Saturday Film Club: Unboxing English Electric locomotives

Steven and I had great fun filming this unboxing of a couple of Hornby locos. I played with some DCC, and enjoyed it!

Ally Pally time

All being well, by lunchtime today, I'll be in that there London for a capital show.

Yes, it's time for The London Festival of Railway Modelling, two days in the magnificent Alexandra Palace. 

It's one of my favourite venues, so much more character than your average exhibition hall. I just need to stay in the show and not spend my time gawping at the view over London. 

It's the show's 25th Birthday too. Doesn't time fly? I still fondly remember IMREX in the Horticultural Halls, and now the show that replaced it when these became too expensive, is a quarter of a century old!

As ever, there will be a wide variety of layouts and trade, details of which can be found on the exhibition website.  

I'll be on the World of Railways stand for the duration - at least when I'm not wandering around shooting layouts for future issues of BRM. 

If you aren't sure about a visit, let this top chap persuade you. 

 I hope to see you there! 

Help, my lorries got no wheel! In April's BRM

 

 

On my workbench in the April issue, I've taken an Oxford diecast Christmas lorry, and ruined it. Off comes the festive lettering, and one of the wheels. On goes dirt and graffiti, plus a pile of bricks to prop the thing up. 

There is also a wooden shelter - from a Scalemodelscenery kit whose construction defeated me, but I built it anyway. Well, bodging is an important skill...

The camera has been out for three of the four layouts in this issue: 

Broadwell lives in Cardiff, and is an impressive club-sized tail chaser with a very familiar station building. 

As well as the material on the page, the layout appears on BRM TV. 

Next, a first for me, T gauge, with the Ock Valley. 

Finally, a fun micro layout, Broad Arrow in 009. 

 BRM magazine is available from all good newsagents, or our online store: www.world-of-railways.co.uk

Supermarket customers will, I think, find it bagged with Garden Rail, which has a DVD on the cover.  

Tidy corners

 

Always turn your brain on, before taking the top off the glue. 

I didn't, and very nearly got my corners on the Manvers wagon mixed up. There is an end door, and this should go at the end of the wagon without corner plates. It took me a little while to twig this, as I sat wondering why the corner joint wasn't as neat as I'd expected. Fortunately, this was at the dry-fit stage. Which is why you do it of course. 

With all the parts in the right place, the corners are neat. Even the floor is the right size, not always a given in smaller scales. I've sanded a couple of mm from the sides and ends before now, so the thing would fit in the bottom. 

At the ends with corner plates, there was a tiny step, so I glued a tiny piece of Microstrip in. Once full dry (overnight), I was able to scrape and sand it to represent the bent bits of metal these parts represent. I'm being picky, and suspect most people wouldn't be bothered, as you can't see anything when the train is thrashing around the layout behind a steam engine!

Manvers Main G1 wagon

 

I mentioned yesterday that I felt the stirrings of modelling mojo coming back, and one of the kits that is helping me with this, is the Gauge 1 PO wagon from Northern Finescale, picked up at the Midlands show. 

Pawing at the components, something in me wanted to break out the plastic glue and stick the thing together!

Northern Finescale kits as injection moulded plastic models, a bit like a larger Parkside model, and since this isn't the first one I've built, I'm confident that it will be nice and easy to put together. 

I appreciate that this isn't the first model from this manufacturer on the blog, and as I have half a dozen more to build over time, it won't be the last! I will try and find something different to say each time to avoid boring you too much... 

Anyway, in the box, which is big enough for the finished model (do they still say that in Railway Modeller) are the parts moulded in greay and black. Only the pastic axle bearings are supplied on the sprue, everything else has been neatly cut off. Only a tiny suggestion of nib remains, nothing that a few strokes of an abrasive stick can't deal with. 

Now, where's the glue?  

Abrail haul

 

I don't need any more kits, but when rooting around under a stand at Sunday lunchtime, it seemed rude to pass up some very cheap Wills kits. They are a handy "get out of jail" card when I need a magazine, or even a blog project. Seated people are very handy too. I've been using a few figures recently, and hadn't realised how few of these I had. These, plus the Ratio drums and Mabex transfers, cost me a tenner. 

The N gauge lorry and horse-drawn parcel wagon are potential four-step BRM projects, and only a quid each.  

My point is, that bargains are out there. I was 3/4 of the way through the show. What was there to be found on Saturday morning? Or am I just weird in the things I choose to buy?  

One thing I really don't need is an O gauge loco kit. Trouble is, I've looked longingly at this one many times. I know it's marketed as a beginner's kit, and I'm an experienced etched builder, but I just like the look of it. Being a Connoisseur product, I know it will go together nicely, and should be a fun build.

