About Me

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When i left school back then i was lucky enough to enroll on an engineering apprenticeship. I think this lead me in good stead. I was always one of those children that pulled things apart but actually put them back together again. My first engine given to me at the age of Seven, a Triang Princess Elizabeth. The rest as they say is History. Later in life i got back in to Model Railways and started building Pine Road. This could lead anywhere so i hope you enjoy my Blog.

Wednesday 26 October 2022

New Road. time to wire

I started New Road around Two and years ago. After installing lights, signals and ground signals, it needed to be taken down. Well it's easier with the layout on it's back.
Would it come apart ?
Yes, after a bit of gentle pulling.
Lead on it's back. Oh what a mess. Luckily all the signals are on the centre board.

Sunday 23 October 2022

Bachmann Class 25 detail added.

As in the previous post I have added the buffer beam detail as supplied by Bachmann. There is an extra cylinder on the fret which I have know idea where it is supposed to go.
 As this was already factory weathered I have left it alone apart from adding a black wash on certain areas and in the grills.
This is the second one I have, surprising the amount of differences.
Both now ready for service.

Sunday 16 October 2022

Poole exhibition and a Class 25

We had a trip to Poole Exibition. Met up with a few new and old friends. A one day show but extremely busy.
I've been good recently and passed by Ray Heards stand with a glancing look.
Today something caught my eye. Do I need another Class 25, probably not but I wanted one. Paying £60, (thanks Ray) for a Bachmann Class 25 is a bit of a steel compared to today's prices.
Bringing her home and having a better look, I'm begining to think it's never been run, no fingerprints and very shiny wheels.
Bachmann Class 25/1 model No 32-327
BR Blue weathered No 25052
Its in very good condition and runs very well, including directional lighting.
Even the accseory bag is still sealed.
Very Happy bunny.
Thank you Ray.

Thursday 13 October 2022

Hornby TT120

 Theve done it again.

Hornby TT120

It will sell. Look what people said about rtf 0 Gauge and where that has led us.

In today's society with smaller houses it's an ideal gauge. Most "non modellers" who just want a train set to run wouldn't consider going to a model shop. Hornby being a household name, they would just search online to see what is available. I can understand why Hornby have kept it all in house.

The hornby TT catologue would appear to be photographs copied from there 00 Gauge range.

Hornby interview with Simon

From a "Modellers" point of view and being an ex 3mm scale modeller I can see the attraction, it's a nice scale. Although. Converting everything to 2.52mm to the foot could give one a headache when scratch building.


I hope Hornby get it right and not just rush products through to beat the Compitition. I'm talking about proper handrails not just moulded ones, decent mechanism and availability of spare parts, wheel flange sizes, is it going to run on the new Peco TT finescale track. As Simon says "to encourage new modellers to the hobby" some will advance to become 'Railway Modellers' no good if Hornby's offerings won't run on finer track standards.

You have to give it to Hornby to invest huge sums of money and go all out with a whole new gauge for the UK market and obviously beyound.

It will make or break them.

Wednesday 12 October 2022

New carriage from Hattons

 Hi all.


It's been a while hasn't it.

I've been going off on various tangents recently. New chassis for a Mazak fitted out old Hornby Class 31. Signals for New Road, an MGB, yes that is a tangent. Some of the things to talk about in the near future. 

I must get back to it.

For the moment something new from Hattons. One of there Genesis carriages, a blue and grey know less

Believe to have originated from a GNR carriage from 1895. It lasted until 1971 when it was cut up. Paired to a cinema carriage and believed to have travelled the length and breadth of the country.

I couldn't resist.


Monday 27 December 2021

New Road an update.

Thinking it's time for an update on New Road.
I shall be quick.
A couple of street lights of the old gas type.
platform lights from 70s vintage.
Control panel installed properly.
Signal box and some ground works have been completed.
I forgot to cut the arches where the baseboard join is. Will be disguised with a tv Ariel pole.

Monday 29 November 2021

New Road, a canopy

The Canopy on New Road had to match the station building, something Art-deco then.
Looking through various books to get an idea. I found one with a reverse ridge with a gully down the middle.
5 uprights were needed to support the roof. Making 1 was fine but trying to make 5 all the same was beyond me, lots of curves and angles.
A friend of mine suggested contacting York Modelmaking, this was duly done.
I was asked to produce a drawing for Julie to use.
About 2 weeks later they arrived in the post. Made from white acrylic, I'm a happy bunny.
Thank you Julie at York Model Making.