rue_d_etropal

I am a bit puzzled. Been away on holiday so am going to have to get one of the mags from publisher, but when I look at website it is now showing the County as latest mag, but when in ASDA today they still has the diesel issue. Has the J39 come out yet or has it been delayed. Or are they putting out more advanced info on website? There was a problem getting on the website yesterday. Hopefully I will now only have to contact publisher for the 8F mag.

41 issues sounds a funny number, unless they have worked out one more mag will fit in binder. Also the choice , though very interesting, does raise questions, in particular where they are going to get it from. I even checked the Kitmaster list to see if they ever did one. Pity they did not look through the Kitmaster list as a model of a Garrett would have been popular. Ring binder????? none with the copy I picked up in local ASDA

For any rule there are always exceptions. When disabled rear access is necessary, it would not be difficult to allocate special disabled parking spaces for this use only. I sometimes get the feeling that shops want drivers to be able to park quickly(and possibly badly) so they can get into shop a few seconds quicker, but are less concerned about the safety issues once the driver has left the shop. In fact I have encountered drivers who take longer parking front end in than it would take to park the other way around. Vehicles with high back ends(not just vans) tend to block view when driving out of parking spaces. Back in the 90s one public utility company introduced a policy of parking back inwards. I never heard any more about it. It was at the same time one shop was trialling an electronic devise to check vehicles parked in disabled spaces. Again I did not hear anything more about this idea. Safety has to be the number one issue, even if it is inconvenient for a small minority. There are times when I do park front end in, normally when I have to load or load something large and awkward such as a layout. Last weekend I did park back in to unload, but felt it might be easier to park front in to load up at end of exhibition. I think I could have easily loaded car either way, and took extra care reversing out after the exhibition. As the surface was only grass I would not have expected any speeding exhibitors eager to get home, but it is not uncommon for us to pack vehicles loosely, and an abrupt stop even at 5mph could have resulted in load moving.

Those American bridges look superb, but I don't think I have seen many British bridges with those types of joined together sleepers. Again maybe regulations were different here, possibly connected to safety walkways.

Tony Wright said 3D printing is a good way forward, but is not just for young people. I think many might be surprised at the ages of many of the people designing 3D printed models. I had looked into designing complete bridges and have done a few designs for small bridges. Unless you have access to a printer then it is not cheap. It would be interesting to see what can be produced, and it might be of interest to others.

I know track on bridges varied, for various reasons, but sleepered track on such a bridge never looks quite right. Would not rail be either mounted on longitudinal timbers or even fixed direct to bridge in some cases. Nice to see the old Airfix(now Dapol) bridge being used/adapted for double track. I don't think there were always inner rails fitted, but then it probably depends on type of railway, speed of traffic etc This shows my 3D printed longitudinal beams fitted to Dapol bridge. The rail(code 100) actually slots through the beam, so appears to be lighter weight. For a heavier rail section code 143 FB could be fitted.

I remember the book mentioned. I am sure I had a copy at one time but think I might have sold it. The LMS electric loco(crocodile?) pulling passenger train out of Euston woulfd make an interesting model, and attract attention at exhibitions. A few years ago I built up one of the Dapol(ex Airfix) railbuses and painted it in blue, and it looked pretty good. I also painted up an old Pacer unit in green with whiskers which was OK. It would be controversial but how about some BR steam locos in Blue with double arrow sign. Idea would be that steam was not scrapped in 1968. The VOR locos did not look too bad painted that way.

here is my latest Gn15 layout(?), built for the 19-15 challenge. Still some more bits(clutter) to add.

Hachette produce some mags for UK including the 'Your model railway village' collection and their admin is not that good, although they did eventually sort things out. Pity is that they also did a French HO version which is now reaching end so I have missed it. Can't even find it on ebay, apart from a couple on French ebay.These collections seem to be popular in France, and sometimes end up in pound shops here. Looking at some of the French mags on ebay I notice there were some road vehicles in HO, which is interesting given that Oxford Diecast supplied the ones for the UK magazine. As with many models here, we seem to accept a lower quality so don't get new models, just scans of old ones. The Atlas Edition models(eg tram cars and railcars) seem to end up being available direct from China, and these are far far superior than anything in magazine collections here. Its a pity the buses are 1/43 scale, as that is one scale I don't model. I did manage to get one of the French buses in 1/72 scale, but shame they did not do any of the buses found in rural parts of France(as seen in one current chocolate advert on TV).

It will be interesting to see what other models are produced especially if they do some metre gauge models. Suspect it will be possible to get hold of them direct from China like the previous models. It's a pity Atlas Editions are not doing anything other than the Z gauge models for UK. The packaging on their HO models is far superior to that used by another company for it range of OO locos. And the Atlas Editions models are new, not copies of old Hornby and Bachmann models, but then they are also cheaper.

