ISSUE: 3 January 2004 Pendon Museum hits half-century in 2004 THIS year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding Southern of the Pendon Museum. It will be celebrated by a series Inside of events and additions to the existing layouts. modellers The museum, which is this situated in the pictur- hit coach esque village of Long month’s Wittenham, near Did- problem cot, , was issue... the brainchild of Roye . A SERIES of e-mails THIS month’s to Trains On-line Maga- It’s beginnings can be edition of Trains zine has highlighted a traced back to when On-line Magazine is concern over Hornby’s he first showed at the packed with news, Pullman coaches. Three Poplars Youth views and features Members of the Hostel several early and just gets better Southern e-Mail Group models for his intended and better. (SeMG) have reported celebration of England There’s news of An excursion train passes through Pen Tor as it was in the 1920s “chronic coupling in- Road Station on Pendon Museum’s Dartmoor January’s key exhi- and 1930s. duced problems” and Scene—see feature on pages 5-6. bitions, and reviews are looking for alterna- The museum’s exten- of some of the latest tives. sive landscapes have books for modellers Hornby’s original cou- Hornby Grange set been steadily added to and rail fans. plings were introduced over the decades and Plus regular items, for the toy train mar- during the year many such as Clubscene ket, but as near scale for release in 2004 new modules will be and January’s Lay- stock becomes more HORNBY has confirmed that three GWR placed in their final out of the Month, common, more prob- positions. which features the Grange locomotives will be included in As part of the cel- lems may occur. the 2004 catalogue. celebrated Pendon This is particularly ebrations, the historic Museum models. The featured locomo- ered 4F (late BR), new likely where compro- Madder Valley Railway Also check out: tives will be Resolven Stanier 8F livery vari- mises have been made Model, will be running GCR course...p3 Grange (6869) in BR ants, two new County on curved track. on four occasions, NEC show...p2 late livery, Derwent class locos — Salop The tighter the radius including the 50th an- Your views..p9+7 Grange (6862) in early (double chimney, late the more likely running niversay weekend, July Hornby news..p11 BR livery and Hardwick BR green) and Car- problems will occur. 10/11. Model news...p4 Grange (6818) in GWR varvon (spelt that way The use of Kadee Other activities are Happy New Year livery. until November 1951, couplers has been sug- planned and details will and happy reading in post-war GWR pas- gested, but these are Fowler 2-6-4 tanks be published later in to all our readers! senger livery. not always suitable for make an appearance in the magazine. UK stock and are not a black—42322 with Brit- There are also new cheap solution. ish Railways lettered in versions of Britannias, Dates fixed for Railshow Also, they, too, may yellow on the tank sides a Duchess in blue with cause problems on and 2341 with LMS. lion on bicycle crest, LANGLEY Park Model Railshow will be held some curved sections Both featured the more Black 5s, A3s and this year over the weekend of October 23/24 of track. modified Fowler cab A4s , including Mallard, at Langley Park Boys School, Beckenham, • Let Trains On-line with smaller door open- and a weathered BR Kent. The event, which is organised by the Magazine know if you ing (aimed a reducing Pug (51232). Beckenham and West Wickham MRC, will are having problems draughts). More details will ap- feature 20 working layouts and a number of with these coaches. There’s also a weath- pear next month. trade and society stands. Stafford event to Warley show pulls host 20+ layouts in 17,000 visitors THIS year’s Staf- MORE than 17,000 people flocked to ford Railway Circle the Birmingham National Exhibition exhibition looks set Centre for the Warley National Hornby haulage to build on 2003’s Model Railway Exhibition over the successful event. weekend 6/7 December, 2003. With two halls test for Class 50 booked at the Staf- The event continues essential feedback. ford County Show- to grow in strength, Many visitors also took ground and more this year’s numbers no the opportunity to than 20 layouts on doubt boosted by the check out the specialist view the organis- decision to peg prices stands and exhibits. at 2002 levels. ers are bidding for These featured the a record crowd. Among the featured activities and work of Among the 4mm attractions were more a host of modelling scale offerings are: than 20 layouts in 4mm groups, including the Dartley (P4), Iron scale (and a range Double ‘O’ Gauge Mould Lane (00), of gauges), including Association, the EM New Haden (EM), Dartley, Askrigg Bank, Gauge Society (EMGS), Littleton (00) and Charwelton (making Scalefour Society, 009 Bachdale and Dib- its debut at the show), Society and Diesel ley (009). Wainthrop Bridge and and Electric Modellers Sutton. There will also United (DEMU). be more than 25 Roadshow A series of traders, and dem- The much travelled demonstrations for onstrators at the Hornby Roadshow was more experienced event, which is be- a major draw for visitors modellers proved ing held over the popular, and included to the show —said to Hornby’s weekend January coach construction, be one of the biggest new Class 50 31-February 1. in the country—and painting and lining, A photographic Hornby staff were on card modelling and hand to field questions white metal loco display will also be THE pulling power of Hornby’s new mounted by Jeff and comments from construction. Class 50s was demonstrated at the Cogan and Ken visitors. The event, which Warley show when an example hauled Bull. More than 400 is staged each year by the Warley MRC’s 14 BR Mk 1 coaches continuously at For further details people completed the slow speed for more than 15 hours. and links to the SRC company’s ‘roadshow limited company— web site see their questionnaire’, telling Warley Model Railway The loco was one of over the weekend on advert on page 4 of Hornby what new Exhibitions Ltd—will be several new models the demonstration this issue and Club- locomotives, coaches held at the NEC once from the manufacturer. layout scene (p15). and wagons they would again on December 4 The 50s, which should The new Hornby like to see and providing and 5, 2004. have now reached the Live Steam Mallard shops, are available in locomotive was one of three liveries, including the main attractions on a weathered Network the company’s stand, SE version. being demonstrated PAGE DESIGN ONLINE Display prior to its retail release. Also on display were A host of questions for ALL your examples of the all new were answered by Bullied Q1 0-6-0 freight Hornby Marketing engine in Southern and Manager Simon Kohler, BR liveries, and the whose demonstrations print and web reworked LMS Fowler of Live Steam were 4P loco. inundated over the two Examples of both days with people eager types of locomotives to catch a glimpse of design needs: were also employed the locomotive. Latest arrivals from Hornby www.pagedesignonline.co.uk Details—plus full colour pictures—of the latest 2003 steam and diesel models to arrive in the shops can be found in the Reviews Section (page 11). Full details of the 2004 Tel: 01509 237895 model range will be included in next month’s issue of the magazine. GCR courses explore Editor’s space... I AM not one for New Year’s Resolu- tions, given that I see too many of how railway was run them broken, by friends and family. This year though, I thought I would MODELLERS interested in the Great Central Railway and the make an exception. LNER will be well catered for by two courses being run this month for railway historians and modellers. Top of the list will be to finish the Designed by Martin Bloxsom, the Building, 3A Priory Row, Coventry. exhibition layout I began a few years two ten-week courses take a look at ago and then put to one side because how the GCR was built and run. A similar course is also being of other demands on my time. run by Mr Bloxsom in Leicester The first, How the Railway was at Age Concern, Clarence House, For the record, it’s based on a Welsh Run, explores the origins and Humberstone Gate, on Tuesday branch line, is 8 ft by 2ft and is an ad- development of the Great Central’s mornings (11.00 to 13.00) beginning venture into limited space modelling London Extension. January 13. using a mixture of both Peco Code The aim is to help students discover The second course, The Last 100 and setrack points. the social, economic and historical Main Line—The Great Central In context in which the line ran. Northamptonshire is being held I have had it working in the past, but there is no detail on it apart from the Afternoons on Wednesday evenings (19.00 to 21.00) at Sponne School, Towcester, track being ballasted and the basic During the course students will Northants and begins on January 14. scenery framework created. examine the type of traffic, how it was hauled and handled, and what This course looks at the arrival of All is not doom and gloom. I have service it provided. the line, how it performed and how many of the models part-built or al- it was worked, taking into account ready contructed just waiting to be It also explores the work and pay its construction, routes, costs, popped into place. Readers will be conditions of railway staff. locomotives and its impact on the area. first to know when I have it looking An afternoon course (13.30 half-decent. to 15.30), it begins on Thursday The school is also hosting a one January 8 and is being run by day course, On the Rails—Midlands Also high on the list is work on my Warwick University’s Centre for Area, on Saturday (10.00 to 16.30) bedroom layout. It has been five Lifelong Learning. March 27. years in the design, the track and Further details on fees, etc., can be For further details of both courses timber is in store and the rolling stock obtained from: www.OpenStudies@w check out the adult learners’ course is simply waiting to be unboxed! arwick.ac.uk. guide on:http://www.northamptonsh Of course, there a few other items of ire.gov.uk The venue is The Blue Coat the domestic kind too...finish the gar- den, decorate the bathroom, hall, etc. Ah well...there’s always next year for An advertisement in a space this size that! could cost you less than £10 a month. NICE to see that readers are begin- TO BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW JUST ning to write in now. Check out Your CONTACT US VIA E-MAIL AT: Views in this issue for a selection AND keep sending them in. I enjoy read- [email protected] ing them and I like to think readers will too.

