davidmcc3

Just a quick note about attacks on websites: We've been building and managing websites for clients for over ten years, and there has always be a constant battle against malicious agents trying to break into websites. They don't just do it to grab personal information ... most often it is to use the website to download malicious software to visitors' computers, provide links to scam sites, or to send emails and traffic onto the net. We've found new sites starting to be attacked within a few days of a new domain being registered. Most of this activity is automated, coming from compromised computers around the world. As an example of the level of attacks, we were recently notified (by the security software we install on all our websites) that there had been an increased rate of attack on one site we manage ... and when I looked, there there were up to 50 seperate attempts to break in every minute! It's a constant battle. Part of the answer is chosing a good hosting company, not the cheapest.The rest is down to adding security software, updating programs as necessary, and watching traffic - I monitor ALL admin level logins and all lock-outs on all the sites we look after ... it's a time overhead, but we can't afford to not to do it for our clients. The probelm with the C&L site was probably inadequate protection, no reporting, and lack of backups. This is something Phil inherited with the business, and meant he wasn't able to recover from the problem. It underlines the importance of having good technical support when you rely on a website. A phone contact or support ticket system with your hosting company is seldom enough, especially with the larger companies.

Found this on the BBC website today. Can you imagine this happening on our railways?! Could make a very unusual layout. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-46828430/manila-s-trolley-boys

Rather good, John. And my second favourite railway company.

I've been listening to steam sound on layouts recently. The sound on Leysdown (seen at the Portsmouth show) has always struck me as the most realistic I've heard. The sound on Bournemouth West (at Peterborough last weekend) was also quite good. What prompted me to ask the question was seeing an un-rebuilt Light Pacific, on said Bournemouth, ... or rather hearing ... as the sound chip was reproducing the characteristic wheel slip sounds (though I think it was overdone a tad). The problem was that the wheels were turning normally! This is probably a special case, so I'm not expecting anyone to be able to reproduce real wheel slip to match the sound chip. However, it seems to me that the sounds emenating from steam locos doesn't match the rotation of the wheels - its out of sync. There should be 'chuffs' in time with the wheel rotation, different for 2, 3, and 4-cyclinder locos. Has anyone attempted to fix this syncronisation problem? How difficult would it be? If you're a diesel buff, then you'll be laughing by now.

The Exactoscale track parts are available through the gauge societies (EMGS, Scalefour and Scale7) without the 10% mail order fee, and they have their own postage and packing charges. All you have to do is become a Member.

Just three days to go, and we're nearly ready ... the Show Guide (one free to each party coming through the door) has gone to print, barriers and signs have been prepared, and the staffing schedule circulated. Traders update: We are being supported by four traders this year who all carry a wide range of modelling items in their shops, including many non-railway lines. Two of these traders will be at the Exhibition ... The Model Shop (Portsmouth), and Frome Model Centre. Supporting us by advertising in the Show Guide are Wicor Models of Portchester, and KB Models of Havant. See details of all the appearing and supporting traders on the 2018 Exibition Traders page of our website. One more note ... The Model Shop (Portsmouth) and KB Models are offering discounts on production of the Show Guide. The final 4 layouts: Sherton Abbas (7mm scale, O gauge) Sherton Abbas is a 7mm scale representation of a Great Western Railway branch line terminus and is set in the Edwardian era circa 1905. The name Sherton Abbas comes from Thomas Hardy’s novel “The Woodlanders” – quite what he would have made of the railway is anyone’s guess! Stoke by Nayland (4mm scale, P4 gauge) In 1867 the Great Eastern Railway opened a 35 mile cross country route from Colchester to Stowmarket. The line was never as successful as anticipated and lived a quiet existence for 100 years until closure in 1967. It did however prove to be a useful avoiding line, taking pressure of the Colchester to Norwich mainline at busy times. Stoke by Nayland station itself was kept busy by the presence of a granary and a dairy. Trowland (1:64th scale, S gauge) Trevor Nunn’s new layout ‘Trowland’ is the terminus of a Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway branch line in North Norfolk. The layout is set firmly in the 19th century. Widley and St George (4mm scale, OO Gauge) One for our younger visitors. Come and drive trains pulled by Thomas, Percy, Gordon and more of their friends. Details of all the layouts appearing this year can be found on the 2018 Exhibition Layouts page, with even more details including track plans, in the Show Guide. Getting to the exhibition Full details for getting to the exhibition by public and private transport are on the Club website. The Show Guide is free, and contain information about layouts and traders, and there are some special offers from some of the traders. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/ We hope to see you there.

