Railway Magazine Guide to Modelling - October 2019 - Preview

GUIDE TO

Modelling OCTOBER 2019, FREE

REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS, NOSTALGIA, ADVICE

‘Big Boy’ and Peckett REVIEWED

DAPOL’S O-GAUGE 14XX COMING ON

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MODELLING A FAVOURITE POLMADIE ‘DUCHESS’ P36

NEW PRIVATE-OWNER WAGONS FROM HORNBY

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MODEL PAINTING SECRETS JUST FOR JUNIORS O-SCALE CORNER LETTERS ST ANN’S COVE DIARY DATES DARSTAED O-GAUGE SUBURBANS NEWS ‘BUNTINGFORD’ UPDATE SALTIRE COACHES REVIEWED 

BACHMANN RAISES THE BAR HIGHER

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October 2019

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From the editor

Modelling GUIDE TO

T

Staff

Editor Pete Kelly RMModellingeditor@mortons.co.uk Contributors Nigel Burkin, Ian Lamb, Jon Longman Production editors Pauline Hawkins, Sarah Spencer Designers Charlotte Turnbull, Fran Lovely and Tracey Markham Picture desk Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield Group advertising manager Sue Keily Publisher Tim Hartley Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Subscription manager Paul Deacon Circulation manager Steve O'Hara Marketing manager Charlotte Park

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November 2019 issue of RMM is out on Friday, October 25, 2019.

Pete Kelly Editor

wo much-anticipated model railway happenings that occurred on the same day shortly before we went to press represented two extremes of our wonderful hobby.

The first was a visit to the headquarters of Bachmann GB at Barwell, Leicestershire on Friday, September 13, and the second was the first programme in the new series of Channel 5 TV’s Great Model Railway Challenge that same evening – delayed from Friday, August 30.

At Barwell, we were treated to an informal preview of some upcoming models boasting an extraordinary level of detailing, followed by a light lunch and a quite eyeopening guided tour of the headquarters and the skilled staff who work there.

Those who complain about the high cost of today’s new generation of models can have little idea of the immense amount of research, design and other computer work involved, not to mention the constant passing to and fro of samples between the UK and Hong Kong until everything is finally absolutely perfect.

In every instance, exact paint matches are provided by the train operators themselves, with bulging files telling the complete histories of every locomotive, DMU, EMU rolling stock item being modelled.

Desktop operators toil away constantly getting every single item of applied typography right – and just as importantly the exact positions where the numbers, warning and information panels are applied – and nowadays the rule applies to every carriage window sticker past and present, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they might be.

Today’s top model reviewers, including our own Nigel Burkin, apply previously unknown levels of scrutiny to every product that passes through their hands – with detailed historical research to boot.

There’s a separate story about the Bachmann visit on page 31, but I was highly impressed by the final OO-scale engineering prototype samples of the Johnson 1P 0-4-4T and powerful Hawksworth 94XX 0-6-0 pannier tank as well as the latest and fully sound-equipped N-scale Stanier 2-8-0 under the Graham Farish label.

Who would have thought that a tiny model like this could command such attention with every 8F sound imaginable, from labouring hard and cruising to flange squeal, fireman’s shovel sounds, safetyvalve lifting, cylinder drain cocks, throaty Stanier whistle, brake application and so much more.

Unbelievable, and I predict that this new version will be the best-selling N-scale 8F yet.

Among the more modern power unveiled in its final livery forms was an outstanding OO-scale Class 159 DMU with hyper-detail and an even more complex array of sounds.

Such exact detailing lends itself to today’s fully informed modelling generation to whom only the best will ever be good enough – and this thirst for perfection is well set to continue.

In a way, The Great Model Railway Challenge, with its ‘play’ (or perhaps more accurately ‘entertainment’ factor) to the fore, is as far away from this ideal as anyone could imagine – in fact the perfection of the model locomotives and rolling stock used by the contestants didn’t even merit a mention.

Undoubtedly many in the wide TV audience would have been far more interested in the volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and sinkholes that the contestants were asked to recreate, with carefully constructed models being shaken violently or swallowed into the abyss.

