Legend

Mallaig which I think was March 1973. Was the first Railway Modeller I ever bought but I was entranced by the long end to end N Gauge layout. I never saw the Wardleworth Lines when it was Railway of the Month but I remember seeing the article on how to build the car ferry in April 74 edition. The layout also featured in the New England Library publication History of Model and Miniature Railways . I never saw a track plan but I think it had three terminal stations and several through stations . As a wee boy I used to imagine the track plans and doodle the possibilities for hours . Also in April 74 was Dent a great S&C layout. A revelation to me as the author had three of that,4 of this type of loco when I could only aspire to own one of a type. I think March 1982 was Hanbury. I know the son of the owner posts on here because I've written about it before . A roundy roundy but operated to a timetable with two terminal stations . It was inspirational because of the operational side. But also a nice layout which I did think I could possibly achieve myself as it used Hornby Dublo trains, Superquick buildings and Hornby overall roof. Not quite achieved it, but got my own version. I wonder if the people who penned these articles realise they are responsible for a lifetime of enthusiasm. A good legacy I'd suggest

Well the new products have slowed, hopefully temporarily. I think also with Simon Kohlers blog ending, we may see Engine Shed covering more varied subjects. But still enjoyable. I thought the Elgin Clubs Stratheldon was very good at Model Rail Scotland, nice to see them featured.

I see it's even made the Daily Mail this morning. Says UK business 4% up , but overall worldwide 2% down. Hardly seems cataclysmic to me. So is it just that they had forecasted a massive increase in business that didn't happen in Their last quarter or am I missing something. Doesn't suggest an implosion of Scalextric or anything else. As to the £14m raised on AIM didn't it at least go to pay off debt. From memory there was less debt in last balance sheet to the one two years ago, but I am working purely on memory here.

Nothing like thinking positive

Yep as said, dialogue has clearly been going on with bankers and Roger Canham is a completely different kettle of fish. Really glad at this, not just for the employees, but for me a UK market dominated by Bachmann , driving three large increases in price in last year, was not something I found palatable. They are probably already doing it, but a root and branch of what lines are profitable would be what I'd be carrying out. While a rationalisation of some of the range is a possibility I would maintain the rate of new introductions to maintain interest (at least for Hornby). What makes money, what doesn't and watch out for synergies ie cutting back on part of range doesn't materially affect other parts. Restore relationship with retailers. Interesting there was no end of year sale this year, might be a sign that things have already changed.

And a good one on Hornby Dublo too. Very enjoyable channel Jenny!

Well sorry to say but I kind of agree with the OP , even though this thread is very old. I don't tend to view Austerities as proper locomotives but a poor substitute for the real thing. They didn't really pull passenger trains before preservation. So they are really a non typical symptom of the preservation movement .Its a bit like waiting for a proper train and a Pacer turns up! I do tend to avoid railways where they are the principal power, preferring SVR or West Somerset with "proper" engines.

Yes similar experience . I came across them because of sale items last year. Have to say goods were low price, Arrived within days. Have just used them again to get some track . Great service, very satisfied

Not my cup of tea at all, but I have to admit that's a serious piece of kit. Most definitely looks the part but with all that functionality built in at a reasonable price......wow! Now this is serious value for money. I've been waiting for some pics to appear. Love the interior shots , again highlighting the level of accuracy and care put into this model. With articulation and tilt this has got to be one of the most complex trains to design. I think well done Rapido. For those looking for Model or Manufacturer of the Year , I think I would pack up and go home now , even though we are only three months in. Can't see anything coming up to eclipse this.

I gave it up years ago. The mag was too small and full of youngsters train sets. Ok if that was the market they were going for but I decided it wasn't for me. Interested in the newly enlarged magazine though. If it's about all things Hornby I might be interested. Will wait to see.

Thanks Roger, never realised that Airfix did a 1/72 one , mine was 1/144. Yes I had a Superfreighter , British United and A Dak too

I am a member . Mainly for the very good magazine and excellent Calendar every year. I'm just puzzled given the lack of any really great progress that they see the need to split their clientele in two. But I get your point on loyalty suites and making people feel special. Really not sure that works in Model Railways though

I blame the recent Model Rail article for filling up corners of layouts with airfields for this! Great Concorde model and of course APT-P. Looks to be the same scale 1:72?

I haven't ordered it and no real interest. Perhaps that's because I never saw it or experienced the sound of it. The closest I got was pictures in "History of Railways" But I am happy for the people who bought it and keeping an eye on this thread for first videos of it, particularly to see how sound ones run on DC. Now if Rapido had done APT-P...........

What's the point of the lounge then? So you have to be a member to see latest developments. Isn't that a bit like preaching to the converted?

Well at Glasgow I gave Bachmann barely a glance because there was not much new on it. Certainly that was the week before they announced their 2017 range but let's face it, other than a few train packs there really wasn't much more to add. On the other hand Hornby was attracting lots of youngsters watching their trains whizz round and I did eventually find test shots of their Merchant Navy on the second day. I don't really think you can make comparisons. Not sure I like the idea of a Collectors Club lounge , is it like BA lounges , complimentary champagne?

Hmmm . Not a fan of all the writing along the side, but generally looks ok although I think I prefer current VTEC rather than something that's supposed to look like a bird , I think!

Which I think is why they need knowledgable local reps who kind of know what will sell in the area. That's not to say there are Southern fans in Scotland and vice versa, but you might expect a higher degree of local interest

Don't they need to electrify it first? I thought it was running months (years?) late and there was now a distinct possibility that trains would be delivered with no place to run , requiring temporary storage.

At a time when costs are soaring , why would you add even more cost by fitting a decoder. Large numbers still don't need one, others will want the decoder of their choice. The way to go is make it easier to install decoder.

Actually Kader , set up Bachmann UK to market the old Mainline tooling they had .

I see your point , Paul. I was thinking that surplus stock should be offered to the dealer network which almost certainly would include the likes of Hattons , Rails , Kernow etc. if you haven't got a local dealer ( I really haven't up in Glasgow) , would you not use them? I don't think we can have it all ways .You can't have a strong and loyal dealer network and undercut them by selling direct at lower cost . Much as I liked the deals I got , it's just not compatible.

But it would still be a large hole and give Kader market dominance. More likely someone would buy the Hornby name , but that could be Kader! Neither of which is good. That's why we need an independent Hornby to survive.

Agreed and if they have any slow moving stock to sell they should first offer it to dealer network and only if not taken up have a bargain sale on internet. Having benefitted from some cheap direct selling I accept I will have to pay more here , but I think it's the only way to restore the faith of their retailer network. Dare I say it but restoring some of the retailers margin might also help. Again this will mean slightly increased prices but they will probably pale into insignificance compared with Bachmann, and frankly we need an independent Hornby to survive. The thought of Kader having a near monopoly given the increases over the last three years is not palatable

Really good edition this one. Lots of good layout articles. Had to buy this one because of Kilbowie it's literally just across the Clyde from me (or was) .Great Layout which won best layout at 2015 Model Rail Scotland. Although not really a fan of sound , this layout put it to good effect. It captures the scene well . Don't agree with the Comment piece however. Apparently bad QC is the consumers fault for insisting models are made down to a price. I don't think so. QC should never be an option in manufacture. Still it's a viewpoint and along with the health benefits of modelling, these are two aspects that you don't normally see comment on in a magazine, again proving that despite it's familiar image , Railway Modeller is innovative. A good read