Bournville show 2025

Sometimes, I just fancy a day out. No screens, and no driving. A quick look at UK Modelshop's listing told me that Bournville show was on, and a bit of Google action told me that I could have a train ride into Brum, and a 68 bus to close to the venue. That sounds like a good trip out to me. 

Google could have told me that the show is right next to Longbridge station, but I enjoyed batting around on the bus. Watching the world go by from the top deck, slightly above the level of flags tied to lampposts, is endlessly fascinating. 

The show is at a social club, and TBH would have benefited from a sign outside the door, but I found it OK.  

I wasn't expecting great things from the layout selection, and if I'm honest, it was as I expected. That said, there's always something to be enjoyed, and the variety was impressive. People can be snobbish about local shows, but I enjoyed the models on display, and it was clear that those who had built them were very proud. It's easy to become snobbish about quality, but I feel it's important to see every level, remembering that many of those behind the models will be people I write for. 

That said, there was an O gauge layout, which in a year's time will be very photographable. There are already plenty of well-modelled details, and once the rest is finished, I'm looking forward to seeing it. Talking to the owner, he has another finished layout, which I definitely need to point a camera at. 

A chat with the 009 Society was instructive, and I've come away with a few ideas for future tiny projects. 

Trade was unsurprisingly all second-hand, but I can't complain; I picked up a Langley Models warehouse kit for a fiver. A model I've always liked the look of, and for that price, I can add it to the future projects stash. 

But, and it's a big but. THERE WAS NO CAKE! Not a single slice. A sausage sandwich was OK, but in the home of Cadbury, dessert was a KitKat.  

Overall, I enjoyed my bus ride. So much so, that I took a somewhat windy way back to central Brum, seeing a lot of the city on the way. The show was OK, no cake, more smelly people than normal, but still worth the fiver to go in. That's the thing with local events, you never know what you'll find - but then that's part of the fun.  

Saturday Film Club: Unboxing a Christmas train

Yes, me and new boy Steven, being all festive. In August. 

Cordyline australis

 

My Manx holiday was extended by a day due to a broken-down ferry. With this unexpected addition, I managed to bag a souvenir that I've wanted for decades - a Manx palm tree.  

These trees are found all over the island, and always fascinated me as being properly exotic. 

But they aren't easy to buy. You don't find them in the plant sections of Tesco, nor on the couple of plant stalls at the Southern Agricultural show. 

In the end, I tracked down a garden centre, which also didn't sell them. The staff suggested that I help myself from a local park, as they are considered a bit of a nuisance. More usefully, they also pointed me at Watsons Nurseries.  

Not easy to find in Greeba, once inside, it's a superb place, and the first person I talked to took me straight to the plant I wanted. This is the sort of place you frequent if you know your plants, and like to talk to people with knowledge. A few quid later, and my new palm was secure in the back of my car. 

Pedants will point out that the palm originated in New Zealand, where it is known as the cabbage tree, but I'm not going to let that worry me. I've got a bit of the Isle of Man in the garden. Let's hope it grows. 

Yellow

 

I know that PS Models show their loco in industrial grey, but I've decided I want to paint mine yellow. That's an industrial colour too, and a bit different from anything else in my fleet. 

The MDF parts were treated to a couple of coats of sealer, sanding between them. Then nice thick coat of white primer - yellow is a pain if you don't undercoat with white.

Finally, a coat of Fiat Broom Yellow, from my new favourite spray can supplier, The Range. The paint is good, I just wish they would put a price on the stand (it's £4.99) as I'm sure that would encourage sales. 

The sharp-eyed will notice that I haven't put the rivets on yet. That's because I fancy wasp strips on the ends, and reckon it will be easier to paint them on a flat surface. We'll see how that pans out, I may go back to pure yellow! 

Warehouse Wednesday: Rendered warehouse, Peel

If you don't fancy scribing bricks or stone into your model building, and can't be bothered with embossed Plastikard, why not replicate this building found in a Peel backstreet? 

Assuming it's always been rendered, a lot of the buildings in the town are, then this is a bit of a prototype for everything.  Pretty and not that large. If you can sort out the windows (I think there are some in the Wills pack) it's a pretty simple build. 

No Streetview link, as I wandered a bit randomly while there, and now can find it. Sorry.  

Ugly loco - first run

 

Time to give the loco a blast on the club track. As you can see, it runs well, but slowly. The 90-yard circuit took almost exactly 5 minutes. 

Looking underneath, a little tweaking is required. 

