Howard Smith

There's a good thread here: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/150635-br-diagram-1107-21t-mineral-wagon-mdo/

Every round we're going to present you with a photograph of a scene. It might be real life, it might be a model. The challenge is to replicate it as closely as you can. Fear not, we'll drop a few hints along the way so you're not 'going in blind'. At the end of each round, we'll be awarding model railway prizes to he or she who produced what we feel is the closest effort. This week, feast your eyes on this photograph: Taken as late as 1993 in Shrewsbury sidings (now a housing estate) it depicts a pretty weathered 21T mineral wagon, MDV E310582. This time, we're allowing the use of an RTR wagon and we're not looking for a diorama, simply the wagon. Do you have a 21T mineral wagon kit or RTR model in need of a less factory pristine finish? Observe the rusting and number closely - do you have a stand-out weathering technique for this? Our lucky winner will get a Dapol's new model of North British Type 2, D6129: ENTER HERE

Tired of staying at home and social distancing? Enjoy escapism with our May issue of BRM, on-sale now as a digital edition from pocketmags.com/BRM Included on BRM TV, is a tour of Kepier Colliery (OO), Phil Parker goes back to basics cutting track and Howard Smith weathers a building for the BRM project layout. Across our pages, we explore Kepier Colliery (OO) - a layout built from memories of youth. Plus, Dent Station (OO), Coton-on-Dove (EM) and Wadleys Brewery (OO) complete our layout lineup. Dent (OO) Coton-on-Dove (EM) Wadleys Brewery (OO) This month, Practical BRM has ideas to recreate a warehouse, plus see how traditional craft knife methods or a sihouette cutter can be used to make buildings as Howard Smith and Phil Parker complete the buildings for Runcorn Salt Union. We build the latest industrial shunter from Narrow Planet... ...and share ideas for your first narrow gauge industrial layout, too. And, learn how to create your ideal trackplan without errors! Reviews this month comprise Hornby's Princess Royal and TCS' Universal WiFi Throttle. Don't miss this issue, on-sale now as a digital edition today from pocketmags.com/BRM

SEE IT/MAKE IT CHALLENGE: ROUND ONE WINNERS Congratulations and a Hornby HST worth £289.99 are due to Chris Chewter and his daughter, Emily, for their winning entry to the first round of our See it/Make it Challenge. https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/news/see-it-make-it-challenge-round-one-winners/

Hi Tony, Has anything turned up, yet? If not, please let me find out and get back to you. Howard

Yes, a loco-less entry is accepted and well spotted it is Warrington Arpley. The 20s were regulars on the MGRs, double-heading - I've many shots from the era. You get to win an HST, and with us all being stuck at home, there's no excuse for not having a little dabble at a siding like this... go on! There's all this Easter weekend - why not make it a part of an existing layout? H

Hornby creates 'Stay at home hamper' The margate manufacturer launches a bundle of its products to get you and the family modelling during this stay at home period. Read more here - https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/news/Hornby-creates-stay-at-home-hamper

Hi Chris, It was aimed mostly at digital subscribers who get their copies earlier than the printed copies (but we were aware we were cutting it fine...) Yes, it's odd, though thankfully, we have the tech to enable us to communicate and put out a magazine. Imagine if this had happened 20 (or even 15) years ago! H

We keep him locked in a cupboard under the stairs with a keyboard... ;)

You can try a free sample download, too...

Thanks, but it's a team effort as always. If you struggle getting hold of a copy, you can always get one digitally, or subscribe and get it to your door...

It was Andy McVittie, former editor of BRM. Perhaps they were a little tall, but most crew get carved up to fit inside cabs anyway... H

We're living in strange times folks. As I write this, our office is eerily quiet - only a white noise background hum from the server fans adjacent for company. It's only a matter of time before we'll be out of the other side of this. Whilst many will be at home wondering what to do with their newly-discovered spare time, we've a hobby and a passion that we can look forward to and treasure. It's a hobby that can be done from home too. Celebrating all that's great about our hobby and providing escapism from the crazy outside world is our April issue of BRM, on-sale tomorrow from www.pocketmags.com/brm Inside this 164-page issue are five layouts, with enough practical articles to entertain and satisfy your monthly cravings for modelling ideas. There's plenty of ideas to enhance what you already have, or ideas for adding new elements to your layout. Here's what's inside: Includes 30+ min episode of BRM TV featuring 'Bodmin', model building upgrades and how to enhance road signs and paved surfaces: In this issue of BRM, we explore a 40-year-old P4 layout that has survived decay and a flash flood, yet still pleases fans of the GWR: 'Bodmin'. Plus, Oldmarket (OO), Upper Oreful Street (OO), Arun Quay (O) and Aviemore (N) raise the number of layouts this issue to five. Practical BRM this month brings you ideas to: Recreate a bustling high street - working miniature train set in shop window included! Automate Dapol's semaphore signals Wire a double-slip Add lights and sound to a Ruston 48DS Create paved surfaces Design a control panel Plus, reviews include: Bachmann's OO gauge Class 121 Graham Farish's N gauge Class 70/8 and Dapol's OO gauge GWR railcar and Class 29 We'd urge you to stay safe during these unprecedented (during our lifetime) times - downloading the digital edition from the comfort of your own home is the safest way if you fall into one of the 'at risk' categories. Stay safe and happy modelling, Howard

