Would you care to join me in Lutterworth this Thursday?

 

The Joys of Model Railway Publishing 

Phil Parker is the editor of Garden Rail magazine and a features writer for BRM (British Railway Modelling) magazine and website. Phil shares his experiences of these roles and of the UK modelling scene.

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Earlier this year, I received a call asking if  I'd be willing to speak to the Lutterworth Railway Society about writing for model railway mags. Years ago, I used to pop up at lots of conferences for work, and generally enjoyed the experience, so I thought, "Why not?"

I understand that it's an open invitation, so if you fancy a trip to The Pavilion, Coventry Road Recreation Ground, Coventry Road,, Lutterworth, United Kingdom, LE17 4RB at 7:30pm, why not join me? 

And, if your group fancies a speaker for an evening's entertainment, hit the Ask Phil button, and we'll have a chat. I can talk about publishing, how you get into it, or the future of the hobby as I see it. Just remember that tea and cake will be required!

 

Saturday Film Club: What is kitbashing?

They have let me into the studio again - this time to talk about kitbashing with Steven. 

As well as the video, he has put together an excellent guide on World of Railways.  

Another Lego Santa

 

The best time to sell a convertible is in the summer. No one wants to buy a car with no roof in the snow, or when rain is hammering down. Conversely, the best time to buy a convertible is in the winter. You'll stand a better chance of a bargain. Wet feet, but a bargain. 

Which is why I snapped this Lego Santa to add to my festive bricks box, in July (this is a catch-up post).

Set 246-2 was released in 1977, when we had finished celebrating the Silver Jubilee.  It's proper vintage stuff when they didn't make special bricks for everything. The nearest we get here is a yellow two-stud with a smiling face, and I'm sure that appeared in other sets. Yes, it's a bit blocky, but that's how I like it. 

We're also in pre-minifig days, so Santa can be quite tall, making the design of the sleigh and reindeer much easier I suspect. 

Price including postage, six quid. OK, no box, and torn and incomplete instructions, but I don't care. The model is simple, and has a lovely vintage charm. Wait until December though, and I bet his value soars! 

(According to Brickeconomy, the set has appreciated from an original £1.19 by 13751%. OK, that's mint boxed, but who knew there was proper trading in Lego? Buy! Buy! Buy! Build! Build! Build!)

Finished slate wagon

Job done. I was aiming for a faded look for this wagon, so dug out a Lifecolor Weathered Wood pack of paints to give them a go. 

I tend to find these paints a bit pale, the White Wood is basically six of pots of white, but for this job, they looked OK. Anyway, this is what "proper" modellers use, so I really ought to have a go. 

First, the entire model was painted with Cold Base Colour, a beige. Then dry-brushed with Cold Light Stage. Once this was dry, a wash of Warm Base Colour to emphasis the grain and plank lines. This took a bit of working, but I think the end result is OK. 

All the metalwork is colour with a AK black marker and them touched in with rust from the Lifecolor Rust Wizard set. 

For such an old kit, this really comes up well and was great fun to build  - more details on the Binnie website.  

Warehouse Wednesday: Wingfield Station

On the way back from Crich, I dropped in to Wingfield station. Knowing nothing about it, other than having spotted a sign on the way up to the tramway museum, it was one of those wonderful discoveries that happen occasionally. 

The station isn't served by the real railway any more, but trains still pass by what was once the platform, and it's a lovely spot to sit eating a tub of delicious ice cream, and watching multiple units thrashing by. 

Rather than take you through the extensive history of this Grade II listed building, allow me to point you at the excellent website.  

As a modelling prospect, this building has a lot going for it. Modest in size, and not overly ornate, to my eyes, very attractive. If you're not sure, there is a 4mm scale model of it in the goods shed. 

With an eye for the unusual, I was very taken by the train planters around the site. 

 

 

I want some of these in the garden!

More photos of Wingfield station, and its planters, over in my Flickr album.