To date, I've looked, then carried out the calculation of the final cost once motor wheels and gears are added, and decided against it. Here, we have the kit with those parts, for the price of the basic kit. I pondered for most of the day, but since no one else had snapped it up by late afternoon, I gave in. The thing is, the more I look at the kit, the greater my enthusiasm to put it together. Considering my lack of enthusiasm for personal projects recently, it's worth the money for that alone.

Abrail 2026

 

How has this show flown under my toy-train-seeking-radar for so long? 

It first came to my attention when the guys building Duxbury at the club mentioned they were taking the layout. That was just after they had inserted four feet in the middle of it - cue some hard work bringing it up to standard! A job well done, judging how well the layout ran at the show with some seriously impressive length trains. 

Seeing I had a free weekend, I thought a visit to support them was in order. Then I spotted that there were over 40 layouts. "There must be some that are blokes called Dave who've just nailed a bit of track to a plank to make up the numbers." I thought. 

I was wrong. 

There were over 40 layouts, and all of them were good. Some were great. No Dave's nailing Peco to wood here!

I'm not going to try to run through the lot. There is YouTube for that, but take some sea-sickness pills first, judging by the videos I've seen. 

Instead, a couple of highlights. Basically, the layouts I'd like to build. 

Rye Sands is a beauty. OK, there's nothing much here, but what there is, is superbly done. Loads of atmosphere. Based on a prototype, we are firmly in pre-grouping territory, with lots of curved-ended wagons. 

Sheep Croft is a very buildable layout, with plenty of operating potential, yet not very long. Perfect for a home-based layout that can be left out all the time for impromptu operating sessions. The 3-link couplings were challenging, but the low operating height made things a little easier for those shunting, as well as putting the model on the eye-line of shorter visitors. 

One issue with the show was the venue. Lovely as the college was, its classroom time, and with so much on show, the place becomes a bit of a rabbit-warren. I'll admit, I missed the building full of N gauge layouts, and didn't realise until I had a proper look at the programme back home. This is annoying, as if the quality of these was as high as the rest of the show, I'd have enjoyed them. To be fair, there is nothing that can be done about this. Exhibition centres aren't found on every corner, and when you locate one, the hire costs can be horrific. 

Catering was better than expected. Branded Costa, it turns out this is just the coffee and some of the food, but there were extra goodies on offer for very reasonable prices. I enjoyed the chocolate shortbread for only £1.50 a slice. Less than half what you'd pay in a proper chain coffee shop. 

To be fair, the trade side was OK, but not special. Mind you, I still managed to spend a few quid, which I'll explain tomorrow. 

Will I go back - YES. This is a cracking event. In future, I'll have a layout-booking hat on, and look at the programme properly, so I don't miss anything! 

Saturday Film Club: 1972: Crich's National Tramway Museum

Shot in1972, this is a proper bit of history, showing the early days at Crich tramway museum, including the working quarry, which is now derelict. Early preservation era, could be a very fertile time for model railways if anyone fancies it. 

A pair of 3Fs

 

A pair of 3Fs hauled out of the display case for work, showing how much the hobby has changed over the years. 

On the left, a Bachmann model released in 2011. On the right, Tri-ang from 1958. 

Both have been worked over a little by me, but nothing massive. The Tri-ang model is my first locomotive, and was painted and detailed when I first joined the model railway club over 40 years ago. 

The newer 3F was weathered for a Hornby magazine project when it first came out. While I'm sure there will be plenty of people on forums telling the world that it was time the loco was upgraded to "modern standards", I think it still looks pretty good.  

Obviously, both tenders had received a load of real coal, a simple task that really lifts the look of the model in my eyes. 

Mind you, I don't think the 1950s model looks too bad. The general shape isn't hopeless, you'd guess the prototype if asked I think. Fortunatly, we no longer have skirts under boilers to hide the chunky cast chassis and X04 motor, nor moulded on handrails (although I liked the improvement when these were replaced). 

Garden Rail April 2026

 

We travel to Arizona for our lead feature on the impressive Grand Central Railroad — a large, action-focused line built by a dedicated team of enthusiasts.

Remaining in the United States, we present a detailed model of a locomotive converted from a farm tractor. Created by master modeller Chuck Doan, this build showcases techniques used to achieve museum-quality results.

Moving to steam, Dave Pinnigar introduces Yvette, an articulated locomotive with notable engineering interest.