The gear mesh isn't perfect, the one on the axle having moved slightly. Recentring it quietened the model down, and it kept running. A bit of glue to stop it sliding around should solve this. 

Crich haul

 

For a show that I didn't really rate, I still managed to come away with some interesting "stuff". Kicking off with the Tramway museum itself. They always have a table with stuff that has been donated, and doesn't fit in with the museum, or the proper souvenier shop. 

For donations, I am the owner of a Lisbon tramway tin that used to contain sweets. I loved these trams, and this is a bit of fun. 

The George Milnes enamel sign is a replica (it says so on the back) but rather nice, as is the German sign prohibiting spitting on the tramcar. This might be real, it certainly has a bit of weight. To be honest, I picked it up out of curiosity at the end of the day. Oddly, no one else seemed to want it. 

And the poster. It's A4 sized and I would guess is at least 20 years old. I suspect this might be from a batch (there was a big pile) of duff posters, as it's been altered in Biro to add "to" between a couple of dates. 

KW Trams are good for a chat, and a couple of years ago, I picked up a Morris Minor Fire Engine kit for work. This time, I have a 7mm scale phone box (I love phone boxes), a SPUD marked as "rough", but a useful wheelbase, and for just over a tenner, and after a bit of a clean up, followed by some tinkering, it runs fine. The Birmingham tram kit is a bit of nostalgia - I'm sure I remember these being sold in the 1970s!

Finally, some books. Adelaide and Lison trams are ones I've ridden on, and I don't own books on either, until now. The Lisbon one is really superb, full of pictures showing the trams in location around the city, also covering some other parts of Portugal - it makes me want to go back!

The Postal History of the Manx Electric railway is a rare beat, an IoM transport book I didn't own! OK, it's pretty niche, covering the franking marks applied to letters and cards that have travelled by rail, which probably explains why it wasn't a massive seller. 

Oh, and I brought back some refreshments. 

 

Tram beer with a picture of LCC No.1 on the label, which was lovely. 

And a Ploughman's in a packet. Taken from one of those cards in the pub that peanuts come from, but without the sauchy photo, I just had to try it. Verdict: The sub-Dairylea cheese and crackers were nice. I'm no fan of pickled onions though. 

Model trams at Crich 2025

 

 

As I sat outside the Red Lion pub at the tramway museum, I reflected that this was a rare occasion. I'd travelled to a model show, and was disappointed. 

Every year, I visit the model tram event, hoping to find something I can photograph for a magazine. A couple of times, I've struck lucky, but the hit rate is low, and there was nothing for me this time. 

Truth is, it was a model tramway show with very few model tramways. 

There was an interesting N gauge model of Blackpool seafront. 

I enjoyed a good chat with the builder about his 3D printed tram bodies, running on RTR chassis. It looked nice, but the camera is cruel to both trams and scenery. 

Staying with N, a demo layout showing trams and working buses. 

Again, excellent chat, and some ideas for a future magazine project with the buses

A proper model tramway showed a chunk of continental Europe. 

Now, this is what I expect to see. Sadly, not right for my mag, but nicely modelled. They seemed to be having running problems every time I stopped by, but this happens when you take a layout out, and I'm sure the exhibitors were unhappy not being able to put on their best show. 

Large scale was represented by a single tram running up and down. 

Nice, and technically interesting. One for the enthusiasts. 

For the public, and probably the most popular layout, judging by the crowd around it, Lego. 

Finally, a US Interurban layout. 

More trains than trams if I'm honest, but the builders had done their research, and this apparently isn't uncommon. I have a feeling that the prototype has legs for a longer layout with a bit more scenery. 

Apart from this, a 36-year-old 009 layout. Cracking model. 

Really lovely, but it's been in the mag before. There was also a diesel MPD, which I forgot to photograph, but did enjoy a very long chat with the builders. 

Oh, and I drove a tram simulator. Quite badly, as it turns out. 

I'm sure if I had paid attention properly, I wouldn't have driven off the end of the Crich tramway!

And that's it. 

Sorry chaps, but saying it's Rail 200 does not mean that you can put railways in a tramway show. My guess is that they simply can't fill it with tramways, as they are few and far between. This is very much NOT the fault of the organisers - it's the model tramway hobby. They simply aren't building tramway models. Chatting with the MPD owner, we could come up with around half-a-dozen we remembered in the last 30 years, not many, considering the number of model railways over that period. 

