south_tyne

5 hours ago, Hobby said:

At least there have been several teams involved, unlike the Scottish Prem where it's just been two with the odd appearance by another from the NE... And I'd suggest that the football itself in the EPL is better to watch as well...

Well it's clearly of a far higher standard. Sometimes though, quality does not equal entertainment. Conversely, relatively low standard football in terms of technique can be tremendously exciting! Although there is an awful lot of dross out there too  (says the man who spends his life watching National League football.) 

Remarkably, VAR seems to be working quite well (and importantly quickly!) in the early PL kick-off. 

Absolutely stunning photos as ever Rob! As ever I look on with awe at your ability 

No doubt lots of hype around the Premier League today. I listened to some of the Liverpool/Norwich match last night. Routine win and pretty ominuous evidence of the gap between the 'haves' and the 'have nots'. I'm sure we will have another two-horse race this year. And folk are brazen enough to complain about Scotland....... 

8 hours ago, 43110andyb said:

First north east derby tonight! Darlington 1 - 1 Gateshead nigh on 2000 crowd and honours even! A far better Gateshead team in the first half scoring first with us not getting any real hold of the game until the later stages with an equaliser that ended the contest in a draw!

Good game last night and great crowd. We were far better in the first half but Darlo certainly came out much better after the break. It's going to be great having all these local derbies this season!! 

20 hours ago, Hobby said:

 

The "Independant" showing that it's anything but... 

 

I know ST won't agree with me but I do wonder if the "local hub" bit is being overplayed these days. Harriers, my "local" club has a usual gate of around 1000/1200 out of a population of over 55000 so whilst there is some interest, it's not a great deal in the grand scheme of things. Looking at photos of 60+ years ago football stadiums attracted far more people and in those days could be said to be one of the hubs of the local communities, nowadays I'd suggest they aren't. A parallel example would be the local pub, again 60 years ago they were the local hub, but again things have changed, people's habits have changed and most of them have now closed... I just feel that (amongst the politics) that article seems to be harking back to an era which has long gone, and is nothing to do with politics and everything to do with changing habits of the general population... It's just that people would rather spend their money elsewhere...

My reputation goes before me  

Well I both agree and disagree...... we would be in a similar position as Kidderminster. A large town but we get average gates of around 650 to 750. Most of the folk of Gateshead support Newcastle. That won't chagne whatever we do. However we do some excellent work in the local community and have a good impact at grass roots level. So we do lots of coaching with kids, go into schools, run summer soccer schools, we do walking football sessions and do a lot of good work locally. I've read about Maidstone and there 3G (or is it 4G pitch) - they hire that out to schools, youth teams, ladies teams etc and have the community using it all day and every night of the week. Now that's great for the local community! Now I'm not saying Man City (just for you Hobby!) should be doing the same BUT I have no doubt they are doing great things in east Manchester in engaging with the locals, particularly kids. However, for both Gateshead and Man City, those people they engage with in 'extra curricular' activities are unlikely to come along on a Saturday afternoon. There are different reasons, cost for you and probably apathy for us, but it doesn't mean that what goes on outside of the 22 blokes kicking a ball about on the pitch isn't important. 

On the crowds point, yes we got bigger attendances in the Football League. However, one thing you do notice in looking back is that crowds were much more variable 30/40/50 years ago. They would often drop off markedly towards the end of the season; in pre-play-off days many clubs had nothing to play for in the last couple of months. I would imagine this has to do with lower prices and a relatively smaller proportion of season ticket holders. Not forgetting that in the 1980s, when football and the country was at its nadir, crowds were pretty dismal. Newcastle for down to around 15,000 for home gates, Sunderland similar and Middlesbrough far less! There are no rose-tinted spectacles here......

But ultimately you're right, the world has changed. Most fans would rather sit at home with their Sky Sports subscription as watch 3 games on a Saturday rather than going to their local club. That isn't going to change, no matter what clubs do. Football now competes with loads of different leisure activities for people's disposable income. 

