Scaleforum Guide 2010 SCALEFORUM 2010
Saturday / Sunday 25th / 26th September Scaleforum Guide 2010 Scaleforum 2010 Leisure Centre Guildford Road Leatherhead Surrey KT22 9BL Saturday 25th September 2010 10.30am – 6.00pm (Advanced ticket holders from 10.15am) Sunday 26th September 2010 10.00am – 4.30pm (Advanced ticket holders from 9.45am)
Welcome to the 34th Scaleforum – the flagship show of the Scalefour Society. The new organising team hope that you will have an enjoyable time. We have assembled a wide range of layouts representing all periods of railway history and these are supported by traders, demonstrators and other exhibits. The exhibits are organised in two locations so please make sure that you see everything. Philosophy - yes, we have such a thing! We aim to provide an opportunity for all those who are interested in model railways to meet, talk, exchange ideas and be impressed by the high standard of modelling on display. To encourage discussion there are no barriers around the layouts, so please feel free to talk to layout operators and to demonstrators: sharing information is what the show is about.
So, while Scaleforum is organised primarily for the members of the Society, we are delighted to welcome the many visitors who are not members and hope that they will find much of interest. For those who may be interested in joining the Society the Membership desk will be found in the Society area on the first floor. Naturally, anyone who joins at the show will benefit from a reduced admission fee.
General information The show is in two locations in the building and traders and layouts will be found in both areas. The Mole Barn on the ground floor is accessed via the stairs from the first floor terrace and contains the larger layouts and some traders. Smaller layouts, the remainder of the traders and the demonstrations will be found on the first floor. You will also find the Society area on the first floor along with our visiting Societies. Please refer to the floor plan on the back page of this issue of Scalefour News.
Guidance and security Committee members and the organising team will be wearing name badges. Stewards will be found around the exhibition and can be identified by blue tabards. If you need help, directions, or have an emergency please ask any steward, anyone with a name badge or at the entry desks. Please look after you own coats and bags and report anything suspicions to any steward, anyone with a name badge or at the entry desks.
Refreshments will be found in the café area on the ground floor. A range of sandwiches, cakes and hot food will be available throughout the exhibition along with hot and cold drinks. A bar is available on the first floor and vending machines will also be found on the first floor near to the exhibition hall main door.
First aid will be provided by the Leisure Centre staff. In the event that this is needed, please ask any steward, anyone with a name badge or at the entry desks.
A public address system will be in operation and can be used to relay urgent messages. If you need to get a message to someone please ask at the Society area or at the entry desks.
Photography is permitted but please ask the layout operators or anyone else before taking pictures. David Brandreth, who produces the show Retrospective for the web, will be pleased to receive pictures either at the show or afterwards at [email protected] . Users of digital cameras will be able to download pictures while at the show. Please enquire at the Society area.
Accessibility The exhibition is on two floors. There is a lift from the main entrance to the first floor. Because the building is in the process of refurbishment, access to the remainder of the show will be by means of a staircase from the first floor terrace outside to the ground floor. There is no access by lift to the Mole Barn. Those in wheel chairs will be able to access the Mole Barn by means of an outside ramp but this will involve a distance of about 250 yards. Stewards will be available to assist those in wheel chairs if required. Visitors who have difficulty with stairs may find getting to the Mole Barn difficult. The Society apologies in advance to visitors who may be inconvenienced by these temporary arrangements for this year only, which are beyond our control. Some layouts may be high for those who use wheelchairs, so small periscopes are available from the Society stand if required.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Leisure Centre building.
Acknowledgements The organising team wish to thank all those Society members and our guests who have brought layouts along or who have put on demonstrations and the Leisure Centre staff for their support in staging this event. We would also like to thank the Committee of the Scalefour Society for their support in the planning leading up to the event. Particular thanks are due to our Chairman Jim Summers, who has produced this guide and to the outgoing Scalefour News Editor John Bateson, for his assistance in including the guide within this issue of Scalefour News. Scaleforum Guide 2010 Scalefour Society area The Society area is the place where you will find members of the Committee, so if you are already a member, do stop to have a chat. We will be pleased to deal with any queries that you might have or suggestions about how the Society is run and how we might do things better. If you are not a member come and talk to us anyway, find out what the Society is all about and the benefits of membership. More importantly, if you have any queries about any aspect of railway modelling, this is the place to ask for assistance. If we cannot help immediately, we will point you in the direction of someone who can.
In the Society area you will find our Membership Secretary Danny Cockling who will be pleased to tell you all about membership, to deal with queries from existing members, and to enrol new members.
The Competitions This year sees the return of two long-standing competitions and the first of a new event.
The Chairman’s Cup aims to develop high standards of modelling skills by members of the Society. To encourage this, the Society will award the Chairman’s Cup to the builder of the model which, in the opinion of the judges, best illustrates the visual characteristics of the full size equivalent that it represents. Entries for this competition will be on display in the Society area.
The Deputy Chairman’s Cup aims to encourage technical innovation in railway modelling. The award will be made to an individual or to a company who, in the opinion of the judges, has produced an innovation, device, jig or other modelling aid that enhances or improves railway modelling or makes a process easier, quicker or more accurate. Details of the entries for this event will be in the Society area.
The Armchair Modellers’ Challenge is a new competition designed is to encourage members of the Society to get out of their armchairs and actively do some modelling. This year the Challenge is to build a diorama that shows a railway scene not exceed 600mm long x 400mm wide x 600mm tall. The winner will be judged by the visitors to Scaleforum, so don’t forget to have a look at the entries and cast your vote.
The Members’ Showcase will be found in the Society area and allows members to display models that they do not wish to enter into a competition. Any member of the Society can put models on display.
Anyone wishing to enter any of the competitions or put items in the showcase should contact Terry Bendall who will provide details of what is required.
