my only stipulation is that the new home must have a very large railway room Thankfully the wife is in agreement, as she also wants a very big craft room of her own for her pyrography business. I have everything itemised on a spreadsheet and the cost tab is one I won't be sharing. Having only got back into model railways 3 years ago I've been a bit OCD in my approach, buying up 1980's ScotRail stuff that I remember from when I was a young train-spotter to all the class 66's etc that I see today. I know I have far too many and I dare say once I have my dream layout then the fleet will be rationalised, or some (e.g. the steam locos) will be destined to be permanent display case models.

An ebay search shows that this comes up pretty regular: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Newton-Heath-Witch-Sticker-Weatherproof-Vinyl-/113052639141 rhpcollectables richard platts Smithy Cottage East Leigh Crediton Devon EX17 6BQ United Kingdom

Just Arrived. Delighted with it. Noow to get my order in for Loch Awe Thanks Guys. Hope it's been a big success for your club.

That's true for me. In the past year or so I've sold 15 Class 37's (8 Lima, 7 ViTrains) and now maintain a fleet of 10 Class 37's. All by Bachmann and 1 solitary ViTrains that I keep for sentimental reasons.

The truly 'exclusive' models will sell, e.g. MMRG sold out their full stock of Dunrobin Castle The Rep editions, are not actually 'exclusive' in this age of the internet. I've pre-ordered Inverness TMD which actually is within my 'area', so I can support a local model shop. However, anyone can order these via the net no matter where they live, so it is these models that may end up being discounted. The other issue is cost. I decided yesterday to order a 37 in Europhoenix livery and was surprised that I hadn't pre-ordered one on its announcement. Looking online, I remembered why. It is only coming as a sound fitted loco, with the resulting price premium. Something I'm not interested in or would prefer to fit myself. Hopefully there may be a few of these hitting eBay with the sound removed.

Hi Mike Received and Paid. Many thanks for checking into this for me. Regards Mike

Appreciate everyone's working hard in their spare time to get invoices sent and locos despatched, but the wait for my invoice is killing me ! Happy for those who have already received their locos.

Look stunning. Can't wait for this to be released.

I got the last North West Scottish region Ltd Ed (47712) from Widnes Model Centre who re pretty local to me, so I'll be heading back there again for this one.

Picked up my BR Blue robert Burns model yesterday from Trident Trains. A truly stunning model and worth waiting for.

Launched at the members day today. The new magazine is apparently in the post so I guess will arrive next week with the usual order form. Incidentally, their Card Machine wasn't working so they couldn't take payments today, but were happy to give out the locos on production of your membership card etc. They'll be calling me / other purchasers next week for payment.

Taken through glass, but a stunning looking model.

That same thought went through my mind when I saw the flyer. I paid a stupid amount for the old Rails LE on eBay, but the "Incorrect" but accurate protrayal of the extra large logo always jarred on me. At least this new version is of the loco as it currently runs today.

And available to buy today as well

Ok, so the new collectors club magazine is apparently in the post to members, ad these were announced today as new limited edition Rep models: 37 025 Inverness TMD BR LLB 37 116 BR LLB 37 704 EW&S Red

Some new Rep edition 37's were announced today at the Collectors Club outing at the Churnett Valley Railway. I see on another post that there is an embargo until 4pm on these announcements, so I'll keep Mum until then. Looking forward to placing my order though

That's two happy bunnies. Delighted with the next LE model

Just checked my own confirmation, and it went in at 09.54 am on the first day of ordering. So eagerly awaiting my invoice and model, mainly so I can see what the next 'Limited Edition' is going to be !!

Strathclyde Orange, Ayr - Girvan Strathclyde Ermine/Cream, Ayr - Girvan