I DELAYED publishing this edition by a couple of days in the hope I would be able to include details of Hornby’s new 2004 range. However, despite their website de- claring that they would be available to see on January 1 they weren’t. Four days later (January 5) the de- tails appeared, but too late for a full analysis of the range, though I have included some of the key details on the front page—the only page avail- able. Bear with us. A fuller description will be included in the February issue. Comet launch new Pullmans COMET Models is to tanks 4666 (weathered produce a range of BR/black) and 3715 Metro-Cammell Mk1 MODEL NEWS IN BRIEF (GWR green), two Pullman coaches, Class 44 diesels (D1 Scafell Pike and 44 008 based on those built Penyghent) and Deltic in 1960. Nimbus (55 020). The first two kits METCALFE Models have already been have introduced a new released—the Hadrian industrial kit—a tower Bar car (KP14) and the style brewery. Kitchen First (KP12)— and retail at £36. This consists of a Malt warehouse, Brew house Side packs, including and a store/distribution special underframe depot. It is priced at parts, are also available £10.50 at £10.50. Bachmann’s latest finely detailed A1s, including Kestrel By adding additional Kits for the Kitchen (above), arrived in UK shops during the month of December. factory kits from the Second, Parlour First tarpaulin rail. company’s range a and Parlour Second They remained in NEW from Parkside service for many years Dundas is a 4mm kit of substantial complex should be ready some It replaces Parkside’s can be created. time later this year. and many have been the BR standard open previous PC02 kit, preserved. wagon (PC02A). which was withdrawn a These coaches should SUPERQUICK Model few years ago. It costs be popular with Eastern WILLS Kits have Based on an LMS Kits has extended its £6.25. Region modellers, as added several new design these wagons extensive range of they were used on such items to their range. were built during the BACHMANN arrivals card buildings with the top-flight services as These include semi 1950s. in December included addition of four redbrick the Tees-Tyne Pullman, detached shops, a Post locos: A1s W. P. Allen terraced house backs, Office and brick good They can be modelled Master Cutler and the with or without a (60114) and Kestrel fronts and terraced Yorkshire Pullman. shed. (60130), 8750 Pannier corner. MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION STAFFORD 2004