The Model Railway Journal Chalice The MRJ Chalice was established in 1986 to mark the Society’s tenth anniversary and is awarded by Wild Swan. No formal entry is required as the judges, who are appointed by MRJ, will select the winner from anywhere in the show, on a layout, from one of the trade stands, demonstrators or another competition. The judges will be seeking models which show excellence in 4mm scale modelling.
The York Trophy The York Trophy is presented in memory of the late Ken York and is awarded to the layout which, in the opinion of those attending, is the most interesting or gives the most pleasure. This means exactly what it says and does not necessarily mean the best technically or the best modelled layout. Therefore a beginner’s incomplete layout has as much chance of winning as one which is complete or well established. The trophy will be awarded to the layout gaining the most votes from the visiting public. Please take time to cast your vote on the form issued to you on your arrival.
The Scalefour Stores Jeremy Suter will be found with the Society’s own Stores stand in the Society area. On sale will be the essential gauges necessary for accurate modelling to P4 standards, along with materials for building your own trackwork. For fans of third and fourth rail systems the Society’s correct profile conductor rail and supports will be available together with other essential items for working in P4. New for this year will be a book describing the construction of St Merryn, one of the layouts on display, allowing everyone to read a blow by blow account of how this very fine layout was planned and built. Copies of the Society’s first major publication, on the use of Alex Jackson couplings are still available and will also be on sale. Jeremy offers a bespoke profile milling service and will be please to provide details on request.
Bring and Buy stand As Scaleforum approaches don't forget to begin to start setting aside your surplus items for sale on the Bring and Buy stand which gives members an opportunity to dispose of unwanted items and allows others the opportunity to acquire a bargain. The Society retains 10% commission on items sold but there is no fee on unsold items.
Items for sale should be listed on the form sent to members with this issue of Scalefour News, or you can download a form from the Society’s web site. Further copies of the form will be available at Scaleforum. Simply list your items on it, decide how much you want for them and label the items accordingly. Bring the items and form to the Bring and Buy stand where they will be booked in and offered for sale. At the end of the day (or whenever you wish) we tally up all the items you have sold, deduct our 10% commission and pay you the balance. You can keep an eye on how things are going and reduce (or raise!) your prices at any time. Please read carefully the notes on the back of the form relating to the labelling of items, together with the conditions of sale. All items are deposited with the stand manager entirely at the owner’s risk and the Society accepts no liability regarding the condition or suitability of items sold on behalf of a member.
There are three important changes to the way in which the Bring and Buy stand will operate this year. Items for sale may be handed in at any time but in order to give everyone an equal opportunity to buy, selling will not start until 11.00am on the Saturday, and 10.30am on the Sunday. This will apply to visitors and all exhibitors. All goods must be paid for at the time of purchase; the setting up of a running account is not permitted. In addition we will accept books for sale but these must be on railway-related subjects, either the prototype or modelling, and be in good condition. Scaleforum Guide 2010 Travel by Road Unless travelling locally, use the M25 motorway, leaving at Leatherhead Junction 9: The Leisure Centre is signposted from both town centre and bypass (the A243/ A24/A246), and there is free - getting there parking within the Leisure Centre car parks: In these difficult times, why not consider sharing vehicles? Using the Society's e-mail group, P4_talk or the Forum why not try to arrange to pick up other members on your way, thus reducing the cost as well as your carbon footprint:
Travel by Rail From Leatherhead station take the footpath indicated on the sketchplan - approximately 15 minutes walk: Taxis are also available from the station:
Trains from London to Leatherhead Saturday From Waterloo - at xx:09, xx:24, xx:39, and xx:54 journey time 41/45 minutes (South West Trains Timetable No.5) From Victoria - at xx:01 and xx:31, journey time 45 minutes (Southern Timetable No.7) Sunday From Waterloo at xx:02 and xx:32, journey time 61 minutes (South West Trains Timetable No.5) From Victoria at xx:08 and xx:38, Change Epsom, journey time 69 minutes (Southern Timetable No.7) . Travel by Air With the costs of flights from major towns and cities at competitive rates, consider flying into Gatwick - the rail link is relatively easy and involves a trip on Great Western Link from Gatwick to Dorking Deepdene station, a short walk to Dorking station (250m north of Deepdene station) and thence continuing on by South West Trains to Leatherhead. Journey times are about an hour or so: Alternatively, you can get there via East Croydon, taking the tram link (6 or 7 minute service) to West Croydon before continuing your journey on Southern Trains to Leatherhead. From Heathrow there is an express bus (X26) from the Central bus station to Kingston bus station: They run at xx:22 and xx:52 with a journey time of about 43 minutes. From Kingston take the half-hourly service (465) to Leatherhead - this bus drops off outside the entrance to the Leisure Centre: Journey time is approximately 1 hour and is operated by Arriva Buses.
A relaxing day (or two) at Scaleforum will make your journey worthwhile: Scaleforum Guide 2010
Guest Gauge of the year
Bank Hall Sidings Bill Pearce
Bank Hall Sidings is a minimum space layout inspired by the various sidings and rail-linked industries, which were part of the East Lancashire line in the early 1960s. The locos are probably the main reason why the layout location is a little vague, but I have used the various sets of etchings and fittings that become available from the S Scale Society. They are however consistent in their mechanisms, and all have split axles, High-Level gearboxes, flywheels, can motors and Sharman or Alan Gibson wheels, shorted-out and using the EM profile. The rolling stock is a mixed bag, with items constructed from S-Scale Society etchings or scratchbuilt using underframe fittings from the Society.
The trackwork is built using pcb sleepers and flat bottom code 83 rail to represent the type used in some industrial locations, and is laid to the finescale dimensions devised by Ian Pusey. The buildings are scratchbuilt, some using computer chads for the brickwork, whilst others take advantage of the various Slaters and Wills sheets. Many of the details are actually items intended for other scales but adapted to S Scale, which is of course 3/16 to 1 foot.