In these days of the internet it should be possible to order back issues online. With these collector type magazines, I distrust phone systems as one company charges for such calls. The link to their 'online shop' does not always work properly. I have seen the contact details in the magazine, but given the problems with missing issues mentioned above, I would prefer to have a reliable system in place. Odd that the website quotes 20 euros for certain back issues but the magazine says cover price. That suggests to me there is another company involved. Managed to get copy of latest issue in WHS, looked like last copy unless they intend to put more on shelf.

None in ASDA yesterday, so either someone had been in early or they had not been put on shelf yet. Based on previous take up, I suspect the latter. My comment about back issues. I have never come across a publisher only offering back issues at inflated prices . I have no problem with paying a reasonable postage but 20 euros is crazy. It just helps the dealers buy up the original priced ones then offer them at 20 euros. Finding small local newsagents who can order copies is getting more difficult, and as I have mentioned there is often a limit at wholesellers.

As I said, it is not helped by the publisher not offering a back issue option on their website. The ones they do list are at over inflated prices. I suspect some of the dealers are also newsagents , or have orders with several shops. Wholesale distribution might play a part, as I have found with other magazines in the past, that there are only a very small number of some magazines available to the newsagents in their area. I think many(if not most) newsagents in effect work on 'sale or return', so don't get left with loads of unsold stock. One reason I did not think the deals model railway shops had with some publishers was actually fair as they not only had to buy stock, but also paid a higher price for it. These collection type magazines take up a lot of space in newsagents, most of which are very small.

Re back issues: The Australian collection has only reached no 14, so the publishers must have copies for there. Most magazines have ability to order back copies(at normal price) on their website, but that is not the case for this one. I am a bit concerned about getting one particular issue when I am on holiday in a couple of months. I wonder if there are some people capitalising on shortages by buying up magazines to resell at inflated prices.

Interesting that recommended radius curves are 11.25in, when the Peco track is 9in, and Bachmann N gauge are happy to run round that. I would not worry about getting hold of items in UK as there are a few people importing other Thomas items . Wonder if they are developing a new chassis or have hooked up with one of the Japanese N gauge manufacturers .If it is a new chassis then that alone would be extremely popular. The wagons do look like Peco ones, which is interesting in itself, and if it is successful I can't see Bachmann only producing a couple of items. They may have used a lot of ex Mainline coaches and wagons before but they also created brand new models.

those dimensions in the German article are a bit odd. At that radius the point would be 393mm not 168mm, which is length of OO setrack points. A point 168mm long would be very popular for small industrial/dockyard layouts. It should be possible to build small locos even 6 wheelers to go round sharper curves. My old Rivarossi O gauge 060 happily goes round 15in curves. Buffer lock is probably more difficult to prevent but not impossible.

the growth of r2r, is possibly a detriment to the hobby. Sure to see lots of very similar OO9 layouts over next few years, although it might draw more into the hobby because of its small size. Slowness in getting new locos out is not helping though. Not everyone can scratchbuilt, let alone build a kit, which is why 3D printing is plugging that gap nicely. The two narrow gauge scales that not only interest me, but are getting more people interested are 1/35(1/32) and 5.5mm/ft . Both can use widely available ready made track and working mechanisms. Both also have connections to military modelling and wargaming, so already have a good sized manufacturer and trade base. This should result in layouts which don't look like clones of what is seen in magazines, and will hopefully inspire people to try something. Many of the older classic inspirational layouts from the past, have been long term projects evolving over time. The one exception for me has been Ian Futers and his many minimum space layouts. I remember reading his original article in RM about a small OO gauge branch line terminus is a space of less than 5ft long. That inspired me at the time, but he went on to build many more small sized layouts . He did stray a bit when he built the large 4mm scale layout which those who operated threatened to claim shoe wear because of the distance from one end to the other. Luckily he did return to building minimum space layouts, which show that you don't need a lot of space to build something interesting.

if you want something up to date and topical, how about an anti fracking demonstration, or from my own voluntary background a group of volunteers doing some woodland management. I always try and put something in layout that gets people asking questions, which is why I see art as about imperfection not perfection. Sometimes what I do is so subtle it does not get noticed.

You aren't thinking of Steve Purves' N gauge BNS project? http://www.rmweb.co....e-of-new-street No I think it was it December issue, Plan of the Month, was on cover, called Tallonstown

I can not definitely confirm seeing Buckingham, but I do have a memory of it, I think. Memory can be a funny thing, but it does tend to be things that inspire you that stick in memory.

