The Bandit

Astounding. Pure talent!

I really do hope that our great hobby continues well into the future. There are many other distractions for young people these days, probably more so than ever before so the numbers who take up railway modelling are diluted. Yes, there is still the image of anoraks but people who find I’m a railway modeller are usually impressed not disparaging - unfortunately these people tend to be of a more mature age. I came back to railway modelling in later life and really enjoy it but to help keep me on board manufacturers need to look at price. A new oo gauge wagon for £30+ is a joke whilst many new locos are way beyond my means. The problem seems to be our demand for ever increasing detail and ‘sophistication’. Why can’t manufacturers offer rtr locos that run well and leave the detailing to the individual modeller. That way more people may enter the world of railway modelling and present modellers may be encouraged to continue in the hobby.

A superb piece of modelling. I feel like I could walk into the scene. Stunning.

Incredible and inspiring modelling.

Wish my modelling looked half as alright! I’ve enjoyed following your build. Lots of food for thought - the knitting circle beckons again!

Great progress. Looking forward to seeing more.

Nice to see those two comparative photos - just goes to show what can be achieved in a short space of time.

That backscene looks the biz - very effective. I actually thought the building was a model. I have the same loco from Planet Industrials. It’s got some real weight and is an excellent runner. I use insulfrog points ( don’t laugh!) and it runs through them beautifully. My other smaller locos also run through them really well but the Victory also copes with dirty track and will run very very slowly.

I ballasted/added scenics to a fiddlestick I made for one of my box file layouts. I think it makes such a difference when you look through the exit point on the layout and see the track carry on in the same ‘style’ as the rest of the layout. Looking forward to your next instalments.

Beautiful!

Keep modelling and ignore mean-spirited negative comments. Those who make them are often individuals who are ‘expert’ modellers i.e. spend lots of time looking at the work of others but actually do no modelling themselves. Enjoy your future modelling.

What you are doing looks really effective. The shadow does give extra depth. A great way of deceiving the eye.

Hope you are feeling better soon. I was diagnosed 2 months into my retirement and I know what a shock it is. Modelling wise, may I say that your work is utterly stunning!

I’ve been wanting to try out O on a small board for quite a while now so I’ll be interested to see how you get on.

Radio controlled model aircraft suppliers have tubes and wire combined. It’s not that expensive and the wire is robust - I cut mine using a dremel. Hope this helps.

Looks good - well done. Did you use a box file?

Really enjoyed seeing your layout. Great hands free operation and a nice simple scene.

It’s a privilege to see your modelling. Truly outstanding.

Wow! Superb modelling. A real treat to see.

Hello Ray. I know all too well about ‘nocturnal visits’. I’m sure you already know this, so if you do apologies in advance, but there are tablets to help with this and of course no drinking late in the evening. Again, you probably have done this but I’d recommend a visit to the doctor just to be on the safe side. I did and it’s a good job too.

A great concept fabulously modelled.

Superb modelling. Very inspirational (and depressing) at the same time!

Great work - love the crowded streets! I don’t know much about turntables but would definitely build a ‘scene’ around it. I know that many people are not keen on insulfrog points but I use them and up to now haven’t had a problem - even my 0-4-0s crawl through them. However, only time will tell if problems develop. Hopefully not.

Very impressive. A novel way of displaying a micro, carried out with great invention and skill!

When I started work my pension contributions were taken out at source and I’m now glad they were. Yes, I could have done with the money to buy a bigger house or nice car but I got used to not having it. Once opt outs were allowed, some people did so, saying they would buy a second property, rent it out until they retired when it would be their pension pot. They then started buying fancy cars and going on loads of holidays - the second properties never materialised. Retiring is certainly a different animal - you do need to plan ahead both financially and what you are going to do with your time. However, it can be very rewarding. My advice for any young (?) members reading this is please plan ahead and put money to one side at an early stage if possible.