glo41f

Agree that Sheffield Vic would be interesting as a model to operate especially with the change of traction units. (Was the closure of the MSW route one of the scandals of the age?) . However, i was always impressed by Leicester Central for sheer variety and operational interest. Golly you could run GW locos there too! Martin Long

Just caught up - this thread moves so fast! I loved the A4 pictures which showed the grace and beauty of these super machines. Sadly they did not venture eastward of Cambridge but I did see them at Peterborough and was hooked. What is it about them that attracts us as the rather bulbous front (especially with the double chimney) is not the most flattering view? Sideways they are a real treat for the eyes with the curves being smooth and complimentary. Some of the pictures on here of other folks layouts and models are really first rate. Thank you all for keeping us refreshed and interested. Martin Long

The picture of the model 61059 posted here is interesting. It was Ipswich depots favourite and kept in very fine order so the model one does not reflect the shiny condition that the original was kept. Even the valve gear was bulled up! I have a model of it in 7mm which is in the condition that I remember the original. In fact most of Ipswich depot allocation were kept in good order in the early 1950s and there was rivalry (as ever) between Ipswich and Norwich sheds as to the cleanliness of their locos. Stratford sadly due to a number of reasons were unable to keep their allocation up to the same standard. Martin Long

I would like to thank the organisers for a really outstanding show with top quality exhibits. I came away rather inspired which is rare for me these days. My pleasant experience was helped by the fact that there was a number of folk there whom I know and some good chats ensured. I cannot but admire folk who create these marvellous layouts and then travel often hundreds of miles with them and all for our entertainment. Fencehouses is a pure delight as was Arun Quay. I am lucky too as being a 7mm type I was not tempted by some of the bargain prices for the smaller scale items. I am told by my wife that this will be the last visit to York (we make a weekend of it) so I wish the show all the best for the future. Thank you to all concerned. Martin Long

The question has been raised on why the NER is not so strongly represented in the model world. The NER was a most profitable railway and did its job well. Could it be down to a regional bias in that it served an area which was economically poorer and thus its citizens had no time for fripperies such as railway modelling? The Keithley group created some fine NER based models over the years. For my part I do not particularly "take " to the NER locomotives which seem to lack the grace and looks of those emanating from the southern part of the LNER system . They look chunky and workmanlike as befits their roles. That said the Scottish railways in the system had some lovely locos. There is plenty of research material and a lively line society so why is this not reflected in more model railways? Martin Long

Mention has been made above of the Schools class named "Harrow". This Schools was the subject of one of the original Kitmaster kits and I like thousands of others, purchased the kit under some sort of delusion that you could make it work. Notwithstanding that, those economic kits enabled me and many others I suspect actually build something that looked like what it was supposed to be though the paint job was dreadful. Did anyone ever make a Harrow actually work? Did anyone succeed in getting the Peco "Perfecta" motorising kits to produce a working model? Thank you for triggering another nostalgia gallop. Martin Long

The Southern Schools were super looking engines in my view. I saw a few but not enough. I was introduced to by a modeller who had lost his arm as a result of war service. He made it in EM gauge out of nickel silver and fabricated all the parts with his remaining hand. He used his false hand as a vice and soldering clamp as it was painless! Martin Long

"attend the specialist shows, though York still shines out as a beacon for 'modellers'. " That is why I make the effort to attend that show even though Ally Pally is cheaper and nearer (no accommodation cost!). York also seems a friendly show and I always find a great deal to inspire and enthuse me. I am really looking forward to this years show not least being able to talk with our Leader! Martin Long

Thank you for showing the vintage 4F duly finished. For what it is worth, I think it really looks the part and goes to show that folk were able to produce "decent" models from kits all those years ago. There has been some really lovely pictures on here of late and I find them inspirational and encouraging especially the ones of the real thing. They evoke what we are collectively trying to achieve in our own way. Martin Long

I have to say that I like the Acro 4F shown here . To me it looks better than the equivalent white metal one. I cannot say whether this is prejudice (it probably is) as I prefer brass or nickle silver to what was once described to me by a well known modeller "margarine metal"! Brass/nickel looks better is easier to solder and to me is more durable. I often wonder why white metal continues to find favour in 4mm. (Was there not a scare once about the makeup of white metal being injurious to health?) . London road models have it right in my view! Martin Long

There has been mention of what could be called "dumbing down" of articles in the model press. I have noticed this in other ways. My local group of 7mm modellers have a large circular test track which is now some 30 years old. It was originally used to test models in the course of construction and to eliminate faults which emerged when models covered some distance circulating the tracks. These days that rarely happens and the only testing done is for the attendees trying to get the models from the complex packaging which most RTR models are shipped in today! This is the reason why I very rarely purchase a model mag. I find often to my joy that there is a huge supply of older magazines often available for a small donation at the likes of heritage railways in which you find drawings and constructional articles galore. As our leader says we perhaps had the best of it on that aspect of our modelling. Martin Long