The pub parallel is a good one. Folk would rather sit at home with their tinnies from the supermarket, rather than go to their local. Life changes, the world moves on, habits and behaviours change. That's just the way it is and things definitely were not always better in the past! The football 'product' we have now is incredible at the top of the game in particular. We are spoiled as football fans, but we all get our enjoyment where we choose and where we feel comfortable, whether that is sat on your sofa in front of your massive HD telly or down at a cold, wet and windy Gateshead International Stadium  No approach is more virtuous or better than another, they are just different ways of appreciating the game. 

4 hours ago, Captain Kernow said:

I believe that there are some in the North, who enschew the use of umbrellas when it's raining, unlike us namby pamby southern jessies.

 

I know nothing of this new fangled contraption of which you speak! A coat is considered a depths of winter luxury in these here parts...

On 29/07/2019 at 21:30, NHY 581 said:

That would make a fine name for an industrial layout set in the grim North East. 

Hey, steady on fella, we can't all live in the bucolic south! 

On 03/08/2019 at 21:18, NHY 581 said:

 Very humbled by it all. Never even entered my woolly head that something like this would ever come my way. 

 

All the other layouts present were of a very high standard indeed. I had no idea such a presentation was made at the show so it came totally out of the blue. 

Congratulations and no more than you deserve. Your amazing modelling has inspired so many around here, myself firmly included, and I look on what you do with awe! No doubt the layouts look even better in real life, as confirmed by your award. I just look forward to the day when I get to see your work in the flesh! 

Keep up the good work! 

On 05/08/2019 at 22:15, lightengine said:

Is the answer a quick slide out of the Premier League, down the divisions and into obscurity?

If all non league clubs were funded by rich kids, philanderers and David Bl00dy Beckham then they would all be on tv 24x7.

Last week I was keeping a tally of how many times Salford City were mentioned on the radio in the lead up to the start of the new season. Needless to say I lost count and the total was certainly more than all of the other 23 teams in League 2 combined. We took 4 points off them last year, just saying.......... 

12 hours ago, toplink@()1989))(( said:

It is an O scale Lima rtr shunter. Suitably Anglicied and weathered. I have also replaced the motor and added a LaisDcc chip, so it now runs a treat.

Thanks Pete, it really looks the part!

The derelict house is fantastic too.

13 minutes ago, OOman said:

Your layout is starting to take shape nicely, it’s always nice when some track is finally layed.

You're right, it quickly helps to bring it to life. Track is not properly down at the moment. Below is an photo (before I painted the backscene) with some cereal packet buildings to try and give an impression of how the 3d scene could look. The scenic break is a bit of a puzzler - current thinking is maybe a pipe gantry or footbridge as a view blocker.  

Pete,

Great to see you starting this thread. I will be using your photos showing the build as advice and reference for my own pointless project. 

What is the origin of the little diesel loco? 

Cheers and looking forward to seeing more.

12 hours ago, toplink@()1989))(( said:

To be honest that was my inspiration.

I will have to start a separate thread as I took quite a few photos during the build.

 

Pete.

That prototype in Yarmouth has always been one of my favourites. It would be great if you started a thread as I would love to see more 

Next jobs are to look at painting the track, wiring and having more of a think about the traverser. The successful operation of that is going to be key to the diorama being effective. 

8 hours ago, Bungus the Fogeyman said:

Like the look of what you've done so far Dave. Also pleased to see that you're a fan of the 'Heed! May see you a week on Saturday or even April 18th!! 

 

Disgusting of Market Harborough

Thanks Mr Fogeyman! As one of the masters of the micro-layout I have found your work inspirational over the years. Saxlingham and Snape were particular favourites of mine; most of my family live in East Anglia and I had a spell working down in Suffolk, living in the metropolis that is Campsea Ashe of all places! 

First to the important matters...... Yes I am a Heed season ticket holder and all-round fanatic for my sins! Looking forward to playing Kettering again, I have a lot of empathy for the club as you have also been through the mill in recent years, to a greater extent than our recent tribulations. I'm thinking about making the away trip in a couple of weeks, as it'll be another new ground to tick of the list. 

