south_tyne

That's a huge factor isn't it and realistically a position that none of us are ever likely to be in. That holy trinity of time, money and space does much to govern our plans, aspirations and ultimately our modelling output. Having said the above, there is nothing wrong with dreamin fella! It would be a poorer world without dreamers........

Hi Rob, Really sorry to hear about your health issues but I am so pleased that you are feeling more positive about you modelling now. Your projects have been inspirational to so many of us over the years, even from afar. I have never met you, or seen one of your layouts in the flesh, but I have learnt so much from following the progress of your various layouts on here. I have picked up alot from you sharing your skills and modelling techniques. You have also done a great job in showing that you don't need acres of space to make fantastic layouts in 7mm scale. Thanks for sharing and I really look forward to seeing what you do moving forward. David

It's interesting to read how people vary with different approaches to their modelling. I do admire those who have the mental 'stick-ability' to concentrate on a lifetime or long-term project. Maybe it is just down to my attention span but I know I simply couldn't commit to something like this, however much I would like to. I am realstic enough to know that the time, money and effort is simply beyond me! I think I am just too much of a scatterbrain, have too many disparate interests and flit from one interest to another, which means I am much more suited to small projects and micro-layouts. I like the how they are manageable and you can see progress after completing even the smallest of tasks. As I say, probably more a negative reflection on myself, or even my generation, than anything else. I suppose it's probably also somewhat indicative of my life circumstances too. However, I am full of admiration for those who can stick to such a project. Maybe one day my outlook will change, but for the time being I think this is the best approach to my modelling.

Stunning isn't it!

Hello all, I am after a little advice if possible from those far more knowledgeable than myself. I am building a really small micro-layout and will need a DCC controller to operate it. I would just be after something very basic, as it is just a 'one engine in steam' type of diorama, so we are talking the most simple kind of unit on the market. I am no DCC expert and, in fact, only have the one locomotive at the moment which I would like to run... so we're not exactly talking about an empire here! So, can anyone offer any suggestions for a cheap and cheerful controller to meet my needs? Many thanks in anticipation for any advice or suggestions. David

I think that is the best approach. Progress is still progress, however steady and as long as things are moving in the right direction than that is the key thing. I also have a number of other interests and progress on my modelling projects can only be described as glacial as a result! But I often feel there is no need to rush, it's a real cliché but the best things in life are often about the journey rather than the destination. I will follow your updates, however sporadic, with interest. As a complete aside, I see from a few references in your posts that you are based in sunny Suffolk! Ah the promised land...... so why you feel compelled to model the frozen north I do not know! Look forward to seeing the results from your weathering. Nothing screams 'the North East' more than a rake of grubby 21t hoppers behind a Q6 or class 37. Keep up the good work!

It's quite complex but I think the answer is yes. Using any catch-up service means you need you. That is using any medium, so whether it is through a TV, laptop, tablet etc. Well that is my understanding anyway but happy to be proved wrong. When I first moved into my flat a few years ago I didn't have a telly or even an aerial for months. The TV Licensing people were really aggressive in the way they went about things in the shape of constant letters and threats. It was almost as though they didn't believe I didn't have a telly. In the end I did get one. My brother was in a similar situation and actually had a bloke come and inspect their home in order to 'prove' that they weren't watching the box! Honestly they felt like the Stasi were after them. If you are completely stuck for something to do, Wild Bill is worth a watch on ITV on Wednesday evenings. Appreciate you probably enjoy the peace though. To be frank, apart from the cricket highlights on C4, that is the only programme I am watching in all week at the moment. Certainly if I had to choose between the telly and the radio I would choose the latter. I couldn't be without my DAB radios!

Just completed my survey and set out my 7mm choices! A massive well done to Accurascale for running this and for interacting so well with their customer base. You are to be commended for your approach and deserve every success! David

Glad to see that progress continues to be made. Hoping to catch up with this one at Goathland at the end of the month

Excellent stuff. Just stumbled across this, can't believe I haven't spotted it before! I love the plan and the overall concept, so I look forward to following updates as the project progresses. You are definitely making the most of the space available. Mind, you are right about the effect that laying some track can have, it quickly starts to transform a layout beyond the embryonic 'bare board' stage - I hope it inspires you to crack on. Similarly, further down the line, just adding a little bit of greenery can very quickly bring a layout to life. Keep up the good work!

Thanks all for you very useful replies and suggestions. RS Components seems a good bet and I might pop over to Cullercoats to ESR, especially if I can tie it in with another trip. Failing that, online is the fallback. Thanks again! David

We love a messiah up in these here parts. No doubt Toon fans are praying for one at the moment...

Or alternatively St John scores on the rebound!

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this and offered their help and advice. It is greatly appreciated. As a result, I've now started on a tiny micro-layout (better described as a diorama to be honest) to give some of the ideas a go, before I start on a 'proper' layout. I might blow my cover and post a few more details in due course......

No I would agree with that. The early impact and legacy of professionalism in the US and also the positive opportunities presented by the college system are undoubtedly still in place. Particularly they seem to have a nous - for some reason maybe what everyone has suddenly started calling 'game management' - which means that can win even when not playing particularly well. Of course this is what all good teams do. Killing teams off early by scoring early goals ha also been a reason for their success in this tournament.