I'm also waiting for the E1/R ... if someone makes an RTR version, I shall be buying at least 4. I'm modelling the North Devon line in the mid-1930s, and it can't be done properly without a fleet of E1/R locos. I wonder what the economic minimum sales quantity is for an RTR loco?

We're into the last two weeks before the exhibition ... and the Committee is getting the usual pre-match nerves - they think they've thought of everything! This is a good time to remind visitors that the excellent catering put on by 'Trig' in the school's kitchen, is only available between 12 noon and 1:30pm - each year there are people who have got so engrossed in the exhibition that they forget the early close of the catering. However, drinks and snacks are still available in the 'Bridge' (just along from the catering), and there are several food outlets in Ocean Park, including a new M&S Food Hall. There is a little 'Blue Badge' parking in front of the school - if you don't have a Blue Badge, please don't park in these spaces. Time is running out for pre-show orders, so get your order-for-collection in soon. Please also note that a number of the advertisers in this year's Show Guide will be offering discounts for limited periods after the Exhibition, but only on production of the Guide. Traders Previewed: This year's traders (who haven't been mentioned before) include C&L, Falcon Masterpiece Models, MRD (Model Railway Developments), Penbits, Rumney Models, and Squires Tools. Advertising but not appearing at the Exhibition are The Electric Loft Ladder Co., KB Models (of Havant), and Wicor Models (of Portchester). https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/exhibition-traders/ Layout Preview: Outwell Village (4mm scale, OO finescale) The Wisbech and Upwell Tramway opened to traffic on the 20th August 1883 only as far as Outwell, and then on to Upwell on the 8th September 1884. Between the years of 1945 to 1950 the line saw the most activity, when it was not uncommon to see double headed trams with 60 fruit vans in tow. Steam trams were the mainstay of the motive power in the early years, with diesels taking over until 23rd May 1966 when the line closed to traffic. Layout Preview: Leysdown (4mm scale, P4 gauge) Welcome to the Leysdown, a model railway layout portraying, in 4mm to the foot scale, the terminus of the Sheppey Light Railway as it would have appeared in the early 1930s under Southern Railway ownership. Demonstrators & Societies The last of the 'gauge' societies that will be represented at the Exhibition is the 2mm Society. The 2mm Scale Association exists to promote and facilitate modelling at the scale of 2mm:1ft. The scale has a long history as the smallest practical finescale standard. https://www.shmrc.or...tors-societies/ Getting to the exhibition Full details for getting to the exhibition by public and private transport are on the Club website. The Show Guide is free, and contain information about layouts and traders, and there are some special offers from some of the traders. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/

This year's Exhibition will probably be known in the Club as "The Year of the Knees". The Committee has, between them, only 50% of the fit and funtioning knees they should have. I think it might be a ploy to avoid the heavy lifting! Don't forget - if you're coming to the Exhibition on the 17th, and you want to pre-order something from any of our traders, you need nto get that order in quickly to avoid being disappointed. Traders Preview In the preview today we welcome a new trader, Frome Model Centre, and a long-time supporter of the Show, London Road Models. Frome Model Centre are one of the largest and independent family-run model shops in the country. They can't possible bring everything to the Show, so please ask them if there's something particular you'd like them to bring. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/exhibition-traders/frome-model-centre/ London Road Models has a large range of 4mm etched loco kits, most with their origin in the pre-Group era - many are not available anywhere else. Of course, many of these loco survived through the Grouping period into BR ownership. They also have many other kits including coaches and wagons. They are also the only UK supplier of Resistance Soldering Irons. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/exhibition-traders/ Layout Preview: Fulton Terminal (3.5mm HO gauge) - 1950s Eastern USA Fulton Terminal was situated on the East River and operated by the New York Dock Railway. It was one of a large number of similar rail terminals, around the Upper New York Bay and Hudson River area, all connected by the river. The model is set in the mid-1950s. Layout Preview: Horselunges (4mm P4 gauge) - Sussex Light Railway Not far from the bottom edges of the Sussex Weald lies the Dicker Tramway, a small independent light railway connecting the brick kilns of Dicker with the market town of Owlsham. An intermediate station serving the market town of Horselunges along with its flour mill and a private industrial siding form the subject of the scene depicted. Demonstrators & Societies Demonstrators include Roy Hickman, a regular demonstrator of scenic modelling. Be prepared to have a go yourself - allow plenty of time for everyone in your party to make something to take home ... a favourite with the children. MERG is the Model Electronics Railway Group and is an international club for anyone interested in using electronics to control a model railway and reap the benefits of reduced wiring, more controllability and reduced costs of the electronics. They have a number of demonstration units, and can explain all about assembling the MERG boards. https://www.shmrc.or...tors-societies/ Getting to the exhibition Full details for getting to the exhibition by public and private transport are on the Club website. The Show Guide is free, and contain information about layouts and traders, and there are some special offers from some of the traders. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/

