RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 27, 2019 11 hours ago, wenlock said: I was surprised and delighted that Sherton Abbas won best in show I wasn't particularly surprised to hear that you'd won, Dave and I'm very pleased for you. Now will you believe the Captain, when he says you're right up there with the best?! In all, a party of nine of us came up in three cars from South and West Devon, some of us met at Leigh Delamare for breakfast and we all had a super evening meal at the Cross Hands in Old Sodbury on the way home. What an excellent show. Thank you David, Ant and everyone who helped put it on and run it. The car park management was exemplary. As per usual, much socialising was done, which is invariably the best bit, narrowly followed by looking at all the layouts, all of which I managed to look at this year. Not forgetting the essential shopping. I do think Dave was a worthy winner in the show. My favourite cameo layouts were probably (not in any particular order) Dewerstone, the Woodhead one (can't recall its name, sorry) and Midland in Bristol, although Cameo Collaton in 2mm was also fab. Looking at the photos of it on here, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the modelling was in 4mm scale, it's so good. 3 3 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold queensquare Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 27, 2019 As others have said, this years Railex was right up there with the best David and team have put together. Superb layouts, great spread of trade, slightly dodgy 2mm demonstrator who talked himself hoarse and, for those who took advantage of it, an excellent social on the saturday night. One of the highlights for me was the final of the Cameo competition. Picking a winner was no easy task for the judges with the six finalists being to a consistently high standard and also very different in their scale and subject matter. The nod, after much deliberation, going to Newton Heath Works. For those unfortunate enough to miss last weekends extravaganza of excellence there is another opportunity to see four of the layouts shortlisted for the finals of the competition, including the winner and all the judges, at the Warminster show in a couple of weeks - much smaller than Railex but with the same ethos and better cake! Jerry 5 1 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold wenlock Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 27, 2019 1 hour ago, Captain Kernow said: I wasn't particularly surprised to hear that you'd won, Dave and I'm very pleased for you. Now will you believe the Captain, when he says you're right up there with the best?! I do think Dave was a worthy winner in the show. Thanks Captain, most kind! Glad you all had a good time! B W Dave 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evertonian Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 The New Kensal Green crew also would like to pass on our appreciation and thanks to Dave BigC , Ant and the R&D club members for looking after us so well at what was a terrific exhibition of all things good in our wonderful hobby. Congrats to Dave with his lovely evocative Sherton Abbas deservedly winning for best layout, the GWR shown off to its best. We like to think of ourselves as a friendly bunch down in Bournemouth, and would have enjoyed the Saturday evening social mentioned by Jerry if we had been aware it was on ! We will look forward to our next visit , hopefully with 'Bournemouth West' in the not too distant future. Chris Knight 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulT Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 I had a good day watching trains at Railex yesterday. This has become a finescale show to rival the single scale societies exhibitions. More than 3/4 of the models were up to the best standard in their scale and and ranged from 2mm FS to Scaleseven. Many I saw were as good as P4 , "my scale", but bigger or smaller. It was great to see so many 7mm layouts which ran well, were beautifully sceniced and with decent backscenes. A great improvement over the last decade or so. Many 7mm modellers have now achieved good weathering too...at last! My observation on several 7mm layouts was the tendency to run trains too slowly. Yes, its good to see slow, smooth movements but prototype running round and station departures were not usually so leisurely. Now that 7mm models are so good I find myself working hard to find an imperfection so now lay down a challenge to them: When shunting, bunker first, at least one of the crew should face the direction of travel. Surely in the senior scale there is room for a little mechanism to rotate a bod? I look forward to seeing this in action next year! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Bigcheeseplant Posted May 27, 2019 Author Share Posted May 27, 2019 56 minutes ago, Evertonian said: We like to think of ourselves as a friendly bunch down in Bournemouth, and would have enjoyed the Saturday evening social mentioned by Jerry if we had been aware it was on ! An email was sent out to all layouts demos and trade with an invite to the Saturday night social all at the same time so I have no idea why it didn't get to you. It did get fully booked up within 24 hours of my email and as I only had a limited number of places, and had to disappoint a few people who wanted to come but were too late responding but decided to go somewhere else and join us for a few drinks after. To find a venue that can cater for 50-60 people in the town is impossible, and as it was The chief at the Hop Pole was on melt down just dealing with 42 of us, but did really well. David 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Dan Randall Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 27, 2019 16 hours ago, wenlock said: I was surprised and delighted that Sherton Abbas won best in show, particularly as all the layouts on show were such excellent examples of railway modelling! Dave - I was chatting to you when it was announced, so must apologise again for preventing you from hearing the news 1st hand! A very well deserved award though, in my opinion and if I had the same amount of space at my disposal, I suspect I'd be working on a BR era clone of it right now, to be populated with Dapol's forthcoming Class 121 & 122 single car units and numerous, grotty 16T mineral wagons! Regards Dan 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mick Bonwick Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 27, 2019 18 hours ago, t-b-g said: Next time I am spotted behind a layout, it should be one that I have built! Agree totally! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pacific231G Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 (edited) 6 hours ago, Compound2632 said: I did feel that several layouts were too strongly-lit - including, dare I say it, Arun Quay - but maybe that was because the ambient light level was lower than usual, though I wasn't particularly aware of that. Interestingly that very discussion was being had with Gordon when I took my second look at it. Personally, I didn't think Arun Quay was too light but wondered if the light in W. Sussex may be rather stronger than in more northerly parts of this island, especially the more industrial areas when they were at their most satanic. It does represent an area which is fairly flat and open to the south towards the sea and it seemed to me just as I remember it. I'll have to look a the exposures my images yesterday were being taken at; probably a lot more exposure needed than for actual daylight, but it would be interesting to consider how light levels for a model should compare with those for a full size object to give the same psychological effect. Edited May 27, 2019 by Pacific231G 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete the Elaner Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 6 hours ago, David Bigcheeseplant said: As per my previous post the lighting was poor due to the lights not working not being dimmed, in previous years all lights seemed to be working and the place was very bright. We will take the issue up with the stadium when we have a post RAILEX meeting with them. David I always feel that lighting really helps to present a layout well. I don't remember seeing any layouts without their own lighting. Was this deliberate? The quality of layouts was as high as at any show I can remember visiting. The selection of traders was excellent too. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pacific231G Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 19 hours ago, t-b-g said: Just landed home from the show. What a show it was. I have been going to shows since the 1970s and this was possibly the best overall show that I have been to, up there with the famous MRJ show in 1990. Huge congratulations to David and the rest of the organisers for their efforts in bringing together such a show. It is hard to single out favourites but "Midland in Bristol" (despite their RC problems) and "Sherton Abbas" are real works of art and truly inspirational. We did have some problems with Leighton Buzzard on the Saturday. Following on from several hours fixing faults on Wednesday evening and several more hours trying to get one or two locos that have developed faults running, we had it all set up and OK on Friday night. After about 20 minutes running on Saturday the problems started, with various solder joints breaking and wires falling off. It was really not much fun trying to trace tricky faults on a layout that I didn't build or wire up under the gaze of people who had come to see trains running. We had none for a short while! All was sorted apart from a non critical earth fault on the block instruments and one loco failure as an outside crank came loose on the 4-4-0. After that, things improved and the rest of Saturday and all of Sunday was much better, with the only problems being that the variable heat and humidity altered the friction that holds the levers over and some had to be held to work. It was enough to make me think that the time has come to stop bouncing the layout around in the back of cars. We have had a good run and got away with on several occasions when we thought things had broken and they just started working again. So unless it is perhaps for some special anniversary or suchlike, I consider that Leighton Buzzard is now retired from the exhibition circuit. Many thanks to all those who have said nice things about the layout and about us taking it out and to the Stephen, Judy, Crispin, Juliana and Laurie for making its last show such an enjoyable one. It has been a great pleasure, even an honour, to have been able to bring the layout out to allow the work of Peter Denny to be seen by a wider audience. Next time I am spotted behind a layout, it should be one that I have built! Thanks for bringing it Tony, it's been wonderful to actually see Peter Denny's work in the flesh, about four or five times now I think, and I'm sure we all really appreciate the hard work you've done to make that possible. I'll be sorry if I don't get to see it again but very grateful that I have been able to so maybe there will be special anniversaries every few years. Maybe it needs shows prepared to pay for the sort of transport that priceless antiques and old masters get when they visit other galleries and museums. 