380John

Hi there, As the title says, I'm after Hornby magazine issue number 76. This issue had the free "operation build it" plans. My new layout will be similar in some respects and I'd like to use the plans as a gauge against my own. Many thanks, John

Amazing how the human condition works, some people trying to play supermarket sweep whilst others regardless of how they feel or turmoil they're in can show an act of kindness like that. You might not be able to eat it, but at least that model will allow you to continue as "normal" in some small part. I'm stuck at work bringing record levels of oil and gas into milford haven to keep the country going in these strange times. I have new baseboards being delivered to my home today. As long as I can get ashore for my leave this week, a bit of self isolation will do my layout the world of good if nothing else! Cheers, John

Absolutely beautiful finish on the V2. Tone, Hue and the way light reflects on it look superb. Fantastic looking model. John

Really looking forward to this Andy! The BLT wizard ready to conjure up another masterpiece! Your student awaits with baited breath! Great idea on region. Happy New year mate! John

Don't worry my sweet-it only fires blanks!

Just having a flick through mine Bob. Admittedly I've not read it properly yet, but it seems a few western region locos have been missed off the list at the back perhaps? The venerable Manors produced by bachman and earlier by mainline appear to be missing? John

Looking fantastic. Surprisingly atmospheric considering you haven't started any scenics. Will be following mate Cheers John.

Fantastic perspectives in those photographs Tony. Thank you for sharing. The latter two might show those "cruel close ups" on many a layout, but these are fantastic, and a testament to the quality of modelling on display here. Congratulations to all involved. John

I think it looks great Bob. You have managed to get a great tonal variation. I'd be very happy with it if it was mine! John

Looking really good Brian, Sorry, I may have missed it.... But is your back scene with the cliffs and sea on it something you have made or is it an off the shelf product? Many thanks, John

That's a fine job Shaun. I'm afraid under the same circumstances I'd have thought I was beaten and would have had to concede and start again from scratch. Very well played, and a great set of pictures and description to help others who might like me now attempt something they thought was a bridge too far before. John

All the best with the venture! Always great to see the hobby expanding enough for someone to make a living out of it! Will it just be online or would you hope to have a premises? Cheers, John

Really like the look of those overgrown sidings Andy. Top stuff. The whole thing is looking great. John

Looks great, really like the shed roads, your cinders and general filth between the tracks looks very effective. What did you use? Cheers, John

That Sir, is absolutely excellent. A scene not often modelled but an almost daily occurrence at preserved railways. Very well executed. Great stuff indeed. John

Happy birthday Brian, Layout is looking great, I like the bash of the gantry will be interested to see how it turns out. The Dapol kits still stand the test of time if with a bit of gentle persuasion! I've just finished a Dapol cattle wagon kit this week. I'm pretty pleased with it. Might have been easier if the parts matched the number on the sprue with the ones on the instructions! All the best, John

Hi Bob, Does your layout come into contact with direct sunlight? Only reason I ask- is because on a previous layout I used some of the javis scatter in the past I'm afraid mine faded after only a couple of months. I think some matt varnish helped to slow things down a little bit but it's obviously not ideal! I may have just had a bad experience, but I'd hate to see you go to all that effort on your excellent layout and then find yourself pulling your hair and scatter out in equal amounts in just a few months time! More experienced modellers than me may have some tips to stop it happening. Maybe mine was just a one off as Javis has been a popular sight on our modelling shop shelves for donkeys years. Hope I've not put a downer on anything... Best regards John

Absolutely fantastic! Well worth the wait for the updates! Apart from the first class scenery and buildings, I really like how spacious the area looks, and not over crowded but at the same time very detailed and very "real" looking. John

Really like the proposed addition of the houses Bob. They help to set a scene and offer the opportunity of almost endless detailing. Things really taking shape! Kind regards, John

That vanishing Road looks excellent! Just the right tone between foreground and back scene and the embankments enhance the "3D" effect. I've seen it done many times but some are more convincing than others. Top draw bodge! John

Looking good Bob, can you tell me what filler you use please? Layout is coming on a treat. I have followed your progress in the background but things are really starting to come together and it's looking great! Kind regards, John

Great find, Luke Towan is a modelling genius! His videos are very well presented. I'm sure all of us can take something away from them.

That roof really sets them off, it's a nice improvement that'll help them to blend in. Hope I've done the reply correctly! John

Well done, you must be very proud of your achievement. That's a fantastic result and well deserved. Congratulations! John

Really nice stuff Richard, The weathered locos really bring things to life. Your photos remind me of shots from books with the angles and scale distances. Looking forward to seeing more. Best, John