On the Workbench:
• Scratch building Churchwater Slate Railway rolling stock
• Re-purposing a control unit from a toy
• Converting a toy lorry into a locomotive
• Building platform barrows
• Seasonal tasks for garden railways

We also include a preview of the upcoming National Garden Railway Show, along with the latest new products for large-scale modellers.

Garden Rail is available from all good newsagents, and the online store: www.world-of-railways.co.uk

It IS quicker by train

 

Spotted on Quorn station. Even if it's not quicker, at least you can have a snooze, or read a book...

Rapido Fireless locomotive

I've been hoping to blag one of these since the model was announced. With my interest in industrial locomotives, Rapido producing a RTR fireless loco ensured this was always high on my list. Fortunatly, there are a number of projects to be carried out on this model, so it has made its way into my clutches. 

The livery is, I think, the best of the batch, overall green with a BP logo. It's the World of Railways exclusive model. 

In my hands, I notice that this is a heavy little beast at 130g, there's a lot of diecast metal in here. 

The pack contains details, which appear to be cab doors. Not sure if these will get fitted, but they would change the look of the model, so I really ought to give them a go. We'll be leaving one open so the ModelU crew can be seen clearly. 

Underneath, there are four wheels, and some simulated inside waggly bits. A nice touch. Obviously, it runs impercably, annoying for those of us who have spent hours trying to make kit-built locos work so well. 

Talking of kits, it's odd that there has only (to my knowledge) been a single one in all the years I've been modelling, that being from Impetus Models. I'd have expected much more interest, is this prototype just too esoteric for the modelling community? Not in RTR form, as it's selling well. 

For various reasons, I have dug out my boxfile layout, and of course, posed the loco on it. 

 You can read more about this model on the Rapido website. 

Midlands show haul

 

I don't need any more kits, but when you find Northern Finescale Gauge 1 wagons at a bargain price, it seems churlish not to add a couple more to the rake. With the range now history, I reason that if I decide I don't want them, well, someone will take them off my hands. 

There's a 16mm scale 1950s teenager with a camera - a seconds from The Gauge Gallery. I think he looks fun, and you may well see him appearing in various places in the future. 

Finally, a gas canister connector. It's what you buy when purchasing cheap gas from a trader, and reaslising that none of your existing adaptors fit...

I don't need any more books either, but adding to my collection of Peter Jones Garden Railway Guides brings me closer to a complete set. Tag's Live Steam Workshop is a Garden Rail publication - so I ought to own a copy, and I'm sure I'll learn something from it. 

Odder, is The Plynlimon & Hafan Tramway, a bargain at £4.50.  The tram loco "Victoria" has always intrigued me, and there's a plan of it in there, along with lots of other locos and rolling stock. And I love plans. 

Midlands Garden Rail Show 2026

 

Time was against me this year. My two days of wandering were trimmed to one due to other commitments. Not to worry, I cracked on, and talked to all the trade, as well as enjoying a little of the layout. 

According to the people I chatted to, Saturday was busier than it has been for years. Sunday seemed to be about normal to me, so I'd say this is very good news for the hobby. Busy shows hopefully mean the trade take some cash, and there are loads of people enjoying themselves. 

Over the years, the members of the 16mm modular group have been upping their game, with some stunning models, full of detail, and worthy of being layouts on their own. 

Another star was Brunel Models Gauge 3 of Ross-on-Wye station. Part of a much larger layout, one I'd love to see!

Among the layouts, Loft City Central has been expanded considerably, but now takes half a day to set up!

Little Phil had to make do with a sausage roll, as the Saturday crowds had depleted the stocks of cake. 

I've been experimenting with shooting video on my phone, so see if it's good enough for social media. The results don't look too bad to me, what do you think?  

Saturday Film Club: Extinct Miniature Railways & Forgotten Furniculars! Exploring Margates Lost Railways

It seems Margate isn't all about Hornby, there were several small railways too!

After watching this, I dug a little for the funicular and found this bit of film. 

Anyone up for building a model of it?

That's the Tri-ang tree!

 

Out for an early morning stroll, I spotted an unusual tree. At least, to most people it will look unusual, but as a seasoned modelmaker, I recognised it immediately - it's the one in the Tri-ang Modeland hardware store!

 I don't think it's made of rubbery plastic though...

The Paint Rack, Coventry

 

Finding myself with a load of spare time last Saturday, after an event in Coventry, I idly asked Google maps about local model shops. I expected nothing, but to my surprise, there was one 40 minutes' stroll away. It was a nice day, so of I went. 

The route took me along Gosford Street, one of the few areas of the city left reasonably unscathed by both wartime bombs, and post-war town planners. There are some interesting buildings that give a hint as to how the city might have looked. 