Saturday Sunday 31st 1st January February (10am to 6pm) (10am to 5pm)

THIS YEAR WIDER AISLES IN TWO HALLS—The Sandylands and Argyle Suites at Stafford County Showground ST18 0BD—Situated on the A518, 3 miles east of Stafford Town Centre Adults £4 Children £2.20 Seniors £3 Family £11.50 20+ Quality Layouts including Thomas the Tank Engine and Hogwart’s Express Full Trade Support, Refreshments and Free Parking The Exhibition is promoted by The Stafford Railway Circle (established 1957) Don’t forget to visit our web site on www.staffordrailwaycircle.org.uk LAYOUT OF THE MONTH Pendon Anniversary Special 1 Modelling that set the bench-mark for us all... NOSTALGIA is a potent force. Ask any modeller who is trying to recreate their own little, lost piece of railway history and they will probably agree. Shades of Constable: The ‘Olde Cotte’ modelled on a cottage Pendon is, perhaps, as in Bishopstone, glimpsed from mill pond. the classic response to it was in the 1930s. that force, for here Roye Although still under England’s celebration of construction, much of Twenties and Thirties the Vale Scene, with Britain is being the GWR main line exquisitely recreated. passing through it, is The England of the substantially complete. 1920s and 1930s, It is apt, therefore, with its idyllic rolling in this the museum’s landscapes, thatched 50th year that for the roofed cottages and first time both of the peaceful country lanes lines will be fully has long passed into the operational, offering history books. A fading visitors the chance to memory captured in see some of the trains the photographs and recorded by its founder cinema images of the running in model form. period. Impact Pendon’s claim to But that is not all, for fame lies in the way it many new landscape has brought that world modules will be placed ‘back to life’, albeit in into their final positions, miniature. adding even more visual Dominant feature: Pen Castle looms over Pound Farm and its The aim of the Pendon impact to this superb cottages. The real Pound Farm is at Goosey. project was to build a modelling creation. landscape model of the The realistically modelled cottages, cameo scenes and trains passing through this 4mm/ft landscape magically evoke that inter-wars period—and all of it lovingly created by volunteers. Also, to be found at Pendon are two other models—the earlier, fully operational Dartmoor scene, with its Brunel timber viaducts and GWR trains, and the Madder Valley scene. Modelling perfection:Stacking hay in Badbury farmyard—a job no longer carried out in this leisurely fashion, nor is steam or ‘equine’ horse power used on farms. Continued on P6... Above: John Ahern’s Madder Valley scene proved to be a landmark in railway model- ling, being the first to be set in a fully devel- oped landscape. Below: A landscape view of Pen Tor Station and yard, showing a variety of motive power on shed.

Above: Wooden viaducts once figured large in the Dartmoor landscape. Here a Church- ward 2-8-0 hauls its load of unfitted wagons on to the Walkam viaduct. Below: A busy scene as an excursion train passes through Pen Tor Road Station on the Dartmoor scene.

The latter was constructed by the late John Ahern in the 1930s- 40s and is regarded by many as the progenitor of modern railway modelling. Normally a static exhibit, it is being operated on four occasions in 2004 (April 9, 10/11 July and October 10).

In addition, two exhibitions will be held in 2004. ‘Hectic Decades’ (January-August) will portray the changes in England between the wars, while ‘What you did before you had a car’ examines travel in the ’20 and ‘30s and runs from September to December.

The museum also houses a collection of memorabilia and architectural models.

