Covrail 2026

Advertised as an air-conditioned venue, sadly the show was bumped out of the hall with aircon, into a tin shed without it, so this was a hot and sticky event. 

I certainly needed to keep my hydration up, as there was a lot of useful chatting to be done. This might have been a local show, not a big event, but it happened to have dragged in quite a few people I knew, who I needed to talk too. A very efficient day!

Layout-wise, the picture was a bit mixed. Some nice stuff, and a smattering of space-fillers. A few of those were new exhibitors, including a club junior section, so I don't begrudge them the space as everyone has to learn what it's like inside the barrier, and despite this, there was still much to see and enjoy. 

My favourite was probably the Cuban model, Central Alonzo Mill.

Well modelled, and importantly, well lit, it exuded the Cuban vibes, or at least as much as I can tell, only knowing the place from a couple of Bond films. 

I also liked Pine Ridge. 

Unlit, this didn't matter as it helped showcase the shop interiors (impossible to shoot on a mobile I'm afraid) and some really detailed buildings. 

I'm very much not a fan of military stuff, but have to say the railways in shell casings, and in a hat, were effective. 

And of course, I can't resist the G-scale model of the Wuppertal. 

The trade didn't include any of the really big names, but wasn't bad either. Plenty of RTR, some good scenic stuff and electronics. OK, no hard-core specialists, but for the market the event aims at, not too shabby. 

Overall, a nice day out, if a bit hot. Being 10 miles down the road, and only eight quid to go in didn't hurt either, although I suggested they should go for 10 to save messing around with change.

More photos over on Flickr.  

Saturday Film Club: The Plastic Box That Spins and Pretends to Be a Car

I found this video because one of these cars popped up on eBay for not much more than Sinclair C5 money. 

It is probably a good job I don't have the garage space... 

Collectors Corner Catalogue 1983

 

Operating from various premises around Euston station from 1963 to 1998, Collectors Corner, was a simply wonderful emporium for those who love train stuff. 

Set up to dispose of all sorts of railway ephemera from the entire network, I remember several visits to the slightly run down and disorganised premises, and loved every one. 

The catalogue, a budget-busting and tenuous addition to the Beatties collection, shows just what was available, and at prices that make me want to build a time machine. 

Wall clocks starting at £50 for a wooden cased spring-driven clock, to £300 for a large platform clock. Class 08 nameplates, £12, Class 47 £18. Timetable posters for 75p. Signal arms £10. BR knives, forks and spoons 75p each. 

Visitors would pore over piles of leaflets and advertising materials - I came away with a lot of APT material, including a tie, for pocket money prices in the late 1980s. On my paltry wages, while the much-desired clocks were outside my budget, but there was plenty of small railwayana available. 

I also bought a couple of the 1970s white plastic station signs, which had to travel back on the tube with me. At 7ft long, that wasn't easy, but well worth it. In 1983, these were only a fiver, 

Sadly, privatisation saw the business transfer to Hudson St in York, where it was far more civilised, and lasted a year or so. There will never be anything like this again. 

Please tell me I'm not the only person who remembers this place!

Coal, steam and Deltics in the August BRM

 

There's more practical Phil in August's issue of BRM than we've seen in the last few months. I start by showing how to add coal to a coaling stage. It's the same process as adding coal to a locomotive tender, something anyone can do to produce an immediate upgrade to their models. 

Diesel fans aren't forgotten, with a quick detailing article based on the Hornby Railroad Deltic. 

 I'm not going to claim this is anything other than a beginner-friendly quick fix. Whatever you do, this model, dating from 1977, is too small in many dimensions. However, it's ideal for anyone who just fancies a good-looking loco to head up an express train. Fitted with sound, the price of around £130 is very appealing, so much so that I can't find one for sale right now!

Finally, I've been looking at fireless locos. 

 If you run one of these appealing beasts, your layout should include a charging point to fill it full of steam (and superheated water), so I did a lot of digging and tried to create something easy to build and authentic. 

The camera has been out again, this time for the 009 layout Bryn Coeden.

 

August Garden Rail on sale

From Swindon to, anywhere but the GWR!

Malcolm Holland’s Tidewater & Teslin railroad might live in Great Western territory, but this model is about as far removed as you can get from anything Brunel built.

On the workbench: log carriers, a run-down slate wagon, an estate railway loco, and possibly the fastest wagon kit you can buy, plus a stunning Gauge 3 Southern N Class.

Also inside: John Turner models, twin 16mm Baguley Drewrys, and postcards from the ultra-realistic Shade Gap line.

All that, and the latest Product News for larger scale modellers.