The Visiting Societies Working on the basis that there are always new things to learn about railway modelling, we warmly welcome to Scaleforum:
The S Scale Society In this their 64th anniversary year we welcome the S Scale Society for their first visit to Scaleforum. The number 64 is of course important to anyone who works to a scale of 1 /64. This is very much the scratchbuilder’s scale, but since many of the techniques are applicable to any scale/gauge, we are sure that those who work to other scales and gauges will find much of interest.
Diesel and Electric Modellers United Formed in 1998, DEMU is the essential Society for anyone who is interested in accurate modelling of the diesel and electric railway scene. The Society’s magazine Update is rapidly becoming a very valuable resource of essential information to assist those interested in modelling the contemporary and recent past history of the UK railway system. Members of the Society will be on hand to explain the benefits of membership and you can be sure of seeing some high quality modelling on the stand.
The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Society This year the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Society is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee year with a number of special events and a special publication, so we are pleased to present the Society stand in support of the demonstration by Martin Nield and Ken Carter on modelling that fine pre-grouping railway. The Society is devoted to the dissemination of information about the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway throughout its 75 years of existence, and beyond. It has nearly 800 members, produces outstanding publications and has extensive collections of photographs, drawings and archive material. It also organises regular events at venues throughout Lancashire and Yorkshire. Working closely with the National Railway Museum, the Greater Manchester County Record Office and other relevant bodies, we ensure that original artefacts, records and other materials are professionally preserved and made available to all. Details of the Society can be found at www.lyrs.org.uk or by writing to the Ken Carter, Membership Secretary, 11, Waveney Close, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6QH Scaleforum Guide 2010 Birmingham Moor Street Nostalgia in the city in the late 1970s/early 1980s
The West Midlands Area Group
Birmingham Moor Street was originally built as an entry to the 2007 DEMU Minories Challenge. Subsequently it was enlarged and entered for the Scalefour Society’s Diesel and Electric Layout Challenge, where it was awarded a Highly Commended certificate. The layout represents the terminus side of Moor Street station in central Birmingham, which opened in 1909. Moor Street terminus handled suburban services to the south of the city, Leamington Spa, and Stratford-upon-Avon, until replaced by the current through station, when Snow Hill re-opened in 1987.
The layout can be operated either in the transition period between steam and diesel traction or in the British Rail corporate era of the late '70s and early '80s. In the former era, most suburban services are in the hands of DMUs, but some steam- hauled trains are still to be seen. Freight and parcels trains reverse here, in order to use the connection to the neighbouring goods depot. In the later era, suburban services are now entirely in the capable hands of DMUs, and we have imagined that the goods depot has not closed, so freight and parcels trains can also be seen.
We extended the layout both length- and width-ways for the Scalefour Society Challenge , to permit longer platforms and include one of the three wagon hoists which served the lower level of the goods depot. Although the layout has been simplified and shortened to fit the space available, the key features of Moor Street's station building and three platforms are modelled, including one of the traversers. Control is by Lenz DCC or by conventional DC. Working signals, operated by model aircraft servos, have been scratchbuilt by members of the WMAG, as were the structures and scenic features. We hope you enjoy our slice of Birmingham nostalgia. Scaleforum Guide 2010 Showing and telling
Period Matters
An exciting new concept will shape the demonstrations during Scaleforum 2010:-. moving away from the idea of demonstrating individual specialisms, this year the Scalefour Society acknowledges that modellers follow specific historical periods, and to match this, our skilled demonstrators will be showing all aspects of modelling in specific periods.
Modelling the Pre-Grouping railway period Martin Nield and Ken Carter will demonstrate how to model the pre-grouping railway using a baseboard from Martin’s layout Eccleston as an example. This imaginary Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway branch terminus is set in Lancashire in the 1908- 10 era and features a fully working interlocked lever frame. Martin and Ken will be able to tell you about the attractions of the pre-grouping period, how to research prototype information, and how to make authentic models of pre-grouping buildings, signals, locomotives, carriages and wagons.
Modelling the early British Railways period The British railways period from 1947 to the end of steam is a deservedly popular period for many railway modellers. Robin Whittle and members of the Glevum Group will be demonstrating the development of Barrow Road, which is set in the 1950s/ early 60s period of BR. This layout is based on the former Midland Railway shed in Bristol and will feature a 24 road operational roundhouse, coaling tower and ash plant together with a section of the Bristol to Gloucester main line, which passed alongside the shed yard. The boards have been designed and built with assistance from Chris Yates, while the Templot track plan is the work of Morgan Gilbert, who also produced templates for all the turnouts. The demonstration will feature two of the seven boards, which contain the Roundhouse and Workshop buildings, the latter assembled by Robin from a kit of laser-cut and etched parts produced by York Modelmaking. Research material and some of the turnouts will be available, while Morgan Gilbert and Paul Hutfield will be on hand with a selection of kit and converted RTR stock, including locomotives, coaches and wagons which will be used on the layout. Morgan will also demonstrate the Templot track plan and, he hopes, some modelling in 3D of components for the shed building.
Modelling the Diesel and Electric era The growing interest in the diesel and electric era reflects the interests of railway modellers of the more recent generations, although not exclusively so. Mike Anson, builder of the highly regarded Western Road Diesel Depot for the 1883 Challenge layout will be on hand to show what is involved. He will be assisted by Richard Peddar and together they will show how to convert various diesel locomotives and modern rolling stock, including a Hornby Class 50 with correct size wheels, and something clever with a Bachmann Warship. Mike will have part of his Western Road depot along and is happy for this to be used as a background for photography of your models.