• The Editor is grateful to Pendon Museum for kindly supplying Another view of buildings in the Vale Scene, this time of the cottages off the square. This the pictures. grouping shows how well the cottages have been integrated into the rural landscape. So you think you can Your views ... 1 On the magazine... repair it ? Read on... I have just downloaded the first two issues: not had time to read properly TEMPTING as it may be, servicing If movement becomes jerky, remove as yet, but looks extremely good at and repairing one’s pwn locomotives chassis from locomotive, remove the first glance. can be fraught with problems (new baseplate and clean the axles and ones that is!). the journals with isopropyl alcohol Shall come back when I have more (obtainable at moderate cost from a time. With this in mind Bachmann have pharmacy) using a cotton bud. released a useful set of hints and tips and posted it on their web site. Note: younger modellers should Regards, have an adult in attendance when Pip Deverill (Bexhill) To save you the trouble of down- using isopropyl alcohol as it can loading it we have included it here: damage paintwork; is highly 1. A foam sheet is provided as a flammable; and can be dangerous if I got to hear about this (the magazine) liner within the polystyrene tray when inhaled. Storage bottles should be recently and had a look; what a clearly marked. models are supplied new. It’s there for good idea and I’ll certainly spread a reason and does several functions: Lubricate sparingly with an the word around here at the Model appropriate light oil. Woodland Railway Club (MRC) in London. a) protecting the model from Scenics oils are available from scuffing when placing the model in Bachmann dealers. Consider it bookmarked. and taking out of the tray; 4. Part numbers shown on exploded Shame about downloading the diagrams don’t always change when b) providing something to lift the magazines though, my normal line model out the tray with - rather than a part design is changed. using buffers as a lever; cannot open them and gives up - any Please always quote the model chance of ‘thinner’ versions for us item number the part is for to help c) help to reduce the movement of normal lot??!!! the loco within the box and prevent us make sure we supply the correct damage. part. I help on MRC publicity, so in the A sheet of kitchen paper towel 5. Go easy on the oiling. More New Year I’ll be looking at all sites is a good replacement and is large models are wrecked by over that can accommodate our relevant enough to hold whilst removing the lubrication than under lubrication. activities. model from the box. 6. The best maintenance for your Look forward to keeping in touch, 2. Lubricate sliding plastic parts locomotives is to run them regularly. (such as coupling boxes, tender 7. Rolling stock needs lubrication Best wishes, drawbars) with graphite for smooth too. Apply a drop of oil to the axle for reliable operation. free running. Steve Nall (Publicity for MRC) It’s available in the Woodland 8. Class 08 pickups pick up dirt and Editor: I have tried to get around the Scenics range (item no HL 651), or fluff from the track and need be kept download problem by splitting the simply rub a soft pencil - at least 4B clean. - around the parts. 16-page magazine into four easily Remove baseplate and brake downloadable ‘chunks’. So far it 3. Split chassis locomotives require rodding, and clean each pickup with seems to be working. clean axles and journals for smooth a cotton bud and isopropyl alcohol. operation. As one of the few modellers residing in Saudi Arabia (I am a petroleum geologist) I welcome such a proposal for a model railway magazine and shall browse at the earliest. Many thanks for drawing it to my attention. Please do not hesitate to advise me of any other product developments in the future. In the very early issues of Railway Modeller Circa 1950s they had a modeller’s profile section (not an obituary) but personal details such as occupation additional interests etc. I have always wondered why this is no longer practised. I for one would find it most interesting Best wishes, and Seasons Greetings Allotments fit for a king: This little cameo, complete with grounded van body, was pictured last year on the Halston Junction layout. Nikolai This space could be making money for you by selling your products.

A full page advertisement like this could cost you as little as £50...and can be linked to your own web site if you have one.

E-mail us at: [email protected] OR Fax or ring us on 01509-237895 for all our current rates. Your views .... 2

ACCURACY... products if only it were more attractive (by being more accurate) to the modeller? Alan Monk. I WAS interested to read the feature on ‘Fussy Modellers’ in the December issue of Editor: It is a valid point. What do other your magazine. modellers think? Let us know: forum@trainso nlinemagazine.co.uk Many of us active modellers have been sadly disappointed by some of the recent THANK you for contacting me with details of new releases, not for the small detail or paint your excellent on line magazine. scheme/finish, but because the basic shape I will certainly be a regular clicker ! and dimensions are incorrect! You may be able to help me locate something We’d be more than happy to add the small I have been searching for for a long time. detail and/or repaint to our heart’s content provided the base model was the right shape Several years ago I saw an article from and size—including curvature of body, accurate a group of railway modellers who were placement and size of grillework, etc. also computer nuts, they had developed a programme to run on a relatively low power All of the RTR manufacturers have shown PC which ran as a direct substitute for Hornby that they can do it, sadly it seems somewhat Zero 1, which I know had a very chequered hit and miss across the various ranges as to history, but I loved it ! whether they hit or miss! Do you know if anything like that is still The information to get it right is out there and around or any one else who may know ? available, either as drawings or preserved/ active locos and stock to go and measure and Kind Regards and every success with the photograph. Magazine Would the manufacturer not sell more Keith Rogers [[email protected]]

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We stock the latest releases and main products ALL at discounted prices. Check out our early buy prices on the Hornby 2004 range. SALE TIME — JANUARY BARGAINS — HURRY LIMITED STOCKS. HORNBY & BACHMANN – many items up to 30% off. GAUGEMASTER – expand your layout with 3 for 2 offers on trees and scatters. REVELL – Enamel paint tinlets 60p each, Airbrush paint £1.50 PECO – Code 10 and Code 75 track, plus electrics. Points and electrics save 25%. METCALFE and SUPERQUICK kits. Check out our prices. WILLS kits and materials packs 25% off.