Now, I get that tramways aren't easy to model, thanks to all that overhead wiring and inlaid track. I've been there, and it's a pain to build and make work reliably. I don't really know what the solution is, I'm afraid. While a tramway is on my radar as a future build, based on the model of Wolverhampton tramway I remember from many decades ago, it's not coming to the workbench any time soon. 

Moving on, Crich has a new cafe. 

The old one was falling down, and I suspect didn't offer ideal working conditions to the staff. I'm really not sure about the new version though. Visually, it's a modern building in a mock historic setting. The design is clever in that it's not intrusive, but I don't know. We've definitely lost some atmosphere. 

The glass wall is an improvement; sitting inside, customers can now watch the trams pass by, but there doesn't appear to be as much seating. Also, the ergonomics need sorting. All the menus are beside the till, so you have to queue up before getting your hands on one. None of the sandwiches or cakes have prices. The big blackboard behind the counter is empty. I went to the Red Lion next door for food. 

I'm sure some of this will be sorted. I'm normally very understanding of modern facilities at preserved railways. Most of the customers want good toilets and eating facilities. There is also a lift to get those less mobile up to the cafe and the upper floor of the pub. 

Overall, if you treat this as a trip to the tramway museum with a model show on the side, it was OK. Go especially for the models, and it's less so. Maybe next year. 

Saturday Film Club: End of the Line for Britain's Hovertrain (RTV 31)

Sad news, but an interesting story. 

Mooragh Park Swimming Pool poster

 

One of the souvenirs I brought back from my Manx holiday has finally been hung on the wall of our living room - a genuine poster for Mooragh Park in Ramsey. 

The railway company churned out loads of these sort of posters. The top part is printed, and from "Northern Capital" down is sign written. There are posters for all the major towns on the island. This, including the Road Services, is a relatively late one. I've seen several that are just railway. In fact I've been tempted by a couple in the past at £70+, but always resited. 

If you want to see them though, stop at the Sefton Express Hotel, like I did. There are old railway posters everywhere. 

My poster came from The Old Bonded Warehouse antique centre in Peel. I grabbed it for less than half the price I'd been asked in the past, partly because there is a dirty mark at the bottom. I can live with that, it shows the poster has had a life, and isn't a reproduction. 

It wasn't the only temptation on offer in this establishment. 

Now, the owner didn't know much about this sign, other than he bought it on the island. On the basis that its five foot by three foot, I can't see someone importing it from elsewhere. I,on the other hand, would have happily exported it if the thing would fit in my car, and I had anywhere to display it. 

While the condition isn't great, the £150 price would be negotiable. So, if you fancy a nice tramway sign, you know where to go! 

Ugly wiring

All the wiring materials are included in the Sharples kit. That is a 2-cell AAA battery box, bit of wire, and a switch. 

The modeller just has to poke the wires through the holes in the floor, solder one to the motor, the other to the switch, and join switch to motor with the spare length of wire. If you know which end of the iron gets hot, it's not too bad a job. 

Hold on though, the switch is just on/off. What about reverse? 

Basically, if you want to run in both directions, you are on your own. I'll admit, I looked through my collection of double-pole-double-trow switches, and couldn't find anything with a centre off. You can sort of slide these into a centre position, and the motor will stop, but finding that exact position is a faff, as I've found out in the past. 

So, I need to source another switch one day, but for the moment, I'll live with just on and off. After all, the driver will be looking in one direction, and can't turn if we stick the loco in reverse (yes, I'm sure there is a clever way to do it, but not this time), so if I sort a switch, he'll be looking the wrong way!

Longer term, maybe some sort of radio control could fit. I'm playing with this for a Garden Rail project. That still doesn't solve the driver problem of course. For the moment, the loco will just run hauling wagons without shunting, so I'll ignore it. 
 

Warehouse Wednesday: Qualtrough's Timer Yard

As you enter Castletown, Isle of Man, from the north, this great painted sign greets you. I'm sure it has been there many decades, although I wonder exactly when we started to use DIY in normal conversation. 

It's certainly a striking advert. 

The building seems to have grown up over time, since 1875, according to the website, the side view being a sea of corrugated asbestos sheet and wood. The slope suggests to me that the place has evolved, and that just makes it more interesting. 

You can see more on the company website. 

Someone seems to have cut a few trees down since Google visited.  

Motor into the chassis

 

Back to the Hudswell Clarke, with the motor dropping into the chassis. It's a tight fit, but that means we're not going to need any glue to hold it in place. Under the front, there are supports, at least in 45mm gauge, to hold it in position for the gears. 

