Keith Addenbrooke

I don't know if this is a quirk on my recording, but as the final gets into the demo / judging it seems to expect advert breaks that aren't there (I get a "Welcome back" and the programme continues). If that's how it was broadcast I wonder if it suggests two things: 1) If there had been a longer show, the first thing added might have been more ads before more programme time? 2) Perhaps the gradual shift to an earlier time on Saturdays was planned - to lead to the situation whereby the final few minutes of the GMRC Final overlapped with the start of the Hallowe'en Strictly Special on BBC1, in the hope people stayed on Channel 5 (an ad break could have undone this)? Just a thought - I don't know if viewing data would be able to tell if the David v Goliath match-up worked or not: but credit to KBG and everyone involved for a show seen as worth taking on that scheduling challenge, I'd say.

I had a beautiful "satin-silver" finish 4 - valve Sovereign Euphonium, which was a different finish to the standard polished silver. The inside of the bell was polished, so I don't think the sound was any different, but (I thought) it looked fabulous. As for Ivor the Engine, never bettered in my view. Fantastic memories - looking forward to seeing how this model develops.

I've probably missed the conversation on this edition (though it is still October here), but as I finish reading through the mag, two more things stand out: 1. It was only on the 3rd or4th look that I realised the town scene behind St Ruth station is nearly all on the backscene - it certainly convinced me! (I believe the layout will be in Leeds this weekend so that'd be something to look for). 2. Comparing the front end photos of the Western Pullmam on pages 105 and 106 (paper edition), when the lights are on, it cries out for a driver. Some Bachmann diesels have had them fitted I think (Warship?), so I wonder if a future release might be one with a driver - and passengers?

Worth noting perhaps: of the 8 excellent final models submitted, I think 5 are of identifiable prototype locations - when I first came across cakeboxes I didn't see this as an exercise in prototype modelling - more a chance to experiment, but these models show how realistic it can be. The other three models are all also highly plausible and certainly reminded me of my childhood. Well done to all 8.

Might be worth checking again today - I had the same problem but mine appeared last night (although I noticed that Channel 4's still hadn't). The good news: when they did appear the 'Record Series' light was already on, ready and waiting.

The earlier start time (again) is to be noted. If I'm reading this right though, the reduction in broadcast time to 65 minutes last night allows the return to 75 minutes for the Final to be called "extended" when it's actually the same as was used for the earlier episodes? Rather like some "supermarket 'special' offers" ? More importantly, if the standard we've seen so far this Series is maintained (or stretched even further) it could be quite incredible: "Go teams!"

I must admit I couldn't call it this evening - very close and very well done to all three teams. As LNER4479 notes here, the viaduct and backscene were impressive, and certainly seemed to make an impression on the judges, particularly Mr Flint - as with their heat layout, it seems the Railmen's inclusion of some well modelled prototype features has helped, which is interesting to note. Personally, I liked the way M&GN used low relief kits for their film set feature - making the rear of the kits part of the story, not just hiding them. Well done all.

Simply beautiful modelling - thank you for sharing (it appeared a few posts back, but I'm only just catching up). If the absence of water animation hadn't been pointed out, I doubt I'd have even noticed it (it's no more absent than people movement, which I allow my brain to filter out, so I agree with Hroth, though it was good to see the bridge lifted).

I hope it's OK to insert just a quick thank you to the team for the incredible amount of work that goes in. I'm not currently wanting to invest in anything new - so am not voting, in accordance with the guidelines - but would still like to show my appreciation for their investment of time, energy and expertise, all of which helps keep the hobby healthy and supports the relationship between modellers and manufacturers that I believe we all benefit from, whether we're in a position to buy new models or not. Thank you.

Thankyou for sharing the viewing figures - a vital part of the big picture. I do wonder if the definition of "success" or otherwise of the switch will be more nuanced, ie: what were the comparable figures for whichever programme(s) Channel 5 had been broadcasting in that slot in previous weeks? I also wonder if the use of two successive days came into play too - as opposed to an eight day gap if they'd waited a week? Maybe the semi-final figures will help here when they become available.

Just to clarify, the BRM TV DVD content is included in the digital subscription download too so you do get to watch it. However, when I've watched the DVD that comes with my paper copy I pass it on to another modeller in exchange for Model Railroader back issues, as I'm also interested in US modelling.

Hi Andy, I've been a happy subscriber to both versions and I have enjoyed the luxury of having both. As a paper subscriber, it's worth highlighting (for others who read this thread) the monthly BRM TV DVD is included in paper subscriptions, as it is not automatically available with off-the-shelf purchases as I understand it. What I've learned is that the things that make a difference to me aren't about content and the benefits of zooming into pictures versus details disappearing into the spine of a magazine's inner pages (for example), or extra digital content, but are more about circumstances, which will apply differently to each reader: 1. The key variable for the digital edition - for me at least - is the age / type of devices I have available to download and browse the magazine. My laptop is now six years old, and while I have a smart phone the screen is very small for reading fine text. I suspect a new ipad sized tablet could optimise the digital experience, but this is something for others to comment on. 2. Paper editions require space. I don't keep every edition, and from time to time I recycle ones I no longer want. Over time, keeping them all could need a lot of storage space for items I may only occasionally refer to. With regards to the DVD, I had to buy a new DVD player last year after my old one stopped working - so there was a technology cost here too anyway. 3. I need to cut down the amount of time I spend reading the magazines / watching the videos / browsing and contributing to RMWeb, simply because I don't have any hobby time left for modelling! There is so much inspirational material at my fingertips, I really ought to be producing something of my own by now. Hope this helps, Keith.