Reading through this thread, it is interesting to find so many remembering pre 1970 layouts. Many of the ones mentioned have probably inspired me. My first London exhibition was 1969, and I think Berrow as there, the larger version of Buckingham certainly attended one of the shows over those next few years. also remember Garsdale Road.Possibly the layout to inspire me most was Dave Rowe's original Milkwood, and I ended up being based in same parts of country as Dave, Exter in mid 70s and up north vising Blackburn shop in late 80s and 90s hen Dave and Shirley were regular exhibitors. One layout that was exhibited at London easter show was also featured in MRC at the time. Possibly not as good as some classics, but Hyndburn Town was the first layout to show off the new Mainline J72 and wagons. It must have been 1977, comparing dates. The layout was build by our old local club in Accrington, and I was only talking to some of its members last year, and confirmed what I had remembered. At the time I had never been up this way. A few years ago there were some videos made of the then classic layouts. Not sure which ones, but I have been told the next one planned, but never done, was Marsden OO built by the Skipton club. The layout transferred from Skipton to our club , based near Accrington and still runs. It uses all handbuilt track, finescale but older stock sometimes runs better than brand new stock. It was originally built in early 80s so is now 30 years old. We don't have enough young fit members to exhibit it, but on the few occasions I have been involved in taking it apart, it is a superbly build layout, which comes apart and goes back together pretty quickly compared to some newer layouts I have seen. Hopefully it will never be scapped as being based on a prototype has some historical importance.

I came across this thread recently, have read a few pages so hope no-one has suggested these ideas. Set up a table at the height many seem to like these days so visitors don't have to bend down too far. The table will have the usual curtains as you would expect but nothing at all on top of it!!! Wait for the first parent/child to come along with one of obligatory plastic steps. Child puts steps on floor and insists on standing on it to look at layout. No layout!!!! Next door is a nice low table with a small layout, with working train. Happy child!!!! Second idea is one based on a sign I saw at entrance to Berlin zoo many years ago. I was visiting Berlin with a tour, and some decided to visit the zoo. On entrance was a sign listing various entrance prices including charges for taking a camera in and then to take photos. I found something else to visit. I don't mind people taking photos of my layout. most ask before, but I don't grumble if they just take photos. Most cameras these days don't seem to need a flash light. Anyway I was thinking I could put up a sign with prices for having camera out, and also for taking photos, then duck... There is a serious side to this , that being that it is my creation they are taking photos of, yet they have more legal protection for their photos than my models. As I say I don't mind people taking photos or using some of my ideas. I probably was inspired by someone else anyway.

Does look superb, a good advert for 3D printing. There is always going to be a problem with Bachmann, Hornby and other companies producing a r2r model of the same loco, but at least the development cost is not as much. There are always other locos to design models of, and lessons learnt make those designs easier. What is really needed is suitable coaches to go with these pre-grouping locos.

Jason, that is what I thought. it wasn't something I even considered when I started, but it is very useful to print out a design before spending any money on a print that does not work. I did have a look at Blender and it was pretty obvious hat it was originally designed for, similarly for Sketchup. I think this is only really a problem for people like us in a hobby that requires a pretty high level of accuracy, but as more people try out 3D printing, it will become easier to turn those designs into real objects. Although my main interest is railways, I want to show others that 3D printing might be a good idea for a startup business, without having to spend a fortune first. I just wish I had started 10 years ago, although it is only now that the costs and technology are right. I do have to the time to play with software, but engineering CAD software is a lot easier for me to use, adapt and debug. There was(probably still is) a month's free trial with no obligation, and a pretty good tutorial suite to play with. Much of the more advanced stuff went over my head, but I leant enough to know it would work for me. I have started to use some more advanced features, but it is then that you realise you need to invest in a more powerful computer, and there is a maximum level of complexity that is practical.You also start to think more like an engineer, rather than as a mathematician doing drawings. Think how a machine(lathe?) would actually produce something and it suddenly becomes obvious. Also a bit like an artist/sculture adding stuff, then cutting away. I did not realise this at first, but in our models there are a lot of curves with bits hanging off them, and mathematically that is complex so you have to work out other ways. Putting rivet type shapes on a curved surface is a good example.

Always good to see more 3D printed models, especiall when people are using low cost CAD software. I personally still prefer to use Alibra, as it allows me to specify to very fine decimal places, and debugging is very easy, like coding. It also has ability to rescale easily, and a good drawing feature, which makes it easier to print off and match against other drawings and loco chassis , in various scales so can try before spending money or more time. Some designs have been halted when I realsed something would not fit, a mistake I made on occasions when I started. Do Blender and other packages have facility to produce good quality drawings?