Late in 2019? That's truely terrible. Especially as this is the particular volume I most wanted to see (because of the content). I have, of course, already bought the other two.

We were busy in the Club room last night building some more supports for our barriers - we'd run out last year. Had a chat with the compiler of the Show Guide ... he has most of the information he needs, and will be creating the frist draft in the next few days. Traders preview Today, I'll mention a regular trader at the exhibition, The Model Shop (Portsmouth), and a new trader for this year, Tim Horn (baseboards). The Model Shop have moved premises since last year, and a major benefit to shoppers is that there is a free car park just behind the shop.For those of you who know Portsmouth, this is a great asset! As well as bringing a selection of items to the show, their advertisement in this year's Show Guide inclused a 15% off voucher for purchases at their shop. You can also place orders with them for collection at the show ... but please get those orders in early to avoid dissappointment. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/exhibition-traders/model-shop-portsmouth/ Tim Horn is well know as the maker of top quality baseboards, among other things. His range of boards goes beyound the usual flat retangular offerings of other suppliers, so if you need new baseboards, his stand will be well worth the visit. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/exhibition-traders/tim-horn/ Layout preview: End of the Line (7mm 0 gauge) - early 60s coal mining In addition to the excellent 0 gauge modelling, the line includes a 2ft narrow gauge line bringing the coal from the pit to the distribution centre ... with working tippers! While some of the coal is taken away by rail, there are also some radio controlled lorries handling local distribution. We expect End of the Line to be very popular on the day. Layout preview Hope-under-Dinmore (4mm EM gauge) - pre-Grouping LNWR and GWR Hope is currently our Club's largest operational layout (that crown will be taken by Eastwood when that arrives in 2019). Hope is a traditional 'roundy-roundy' layout, with lots of trains to watch, and the occasional shunting operation in the goods yard. Virtually all the stock has been built or converted from kits, many of which are no longer available. It is a Club favourite because operating it is so enjoyable. Will you spot the Layout Manager taking the permanent way train up the branch (again) when it should be on the main line? Demonstrators and Societies Roger Sawyer is a regular demonstration at our Exhibition, and he'll be here again showing how straightforward soldering is. Come along and be prepared to have a go. The Scalefour Society will be represented this year by members of the Southwark Bridge Group. The Society is more that just an advocate for the 18.83mm track gauge - members have access to resources useful for every 4mm modeller. Come along and have a chat. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/exhibition-demonstrators-societies/ Getting to the exhibition Full details for getting to the exhibition by public and private transport are on the Club website. The Show Guide is free, and contain information about layouts and traders, and there are some special offers from some of the traders. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/