Supporting this modelling of specific periods, will be demonstrators:
Gordon Ashton - Getting started in P4 Gordon is a very experienced P4 modeller and will have on display a whole host of ideas, suggestions and examples of what is involved in getting started in P4. Track and turnout construction, conversion of ready-to-run stock, fitting of compensation and springing to rolling stock, will all be included. Gordon’s table is an essential port of call for anyone starting out in P4.
Allan Goodwillie - Saving techniques for modellers Alan has a lifetime’s experience of working in P4 and will be showing how to save time, money and effort in modelling using a range of simple jigs and techniques. The emphasis will be very much on simple techniques that anyone can use, but particularly those new to P4 modelling. Alan will include elements of scratch-building and construction of chassis from kits.
Colin Craig - Flat bottom track construction Colin probably knows more about modelling the contemporary permanent way than any other modeller and so is an invaluable source of information about modern track work. He will be able to tell you how many different sorts of Pandrol clip there are and the differences. Colin will have his templates for the construction of flat bottom track on sale and hopes to have the first of his turnout kits available as well. Scaleforum Guide 2010 Blackfriars Bridge Beckenham and West Wickham MRC
As visitors will see, this is still very much a ‘work in progress’, but there is much to talk to us about.
The old Norwood MRC had a history of building esoteric layouts, with Hawnby (1930s) and Ulpha (c1900) – both small branch lines that might have been. Wanting next to model a real location and being based in south London, we decided to go for a local prototype. In a moment of madness in 1997 we settled on Blackfriars Bridge station in the 1870s. Certainly when it comes to railway modelling, we’re no southern softies and Blackfriars Bridge offered an eclectic mix of a Victorian London terminus in pre-grouping days with some unique features, all combined with a challenging research project – but it all started with an old OS map! Opened in 1864, Blackfriars Bridge represents the London, Chatham & Dover’s ambitious and successful attempt to gain access into the City, as well as tapping into lucrative goods traffic from the north. This route, known as the ‘Widened Lines’ saw agreements with the Great Northern, the London & South Western and the Midland, all of whom secured running powers in exchange for capital investment and their stock is all represented on our layout. In addition to Joseph Cubitt’s imposing station building, the station contained a turntable and a pair of hydraulic wagon hoists which fed the lower level goods depot: a working turntable and wagon hoists are also a feature of our model.
Set in 1873, our model will be an accurate replica of the station in the prime of its brief existence before the opening of St Paul’s (or Blackfriars as it is now known) and the closure of Blackfriars Bridge to passenger traffic on the 1st October 1885. Most of the main station building was demolished thereafter and the site restructured as a goods depot. Even in its short life as a passenger station the track layout was changed several times, but we have chosen to build it before the opening of Hopton Street Goods and the spur that was put in to link the line to the South Eastern Railway.
From the outset we went for open-frame baseboards, using a double skin of ply, and wherever possible incorporating architectural features (such as the main wall of the station building) into the main frame. After our experiences with Seaton (an 18.83 Challenge layout we helped one of our members to build) we went for C&L flexitrack with points made from copperclad sleepers and Masokits chairs. Point operation is by Tortoise point motors. In the main station area these could be mounted directly under the tracks, but at the southern end the track is on a viaduct with open arches. The solution we have tried is mounting the motors on the main baseboard framework and using wire-in-tube to connect up the point blades. Only the basic scenery is in place at present, with mock-ups of some of the structures which will appear in due course. The main station building comprises a series of identical bays: the idea here is to make moulds for each of the different types and cast them in resin once we have the window frames to work around. They have been drawn up, and we will either etch them ourselves or commission someone. Challenges along the way have been not just a lack of information or even inspiration, but problems such as losing our clubrooms and a three-year pause to assist a member’s entry in the Scalefour Society’s 18.83 layout challenge. Of course there is very little in the way of commercially available locos and stock, nor is there much in the way of background material. We started with a track plan based on one of the Godfrey reproduction OS maps and a drawing of the station frontage. To cap it all, we didn’t want to compromise on length! Not a bad challenge for a group with no more than five members actually working on the enterprise at any one time. As time progressed, ongoing research revealed that there was a lot more useful information available than we had imagined. During the intervening years, research and desk-based modelling continued, but it is only now that we find ourselves making significant progress on this project (extra pairs of hands are welcome). Scaleforum Guide 2010
Brighton Road The Mid-Sussex Area Group
Brighton Road is the Mid-Sussex Group’s successor to Pulborough – a change from a real location in rural Sussex to a fictitious location in south London. The exact spot is somewhat uncertain, but probably somewhere in the Wandsworth area on the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway system, at a location which has good connections to other companies’ lines, as well as lines running into Victoria and London Bridge. As with Pulborough, the layout is set around 1912, which gives us the opportunity to display stock in both Stroudley and Billinton liveries.
The high level section of the layout is predominantly a passenger line with trains arriving from Victoria on the quadruple track at the left hand end of the layout. The track then splits into two sections with one set of double tracks leading to London Bridge and the other to the South Coast. Brighton Road station itself has a local service only, on the two outer slow lines, and is mostly off-scene on the left with only the platform ends and part of the street level entrance visible.
The lower level consists of the local goods yard to the left, and a marshalling/exchange yard to the right. This sees trains from other pre-grouping companies arriving under the viaduct to be re-formed for onward transit on the LBSC system. On the extreme left, the tram track will eventually continue to a town scene on the next board. On the right, an extension to the marshalling yard leads through the brewery warehouse. This board will be developed with the rest of the brewery, and perhaps a canal basin. In the centre of the layout is the timber and builder’s yard, complete with a monumental mason. The timber-framed cottage is all that is left of the farmland on which the yard was built. Behind the viaduct can be seen the backs of the extensive Victorian terraces, which were built in this part of London as the city expanded southwards.