Hopefully the gradient across the bridge is an optical illusion - either in the photo or on my PC? The stone embankment and the ground cover (in the foreground) looks good - better than I could do without a time constraint. Looking forwards to seeing more next weekend.

Once again, I think hats off to all the participants for their incredible achievements - as we learn more about the constraints of the filming process and production schedule, it makes the reality of what is being produced even more impressive. Of all the themes / titles that have been set by the powers that be, I think this was the hardest to approach within what might be termed 'conventional railway modelling,' - I wouldn't have known where to start! I think the question Neil (who has been a participant in this series, of course) asks is a fair one: It's no reflection on the quality of what the teams produced, for me it is more about the task that was set. I think this comment from one of Team Grantham offers a helpful insight into how they interpreted the challenge: Based on what I saw on the programme last night, I'd say they succeeded...and then some! The additional explanations offered on this thread are well worth reading for the further illumination they offer, too. Their use of model railway technology came across as ingenious and professionally done. Perhaps what we see here is a possible tension between a desire to produce an entertaining TV show for the general public that can continue to attract audiences (and hence remain commercially viable), as compared to the appetite of devotees of the hobby for higher and higher standards of detail and realism, as we see month by month in the modelling press - and on the shelves of our model stores. In the highly competitive world of commercial broadcasting, the question as to how to retain the interest of the viewing public, particularly on a Saturday night, is one that I suspect applies to all long-running series over time. In terms of the difference between a short demonstration and an all-day exhibition, a question stivesnick asks (below), I wonder if the Corby model from last night might have the greatest potential for conversion into a long-running exhibition layout, if they want to, having more of the attributes of a conventional fantasy layout that might fit into the requirements of an exhibition portfolio where it is displayed alongside traditional layouts? It's just a thought. Once again, well done to all involved, Keith.

Agreed - it comes across well in the November BRM. Is there any possibility of showing (here or in BRM) a photo of the three layouts side by side (or one above the other on a bookcase) for comparative purposes: it might be interesting to see them together? Just wondered.

Were any pre-built items allowed?

Need to pay attention - I thought this was saying GMRC is going to be on after Blockbusters. Thoughts of: "I'll have a double-O please, Bob."

Excellent - fantastic use of the space, really comes off well.

This is true, but when I play back my recording I can (and sometimes do) fast forward through the adverts, so I am less valuable commercially as a viewer. If I watch a programme on a "Catch-up" or "On-demand" service, the clever software they use prevents me from fast forwarding through the ads - so I have to let them run at normal speed - but they are different ads. I don't know why they use different ads but my commercial value as a viewer is again different. I presume this is why the production company want us to watch live if we can: we're premium customers if we do.

If anyone's not yet seen the Oct BRM (out now) there's a lovely 6-page feature (pages 84-89) on the realisation of this design by the good Mr. P. It's acknowledged as a quick build but it's been kept simple, which is fair enough. A real atmosphere of rural space comes across in the photos - the digital edition also has a video I think. Scenic spaciousness is a known benefit of 2mm / N-scale modelling, but it's good to see it works in as small a space as a Billy bookcase layout. Although this was a concern when the plan was introduced (see above quote), it looks to me like there was no need to worry. In my view: "Highly recommended," as the experts say.

Prize looks nice though.

For me - full credit to those who've stepped forwards and taken on the challenge, and put themselves in the public eye. As a fan of micro-layouts, I've tried measuring out a space 5' x 10' at home just to imagine what it would be like trying to cover it in the time available.* I often ask operators how big their layouts are at exhibitions - as what seems moderate in a public hall is almost invariably bigger than I think. I suspect there's something of the same effect here, with the size of the layouts (and hence the task) looking smaller to me watching from afar than they must feel to the layout builders in the competition, due to a combination of the effects of the larger space at Fawley and then the predominance of close-up camera shots. I was impressed by what all three teams were able to achieve in the first heat - and it did seem to me that a close result was a fair one. Well done to Corby, with a special mention for the scenic work with the river and the seaside / beach / cliffs on the Train Set layout. ________________________________ * even allowing for the preparatory work done in advance, it still looks incredibly ambitious.

Another classic micro-layout track plan: I'm not sure this 2-point arrangement has ever been given a name, but it's popular and layouts using it seem to last - the key thing is wiring the kickback siding if you want to use it. Looks like a great start, Keith.

Looking good - the fiddle yard size sounds / looks like it's in good proportion to the scenic part of the layout, which makes for good operating potential.

...always wise to have a warning.