More stuff for the Beatties collection

I sometimes wonder if I've acquired all the Beatties stuff there is out there, but no, there's always something new. In this case, a Beatties special Scalextric catalogue. 

That name on the front is printed, not a sticker, indicating that the chain of shops was going to distribute enough catalogues to make a special print run viable. Did Scalextric put it on for a valued retailer, or did Beatties have to pay for the print run as an advert?

Inside, it looks a bit basic. Modern cars are better detailed and decorated than these ones, but it's still basically a fun racing game, and I'd consider robustness an asset. 

Wandering around GETS with my boss in tow, we reached the Elaine's Train stand and Elaine said, "I've got something for you.", presenting me with a couple of long bags marked Hornby. These are designed to carry yard lengths of flexitrack. Peco make something similar in paper nowadays. 

Of course, I am very excited about this. My boss rolls her eyes. This isn't the first time she's seen plastic bags come my way. At least this one didn't arrive at the office, to be posted on!

You'll want to see a photo of course, so I had to find someone to hold the things. 

 Well, who else? 

BRM December 2026

It's the December issue, even though it appears at the start of November, I feel there should be some festive content, which is why my first practical in this issue is a 7mm scale Christmas tree. 

It's a bit of fun, and I'm quite pleased with the baubles. 

I head outdoors for the main piece, and build a greenhouse with its surrounding garden.  

The greenhouse is a WWS kit, and the rest stuff I picked up at shows or had in the stash. I took this scene to the GBMRS show, and it was much admired; someone even tried to buy it off me!

My camera has been out. First, we have 7mm scale Offerston Quay. 

A stunning layout, based on my model Ruston Quays, but far better made. World of Railways Gold members get a short video showing the layout off with commentary by the builder. 

Moving down the scales, in 4mm, we have Guinea Street. 

This is a micro, shot at SWAG last year. Like many small layouts, it's very highly detailed with loads of atmosphere. 

Finally, we go down a scale again, this time N gauge OWDLADD. 

Another small layout, but ideal for the home as it offers both scenery, and a continuous run. 

BRM is available from all good newsagents, supermarkets and our online store.  

Part fit check

 

I spent a lot of time on the dry-fit stage of the French WC kit. There wasn't a rush, and I wanted to enjoy the build. More importantly, if significant work was required, the kit would need to go back in the box. Resin isn't lovely stuff to sand, the dust isn't good for you. Bad enough when it's just me, but we don't need to be exposing the public to anything. 

Luckily, there wasn't an issue. All the parts were moulded square and true. A bit of brushable superglue was all that I needed to hold the main walls together. 

The inside is a different matter. Once I'd figured out where everything went, it was a bit confusing; there were quite a few gaps that needed attention.  

Dealing with these was a mix of bits of Microstrip, and the filler I bought earlier in the day. The results aren't perfect, but they will do the job as you can't see much from outside. 

 

And here we have the model plonked together. Obviously, the roof and modesty screens aren't attached at this stage, these will go on after painting. It's a really lovely little model, though. And yes, everyone did think I was weird for building it - but then that's part of the fun!

A French WC kit

 

Picking projects to work on during a demo is a challenge. It must be something that doesn't need deep and prolonged concentration. A minimal toolkit too. Wagon kits are good, and I did have one in the box, but looking through the stash, I found this Artitec kit for a French toilet. Bought at Ally Pally earlier this year, I have it because I fancied a go at a kit from this manufacturer. The subject just amused me. 

Looking at the parts, I reasoned that all I needed was an abrasive stick, and some superglue. I could fiddle with part fit if required, and take my time assembling things, allowing for interruptions while chatting. 

My rule is that I'm there to talk, not to find some modelling time. A demo where nothing gets built is a good demo. Even at a busy show, there will be some dead time at the end of the afternoon, and having something to tinker with avoids sitting there, grinning like a loon, hoping someone would drop by and talk to me.  

GBMRS haul

You know the rules, when visiting a show, at least one item must be purchased. Even when your time wandering around is very limited. 

So, I had no choice. 

First up, a very sensible buy, considering the event is run by the man who publishes the Hornby Collectors Club magazine. 

A lovely, and not at all accurate plastic kit of Hornby's own factory. It fits with the series I've been writing, building these vintage models, so in theory, this will be fodder for a future article. The only worry is, I have the main building in my collection - have I written this up in the past? For a fiver, I won't lose sleep!

Next, a practical buy. 

My Off White AK pen was looking battered after the CatBus. It's a popular colour, I bought the last one on the stand. In fact, it was under the stand; the seller had to dig through his box of spare stock. As for the putty, well, I know I have a tube somewhere, I just can't remember where, and I needed it for the demo. 

Now the fun stuff. 

The big, ugly, unrealistic colour light signal that has been in the Hornby range since the 1980s. I've seen it in many a catalogue and wondered about it. Well, wonder no more; I own a boxed example! This will make another appearance here, once I get it working. 

Finally.

The 1980s Hornby Rocket set. Yes, I have the modern one, and a Tri-ang version, but this completes the line-up. There is work to do as I'm told the motor is dead. And the con-rod is disconnected. And the crown lose on the chimney. 

But the price was less than the coaches would be worth, so I felt it worth a punt. Again, we'll have a look at this on here in due course.