HORNBY SPARES, HORNBY SPARES AND MORE HORNBY SPARES. We are pleased to announce that our vast range of spares are now available to purchase online. Competitive prices and FREE post and packing (spares only) on orders of £5 or more Tel: 01733 266959. Fax 0871 242 2031. E-mail: [email protected] REVIEWS...locos...REVIEWS...stock...REVIEWS

BR/GWR prairies to complete the set... THE arrival of the remaining Bachmann 45XX Prairies has rein- forced Trains On-Line Magazine’s opinion that these really are excellent models—just check out the detail in the pictures. If we had to pick out and one that’s easily There’s little, apart a favourite it would corrected, if you have a from brass number probably be the ver- mind to do it. plates, fire irons and sion decked out in early Unlike the previously lamps, you would want BR black livery, though reviewed lined BR ver- to add to these fine there is little to chose sion, the number plate models. between them. transfers are neatly I am sure they can be Both feature the fine placed between the super-detailed, but I detail mentioned in last bunker-side ‘rivets’. don’t think I’ll bother. month’s review, but there are detail differ- ences. Check out the brass safety valve cover (see detail pictures oppo- site). Top: 4550 in all its detailed glory The GWR liveried ver- Above: Cabside comparisons between 4560 sion has the tall safety and 4550—is black best ? valve cover of the pro- Below: Nice touch from Bachmann using two totype, whereas the styles of safety valve cover. BR loco has the more ‘modern’ short version. Both are polished brass, though in GWR days such a ‘lowly’ lo- comotive would have had its brass work painted over in green. Still. It’s a small point Right: Head on view of the early BR black liveried 4560. Room here for detailing. REVIEWS...locos...REVIEWS...stock...REVIEWS

Hornby’s latest hit shops in time for the post-seasonal ‘spendfest’ THE long awaited Southern Q1 and Class 50 locomotives have finally joined the ever growing range of Hornby locomotives, together with a trio of wagons. Certainly if you are a Its austere looks may Southern modeller the well have been the wait will have been result of the need for worthwhile, for these easy maintenance, but ‘Charlies’ (they were they were inevitably originally classed C1 by regarded as ugly Top: The new Class 50, 50035 Ark Royal; Above: Southern Q1 33009 the Southern Railway) ducklings, and because Hornby’s model is a Right : carry all the features of rough riding claims fine looking recreation Two-axle, of the real locomotives, limited to 55 mph. of the original and is down to the fine cab china clay Despite this some the equal of any of the detail (even the pipe hopper in did occasionally work ‘new breed’ of diesels. work is picked out ECC livery; passenger trains, in ‘brass’) and brake Body moulding is crisp, weathered though with their rods. the lettering is sharp MGR coal 5F classification and and the level of detail hopper in The first versions to 30,000 lb tractive even includes real EWS livery reach the shops can effort, slogging freights screw-link couplings, (part of be found in three were much more their though there is also a three liveries—SR Black, BR forte. a NEM socket for the pack) . Black (early crest) and The Class 50, more traditional model BR Black (late crest/ however, suffered no coupling that most weathered)—to suit all such limitations and modellers will opt to Q1 fans. throughout its career use. Ugly ducklings in front line service DCC ready proved itself quite Driven by a 5-pole adept at high speed Novel touches include skew wound motor in passenger haulage, an operating fan, the loco body, the Q1 is initially on the West adjustable louvers DCC ready. Coast Main Line and and spring loaded cab latterly on the Western Designed by Bulleid, doors, sprung buffers, Region expresses to the the Q1s were built to illuminated headcode South West meet the Southern panels and cab interior detail. Railway Board’s call for Nicknamed ‘Hoovers’ more 0-6-0 locomotives by enthusiasts, the A 5-pole skew wound to cover the increase former D401-449 motor drives twin in freight and military became 50 001-50 bogies (all axles traffic during the 049 under the TOPS driven!) and there are Second World War. renumbering, while pickups on all wheels.It D400 was given the Construction of the 40 is DCC ready. number 50 050. locos began in 1941 Initially three versions and was split between Increasing unreliability have been released: Brighton and Ashford problems in their Resolution, Ark Royal Works—C1 to C16 and later years made their and Achilles (in C37 to C40 at Brighton withdrawal inevitable weathered NSE livery). Works; C17 to C36 at and all were taken out It will not run on curves Ashford Works. of BR service in 1994. below 2nd radius. REVIEWS...books...REVIEWS...books...REVIEWS Flawed, but still much to enjoy in this OPC book about Castles If you are a fan of Great Western many cases, do them justice. Castles—and authors R. C. Riley and Peter Waller I appreciate that captioning a picture undoubtedly are—you will taken 60 or so years ago is not easy, but I think knowledgeable readers find much in The Power of the deserve more than a generalised Castles to enjoy. “Looking superb in excellent external condition”, etc…even if it is true of the Beginning with a five-page general loco on page 21. introduction to the class, the authors outline how they evolved But what about the Concertina coach from Churchward’s Star Class and behind it, or the private owner wagons the impact the first of the breed and LMS liveried brake van in the had when introduced into traffic in background—all the kind of detail that 1923/24. modellers want.

