grahame

Pics of Dapols HSTs from Ally pally; G.

Things seem to have gone a little quiet since the reviews in Model Rail a month ago now. Is there any further news as to when the HST125 sets will be available in the shops? And the latest regarding the mk3 buffets? G.

Has anyone fitted the latest finer profile (RP25 or better) backened N gauge wheels to a Union Mills loco? IMO it's those chunky shiny wheels that are probably the major let down on them. G.

It wasn't until I'd finally decided on my selection that I noticed it was apparent that, unwittingly, I had made such a choice - it certainly wasn't a conscious decision. But then I guess that's the nature of 'inspiration'. If the question had been what do you consider are the greatest three layouts, or perhaps the most realistic ones, then my answers would be different. G.

Just three? That's very difficult but after a lot of thought I've managed to come up with just three in no particular order - but they all offer consistency, atmosphere and realistic urban scenics and the scale/gauge I generally work in. They're all fairly old now but I guess that gives time for them to lodge in the memory. I've seen them all at exhibitions and featured in magazines so it's still possible to re-visit them to top up the inspiration. And I frequently do. Copenhagen Fields (MRJ; #46 1991) Brigenshaw (Practical Model Railways; March 1985) Acton Main Line (RailModel Digest; preview issue 1995) G.

Yep, gotta agree. Whilst I understand and also agree with Jim about looking to the real world for inspiration, I've certainly seen layouts at exhibitions or in magazines that have made me think that's rather good (or a great idea) and it's made me want to get home to do some modelling, to try and improve my own efforts or to make something as good (but not the same). And I'd say that I was inspired. G.

Yep, it's a kit so does also need painting; G.

I'd recommend the forklift produced by GHQ (right below) rather than the basic blobby commonly available ones (left below); G.

That's not a real horse...... G.

That's not a real horse...... G.

I suppose it will depend on how long you wait. And if its likely to be a long time it might be better to have two on the bridge. G.

A lovely layout, understated but atmospheric. And a very interesting approach and build methodology to N/2mm modelling. Well done. A worthy winner. G.

Superb modelling, wonderful stuff. Proof that N gauge has really come of age and is the scale to emulate. G.

Sure it's nice to get praise and congratulatory comments, but if you've had fun and enjoyed building it, does it matter what others think? And besides, even building a non-cliched layout can be a danger in that if the style and design breaks new ground and becomes a run-away iconic success it's in danger of setting a trend and becoming a cliche. G.

Wow, fantastic, I'm speachless................. G.

BHE do cast white metal N gauge wheelie bins. You can see three in this pic; G.

Great observation, great modelling, great thread. Keep it up. G.

They're certainly starting to look really good now. I read somewhere that their release is being delayed until next year due to issues with the lights - I don't know whether that is true or not, but perhaps Dapol Dave can update us with the latest news. And perhaps also confirm that the buffet mk3 coach, essential for a complete train - is due early next year. G.

Roy, you've made the point about the Brit price many times now. However, I don't understand why you make such a big issue out of a RTR price of £120 when the Peco Collett was £149 several years ago and the RTR price for just about all tender kettles is now well over £100. Why make such a fuss now at £120, why not at £100 - after all that would make an equivalent dent in a proportionally smaller modelling budget and why not have the same high expectations at all price points? I appreciate that you might think £120 is dear but sometimes you need to see beyond the price tag. Prices will continue to rise (VAT goes up soon) and sooner or later £120 will be a cheap model. G.

Yep, I agree Martin. I'm very pleased and happy with my Brit. Is it worth the money - you bet, worth every penny. I've spent more than £120 on a meal out before. Sure there's a few things I could do to individualise and improve it. But then that has been the case with every other N gauge loco I have ever purchased and I'm sure it will still be the case when I die. Dapol have set a new higher benchmark with the Brit, particularly the engineering, but I'm also sure that things will get even better in the future - from all manufacturers. G.

I purchased a couple from Bob's (of this parish) N-Train ebay shop. I noticed that he had them on sale at TINGS (leamers). They're made by Cars Workshop. G.

Yep, that works well. Well done. G.

Having got N'spirations3 off to the printers I can now get back to some modelling projects. Yesterday I started to convert a three axle Hong Kong KMB Wright Eclipse bus in to a British style 2 axle LT/Arriva version. It seems to be going okay so far; I've also selected one of my Q1 locos to have a bash a weathering with weathering powders. I need to find some decent colour pics of them to work from. I seem to remember Missy having produced a very effective really work stained version and hope to get somewhere near as good. G.

I'm a bit late to this tread but...................my tuppence worth; Yep, as already alluded to; a preserved railway is basically a 1:1 scale train set so effectively it's already modelled and been done by itself. It therefore becomes pretty unfulfiling and pointless to make a pastiche of it. G.

I'm hoping to include something on the Gatwick Express in the next issue of N'spirations; N'spirations3 which I'm hoping to get to the printers shortly after I return from Aus, but it'll depend on progress of the project. G.