While the first episode of series two

was certainly entertaining, a large part of the scoring system still remained centred on correctly laid and ballasted track and the smooth running of the model trains themselves, and when all four layouts were finally put to the test, the eagle eyes of Railway Modelling’s esteemed editor Steve Flint and fellow modeller Kathy Millatt were sharply focused on the actual running of the trains and the smooth operation of the ‘catastrophic devices’ themselves.

The series definitely informs as well as entertains. Selling a subject like railway modelling to a mass audience was always going to be a big ask right from the start, and the producers and enthusiastic presenters of The Great Model Railway Challenge have worked wonders in bringing this hobby we all love so much to the big wide world – and we can all be thankful for that.

This time also, I felt that the four teams involved seemed much more at ease both between themselves and with the very able presenters and modelling experts, and many of our readers will be watching the series right to the end.

And finally, a mention of those modelling manufacturers who have willingly provided locomotives, rolling stock, track and card building kits is well merited.

Following the disaster that befell Market Deeping Model Railway Club in May when its show in Stamford was vandalised overnight, the club is determined that its 2020 Stamford Model Railway Show will be bigger and better than ever before, extending to two days, with more layouts and traders.

Well done, indeed!

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October 2019

News

Have you got a story for us? Email: RMModellingeditor@mortons.co.uk

O-gauge 14XX 0-4-2s and Fyffes/ Geest vans from Dap pol Dapol has received two more decorated samples of its forthcoming O-gauge 14XX locomotives and a Fyffes banana van which remain subject to review by the design team and, where necessary, might change or be corrected.

The lovely all-black 14XX No. 1401 is a Dapol Collectors’ Club specialedition model and will be available only to club members, and more information can be found on the

www.dapol.co.uk website, which also gives information about how to join the club.

The other eagerly anticipated model, No. 1426, is in late-crest BR lined green, also looks a beauty and will be freely available.

Dapol has also sent us images of attractive decorated O-gauge XP banana vans in a choice of Fyffes or Geest markings which at this stage are also subject to review.

Bearing all the majesty of a working locomotive in plain black, Dapol’s forthcoming O-scale 14XX 0-4-2T will be available only to members of the Dapol Collectors’ Club.

This is the latest decorated sample of No. 1426 in late-crest British Railways lined green.

The lovely eight-tonne XP banana vans come in two guises, this one bearing the ‘Blue Label Fyffes Brand Bananas’ markings.

Frome Model Centre’s 20th anniversary Frome Model Centre celebrated its 20th anniversary on Wednesday, August 21 with a fun-filled event to raise money for charity.

The Catherine Street centre ran in-store discounts, special one-day deals, late-night opening and product demonstrations from some of its top suppliers. There were also competitions for adults and children alike, along with food, drink and goody bags.

A raffle, tombola and lucky dip raised more than £220 for Crohns and Colitis GB. Although the business has been in Frome for 20 years, it started many miles away in Northampton.

Proprietor Simon England’s fascination and passion for model railways was kindled more than 50 years ago when he received a Trix Three-Rail layout for Christmas, and he’s been hooked ever since!

In 1986 he booked a table with Barry Potter Toy Fairs at Market Harborough, and for the following several years he attended toy fairs and exhibitions and had regular pitches at Northampton, Milton Keynes, Dunstable and various other town markets, and was out every day including most evenings.

“We had customers coming to the house, which was filling with stock, so the decision was made to open the first shop in 1993. Two years later a major family tragedy put a different perspective on things,

so in 1998 a move was made to Frome, where a new shop was opened during the town’s annual Medieval Festival on August 21 1999.”

The shop at Northampton was kept on for a while, but as the Frome business grew it started taking three times more than the old one and the decision was made to close down the first shop.

“I haven’t a clue where the past 20 years have gone,” said Simon, “but we are looking forward to the next 20.”

Two new railway model shops now open

Hornby Signal Box Special

The Model Train Centre is now open in Clarks Hardware ironmongers shop in Nelson, Lancashire.

It stocks Metcalfe, Bachmann, Hornby, Graham Farish, Woodland Scenics and a vast array of tools.

Opening times are Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm and the address is 96-104, Every Street, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 7LS, 01282 601 488.

Hampshire Models have opened their doors to their new shop at Unit 29, Basepoint Business Centre, Stroudley Road, Basingstoke RG24 8UP. The opening hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 5pm, and 9am to 3pm on a Thursday. It is not open at weekends at the current time.

