Howard Smith

Hi Andy, Recommendations are difficult - what pleases one person won't please another. If it did, we'd all have the same houses, cars, and, model in the same scale with the same controllers. It's true that not all systems are born equal, but then you'll find different price bands for systems. I'm not sure how far away you are from a local model shop, but see if you can visit your local, or a DCC specialist (details of which, in BRM) and ask to try out their systems. Any shop that's looking for a sale and customer satisfaction should let you try it out before you buy. The best shops will have a test track too. Ask plenty of questions - they should know about their products, so if you're looking to do a comparison, you'll have all the facts. I think this is the best way to make a decision - what looks good on paper may feel/perform differently. Think of it as a 'test drive'... Hope this helps, Howard

For those that don't follow BRM on facebook, the latest Q+A is now live... https://youtu.be/yNPsw5AhkwA

Hi Andy, I'll add it to the list for the next Q+A... though, what vegetables?

Hi Chris, We're listening - the layout special was something of a one-off and many are smaller layouts which it was felt didn't justify a trackplan. Our January issue however has some cracking trackplans and 'spoiler alert' - our Feb issue takes it a step further! Howard

A little change, but January's issue will see the most significant...

Joseph - PM me your address and I'll get a replacement sent out. Best, Howard

Huw, PM'd...

A modelling question? Any modelling question...ask away and I'll try my best to help you out. Join our Facebook discussion to ask your questions and the chance to win exciting models every other Friday. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more...

Thanks Chris, it's nice to hear positive feedback. For those of you who'd like to see a glimpse of what's on the DVD, take a look at the below: It's a layout special! Take a look at four exciting layouts in the December edition of BRM TV, exclusive to BRM digital and print subscribers. We take a look at the 3mm gauge layout Uppingham, plus, Howard Smith tests a OO gauge 3D-printed footbridge kit and goes behind the scenes at Gaugemaster's model railway event.

And on the DVD...

Graeme, Some of these went out last week - should be with you very soon Hope this helps, Howard

This kit-build in from reader David Graham: You'll be able to read more about his build and others in the February 2019 issue of BRM, on-sale January 3. And, if you've built one of the kits as-designed, or modified it, please let us know how you found it went together and what you've made with it. Send a few sharp and well-lit photographs to me via PM for a chance to win another Metcalfe kit for your collection. Howard

Highly likely I'd say. The digital edition of the DVD is streamed from YouTube currently, but it's something that will be a necessity as the humble DVD player slowly dies.

Glad to hear it. You're right about the wiring diagram however, so my apologies. I think next time I'll be hand drawing them Feel free to email me some photographs of your project as it develops for our Inbox section... Best, Howard

The digital edition pages can be downloaded as pdf files if you want, saving you the hassle of tearing pages out of your printed copy and scanning them. Give it a try with this month's copy and send me a PM if you have any difficulties. Best, Howard

Callum Willcox from 'The Railway Video Division' | GMRC Ch5 Ep.2 Meet Callum Willcox from 'The Railway Video Division' of Channel 5's Great Model Railway Challenge. Here, he shares the story of how he and a group of YouTube friends put together a team for the show. See him tonight on Channel 5 at 8pm.

Hello Steve, The link to the digital edition of the magazine is: https://pocketmags.com/british-railway-modelling-magazine Hope this helps, Howard

Rod - the above is now available here: https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/brm/store/reader-offers/metcalfe-small-cottage-card-kit-00-h0-scale-cd-first-edition/ Best, Howard

Hi Rod, we're awaiting confirmation in the office, but it's likely to be live on the website within a week at most. Please check back in a couple of days. Sorry we haven't managed to get it live sooner. Best Howard

Hello, Really pleased to hear it. You'll be pleased to hear that a second installment on the layout has been shot, this time in 1958 running era to be featured alongside the layout in its completed form in BRM... it'll appear soon!

Hi Westerner, The magazine contents will be published here nearer the time of the on-sale date of print copies which is this Thursday - won't be long... Howard

Hello, I've checked and now added this to the digital edition. Apologies it wasn't included. Re-downloading should solve as it's now working on the office Ipad. Best

Here's what you can look forward to on the DVD: Layout of the month: Caroline Concrete Works (O-16.5) Practical BRM: How to make flowers Behind the scenes: ...At the Apedale Valley Railway Bonus feature: 1938 running session on 'Little Bytham'

Hello RMwebbers, We're very pleased to present you with an exciting digital download - our biggest ever digital issue of BRM! Download your copy today from pocketmags.com In this whopping 332-page issue, we'll provide you with 152 minutes of extra video content! Plus, a free copy of Garden Rail and Engineering in Miniature magazines. Also in this issue… Inspiring layouts: Perry Barr Station (00): Tackeroo (EM): Caroline Concrete Works (0-16.5): Incredible modelling: Building ‘Boche Buster’: ‘The Hay Wain’ as you’ve never seen it before: Perfect practicals: Model an Occupational Crossing: Build a card kit as intended or enhance to taste How to wire a DC return loop Build an LNER plate-layer's hut: Interviews: Heljan & Rapido Trains Reviews overload: Hornby Class 87 Bachmann C1 Atlantic: Bachmann Mk. 2f coach: Heljan Prairie Pullman Observation car Bachmann Mk.1 horsebox: Bachmann Freightliner flats: Murphy Models Mk. 2d coaches And all the best kit heading to retail BRMTV DVD, featuring: 'Caroline Concrete Works’ - an 0-16.5 layout How to make flowers Behind the scenes at the Apedale Valley Light Railway A 1938 LNER running session on ‘Little Bytham’ The digital edition of BRM includes: 2 bonus layouts – ‘Up the Line’, ‘Crossfields’ 2 free track plans – ‘Bassenthwaite Lake’ and ‘Totnes’ 50 extra images 10 extra videos All of this and plenty more besides. The digital edition of BRM is out now! Download your copy from pocketmags.com

Hurry folks - not long to go now... And, if you haven't finished your cakebox by October 12th, send us photographs of what you partially acheived to cakeboxchallenge@warnersgroup.co.uk - we're still interested in 'what might have been' ideas. Best of luck! We've had some great entries so far...