The book is richly illustrated, but Moreover, much of the detail in the those wanting pre-war photographs captions relating to shed allocation and will be disappointed, for their GWR modifications, can be found in other years are restricted to 25 pages, the books. remainder of the book covering their career in BR days. Despite this, the pictures themselves speak loudly of an age that is now Each loco from 100A Lloyds to little more than a memory…and as a the last, 7033 Hartlebury Castle, is spur to such memories the book is captured either in action (most), or ex- worth commending. works/on shed in ascending order. E.J.F Given that many people coming to this While the pictures are book will see it as ‘the’ book on Castles, all interesting and, as one would expect The Power of Castles, Oxford Publishing I have to add a rider to my otherwise from OPC, excellently reproduced (all in fulsome praise for it. Company, ISBN: 0 86093 587 6 £19.99 monochrome), the captions do not, in Southern modellers will find much to ‘inspire’ them here... The trouble with ‘miscellany’ electric operation. books is that they are just that— There’s a decent spread of pictures and with all the limitations that covering both the Southern and BR brings in terms of quality and periods, including a number of pre- interest. grouping shots (those showing the There’s no denying the quality of accident at Vauxhall in 1912 include the pictures reproduced in Kevin detail of LSWR loco tender lining and Robertson’s Southern Railway the paint schemes used on coaches). Miscellany for OPC, but some are a The captions are factual (obviously little dull and one can’t help thinking well researched) rather than that they are in this book because they ‘descriptive’, and all the better for it. had no obvious place elsewhere. This miscellany is better than most The book has its share of ‘arty’ and, if you are a modeller with an interpretations, the offbeat and the interest in all things Southern, there downright unusual (especially among certainly plenty in it to inspire and the section on signalboxes, which inform. Recommended. contains a dream of a box for pre- grouping modellers). E.J.F. The 250 or so photographs compiled by the author show a railway scene Southern Railway Miscellany, Oxford that is both varied and, in the case Publishing Company, ISBN: 0 86093 of steam, long-lived despite the 582 5. £19.99 Southern’s fondness for Third-rail REVIEWS...books...REVIEWS...books...REVIEWS A Portrait of a famous GWR route...