We're begining the count down in the Club, with lots of activity ... building extra barrier supports, mapping out the hall, and starting to give you a preview of the layouts, traders, societies and demonstrators. Traders preview Two of our regular traders are Book Law and Coastal DCC. Book Law keep a huge range of trailway and other transport books ... but they can only bring a limited selection with them. So if you have something specific you want to buy, it's always best to give them a call to pre-order it, for collection at the exhibition - this saves you postage! https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/exhibition-traders/book-law-publications/ Coastal DCC stock equipment by Lenz, TCS, Digitrax, Zimo and ESU/Loksound. Their experience with DCC comes from using it on their own layouts, so they have a real practical insight into using DCC systems. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/exhibition-traders/coastal-dcc/ Layout preview: Banbury (2mm N gauge) - Modern Image Banbury station lies on a busy cross country route between Birmingham and Didcot, where it joins the Great Western Mainline. The Chiltern Railways mainline towards London Marylebone diverges a few miles South at Aynho Junction. Layout preview: Ferring (4mm, P4) - Pre-Group, LBSCR Ferring is the terminus of a fictional branch off the Brighton to Portsmouth line near Goring, Sussex, set in 1911. This makes the layout very nearly a 'local' line. We try to portray typical L.B.S.C.R. practise of the time and to capture a ‘Brighton’ atmosphere; most of the buildings are based on real ones. Demonstrators & Societies Demonstrators include Jerry Clifford who will once again, be showing some of his exquisite 2mm Finescale models. The EM Gauge Society is a UK based international society created to promote and cater for railway modellers working to a scale of 4mm/ft with a track gauge of 18.2mm - come and ask us any questions you have about this finescale gauge society, and what we have to offer modellers. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/exhibition-demonstrators-societies/ Getting to the exhibition Full details for getting to the exhibition by public and private transport are on the Club website. The Show Guide is free, and contain information about layouts and traders, and there are some special offers from some of the traders. https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/

It's that time of year again - the 2018 Portsmouth Model Railway Exhibition will be held on Saturday 17th November. The Exhibition is at the usual location ... Admiral Lord Nelson School, Dundas Lane, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO3 5XT - opposite Ocean Park (Homebase, Curries PC World, McDonalds, Costa, M&S Foodhall etc.). Full details of the layouts, traders and other stands can be found on our website at: https://www.shmrc.org.uk/exhibition/ This year we will be showcasing layouts and traders here on this forum in the run up to the 17th. We look forward to you visiting the Exhbition, enjoying the layouts, and making our traders happy! Here is the list of layouts and traders etc. currently confirmed: Layouts Banbury End of the line Ferring Fulton Terminal Hope Under Dinmore Horselunges Leysdown Outwell Village Sherton Abbas Stoke by Nayland Trowland Widley St George Traders Booklaw Publications C & L Coastal DCC Falcon Masterpiece Models Frome Model Centre London Road Models Model Railway Developments Penbits Rumney Models Squires Tools The Model Shop, Portsmouth Tim Horn Baseboards Demonstrators Jerry Clifford Roger Sawyer Roy Hickman Societies 2mm Society EMGS MERG Scalefour Society

Just to let everyone know, the Exactoscale Products website now has details of their current items, with prices. Not everything is available yet, only the listed items. https://exactoscale.com/ There will be a one-off trade stand at Scaleforum in Aylesbury 22nd/23rd September.

Just a quick note to say the link in Duncan's post doesn't work - please go to: https://www.shmrc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Workshop-Wise-South-2018.pdf ... for the PDF (which has full details).

Access to Fort Widley Unfortunately, these old buildings do not have lifts. Although the clubrooms are on the ground floor, the Fort is built on the side of Portsdown Hill, and access to the Fort is on the first floor (above the clubrooms). There is only access to the Clubrooms using stairs (22 Steps). Sorry if this affects any prospective visitors.