Back to the trivial matters of toy trains... made a little more progress yesterday and got the fascias and endboards painted. It is a joy of these small projects that progress is so rapid. Twenty minutes last night and it is really starting to move forward. 

1 hour ago, peanuts said:

get used to it as outside of Bury & noblots woes its going to be the only show in town outside of the top two divisions with all the media darlings 

Agreed, they get that disproportionate coverage that affords their established 'cousin' over at Old Trafford

8 hours ago, 43110andyb said:

Scary! But not too bad- We have been plagued by bad investors/chairman/players/football league decisions back in the day

5 hours ago, Two_sugars said:

Wot? even before George Combaround?

Oh, before the days of Mr Safe-Cracker being caught with thousands in used banknotes in the boot of his car in Witton-le-Wear, there was another workie ticket in George Tait. He caused ructions in the early '70s according to me dad! 

8 hours ago, 43110andyb said:

A great day out! A 700 plus away following! Then reality -3-1 defeat away at Farsley a good attendance of 1123 and a deserved defeat with our first half defending debacle!

Gateshead at home Wednesday and if we defend like that a home defeat!

Sounded like Alun Armstrong wasn't too downbeat though, putting it down to one terrible 45 minutes of football. Very early days mind and we all need time to settle given the normal high turnover of players at our level. 

Looking forward to making the short journey down on Wednesday. Good to renew our old friendly rivalry! Do be honest given Saturday, we could still be playing now and I don't think we would have scored!  Early days though and it'll take a while for a new squad to gel. 

It should be a great season for us all though - Darlo, Spenny, Blyth, York, Gateshead - with lots of local interest and intrigue. I am just going to enjoy the ride! 

1 hour ago, toplink@()1989))(( said:

Great project David, though a small area there is potential for some excellent scenic modelling plus the fact that it is likely to be finished quickly.

I built one a while ago using a small, 4ft ish x 9" mdf panel from a new fire surround. Initially planned to build a photo plank with a single track it soon took on a life of it's own and though not quite finished it is now a functioning diorama.

 

 Pete.

 

Thanks very much for sharing Pete, your diorama looks cracking. If I can do something to anything like that standard then I will be very happy. I love the scenic work and those buildings, particularly the derelict house; great modelling and shows what can be done in such a tight space. 

I just want to say a general thank you for the kind words and encouragement guys, I really appreciate it. I must admit, I was in two minds as to whether to post anything about the layout at all, given that it is so small and with my very questionable abilities, but it has really given my self-confidence a boost to get a few nice constructive comments. 

I've made a little more progress today - painted the backscenes a simple pale blue colour, using one of those little 'tester pots' from Wilko. Couple of coats this afternoon have helped to get rid of that bare timber look. I also got a black pit too to do the endboards and facias - maybe a job for tomorrow if I have time. 

One of the reasons I love micro-layouts is because you can quickly make progress in small manageable chunks. It also allows you to practice the full range of skills and techniques requires for  building a layout in a short space of time. I'm finding this very useful after such a long period of stagnation.  

My proposed 'proper' layout to follow is to be based around an agricultural tramway - think Wissington for inspiration. This little snaphot may become a tiny cameo of that idea, but I need to give some really careful thought as to how that would look. 

Dave 

6 hours ago, Porkscratching said:

Your pic of the basic 'box' illustrates how much potential there is in a space no bigger than a little desk top, you've already been inspirational right there !

I'm looking at building wagons and locos from scratch too...there's economical ( ie mean & stingy  ) !

That's the idea - basically that it can be set up in any environment, on a desk, a kitchen table or even a bed. That reflects my own rather transient existence at present but I hope it can be useful for others too. I'm glad my little project has providing a little inspiration for you. Economical is good, as another stingey fellow I'm always looking for ways to save a bit of money!

4 hours ago, OOman said:

Nice baseboard construction, it’s great to see that 7mm scale can be used in a small space. Looking forward to seeing more of your progress.

If you saw it close up you wouldn't be saying that! It's definitely a bodge job!!  

15 hours ago, 88D said:

I’ve heard it’s one of those smooth, golden beers with honey—— or have I just made all that up? Anyways, they do some good stuff.

