James Fitzjames

The only familial railway connection I was aware of, until recently, was the yard that 'supplied' the family with coal during the war, while grandpa was busy banjoing the Japanese. My father and his brothers would creep into the yard at dead of night and somehow always manage to make off with just enough to keep the family's fires burning, before the 'man' spotted them and gave chase. My dad's affection for the LNER made me draw the conclusion that the LMS 'man' just down the road must have been more diligent, or less socially-conscientious, depending on your point of view My initial interest in the LMS was met with complete apathy, so I hope dad's stopped spinning in his grave now I've seen the light...

Heartbreaking indeed - I'm horrified to find that this has happened to others! Glad you managed to replace your Maudslay bus, though

Very glad you still have it, whatever its shortcomings. My own 70000 of similar vintage, a much-loved gift from my late mother, went west (along with everything model railway) in my deranged step-mother's purge of all that pre-dated her. Treasure your Brit

Tony, Having completed a Museum Studies course over a decade ago, I fear the 'handling' issue is only going to get worse. The onus was very much on providing children with a 'hands-on experience'. This has permeated the heritage industry for years now, so an expectation of 'handling' at events has been wired into what have become young adults.

The journey was exciting to a wee'un as well. First memory of such was a 9f (dad said it was 'Evening Star, son', but I could see it was black somehow). A monstrous, malevolent-looking beastie, hissing steam from several places, it was for all the world like a brooding dragon, but apprehension was mollified by the humanity within: what must have been the fireman, head poked out of window with a reassuring fag 'on'...

I, for one, don't think there's a problem with repetition, even were it to be noticed. Viewing pictures of LB has become part of my Lockdown routine.

Nautically inclined friend (CPO) is sure it would have been HMS Vanguard. 'Western Approaches' were mentioned. I know nothing of such matters, just passing on an answer...

For oil paint/Slow Drying Acrylic methods, you can just chop down some stiffish kids' brushes

Geoff Haynes has a section about it in his Painting and Lining Model Locomotives and Coaches p. 66 on

Ordinarily I'd be very interested in the J39, but it would need a repaint and it would be a crying shame to disturb such a finish

Thanks very much for your kind words - I can't take any credit for the texture and colouring of the concrete, that's simply the card itself... I was thinking of painting it!

Just a wee hut; not a gorgeous Pacific, but it is modelling, albeit akin to eating scrambled egg with a comb from a shoe. Roof, roof frame and door unattached for ease of painting, and so I can get at the innards when they finally let me fly home

Yup, same here

French O Grade, brief flick through the paper confirmed my worst fears: my decline in the subject was in 'crash and burn' territory (being marooned in Belgium, currently, how I wish I'd fulfilled my early promise). In desperation, I decided to twist the school's 'carry on' attitude to my own dark ends. Being sat at the back of the hall meant there was no-one to my left, so I risked a surreptitious glance to my right. My heart sank as I saw it was A***s, who was completing his paper with a purple crayon: one word per page. Needless to say I failed dismally...

In that case, you have my personal thanks and the promise of several libations should we ever coincide

Did you have permission to do that, or were you just having fun winding up infantry types?

Careful, now: a 'cottar' was the lowest form of life hereabouts, back in the day, so 'cottage' could be taken as something of an insult Absolutely tremendous layout, with cracking atmosphere

Helensburgh engine shed also carried two carved quatrefoils, one each side of the door, giving credence to its being a logo perhaps?

Many thanks indeed; I do find the little 'modelling' I can manage does help (along with a good fix of Wright Writes), especially since I'm no longer allowed to accompany Herself to hospitals. Since gridded paper is one of the few things I have, I'll take your advice re., layout designs. Probably less frustrating than trying to measure 8cm-wide photos!

Had to hotfoot it over to Brussels for my girlfriend's emergency brain surgery (and subsequent cancer diagnosis), and was caught by the Lockdown. Now spent weeks over here away from any modelling tools. Inspired (as always) by Wright Writes, and all the brilliant things contributors have been doing with their time, I have tried to make use of the handful of phone images I have with me, and a (very) homemade measuring ruler...

Tony, you absolutely need(ed) a facemask when cutting or filing resin!

I similarly appreciate fine modelling more than running, with the caveat that it is the 'make believe' that I seek most of all, so good running is still necessary to suspend disbelief (without wishing to build a fully-furnished flat up anyone's backside, Little Bytham is one of very few layouts that I get anything out of merely by watching trains, albeit through a superlative setting). Having never lost the childlike wonder of viewing interpretations of 'reality' in miniature, the 'hand in the sky' does nudge me gently out of my reverie, though I do understand that it's almost impossible to be Gremlin-free in an exhibition setting, but does not fall into the same flung-out-of-reverie category as big paws resting on backscenes or hand-held controllers being waved at the object they're controlling: akin to seeing how a magic trick is done. I do appreciate that mine is a very minority, if not entirely personal view...

Dark Brown filter laid very carefully might do the job

Much appreciated, Andy, definitely some items I would be wanting

Brilliant, thank you Alan! 'Sentinel Railcar': my joy is deep