1 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Ian J. Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 27, 2019 I'm uncomfortable picking out one layout for poor lighting, but 'Penfold Priory' was not well lit. To my eye most others were OK, if not good. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 47 minutes ago, Pacific231G said: Interestingly that very discussion was being had with Gordon when I took my second look at it. Personally, I didn't think Arun Quay was too light but wondered if the light in W. Sussex may be rather stronger than in more northerly parts of this island, especially the more industrial areas when they were at their most satanic. It does represent an area which is fairly flat and open to the south towards the sea and it seemed to me just as I remember it. I'll have to look a the exposures my images yesterday were being taken at; probably a lot more exposure needed than for actual daylight, but it would be interesting to consider how light levels for a model should compare with those for a full size object to give the same psychological effect. I thought Arun Quay was a bit too bright too, and also thought so when I saw it first in Uckfield last year. However, I would never have the temerity to say this to Mr Gravett himself and feel like I must only whisper it here... As a coincidence though, I was idly thinking on the way home that backdrops and our feeble attempts at painting sky are often the weakest point in a layout and some appear an afterthought or worse, an unnecessary waste of time and effort that could otherwise be spent on more trains and track. I hasten to add that present company of all I saw at Railex excepted...! My thoughts, however turned to maybe developing an entirely new way of presenting the said sky effect- maybe with something translucent and back-lit. I wonder if this has been done before? If not, you heard it first here...I may experiment on Midland in Birmingham/London...My ponderings made the return journey on the M25 pass a lot quicker anyway! 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold wenlock Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 27, 2019 1 hour ago, Dan Randall said: Dave - I was chatting to you when it was announced, so must apologise again for preventing you from hearing the news 1st hand! A very well deserved award though, in my opinion and if I had the same amount of space at my disposal, I suspect I'd be working on a BR era clone of it right now, to be populated with Dapol's forthcoming Class 121 & 122 single car units and numerous, grotty 16T mineral wagons! Regards Dan No need for any apology Dan, I was enjoying our chat and was delighted with the news however I heard it! I’ve got a “secret penchant” for early BR stuff so would love to see your BR version! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold wenlock Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 27, 2019 8 minutes ago, Tricky said: My thoughts, however turned to maybe developing an entirely new way of presenting the said sky effect- maybe with something translucent and back-lit. I wonder if this has been done before? If not, you heard it first here...I may experiment on Midland in Birmingham/London...My ponderings made the return journey on the M25 pass a lot quicker anyway! Looking forward to seeing to seeing the results of your ponderings Richard! I’ve been having similar thoughts using perspective modelling leading into low relief hills a la Paul Bambrick’s ideas and then a back lit sky with projected moving clouds! Where will it all end! Best wishes Dave 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium t-b-g Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 27, 2019 I recall a layout that I am sure that Paul Bambrick did the backscene for based on the MET/GC line in 7mm scale that appeared at Railex a few years ago and in the MRJ. To my shame, I can't recall the name. It was superb and featured a light shining behind the backscene looking like the weak sun through clouds. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium t-b-g Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 27, 2019 1 hour ago, Mick Bonwick said: Agree totally! I have just looked back at some old photos and to my horror it is 7 years since I started a layout that never got finished properly and even longer since I finished one! Time to get the finger out. Baseboards are built for a 7mm GCR pre-grouping layout and buildings, locos and stock are started, so this time, maybe, just maybe...... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 10 minutes ago, t-b-g said: I recall a layout that I am sure that Paul Bambrick did the backscene for based on the MET/GC line in 7mm scale that appeared at Railex a few years ago and in the MRJ. To my shame, I can't recall the name. It was superb and featured a light shining behind the backscene looking like the weak sun through clouds. Whitchurch Road? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mick Bonwick Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 27, 2019 9 minutes ago, t-b-g said: Baseboards are built for a 7mm GCR pre-grouping layout and buildings, locos and stock are started, so this time, maybe, just maybe...... Does a baseboard fit in a car? Are you going on a Summer Holiday? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium t-b-g Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 27, 2019 7 minutes ago, Tricky said: Whitchurch Road? That was it! Well remembered. Did it ever get finished as only half the layout appeared at the show? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium t-b-g Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 27, 2019 9 minutes ago, Mick Bonwick said: Does a baseboard fit in a car? Are you going on a Summer Holiday? That might not be a bad idea! I have never built any 7mm track so if I can get a board ready for some track laying, I can learn something new myself. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
2mm Andy Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, t-b-g said: That was it! Well remembered. Did it ever get finished as only half the layout appeared at the show? Tony, According to Paul Bambrick's website, it is still part-complete and is now for sale; http://bambrickstudio.co.uk/for-sale/ I remember being absolutely bowled-over by it when the completed boards were displayed at Railex in 2010 (was it really that long ago?!). The Met &GC line is one I have a particular soft spot for (possible because my late grandfather was a driver on the line in LNER/BR days) but is rarely modelled. Andy Edited May 27, 2019 by 2mm Andy 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium t-b-g Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 27, 2019 5 minutes ago, 2mm Andy said: Tony, According to Paul Bambrick's website, it is still part-complete and is now for sale; http://bambrickstudio.co.uk/for-sale/ I remember being absolutely bowled-over by it when the completed boards were displayed at Railex in 2010 (was it really that long ago?!). The Met &GC line is one I have a particular soft spot for (possible because my late grandfather was a driver on the line in LNER/BR days) but is rarely modelled. Andy Thanks for that. It looks like a great project for somebody to take on. Not me though! It was seeing that at Railex that made me want to try some 7mm modelling. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Kingzance Posted May 27, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 27, 2019 I know I have already made a submission on this thread but RailEx was so good that I feel I would like to repeat how much enjoyment and inspiration I took from it. I am a cack-handed old codger, comparatively recently returning to the hobby and one who has wasted too much precious modelling time on planning. I can't compete with the wonders on show but I am inspired by them. Thank you all and I hope to see your efforts again in the not too distant. As for the RailEx team - stars, one and all. 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gismorail Posted May 27, 2019 Share Posted May 27, 2019 On Saturday 25th May 2019 I set off on a long journey south which required a border-crossing into Shropshire and on-wards across the Queen's Kingdom and after encountering many other 'shires' my trusty mount pulled up in the fair market town of Aylesbury where I was going to encounter for the first time a much reputed model railway show which is put on by the Risborough & District MRC. The show is known as Railex as is held at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium and having now attended it I would highly recommend it to others to attend as it is a very high quality show. Parking at the Stadium is very limited and I would suggest following the clubs instructions to park in the station car park (£5.00 for the day ) and use the free vintage bus service to the show. My main reason for attending was this year the six finalists of the Cameo Competition organised by Wild Swan Books were attending for the final judging and one of the judges was Iain Rice who was also attending the show with his new layout 'Longwood Edge' which is a master piece in railway modelling in it's own right. The wonderful books of Iain have given me much inspiration over many years and as I mentioned at the being of the 'Chumley End' build the track plan is one of his drawings so it was an opportunity finally meet the gentleman and thank him for many years enjoyment. A selection of my photographs of the day for those who missed out on a stunning show Longwood Edge with Iain Rice at the controls More shots of Longwood Edge. Newton Heath Works the Cameo Winner. New Kensal Green. I did ask a couple of the operators as to how the steam locomotives produced the steam effects and one told me it wasn't oil based and involved water but was quite tight lipped as to how it's achieved .....any one know the truth My final thought on the days adventure to Railex 2019 ...EXCELLENT ... well organised great layouts to a very high standard throughout Well done Risborough District MRC 7 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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