The Mid Sussex group is small and there has never been more than five people working on the layout at any one time. Consequently, although it has been in progress for 12 years, there is still much to be done including matters such as fully working signals, Alex Jackson couplings on all the stock, plus more scenic detail. This is the first time the layout has been exhibited, in its full form, albeit far from complete. It is in fact only the third time all nine boards have been assembled together, so fingers crossed, please, that everything works! We are of course very happy to pause operations to talk about any aspect of the layout. Scaleforum Guide 2010 Scaleforum Guide 2010 Horsley Bank Stephen Howe
This layout was begun nearly 14 years ago, when I was living in exile in Yorkshire, as an experiment to see if a workable P4 model could be produced in a minimum space. It represents a typical glimpse of the industrial West Riding before the 1939-45 War; grimy textile mills, factories and terrace houses jostle for space in the cramped claustrophobia of the area known as the ‘Heavy Woollen District’ between Dewsbury, Batley and Bradford.
Once, a network of freight-only industrial railways served these industries bringing in raw materials and taking away the finished products. Now very few traditional textile industries remain in the West Riding, and the face of the industrial landscape has changed almost beyond recognition. The model tries to capture a little of the unique gritty atmosphere which has been swept away by the re- development of the area.
When I started this layout, the objective was to experiment with various components new (then) to the market. Progress has continued in fits and starts, but scenically things have only developed in the last two years, proving that small layouts do not necessarily equate to quick layouts! At the time, I had very little room for model railways, and the challenge was to design a working P4 model in a very small space. The original plan was to be able to set the model up on the kitchen table to play with, but as it has developed it has become a self-contained diorama.
The access to the loop is via a sector plate, which also connects to a 'kick-back' line which runs along the street (from Huddersfield) to a concealed cassette. The length of the loop and sidings was actually quite carefully thought out: the sector plate holds an 0-4-0 and three wagons, the loop and top headshunt can hold a loco and four wagons. The lower headshunt can only hold a loco and two wagons. Thus to shunt the long front siding means wagons have to be moved singly or in pairs. because the slip (actually two A5 turnouts overlaid on each other) is only one- sided, wagons destined for the Leethams factory siding have to be taken into the headshunt, then drawn into the long siding and propelled back, (always assuming the headshunt is empty and the long siding has sufficient room . . .). In short, it’s a shunting puzzle and, as such, can absorb many hours of totally mindless playing trains, or some very complicated shunting moves, depending on your point of view!
Track construction is entirely traditional, with ply sleepers and rivets, steel rail and cosmetic chairs from C + L, all laid on cork supported by a 12mm MDF track base. Point operation, which is still an on-going experiment, uses 1.5v motors with a integral 1:200 gearbox obtained via a school design and technology supplier. Point power is entirely separate from the main control, using heavy duty batteries. In 10 years I have only changed the batteries once. Buildings are mainly embossed styrene, heavily weathered, with windows made from finely cut self-adhesive address labels.
The many examples of signwriting, typical of pre-War industrial areas, were mainly done on the PC mostly in ordinary Word packages, or Photoshop. In some cases they were printed on to waterslide decal paper.
Control is via an ECM Compspeed feedback controller, which is fine, but I am interested in experimenting with more recent versions, and a hand-held controller would make operation more versatile. Couplings are still 3-link which, since the layout has become more ‘built up’ are not really practical, and I intend to persevere with Alex Jackson couplings although one or two tight curves on the layout limit their effectiveness.
I am continuing to experiment and develop new ideas. Currently the backscene is being extended to give a sense of depth, and the whole arrangement of buildings and structures is conceived as a stage set, which is why the viewing angles are deliberately restricted.
If you have any questions about the layout please feel free to ask – I prefer talking to shunting! Scaleforum Guide 2010 Matford
John Farmer and Peter Archard
The layout is set in Matford on the southern outskirts of Exeter. It is a fictional ‘might-have-been’ layout: an extension of the truncated Teign Valley line off the West of England main line at City Basin Junction. We have assumed that this extension was introduced in the early 1970s to provide a rail freight terminal for the rapidly expanding trading estate, and in the early ’90s the rail terminal was ‘rationalised’, with a passenger station built to provide Exeter with a rail-connected park and ride facility. The operating period is 2005/2006, prior to the First Great Western franchise taking over from the much-missed Wessex Trains. The layout is our first effort in P4 and was planned to be half its present size, as is the way of these things. The trackwork is a mixture of Exactoscale flat bottom and ‘Fasttrack’ bullhead, with scratched-built copper-clad pointwork. Stock is mostly converted ready-to-run items from Bachmann, Hornby, Heljan and ViTrains.
MANCHESTER Model Railway Show Inspiring the enthusiast for 74 years with quality layouts
Sat.2nd Oct.: 10 am - 6 pm; Sun. 3rd Oct.: 10 am - 5 pm. Adult: £6.00 Junior: £3.00 Pensioner: £5.00 Family(2+2 max):£15.00 New Venue Free parking One large hall The Armitage Centre, Moseley Road, Fallowfield Manchester, M14 6ZT off A6010 Wilmslow Road, Buses 41, 42, 42A, 43, 44, 46, 48, 140, 142, 143 Nearest railway station is Mauldeth Road
DEWSBURY - The MMRS award winning layout; ROWLANDS CASTLE - Railways in wartime; TEIGN HOUSE SIDINGS - Bob Harpers popular 7mm layout; SWEETHOME CHICAGO - A stunning USA H0 scene; HIGHBURY COLLIERY (2mm), LIVERPOOL LIME STREET (4mm), ASHBURTON (2mm), WESTON ROAD (4mm), BAWDSEY (4mm), KITEHOUSES (4mm), PLUS FULL TRADE SUPPORT. Presented by MANCHESTER MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY in association with BACHMANN BRANCH-LINE For more information visit: www.mmrs.co.uk Discounted tickets available on-line via our website Scaleforum Guide 2010 Portchullin
Mark Tatlow
Photos: Andy York
It’s August 1974 . . . It is a good time for the Three Degrees, as they are at No. 1 with When Will I see You Again, and for Carlisle United, as they are at the top of the entire football league. It is also a great time for the Kyle Line; after facing closure intermittently for twenty years (and with a closure notice pending for the last four), the line is finally granted a permanent reprieve by the Transport minister. It was also a good time for two young boys; we were on a family holiday in the west coast of Scotland and instead of witnessing the swansong of this line, we were seeing the beginnings of its rejuvenation and in the process the seeds of this layout were being planted. In the early 1970s the railways of the Highlands had hardly changed since the 19th Century. Sure, steam had gone and everything was in the BR corporate blue, but that was about it: the lines were still fully signalled, due to terrible competing roads there was still a healthy freight traffic, short loco-hauled trains were the norm, many of them were mixed, and the lines remained single, so there was the adventure of regular passing procedures.