The Oxford to Wolverhampton Oxford, Worcester and the branch to route via Worcester never attracted Book of the Month Cheltenham. the attention that the direct Beginning at Oxford the 57-mile route route via Birmingham did, but is traced via Kingham, Moreton- it provided a vital link between in-Marsh, Honeybourne and the West Midlands industrial Evesham to Worcester, photographs heartland—the Black Country— illustrating all the key points on the and the South and South West. route and aided where necessary by maps, timetables and Clearing House As a Black Countryman by birth I junction diagrams. have a special interest in anything relating to the area—and its The strength of this book, however, railways in particular! After all, I lies not simply in its undoubtedly could see the trains on the OWW well-selected photographs, but the from my childhood bedroom and information contained in the captions my primary school stood cheek by themselves. Together they provide the jowl with the embankment that modeller—and rail historian—with a carried it towards Dudley and the rich source of inspiration, for buildings, South. trainloads and much more. Bob Pixton’s first offering on this For example, there are tables railway (Oxford Worcester and showing the duties for banking and Wolverhampton—Portrait of a shunting engines based at Honeybourne Famous Route, Part One: Oxford in 1955/56, a list of signal boxes with to Worcester) is a fascinating and their opening times and extracts from well-researched book. service tables. Wisely, he has opted to split This is a fine book and I look forward the route into two parts; to Part Two, which will look at the totally the second will cover the different environment of the line north remaining 331⁄2-mile section from Worcester between the cathedral city and E.J.F. Wolverhampton. occasionally by larger text sections covering specific areas of Oxford Worcester & Wolverhampton, This first part explores the line as it interest. Portrait of a Famous Route—Part passed through a rich rural landscape. One: Oxford to Worcester, Runpast The story is largely told through These include GWR promotional and Publishing, ISBN : 1 870754 59 X. extended picture captions, broken marketing campaigns, the Cotswolds, £14.99. Colourful tribute to BR’s lost Westerns Few modern locomotives have captured the imagination of rail fans more than the Westerns though their introduction in 1962/63 produced a less than warm response—hardly surprising since their arrival signalled the end for the ex-GWR King Class. They also had a nasty habit of breaking down and it was not uncommon to find a Castle on a Western Wolverhampton- Paddington turn, though both were subsequently displaced by Brush type 4s (Class 47). It’s a fact alluded to by Derek Huntriss in Heyday of the Westerns, a colour tribute to the class published by Ian Allan, though as the 75 or so pictures confirm the class were ‘made good’ and throughout the late ‘60s and ‘70s could be seen on a variety of passenger and freight turns. From a purely modelling point of view these pictures are excellent. All the livery variations—and there were a few—are covered, with some locos in less than pristine condition. There are plenty of shots of work-stained BR blue locos in their later years, but my favourites show maroon examples (they always seemed ‘dusty’) with matching Mk 1s. Wolverhampton! An interesting, nostalgic, read.—E.J.F. There are also a number of shots of the Desert Sand liveried Western Enterprise (D1000), though the colour seems to The Heyday of the Westerns, Ian Allan Publishing Ltd, ISBN: 0 have mellowed since I first saw it on the main line near 7110 2981 4. £14.99 Club Epsom/Ewell show plans well advanced Scene PLANS are well advanced for Epsom and Ewell MRC’s annual exhibition, which is being held over the weekend of April 3-4, SOUTHAMPTON model railway with ten layouts and 21 traders already confirmed exhibition, which is being staged at the Eastpoint Centre, Thornhill, However, the club, Spotlight on... evening at their Southampton, on January 31 and which was founded in permanent venue in 1952 and has more Ewell. February 1 will feature more than 20 than 50 members, layouts the majority in 00, EM and In addition to normal has five model railway 18.83mm gauge. weekly club activity layouts of its own, (modelling, work on the including two still under club layouts, etc.) an They include Culm (EM), Askrigg Bank construction. (00), Tintagel Road (00), Glemsford invited guest speaker (18.83) and Iden Lock (009) a SR In fact, they have gives an illustrated talk been active modellers at a further series of narrow gauge layout. and exhibitors for many monthly meetings. years. The event, which is organised by These are held on a With such a large the Southampton Model Railway Their first large scenic Thursday evening from layout, Nonsuch, was membership base October to March. Society, also features a number of the club has both built during the early Club members are society stands and demonstrations. experienced and novice 1960s and included a expected to help with separate branch line to members. THE Community Centre, Sileby, exhibitions. Ruxley via Bonesgate. Many are active in Leicestershire, is the venue for the They are often called a range of popular Syston MRC’s 2004 exhibition, which Ruxley survives in a on to operate the club’s modelling scales from much altered form, but layouts and to assist is being held over the weekend of 2mm to 7mm. February 21 and 22. Nonsuch and Bonesgate with the operation of were dismantled long The club always member owned layouts Layouts booked to appear include ago. welcome new members at other exhibitions and any local readers Stacton Magna, Moorcock Junction, In addition to Ruxley during the year. interested in joining Kinston Regis, Abertair Shed, Random (4mm/00), the current Among the benefits of should give secretary layouts include Horton membership are use of and Skipworth. Peter Swift a call on: Regis (7mm/finescale), the club’s multi-gauge 01483 576274. THE Model Railway Club (MRC) is to Shirebrook (4mm/00) test track, access to a hold a lecture on Cornish Railways at and Wadhurst (4mm/ Members meet reference library and a P4). regularly each Monday the club rooms, Keen House, London on quarterly newsletter. January 8.