Hampshire Models was founded in 2014 and is a family-owned business.

For more information visit www.hampshiremodels. co.uk or call 01256 406604.

Hornby have announced a new weekly video and blog called the Signal Box Special which follows each episode of The Great Model Railway Challenge on Channel 5. The Signal Box Special will look at the best bits from the show, discussing each episode in detail, so be warned it may contain spoilers!

Head over to www.hornby.co.uk to watch Episode 1: The Restless Earth: Disaster artists.

The ‘Geest Bananas’ label is applied to van No. B880952.

Boston MRS Model Railway Exhibition The Guide wishes to draw readers’ attention to the fact that the Boston Model Railway Society’s Exhibition over the weekend of September 28-29 will take place at Stickney Village Hall, PE22 8BG, situated seven miles north of Boston just off the A16.

Last month’s Diary Dates entry made no mention of the venue – our mistake – hence this repeat on our news pages.

Opening hours will be 10am-5pm on the Saturday and 10am-4pm on the Sunday, and entry will cost £3 adults, £7 family and £1 child.

Tram ride to the North Pole!

Festive balloons mark 20 years of Frome Model Centre.

The Polar Express TM is coming to Seaton Tramway in Devon on selected dates in November and December.

Families will be able to take a magical tram ride to Santa’s home in one of the specially-decorated singledeck tramcars, and passengers will be encouraged to travel in their favourite pyjamas while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie before arriving at the North Pole, with its lights, busy elves and workshop elf show.

There, freshly-prepared hot food and drinks including mulled wine will be available, and all passengers will visit Santa’s home and receive their first gift of Christmas.

Selected running dates will be between November 28 and Christmas Eve, and there will be Christmas carols on the return journey.

Tickets start at £24.95 for the twoand-a-half-hour experience.

Booking details can be found at www.tram.co.uk/ ThePolarExpressSeaton

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October 2019

News

Have you got a story for us? Email: RMModellingeditor@mortons.co.uk

Back in time with Newman Miniatures A unique range of 3D-printed N and OO-scale model kits and scratch aids are being offered by the new micro-business of Newman Miniatures (https:// www.shapeways.com/shops/newmanminiatures).

While most model firms provide items from the 1924-modern period, Newman Miniatures focuses on previously unavailable miniatures of pioneering Era 1 rolling stock from the earliest days of railway development, including the soon-to-be-released Trevithick Coalbrookdale and Locomotion No. 1 of 1825.

Other models currently available are those of the Stockton & Darlington Railway’s Derwent, Stephenson’s Rocket (as built for the Rainhill Trials, as modified and as preserved), a Furness Railway ‘Coppernob’ and many more.

Even more recent engines of unusual designs, such as Bulleid’s infamous ‘Leader’ (in N-gauge only) are available.

The models are designed to have virtually all the complexities of construction ready-finished, most being simple one- or two-piece units that need only entry-level skills to complete – primarily paint, weight and slot-in wheels. Owing to their small size in N gauge, most utilise ready-to-run motor chassis inside matching rolling stock, while most OO items are fully motorised in their own right using proprietary micro chassis.

Designed by model maker Rudi Newman, the models offer something entirely new for modellers in these two scales, and all items and information can be found on the previously mentioned website.

Hornby opens St Pancras ‘pop-up’ shop A pop-up shop opened by Hornby at London St Pancras International station will be trading until Christmas.

It will feature products from Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi, among them a Coca-Cola Christmas Hornby train set, the Flying Scotsman train set and of course a Eurostar train set.

A range of film and TV die-cast models will be available, from the classic London bus to the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine and James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5.

Open seven days a week from 7am until 9pm, the shop can be found next to Eurostar Departures.

The Stockton & Darlington Railway’s famous Derwent is seen in N-scale form.

New Grantham model shop

The OO-scale Lion (the star of the 1953 film The Titfield Thunderbolt) is seen in unpainted and painted versions.

A new model shop, Rocket Railways, will be opening at Unit 6A, Springfield Road, Grantham NG31 7BG on October 26 – and a layout featured on the Channel 5 series The Great Model Railway Challenge will be on show.

Opening hours will be 9am until 4pm, and contact details are 07702 437851 or www.rocketrailways. co.uk.

The new Hornby Hobbies pop-up shop by the Eurostar Departures at St Pancras International.