Young boys grow up, and one at least carries the passion for the trains of the west coast of Scotland. Whilst the early seventies era is not my first choice interest, and I can hardly claim to be a major producer of layouts, when the Scalefour Society announced a competition to build a diesel or electric era layout, well these characteristics proved irresistible. Portchullin is a real place and is right next to the Kyle Line where it runs along the edge of Loch Carron, but it now only has a couple of houses; however, historically there was a bigger community, and it could also have served a series of small villages inland from the loch. It does not take too much re-writing of history to make the place sufficiently important to merit a station. All I have done is move another station, Stromeferry (which is in reality only a mile away), sufficiently far to justify a separate station at Portchullin to serve these communities – the excuse for a layout was born!
So that’s the rationale for Portchullin, an imaginary station, but very much based on the real examples on the line – I hope it will “feel” like the former Highland Railway’s route to the west and that many of you can recognise some of your youth in it! Scaleforum Guide 2010
Rolvenden Robin Gay
Rolvenden has been a long term project, started in the 1980s. I had the framework of all the base boards made and some track laid and some stock built by 1993. It was booked for Scalefour South West 1994 as a layout under construction, then for personal reasons I stopped modelling, and it did not make that exhibition. I never lost my interest in railways - this has been life-long since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, but after some years when I was unable to model, I picked it up again about 3 or 4 years ago, dusted it off and carried on. It's been slowly coming together since then, though it is still not finished. It still needs more buildings, hedges, trees, fencing and the like, but all the track is laid, some scenic work is in place and I have sufficient stock to run a good service.
The layout represents Rolvenden on the K&ESR in the 1920s. I have managed to squeeze in all bar two of the sidings that were used for scrap. These may not have even been there during this period! I have used 95lb steel rail and riveted/ply sleepers for the through line and Peco code 60 flat bottom on copperclad for all sidings. The through road is ballasted with limestone, and the sidings are ballasted with ash. Photos show there was little if any cess, and the vegetation seems to come right up to the ballast. I have not yet built the engine shed, so this will probably be represented by a quick cardboard mock up.
I have used Les Derbyshire’s plans for the track layout, and all the buildings are backed up by photos. Some of the information is a little sketchy, so I have had to interpret it in my own way. I have since found photos that prove me slightly wrong, though few if any would know, so probably I will never change it. I have used a tunnel for a scenic break at the Headcorn end. This is based on Shorham tunnel that was near Tenterden St Michael’s, in reality three or four miles away from Rolvenden. The scenic break on the Robertsbridge end will be woods, when I get around to making them. Also on a small hill just before the tunnel, I have put a windmill. This is standard Airfix post mill and when I get time I hope to replace this with a model of Pinyon's open post mill, which actually stood a few hundred yards behind the station building until it was pulled down in 1912.
I still have much to do before I can add some of the cameos and details I have in mind. I also still have a lot more stock to build, yet in truth I have more than enough already. It runs from a Chris Pendlenton-type store / fiddle yard at the Robertsbridge end through to a small automatic two-road turn table at the Headcorn end. I have enjoyed building it and running it I hope you enjoy it too. Scaleforum Guide 2010 St Merryn
St Merryn The South London represents a fictitious former LSWR terminus on the North Cornwall line Area Group located somewhere near Padstow. The period represented is summer 1954, and the town and its surrounding countryside satisfies the annual holiday needs of thousands of Britons before the coming of at O Scaleforum Sale n packages holidays abroad. The model has many of the facilities found at stations across the country, but in addition there is a short branch serving the harbour area, which deals mainly with coastal traffic. Just outside the town is a siding serving a training airfield, RNAS St Merryn, HMS Vulture. The construction of this finely modelled layout has been described in the pages of Scalefour News, and these articles - richly supplemented by much other really practical information - have now been published in a book which is being launched at Scaleforum. Scaleforum Guide 2010 Wheal Elizabeth Andrew Ullyott
Wheal Elizabeth was the runner up in the Scalefour Society’s Diesel and Electric Layout Challenge. The layout is inspired by the china clay dries at Wenfordbridge and Carbis Wharf, the last coal fired dry, which closed in 1986. The track layout was unchanged from the 1950s through to closure, so the layout concept is one which chronicles the various types of rolling stock typically seen on clay trains from the end of steam through to the mid-1980s. The track plan includes a public wharf (siding), which allows some variety of rolling stock.
This was the first layout I have constructed in P4, previous efforts being in EM. I am using the layout as a test bench for various techniques and, as such, I have made track using the ply and rivet method, C&L components and hybrid ply sleepers and plastic chairs. Turnouts are operated by Tortoise motors, and the layout is operated via conventional Gaugemaster hand held controllers. Baseboards are 6mm ply frames supporting 12mm MDF. I have used two fluorescent tubes, supplied for fish tanks, to illuminate the layout.
