Classic Covers: Railway Modeller June 1953

Digging through some old magazines being cleared out of our clubrooms, I chanced upon this gem.

The editorial, by Cyril Freezer, starts:

We should like to begin this coronation issue by voicing the wish we feel sure is in the hearts of all our readers; that the reign of our Gracious Queen, Elizabeth, will be long, peaceful and prosperous. Much has been said of late concerning the new Elizabethan age. We are of the opinion that its glories will come from the efforts of the new Elizabethans. Let us, in our modelling, strike out into unexplored territories and discover ourselves the joy of true craftsmanship. 

The piece ends with suggestions that modellers during the previous coronation had decorated their layouts.

I wonder if a similar cover will appear when Charles ascends to the throne? 

Peter Denny in Garden Rail

November's issue of Garden Rail has been on my mind for some time. A chance encounter at Railex sees me have the chance to photograph the rolling stock from the Rev. Peter Denny's garden railway, the TVLR. 

With this in mind, I had a word with Tag Gorton who dug out an article on a visit he paid to the line when it was in operation, complete with the 35mm slides he took then. Thus, we have an article on the railway and a follow-up explaining where everything is now from his son, Stephen. 

Even if the name Peter Denny means nothing to you, the rolling stock is interesting. Originally clockwork powered, it's been rebuilt more than once and dates from a time when you made everything. 

Thinking vintage, I have a feature on the changes to model buildings in the hobby which will be handy for anyone who turns up an old kit in the loft, or eBay. We also look at the development of the garden railway magazine. 

Back in the present, how about building a Sharpie on a Playmobil chassis? Or no less than three live steam loco reviews? 

It's all in the November issue of Garden Rail. 

Waterborne Wednesday: Taroo Ushtey

One of my favourites, the Taroo Ushtey is the Isle of Man Infrastructure Department's workboat and seen here, earlier this year, moored at Ramsey.

The name means "Water Bull" in Manx and the vessel has been around for many years. It's very high on my list of models to make when I get the time. A generous guy from the Manx Model Boat club, sent me a plan and I've already bought the crane in kit form from Macs Mouldings. 

In theory, this should be a simple enough scratchbuild from Plastikard. I'm sure there will be problems along the way, but if I can overcome the "I don't have time" one, then I'm sure the others can be surmounted.  

It is a good looking boat though. Or is it just me?

It's Wishlist Poll time again!

The 00 Wishlist Poll runs from 14 October to 2 November at: www.rmweb.co.uk

The Poll provides railway modellers and collectors with an easy and informed way of indicating to makers and commissioners of 00 ready-to-run models which models they would realistically buy if made at some time in the future from all-new tooling (excluding models since 1 January 2005).

Voting covers steam, diesel and electric locos; DMUs; EMUs; passenger and non-passenger-carrying coaching stock; freight and departmental stock. The Industrial and Underground categories have gone, enabling many new items of ‘core content’. Pollsters can now make suggestions for re-makes of some items made since 2005.

The Poll has an accompanying Guide which is particularly useful for checking such as the build dates of the various BR Mk1 catering vehicles, or whether one particular diesel shunter will suit your needs better than others.

The Poll Team email is: thepollteam@gmail.com

Night sailing

With the nights drawing in, last week saw the first evening sailing session at the model boat club. Needless to say, I've been far too busy to properly equip a boat with some lights, but the Richardson Tug I was given for Christmas does come with illuminations so it was pressed into service. 

On the water, the first problem was that I'd remembered tank steering and proceeded to wander around the lake with little control. After 5 minutes it dawned on me that the controls are conventional and we managed a lot better after that. 

Others had done a much better job with lights than me and their boats looked very pretty festooned with LEDs that should have been on a Christmas tree. It's not serious sailing, but then what's a hobby without a little fun? 

Star of the evening though, had to be the little dog who wore his special collar and insisted I provide him with a chip from my buttie!