If we've messed up in the past and made a mistake with the digital edition, that makes sense... Glad you enjoyed the DVD - we've Andy to thank for the layout footage this month. Hope it gets fixed - feel free to PM with progress until resolved. H

I've just tested from our end in the office and can confirm the videos work. If re-downloading still doesn't work, perhaps it's internet conection-related? If you're still struggling, can I suggest you contact Pocketmags at: help@pocketmags.com ? They'll be able to advise from a technical point of view. H

Hi John, I think that one was a Lidl 'Powerfix' special, but many others are available, including from some model manufacturers, like DCCconcepts. It also has a crimp function for crushing terminals onto the wires. Hope this helps... H

Correct

Has Spring sprung? We'd like to think so after the recent stormy weather, but if you need a little Spring fix, here it is in glorious 164-page format. Packed with four quality model railways in 2mm:1ft and 4mm:1ft scales and with a distinctive Capital theme throughout, there are many ideas that can be borrowed from this issue to use on your model of a large city or county town. Download this issue from 10.00 on Friday February 21, 2020 at www.pocketmags.com/BRM In this episode of BRM TV... Hornsey Broadway How to install dropper wires on your layout Build a London taxi shelter kit IN THIS ISSUE LAYOUTS Hornsey Broadway (EM) Lightermans Yard (2FS) Rossiter Rise (OO) Melangoose (OO) PRACTICAL BRM How to build a battery locomotive How to optimise layout lighting Wiring for DCC explained How to make a Portakabin kit PRODUCTS AND FEATURES Latest news Model layouts of London – we pick our favourites Give your layout the London look How Thomas the Tank was created Review: Bachmann Class 158/159 Review: Heljan Class 03 Review: Accurascale PFA wagons Plus Bachmann Class 24/1 Prototype Inspiration: BSC Bogie Tipplers and their coil conversions (as arriving in model form from Accurascale) BRMA Winners announced! New books Download this issue from 10.00 on Friday February 21, 2020 at www.pocketmags.com/BRM

Yes, the DVD is called BRM TV. We called it this because digital edition viewers stream content, hence it becomes a one name fits all. HTH

First post

Printed copies are on-sale from Jan 30. The covermounted DVD is included.

Hello modellers, non-modellers, potential modellers and armchair dreamers. Welcome to the March 2020 issue of BRM, on-sale from January 24 as a digital edition from pocketmags.com/BRM These winter evenings are still long and spring seems an eternity away - so here's a little reading and video watching for you: In this episode of BRM TV: Hills of the North (OO) - Shap summit modelled in OO Ballasting track - a recap on the essentials Bachmann's V2 - exclusive first test It's Hornby's centenary - I hope readers approve of our bold cover choice! Inside, we host features reflecting on the past, present and future of this long-standing model manufacturer. LAYOUTS Hills of the North (OO). The sight and sounds of steam locomotives climbing this most-arduous of West Coast Main Line peaks have been forever immortalised by its builder. Blueball Summit (N). Struggling to build his vision in a defined space, Andrew Bartlett changed scale to discover a horizon of new opportunities. High Trees Junction (OO). Deploying ingenious solutions, Mike Lynch’s model railway has been an experiment in forced perspective and reduced modelling costs. Campbell's Quarry (16mm). This animated quarry layout featured in the March 2019 issue of BRM. We revisit the scene for an update on its new extension. PRACTICAL How to create lineside variety. There’s more to the other side of the fence than green grass, as Michael Russell explains with the creation of a series of scenic additions ideal for your next layout. The Salt Union at Runcorn. Ahead of BRM’s new project layout build, Stephen Rabone, Editor of Traction Magazine, highlights the rail-served salt industry of Runcorn and its fascinating RailFreight operations in the last-century. Enhance Hornby's Family Fun Project. We gave Phil Parker a Hornby Family Fun Project to build, but asked him to develop the scenery a step further from the instructions. NEWS, REVIEWS AND FEATURES Hornby 2020 announcements. BRM was invited to attend a presentation by Hornby of its 2020 new model range held at its Margate headquarters. BRM meets... Hornby. As Hornby kicks off its centenary celebrations, we catch up with Marketing and Development Director, Simon Kohler, to learn more about what’s in store for the iconic manufacturer. Hornby landmark locomotives. Our beloved manufacturer of model railways has reached its centenary. Andy York reflects on landmark creations from its history. Hornby's most daring moments. Hornby has never been afraid to create innovative and unusual products. Phil Parker uncovers a few from his model cupboard... First Look: Bachmann V2 Review Hattons Class 66 Review: Hornby LMS 20T brake vans Review: Hornby LSWR 20T/24T brake vans Download your copy from January 24 at www.pocketmags.com/BRM or pick up a copy in stores from January 30.

Read more from us on world-of-railways.co.uk... Hornby seeks new market with 'Steampunk' models

Read more from us on world-of-railways.co.uk... Hornby launches app for model railway control Hornby seeks new market with 'Steampunk' models Hornby celebrates centenary with limited edition models Our top picks from Hornby’s 2020 announcements