Locos are a mixture of kits and re-wheeled RTR. Rolling stock includes Colin Ashby and Ratio 4-wheeled wooden wagons and various Parkside minerals and vans. You may even see some air-braked stock. As well as the odd steam engine, you may encounter Class 03/08 shunters, Classes 22, 25 and 37 on trip workings and Westerns, Classes 45, 47 and 50 on running-in turns from St Blazey. All engines modelled will have been photographed on a clay train somewhere. Some of the stock has been supplied by my co-operator Geoff Sheppard. Scaleforum Guide 2010 Suppliers of your modelling requirements
Scaleforum probably has the best trade section for the finescale and scratchbuilder of any exhibition in the South East, covering everything from baseboards to the finest scenic details and everything in between. Some traders will be found in the Mole Barn and the remainder on the first floor.
ABS Models, 39 Napier Road, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset BH15 4JX Tel: 01202 672891 www.keykits.net e-mail [email protected] Stand number 35 Adrian Swain’s products are only available by mail order or at exhibitions. Adrian produces a variety of items for the 4mm scale modeller including his “Four Most Models” wagon kits and the “Streetscene” series of road vehicles. On sale too will be his extensive range of coach and wagon detailing accessories.
Alan Gibson (Workshop), PO Box 597, Oldham, OL1 9FQ Tel: 0161 678 1607. Fax: 0161 785 8208. (Mon to Fri 8.30am to 6pm, Sat 9.00am to 1.00pm). www.alangibsonworkshop.com email: [email protected] Stand number 3 It’s now coming up to 3 years since we took over Alan’s business, and how its flown by. In 4mm a wide range of items are available including 19 type pf carriage and wagon wheels, 32 types of bogie/tender wheels and 83 types of driving wheel – all available to “OO”, “EM” and 18.83 gauges. In response to many requests from customers we also offer replacement wheel packs for ready-to-run locomotives covering the Bachmann, Heljan and Hornby ranges. The product range includes cast figures, signal & structure components, bearings back-to-back gauges, moulded brake gear, milled locomotive and tender frames mainframes, etched coupling rods and valve gear, 26 types of sprung buffers and over 250 loco detailing parts. A copy of the very informative catalogue is essential to appreciate the vast range on offer.
As I write we’ve produced seven batches of different loco kits and are working on nine others with firm commitments from customers supporting many more. We have produced our own catalogue which is now available from our website which is by far the best place for up to date information. We are developing the self-quartering wheel and hope to have something to show for it by Scaleforum. Also on the agenda are brass-centred wheel kits, the perennial signals and new castings for the range, so please come and see what we’ve been up to.
Blacksmith Models, 34 Woodland View, Barnetby-le-Wold, North Lincolnshire, DN38 6FE Tel: 01652 651225 www.BlacksmithModels.com e-mail [email protected] Stand number 4 Blacksmith Models offer an extensive range of etched brass kits covering many prototypes along with supplementary kit packs and whitemetal castings. They also have available a large range of components, materials and adhesives to support fine scale modelling. The company provides a track building service, modelling workshops and is a fine source of technical advice.
Branchlines, PO Box 4293, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 9AA Tel:/Fax 01373 822231 http://branchlines.blogspot.com e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 44 We offer a large range of precisions motors from Mashima, Tenshodo and Canon along with gearboxes and motor bogies for the popular modelling scales, together with other useful parts such as flywheels, bearings, drive shafts and split axle components. We are UK agents for the Black Beetle range of motor bogies to P4 standards and the companion dummy Beetle unpowered bogie with pick-ups. The same company’s solid nickel silver disc wheels to P4 standards are usually available for use in re-wheeling Bachmann, Heljan and Hornby diesel locomotives and rolling stock. The loco chassis and detailing parts are always popular, and we have an extensive range of etched kits for SE&CR, LB&SCR and SR prototypes. Branchlines offers a fast-turnround mail order service throughout the world from its extensive stocks.
Brassmasters Scale Models, PO Box 1137, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B76 1FU www.brassmasters.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 10 Following on from their successful kit for the Bachmann LNER A1, Brassmasters hope to have at least two more of their Easichas kits, which are designed to convert RTR models to EM or P4 in the simplest possible way without soldering. The kits which will be available are for the Hornby LNER A3 and A4 models, but we will try to have both an Easichas and a detailing kit ready for the Bachmann LNWR G2 0-8-0. In addition we are trying to complete the detailing kit for the D&S Cowans Sheldon 15 ton steam crane kit. Also on sale will be more etched windows with items for the Scalescenes engine shed and signal box kits to add to the existing 16 types. Also available on the stand will be all our existing and accessories and full kits for LMS prototypes, RTR detailing kits for the LMS Rebuilt Patriot and Royal Scot, Black 5, 8F, Crab, and Jinty. Diesel modellers are catered for by a detailing kit for the Lima and Hornby Class 52 Western and the Bachmann Class 24/25 etches and resin cab roof and fuel/water tank replacements. The ever-popular Cleminson 6-wheel chassis kits and the precision turned brass axleboxes will be on sale.
Brilliant Baseboards, PO Box 249, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 9XY Tel: 0845 296 8730 www.brilliant-baseboards.co.uk e-mail [email protected] Stand number 38 Our completely modular baseboard system is produced in easy-to-assemble kit form, with component parts machined from 6mm thick WBP birch plywood The full-size baseboards are 1200mm long x 600mm wide x 130mm deep when assembled, but half-length boards are also being available. All can be bolted together either end on, side on, or side to end to create a L-shaped layout. A recent development is the production of curved units in the same style as the straight ones. To complement the baseboards there are two versions of L shaped bolt-on support legs. The fixed legs are 810mm high, which is ideal for a sitting height. By adding a supplementary lower section the legs become adjustable from 940mm to 1440mm in 32 mm steps. Full and half size revolving fiddle yards are in development, as is a range of accessories.