I understand the point but boxing is inherently dangerous no matter what the status of the fight. I find it barbaric, just my personal opinion and I know millions of others think differently, but I think a third-place decided is more appropriate for the Olympics, where it is the individual medals that are the important thing. Football isn't like that. Yes the players might get medals but it is the trophy that is important, the collective achievement of a team. I think that is why the third-place play-off often seems a case of after the Lord Mayor's show. Having said that, I thought Phil Neville was canny petty in his attitude to the game. Beforehand he was bigging it up, stressing it was important to win and finish the tournament on a good footing. Afterwards, having lost, it was pointless and a waste of time. Well done to the USA though on retaining their title. They are clearly a cut above the rest and deserve their win. It's up to others to raise their game and step up now, the US are setting the standard.

Hi all, can anyone suggest a good place to buy small sheets of PCB? I always purchased it at Maplin's in the past but given their demise I wondered whether there was anywhere to buy on the 'high street' nowadays? Obviously I know there will be options online but I would rather buy in person if possible. Thanks in advance for any pointers. David

Yes, I hear he has a track record of coming back from the dead!

I see that man of the people Marko Arnautović has finally completed his move to China, 6 months after signing a 5-year deal worth £130,000 a week. I expect the fans, staff, players and board are pleased to see the back of him. Hopefully the Pogba and Lukaku sagas will be sorted quickly and won't drag on for weeks. They both looked ecstatic to be heading to Australia didn't they!? It's a hard life....... In other tournament news, Brasil won the Copa last night and Mexico the Gold Cup. The Copa has been fiesty throughout, with sendings off and VAR dominating the agenda. Messi has been very vocal about bias to Brasil, he really didn't deserve to be sent off in the third-place play-off. Jesus was sent off ast night in the final and took his frustration out on a VAR monitor! Good lad..... I was initially a fan but I honestly think now that it is ruining the game. The winners weren't really tested to be honest, a number of teams are in transition - Argentina, Columbia particularly - and it is the end of the road for an ageing, but what has been a class Chile team. It is a shame Uruguay didn't go further, I really like them and think they have some great players. I am sure they would have given Brasil a much sterner test too. There's another edition of the Copa next year...... they're coming up fast these days!

Kevo, This is developing really well and the traverser looks excellent. It will be critical for the effective operation of of layout. I must say, I think Mr Smith's idea for extending the scenery into the fiddle yard area is an excellent idea from a visual point of view. It will help soften that edge between on-stage and off-stage Like others, I am a big fan of the 'pointless' layout and in fact have just started one of my own. Keep sharing your progress and ideas! David

Kevo, We live and learn by our mistakes and it only makes us into better modellers. Nothing is lost by scrapping your original project and I urge you to try again! That mock-up looks great and those fantastic buildings deserve to be recycled and reused! On the setting, subtle changes of road vehicles and/or minor buildings would allow you to operate the layout in different locations and time periods. So, British NCB, American and, having spotted that lovely CIE class 141 in your avatar, an Irish setting. I think that kind o flexibility is one of the joys of a micro-layout and effectively means you can have three or four layouts in one! With the stock requirements only being minimal, it's also relatively cheap to be able to have that kind of variety! Anyway, keep up the good work

The 48ds looks the business. They are my favourite locos so I am always pleased to see one, even as a wagon load! It may not be correct for some rivet-counters but it certainly looks like one and that is all that matters in my opinion! Given its tiny size, I guess it was a fairly economical print?

Had a nice afternoon across at the Tanfield Railway today. Raised the spirits to sit in the sunshine and watch some industrial steam in action

I am pleased to say my mojo has somewhat returned in the last couple of weeks. I've started a new micro-layout and that has spurred me on, to be honest the first practical modelling I have done in a couple of years. I have set myself the challenge of doing 'something' each day, even if it is just 10 minutes, but importantly not beating myself up if I don't manage it. I am also trying to be objective, so when little tasks haven't gone to plan I haven't become too disheartened or down. It's sensible really, because when hints haven't worked I have always managed to recover it. It's easier said than done, especially for those of us suffering from the black dog, but I'm trying not to get too up and down and just take things slowly. I am really enjoying this little project though and I am really pleased it has got me back on the bandwagon. As many folk have said before, I have finally followed the good advice and just tried 'something', even when it is so small as this. It's amazing what positive feelings can be gained from completing seemingly insignificant tasks. It really can help self-confidence and has really helped with my anxiety over the last couple of weeks. So, what I am trying to say, in a not very eloquent manner, is if you are feeling low, maybe just try a small modelling project, it can do the world of good. After sitting on my hands, literally for years, I feel better for it. I am certainly not saying it is the answer to all my problems. There will continue to be low days but if trying something creative can help in a little way then that can only be of benefit to my mental state. Anyway, keep on sharing folks, and maybe try 'something' if you are having a rough time.

Good, I'll tip wor kid* off so he can have a look! * Sorry, for those in the south (i.e. beyond Darlington) that translates as 'my brother'