It will be given by Pete Colton and Steve Nall. Visitors are invited to attend and further details can be obtained by Attention all club secretaries e-mailing [email protected] g.uk. Trains On-line Magazine needs your help in MODELLING Matters is the subject of compiling a list of club and society secretaries a talk due to be held on January 10 by the Glasgow and South Western and their addresses (both home and e-mail), Railway Association. so that we can advise you of forthcoming The event will be held at The White features. Room, The Palace, within Paisley Abbey. We are also hoping, in the future, to expand LIFE at Hinckley Station is the subject our coverage of events/shows and welcome of an illustrated talk being given to Lutterworth Railway Society on club news and diary dates for inclusion on January 8. these and other pages. The event, which features the If you would like your club and its activities recollections of speaker Alan Briggs, is being held at the United Reform Church to be featured in the magazine please e-mail George Street, Lutterworth. the editor at the following address: [email protected] Exhibitions can be one long headache for the organiser HEADACHES can come in many forms, but they don’t always last as long as Terry Robinson’s...of course it might have something to do with his becoming involved in organising the SRC’s annual exhibitions in the mid ‘80s. Getting involved seemed the natural thing to do, he Terry Robinson, Stafford told Trains On-line Railway Circle’s Exhibition Magazine, and very soon he was made Manager, takes a look at Exhibition Manager. how their annual show Terry takes up the tale: “The SRC has grown...and grown Sutton Junction (above) will be appearing at Exhibition had been this year’s Stafford Railway Circle’s show. held for a few years in what was known locally tell you that not only made a move, which as the Borough Hall, were the shows at it had wanted to do which was situated in Stychfields good, but for many years, to the the centre of Stafford. probably were best County Showground remembered for the where proper exhibition A refurbishment of fantastic food laid on by halls are available. the Hall took place the GEC catering staff. which then became This was a major step the Gatehouse Theatre, In the early ‘90s, for the Circle because which restricted its use another move was the cost of putting on as an exhibition venue. forced upon us as GEC an exhibition of this was closing Stychfields. size and standard was a Bachdale and Dibley is one of the narrow gauge Fantastic food We searched for a great risk to the Circle. suitable venue and exhibits at Stafford RC’s 2004 exhibition. We then moved eventually moved to Biting the bullet to a new site called Weston Road School of effort goes into our Stychfields Hall, which However, many doubled from 1800 in on the outskirts of selection of traders was part of the GEC/ traders and regular 2002 to over 3,500. Stafford. as we feel we need to Alstom complex in visitors who supported The 2004 exhibition offer a wide range of Stafford. The new site had two us had said for many which takes place at products and services major halls which meant years that an exhibition These were very good the Stafford County to meet both the that the exhibition of our standard needed years for the Circle and Showground over the modellers’ and general could expand. to be in a proper the exhibition moved weekend of 31 January/ public’s needs. exhibition venue. steadily forward, Excellent car parking 1 February has been The children are getting better and facilities were available The bullet was bitten! enlarged yet again. not forgotten as each better. to us, but unfortunately To overcome the year our Circle’s the catering suffered. The 2003 exhibition Many regular visitors was a major success overcrowding and lack junior layout, which is to our exhibition will In 2003 the Circle in that our attendance of amenities in 2003, aimed at the younger a second hall has been children, makes its booked. appearance. In recent years, this has been a This has meant an well-known blue engine increased number of from a small island, layouts and traders. and a big red engine The exhibition aims of that has something to the Circle remain the do with a castle. same in that we wish to This year, a second have a wide selection of children’s layout called layouts in many scales Bramble Bottom that will both interest will also make an the seasoned modeller appearance. and also the general public visiting a model If you want further railway exhibition for details of the SRC’s the first time. forthcoming exhibition, With this in mind, please contact Terry our aim is that all our on 01785 816666, or layouts entertain our better still visit their visitors. award winning website: East Lynn (above), a popular layout on the exhibition circuit, will be www.staffordrailwaycir among those on show at the 2004 Stafford Railway Circle’s exhibition. The same amount cle.org.uk YOUR GUIDE TO 2004 EXHIBITIONS...

ALL DATES FOR JANUARY CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEB SITE FEBRUARY

7 & 8 (Sat & Sun) Alton Model Railway Group’s annual exhibition, Amery Hill School, Alton. Festival of British Railway Modelling, Doncaster Exhibition Centre, The Racecourse, Doncaster. Tel: 01778 391134/80; Web site: www.brmodelling.com 14 (Sat) East Bedfordshire MRS Stratton School Eagle Farm Road Biggleswade Beds Tel: 01767 260881 21 (Sat) Tonbridge Model Railway Exhibition, The Angel Centre, Tonbridge. Risborough & District Model Railway Club, Isex 2004, Community Centre, Wades Park, Stratton Road, Princ- es Risborough, Bucks.www.rdmrc.nildram.co.uk 21 & 22 (Sat & Sun) Syston Model Railway Society show, Sileby Community Centre, High Street. Sileby, Leicestershire. http: //systonmrs.tripod.com 22 (Sun) Ilkeston Woodside MRC show, Trowell Parish Hall, nr. Ilkeston , Derbys. 27,28 & 29 (Frid, Sat & Sun) Modelrail Scotland, SECC, Glasgow. MARCH 5-8 (Frid-Mon) Australian Model Railway Association, Victorian Branch Inc., Whitehorse Aquatic & Leisure Centre, Surrey Drive, Surrey Park, Box Hill 3128, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Tel: +613 9570 4406; Email: amra.exhib [email protected] 6 & 7 (Sat & Sun) Western Model Railway Society Exhibition, Greenford Hall, Ruislip Road, Greenford, Middlesex. 20 & 21 (Sat & Sun) East Midlands Model Railway Exhibition. Harvey Hadden Sports Centre, Nottingham. http://www.nbmrs.fre eserve.co.uk/index.htm APRIL 3 & 4 (Sat & Sun) Epsom & Ewell MRC annual exhibition, North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT), Reigate Road, Ewell, Surrey. 24 & 25 (sat & Sun) Sutton Coldfield RS annual model railway exhibition, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. JUNE 12 & 13 (Sat & Sun) Wingfield Railway Group Model Railway Exhibition, Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell, Derbys. OCTOBER 16 & 17 (Sat & Sun) Uckfield MRC annual exhibition, Uckfield Civic Centre, Bell Farm Lane, Uckfield, East Sussex. 22 & 23 (Sat & Sun) Norbury & South London Transport Club, 70th Anniversary Model Railway & Transport Exhibition, Fairfield Halls, Croydon, Surrey. Details: http://www.fircroft.clara.net or http://www.norbury.club.new.net