Underneath, there has been a rattle-can coat of matt black. Once dry, the wheels are fitted, along with the gears. A quick burst of 9v battery on the motor shows everything works, but then it occured to me that there is a 4-wheel drive kit available. I'm pretty sure I bought one at the time, but now can't find it, so quick order on the website, and a few days later, this arrives. 

 

Like the rest of the range, it's pretty basic, but I'm interest to see how well this works. In the packet are a couple of 3D printed pulleys, and a rubber band (posh one). Off come the wheels, the pulleys go on, and it's all the off-road capability of a Land Rover!

OK, all the wheels go round when the power is on, and that's pretty good news.  

Blog news: This is the 7000th post! 

B4 loco cradle

 

Martin asks: Hi, as another newcomer to large (tank) locos and real steam, I am intrigued by "little carrying cradle" and how useful it is with a hot loco. How does it work, ie. how does one get a 'hot loco' into the cradle without burning oneself or indeed the cradle? 

The cradle is a pretty simple wooden device as you can see above. 

With the loco removed: 

It's an open-top box, with a piece of somewhat oily corrugated cardboard at the bottom. 

Underneath, you can see how the rope handles are attached. 

Moving the loco in, involved some heat-proof gloves (as supplied with Accucraft models, but others are available) or a couple of bits of cloth to let you touch the bufferbeams. Once in, the rope handles allow me to carry it around freely, and cooly. 

A very useful little device. I'm thinking of making them for some of the other steam engines. 
 

Isle of Man, Southern Agricultural show

It's nice to find at least one non-train thing to do while on the IoM - and this time, the Southern Agricultural show was taking place on the Saturday of my trip. 

Taking the advice of the radio advert, I tune to Manx FM the moment we emerged from the ferry, I hopped on a bus, which stops handily for the show. The suggestion was that traffic would be challenging, and I'd certainly have been parked further away from the entrance than the bus delivered me. 

Inside, there were a couple of feilds full of animals, vintage vehicles and stalls selling country stuff. Basically, like a mini Town & Country festival of my youth, although without the model railways. 

I did find a train. Not sure what class it is, but enthusiasts have nicknamed it a "Tractor". 

Plenty of vintage tractor action.

And some traditional animals. 

 

All great fun, and definitely a highlight of the trip. I managed a bit of Christmas shopping, ate some delicious lunch, followed up by local ice cream. A glorious location too, with great views. 

Saturday Film Club: The Greatest Gathering, Ever!

I didn't go to "The Greatest Gathering" - part of me wishes I had, but my brain was elsewhere when the tickets went on sale, and if I'm honest, I'd forgotten about it until the event kicked off. 

 Never mind, Geoff Marshall, always a safe pair of hands, takes us around the event.  

Radio control holiday

 

With only me in the car, I decided that there would be space to take a couple of RC vehicles on holiday. 

Firstly, the Sand Scorcher. I live as far from a beach as possible, so this was about the only chance it would have to scorch some real sand. On the day I arrived, I decided to spend the evening giving it a run. The nearest beach was Castletown, which isn't really sandy, but I had a good time anyway. 

 

The car likes a reasonably firm surface. Too much power on softer stuff sees it dig a hole for the back wheels. There were a few rocks I managed to hit too - which rolled the car. I haven't got around to refitting the wing mirror, which was probably a good thing. 

What I was able to do was get the car up to top speed, and turn reasonably gently keeping the momentum up. Spitting tiny stones everywhere, it really looked great. 

I'd planned to try a sandier beach later, but the weather was so nice, all the ones I visited were full of people. Another day perhaps. 

Another idea, was to join the Manx Model Boat club for a sailing session. They sail at Silverdale Glen, a couple of miles from my hotel. Parking is very limited, but it's a lovely pond, usually used for a couple of pedalos. 

One problem was that the club sail on Sunday, and Sunday's are for Groudle, followed in this instance, by the tour of the steam railway shed. Between us was the Southern Agricultural show, which promised to provide traffic issues that weekend, so I sailed one evening instead. Sadly, solo, but at least the boat made the water. 

 

As I say, it's a lovely lake, and I did my best not to disturb the ducks. The pond is pretty much the same size at the one we have at Knightcote, albeit a different shape with some fencing around the edge. Although you could reach through and pick up a boat this size easily enough. 

And if you take the kids to Silverdale, there is a water-powered roundabout for them! 

I can't be the only person who takes models on holiday, am I?