We have some more details of the Event: The following Demonstrators are planned: 1 Soldering - Roger Sawyer Big Room. Roger (The Secretary of the EMGS) will lead an interactive workshop between 11am and 1pm. Several workbenches with Irons and materials will be provided for ‘student’ to practice with. Roger will be available in the afternoon as a Demonstrator. 2 Resistance Soldering - Ray Hodson Big Room. Ray will lead an interactive workshop between 2pm and 4pm. Several workbenches with RSU’s and materials will be provided for ‘student’ to practice with. Ray will be available in the morning as a Demonstrator. 3 From My Workbench - Phil Hall Western Room. Phil will be bringing some models from the work bench of a professional model maker. Phil is always ready to discuss any aspect of his Modelling activities 4 Track Building - Tony Sullivan Eastern Room. Tony will be showing and demonstrating his track building skills. 5 Locomotive Conversions - Paul Sager Western Room. Paul will be showing a selection of the Locomotives from his Edge Hill Layout and demonstrating and discussing some of the tricks and processors to make excellent models 6 Scratchbuilt Wagons - Duncan Redford Eastern Room. Duncan is presently building a Mixed Gauge Layout and will be demonstrating how he builds wagons from scratch. 7 Weathering & Wagon Loads - David and Alison Barker Western Room. David and Alison are well known of the exhibition circuit. Today, as a new venture they will show us how to make some wagon loads etc. 8 Silver Soldering - John Worseley Big Room. John has been a professional jeweller all his working life. Today his task is to show visitors that Silver Soldering isn’t difficult. 9 Etched Kit Construction - Mike Ainsworth Eastern Room. Mike (The Secretary of the S4 Society) is a very experienced modeller. Today he will demonstrate some of his etched Kit models and give guidance on how he makes them work. 10 Diesel Period Modelling - Tom Silsbury Western Room. Tom is a Professional Railway Man at work, but today he will be showing how he make models for the modern and not so modern period in S4 11 DCC - Nigel Phillips Western Room. Nigel is an active member of MERG. Today he will explain and demonstrate DCC and how it works. 12 Templot - Phil Chudley Eastern Room. Phil might be best known at this time as the man with the Lee om the Solent Layout. Another of his skills is Templot which he will demonstrate. Layouts: Eastwood Eastern Room. We hope to have trains running around this big S4 Layout for the first time in public, so you see trains running through before the layout is ready for the exhibition circuit…. Hope Under Dunmore Western Room. Hope will be running with all the exhibition stock plus perhaps some visitors for this special event. Societies Stands: 1 EMGS - Roger Sawyer - Big Room 2 Scalefour - Mike Ainsworth - Eastwood Room Refreshments: Big Room Teas, Coffee, Cold Drinks only, please BYO Bring and Buy Stand The B&B stand will be limited to members sales from the S.H.A.G. group only, sorry. We should have a good selection of items for sale.

This is a new event for the Club and the South Hants Area Group. 10.30 – 16.30 at The South Hants MRC clubrooms Workshop Wise (South) 2018 is on Saturday 14th July at Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill Road, Portsmouth, PO6 3LS (one mile from M27 / A3 M Junction) It will be a day of practical modelling and demonstrations from members of the South Hants Area Group and other friends. We will also have Hope-under-Dinmore (EM) and the first showing of EASTWOOD, now a large circular S4 Layout. As always, the South Hants Area Group meetings are open to all, regardless of your preferred scale or gauge, though for this event there will be a £3 per person entry fee. Contact Ray Hodson, Area Group Organiser 07710 591511 ray.hodson@sky.com Please book this day in your diary See also http://www.shmrc.org.uk/event/workshop-wise-south-14th-july-2018/ Workshop Wise (South) 2018.pdf

Thanks for ther 'bump' Paul. Planning and arrabgements are well advanced - we were discussing them last night - and posters will be printed in the next day or so. I'll put one up here once the design is finalised.

As a builder of websites as a day-job (among other things), I've spoken to a number of small suppliers in our hobby to see if I can help them get on line, or rebuild their current sites to make them easier to use and more effective. Many, like Dan, are worried about being inundated with orders. They are also worried about the modern expectation of same day dispatch and next day delivery. Of course it doesn't have to be like that ... so long as a website is well designed (with the visitor in mind, rather than having fancy and distracting moving graphics or text), and the information is clear - it's about managing expectations. Items for sale can be released in batches, so there isn't a constant and unsuppliable influx of orders. The newer generations of suppliers are better at this, but so many of the old (and wonderful) ranges disappear into oblivion at some point - thank goodness Parkside have gone to Peco. Although some here don't agree with still-available kits being sold for higher prices on eBay, it does make them more widely available, and importantly, more easily procured. When looking to buy something, I always check prices and don't trust to getting the best deal on eBay - my wife accuses me of researching things to death.

Layout Presentation for Exhibitions An evening illustrated talk by Eddie Bourne of the Scalefour Society. Eddie is an experienced modeller and exhibitor having been part of the team for layouts like St Merryn. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available at the meetings. At the end of the evening members are invited to join the Portsmouth locals at “The George” just down the road before they go home. For directions to Clubroom please refer to the SHMRC website – www.shmrc.org.uk or for more information call Ray Hodson 07710 591511 As always, the South Hants Area Group meetings are open to all, regardless of your preferred scale or gauge.

... err ... can't afford to turn anyone away?