Towards the end is Fargo Village, an area of "fiercely independent" shops. Plenty of trendy clothes, skateboards and comic books, but also The Paint Rack. 

While the shop is modest, it's well stocked, obviously by a keen modeller who recognises the tools and materials other keen modellers will require. There are at least eight different paint ranges, including Humbrol, from where I picked up a couple of pots of 173 (Track colour), normally unavailable. 

Plastic kits are the thing, and what an eclectic selection. I spotted the Santa Tank I've already built and the Future Boy Conran Robonoid awaiting my attention. You don't see those in most shops! And yes, there was much more temptation, especially a working kayaker - but I reminded myself I really don't need any more projects for a few weeks. 

Materials-wise, plenty of Mr Hobby and other specialist potions. 

There's also Airfix beginners set, QuickBuild and knock-off Lego. Something for all abilities!

Chatting to the owner, he knows his stuff, and this is a bit of a passion project. I think the location is perfect, a stroll from the city centre, and hopefully cheap enough to make the shop viable. 

You can find out more on The Paint Rack Facebook page.  

Making G scale spectacles

 

OK. I think I have a solution to making glasses for G and 16mm scale figures. What you see is a first test, but it shows enough progress for me to be confident.  

Looking at real specs, the frame around the rim is (for the sort of glasses my Dad and I would wear, neither of us is Sue Pollard) incredibly thin - a little over 1mm from the front. I can't make that from wire. 

And before you ask, I can't find etched specs in this scale. 1:12 for dollhouse figures, yes, but I'm not that impressed with these either. 

Anyway, what you see is the lenses. So, using a leather punch, I made lots of clear disks. The ones in the photo on the G scale figure are 2mm in diameter. Then I cut the very tops off to produce a straight edge. This is superglued to a 0.45mm piece of wire which makes the top and arms of the glasses. 

The result isn't bad. I could move the lenses in a little towards the nose, but that will be easier when the wire is more firmly held in place. I taped it to his head for the purposes of the experiment. I'm thinking some little holes above each ear, and bending the wire to go into these, will be better long term. 

I'm also pondering paint. I could try to colour the edge of the lenses, but have a feeling this would get messy. Still a little more experimenting to do, but I'm on the right track.  

My Dad was not Batman!

 

While painting the 4mm scale Dad figure for the VER car, I thought I might as well do the 7mm version I have at the same time. 

It looks fine, but without glasses, his face looked a bit empty. Hoping to cure this, I loaded the finest tip in my Bob Moore lining pen with paint, and set about drawing on the specs. 

Trying to draw straight lines proved more than tricky, and to be honest, the results were rubbish. It looks more like a mask than glasses! Even refining things with the finest brush to hand didn't help. Truth is, the frames of his glasses are very thin in real life, and would be narrower than a hair in model form.  

So, the glasses were washed off, and I've decided to live with the slightly empty face. If you look at real people from a distance, you don't really notice anyway. 

However, on the G and 16mm scale figures, I can't escape the problem. So, out with some fine wire. 

This is 0.45mm brass wire on the G scale figure. It would be 10mm thick in real life in this scale. 

Now, the results aren't horrible, but they are a long way from acceptable. I tried thinner wires, but 0.33 nickel silver just broke, and I can't find the brass. Some beading wire sort of worked, but it was very difficult to form. 

This might work for the glasses on characture Little Phil, but it's not right here. However, after a bit of thinking, I might have a solution. Stay tuned... 

VER Car 2 - Finished

 

Job done. Not a difficult kit to build. It even drops perfectly onto the chassis, and is retained by a tiny amount of superglue. The only slight drama was the roof, which had distorted slightly. A warm with a hairdryer and some gentle bending fixed this. 

At the front I've used a Mony's Models (I think, he's whitemetal) figure with a traditional dustcoat. OK, traditional for the Manx Electric Railway anyway. We'll assume the VER is having a vintage weekend and eschew their more modern uniforms. 

At the back, my Dad enjoys a ride. 

This is a ModelU figure. He's a bit wedged under the roof, which is solid, not hollow, but just fits. 

I'm pretty certain that this is a model I'd have been building if my Dad had been at Bournville show with me. He loved the VER, and we had considered options for building it in the past. Is this a precursor to a layout? Not at the moment,  but who knows? 

The railway with a speedhump in the middle

 

From just before Christmas, Steve Purves's There and Back Light Railway, set up in Leamington Spa. Complete with speed hump in the middle of the line!

Sadly, Mr P cannot be persuaded to take a proper run-up at it, and to get some big air under the loco... 

Update: Sorry, Blogger appears to have bu**gered this up.