Tony wrote:- " Earlier split chassis ones are falling apart in epidemic proportions, and the more recent ones display split gears or crumbling gear towers. Not good. " I wonder if this is all down to trying to get to the cheapest option as far as the manufacturer is concerned. We seem to want everything down to a price these days. I am also (vaguely) interested in the European model scene where these problems do not seem to exist. A lot of the assembly and production work is in house but the results are by British standards way too expensive to be attractive. Would the model enthusiast of today pay £350 plus for a well engineered model loco which will last a lifetime (perhaps more than one). You will all be the judge of that. For my part I would always try and make something to the best of my ability converting or adapting as required. This takes time an increasingly precious thing. As a 7mm type, we are getting an astonishing amount of trade support these days which will no doubt see the issues mentioned by Tony further down the road. (Heljan have already had a gear drive problem). So do we grin and bear it or be prepared to demand better quality at a higher price? (Here is one I made earlier!) Martin Long

I rather like the adapted Ivatt 2mt. It looks good and shows really what can be done to improve a rather austere commercial model, Is this not the way we should be going with our endeavours? Using skill and ingenuity to make a standard model really stand out. I do not know if any of these attractive locos ever made it onto the M&GN but They certainly got to Cambridge and further east to Colchester and the east coast. That is why I have one! I think you should keep it Tony as an example of the modelling philosophy you advocate. Martin Long

Greatly enjoyed the film of LB and the commentary. It is an astounding piece of work. I am truly awed by the talents and abilities of the folk who lurk in this parish. Reading the thread is like a pleasant evening with mates at the pub. Thank you all for brightening up a dull wet weekend. Best of all my B17 chassis worked well yesterday on a large circular test track so Helmingham is on the home straight but I cannot remember where I put the nameplates! Martin Long

Tony The B&W pictures are superb. The mini me one especially good. Thank you. Martin Long

It was a super show and thanks are due to the team that organised it. There was some impressive modelling to be seen. Venue was good and parking brilliant (on the Sunday). Catering not up to much but the Tesco Cafe next door was good value and not crowded. It is a reasonably long trip for me but I will happily go again. Martin Long

Gentlemen My take on the great kit debate is that it will inevitably decline as we all drop off our respective perches. I cannot see future modellers taking the time or investing the effort into making a specific model like we did in days of yore. As our leader has pointed out, the economics also weigh in with the cost and availability of the component parts needed to finish off these creations. Should we be worried? The hobby seems to be enjoying a resurgence of interest regardless and if this means more RTR then so be it. There will be (and always was) those of a more finely attuned disposition who will perversely continue to hack bits of recalcitrant metal into odd shapes to create a replica of some locomotive of a past age but I reckon these folk will become rarer as time passes perhaps as the skills required become harder to acquire in a post digital age. The way forward will be as so ably shown here with 3D printing and the like producing models of amazing detail relatively cheaply. Should we be worried? I do not think so. Everything changes over time. Greatly enjoyed the CRMA show and Sir was engaged pretty much continuously. So really serious modelling talent on show too. (Now why did John Redrupp say that Jol W of this parish could only stand one day!) It was also good as there was not a lot for me to spend money on! Regards Martin Long

CMRA show was of a very high standard overall with some really outstanding exhibits. Greatly enjoyed and thanks to the organisers. Sir was in fine form and enjoying his new notoriety. I was impressed with the many layouts from the Dutch contingent which were small and full of detail. Perhaps the way to go with our space starved accommodation these days. For me Grindley Brook was the star but others ran close competition. Only saw one howler being a train of class A petroleum tanks with no barrier wagons wityh a mixture of liveries some prewar and some from the 1950s. Martin L

Thank you for all the photos which went to show how much I missed! I defy anyone looking at these to aver that railway modelling is not a three dimensional art form! It was amazing to see the diversity of skills and talents that go together to create a model. I even enjoyed the Hornby Dublo layout as it took me back to the seven year old I once was who looked at such things which were displayed in the shops at Christmas and who longer for a Duchess of Montrose set! Sadly it never materialised and faith in Father Christmas declined deeply as a result. (The blighter never delivers what you want in my experience!) Martin Long

Just back. Enjoyed it and was wowed by some of the modelling on display. There really are some talented folk in the hobby. Pleased also to see some young people there clearly enjoying the occasion. Well done the Warley crew! Martin Long

Thank you for the lovely pictures of the Harz. I have fond memories of the system and hopefully will return one day.I just love those mighty locos which seem to run like sewing machines! Perhaps next year! Martin

Lovely work but it will not change my view that it and its mates are still awful looking locos! Martin

Correct me if I am wrong but the wee figure in your pictures with the back pack is a mini Brian is it not? Marvellous work as ever. I envy your productivity. Martin Long

Oh how I have missed these updates! A marvellous layout and full of ingenious operational accessories. A great credit to you sir! I bet the the system (which it is)is fun to operate. I never saw the collieries in their glory living as I do in East Anglia but you have to me captured the essential elements of their railway operations. Marvellous! Martin Long

There is a lot of US and Continental outline stuff on offer there but it is sometimes hidden! You just have to look for it. Martin Long