As long as it doesn't hang around for days and leave a sour taste in the mouth  (sorry I will stop with the silly Boycott analogies!!).

9 hours ago, Porkscratching said:

I love the sound of this, brilliant!

I've been looking at bigger scale myself and would have similar constraints to you in many ways, not least being it would be mainly scratch built on a miserly budget! cheque book bloke I'm certainly not !!

I look forward to seeing your set up develop..

9 hours ago, 1722 said:

Excellent. Your story is one I recognise, suffering similar issues myself (last completed layout in 2013). 0 gauge is calling but, with a baby on the way, am unsure I can justify the outlay. 

 

Board looks good, super start, keep the mojo going! 

Thanks guys. Honestly, making the move to 0 gauge is the best decision I ever made. I have one loco and about half a dozen wagons but it suffices for my needs. Ultimately 7mm scale need not be expensive, Ixion/Minerva have done wonderful things producing locos at a very affordable price, not that much more than 4mm scale locos. There are some great kids available and plenty of second-hand goodies to be picked up cheaply.

It's an age-old cliche, but one which I have found to be very true, that for a similar space you may need 5 or 6 locos and 25 wagons in 4mm scale but only 2 locos and a dozen wagons in 7mm scale. Therefore the financial outlay won't be any greater.

The scale and mass of 0 gauge is simply wonderful too. Actually I find all jobs, even the most mundane of tasks, far more enjoyable in the larger scale. It obviously just suits me far better! 

Anyway, don't waste time procrastinating like me, just give it a go! I want down the road of trading-in my stuff and I am still 'in the black', so the outlay on my 0 gauge adventure is currently actually negative! 

Dave  

So the initial graft has been done. A baseboard of 116cm by 26cm has been knocked together from various offcuts and remains of abandoned projects. I've actually split it into two but have added some hinges so that it folds down into a more manageable size. Backscene, end-boards and fascias have been cut from the remains of an old desk. 

The diorama will consist of two sidings hidden by a short traverser. Literally pointless, the idea is that it will be operated as a shunting puzzle, with a set number of wagons needing to be shuffled and rearranged into an order, randomly determined by some cards. 

So here is the current state of play. Track and wagons placed to provide context and some temporary cereal packet buildings knocked together to give and example of how the scene is intended to develop.

You should now understand why I am reluctant to call this a layout!  Current cost is nill..... everything being recycled. 

4 hours ago, ELTEL said:

David

 

“If it doesn't work out then it isn't the end of the world, it's only a trainset after all!! “

 

Absolutely spot on, we can’t all be finescale modellers and scratch build everything ( I certainly haven’t the skills or the willingness to learn or the time or dedication to do so)

 

Like you my railway modelling is only one only one of my pursuits and as you say life is to short.

 

And if you make a mistake, don’t tell anyone.

 

I wish you well with your new project.

 

Terry 

 

 

Thanks Terry! I am certainly not the world's most talented modeller (and probaby not the most talented in my street! ) but if I can gain some enjoyment from it that is all that matters. 

4 hours ago, Bill_J said:

David

 

Thank you for sharing your background with us in such a frank manner. So pleased that you have a project to get your teeth into, and look forward to watching your progress.

 

I can empathise with your recent history as I am sure many others can. I too have been where you were and am trying to model my way out of my "doldrums".

 

Why, RMweb, can we only select one of the 'reactions'? So often I am torn between two...

 

Regards, Bill. 

Thanks for your kind words Bill. I do find the support I folk around here to be very helpful. I am if the mindset of trying to complete one little task a day; even if it's only a small 10 minute job, at least I have done something. Hopefully this will be beneficial for me on a number of levels. 

12 hours ago, Dava said:

Looking forward to seeing more...will it be a slate carrying layout with narrow gauge [0-14] feeder siding....?

 

Dava

Thanks Dave! 

This little project won't include any narrow gauge (only on the basis there isn't room!) but the proposed proper layout to follow will hopefully include an 0-14 feeder and some of those lovely rugga skips!