C&L Finescale, Longridge House, Cadbury Camp Lane, Clapton in Gordano, Bristol BS20 7SD Tel: 01275 852027 www.finescale.org.uk e-mail [email protected] Stand number 42 C&L Finescale offers a wide range of components for the construction of scale trackwork in 4mm and 7mm scales. This range is constantly under review and is augmented with additional products for the modeller. The “turnout in a bag” kits include fully-finished common crossings for ease of construction. Also on the stand you will find Carr’s modelling products, Slater’s 4mm wagon kits, Cooper Craft 4mm and 7mm wagon kits, Antex soldering irons and bits plus Loctite instant adhesives and retainers.. Also available are memory wire kits, which come complete with all the parts needed to operate your signals, turnouts and crossing gates.
Cambrian Models, 10 Long Road, Tydd Gote, Wisbech, PE13 5RB Tel: 01945 420511 www.cambrian.co.uk email: via website Stand number 6 The CAMBRIAN 4mm scale plastic kit range comprises a wide variety of BR Freight and Departmental wagons, pre-1948 Railway Company wagons and Private Owner wagons. The recently introduced kits for the SR 15-ton Brake Van and the LSWR 8 -plank Open Wagon will also be available at Scaleforum. Our website has details and pictures of our products, plus prototype photos to aid assembly. Our catalogue can be downloaded in pdf format to print out.
Comet Models, ‘Charnwood’, Firs Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 5BH Tel : 05602 602188 www.cometmodels.co.uk email : [email protected] Stand number 5 We offer a continually developing range for the 4mm scale modeller. Well over 200 coach kits and sides, covering the Big Four and early BR, make it possible for you to run the correct train formation from the 1930s to the 1960s. Some BR Mk1 coaches are currently being prepared for release later in the year. We continue to offer locomotive chassis packs for use under RTR bodies or kits, the majority of which now offer the option of springing, and are a popular choice for modellers wishing to construct chassis in EM or P4. Chassis continue to be updated, and work is progressing on some new products. We stock Mashima motors and a range of gearboxes, including two-stage design and drive extenders to give 38, 46 and 50:1 ratios, and Romford/Markits wheels, and our own wide range of etched, cast and turned small components. Scaleforum Guide 2010
Dart Castings, 17 Hurst Close, Staplehurst, Kent, TN12 0BX Tel: 01580 892917 www.dartcastings.com Stand number 13 Dart Casting produce a range of white metaldetailing kits and accessories including livestock and horse-drawn vehicles. The MJT range of suspension and compensation systems, together with wagon and coach detailing components, has been incorporated into the range. The Monty’s Model Railways range of figures and accessories continues to expand and includes seated passengers. Also on sale will be the Shire Scenes range of etched brass detail kits.
Dave Bradwell South Muirnich Cottage, Gorthleck, Inverness, IV2 6YP Tel: 01456 486377 www.davebradwell.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 8 Quality etched kits incorporating sprung suspension include full loco and tender kits for K1, WD, J27 and the NEW Q6. Clearances for P4 are designed-in and the generous bearing surfaces provided to ensure a reliable, hard-working model with an accurate, Horsley Bank detailed body. The LNER 4200 gallon tenders are available separately to produce any major flat sided type. 3500 gallon and NER tenders may be released in time for the show. Chassis kits are available for A1, N2, 9F, J39, B1 and incorporate all the smooth running principles outlined above.
Hopper wagons are a speciality – detailing parts for the r.t.r. 21 ton, a complete 13 ton, the unique Tyne Dock/Consett iron ore wagons and NCB types. At the rear of the train, my etched brake van chassis does wonders for the old Airfix kit (or indeed any other make) and simplifies the end glazing. Coaches are also catered for, with the sprung bogies by Chris Pendlenton available in a variety of wheelbases including.10 ft for the Hornby Pullmans.
DC Kits, 111 Norwood Crescent, Stanningley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 6NG Tel: 01132 563415 www.dckits.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 28 DC Kits will have on sale their range of plastic DMU, EMU and Southern Region DEMU and EMU kits, together with their expanding range of locomotive kits. Also on sale will be the ever-popular motor units from Black Beetle and Tenshodo and the Bull Ant power unit. A recent introduction is a new range of more modern DMS and wagon kits under the REALTRACK name. As ever, there will also be a large range of specialist books and DVDs for your to brouse and purchase. Please ask if you cannot see what you want on the stand.
David Geen Model Railway Kits, 30 Silverwood Close, Dale Park, Hartlepool, TS27 3QF Tel. 01429 269600 www.davidgeen.co.uk/index.html e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 19 David produces a comprehensive range of wagon kits covering a number of pre- and post-grouping companies, as well as private owner tank wagons. His range of etched brass coach kits continues to expand and future additions will include a small range of GWR clearstory coaches. A selection of lineside accessories is also available. In addition, David distributes the Malcolm Mitchell 4mm locomotive kit range.
Eileen’s Emporium, Unit 19.12, Highnam Business Centre, Newent Road, Gloucester, GL2 8DN Tel: 01531 828009 www.eileensemporium.com E-mail: [email protected] Stand number 26 Eileen’s Emporium offers an unsurpassed selection of precision sheet, strip, angles, sections, tube, rod and wire in brass, nickel silver, copper, phosphor bronze and others, not forgetting BA and metric nuts and bolts in brass and steel, and plastic sheets strips and sections from Evergreen, Plastruct, Slaters and our own Styrene in White, Black and Clear, including large sheets. Eileen's also supplies the Chassis2 assembly jig from Avonside Works and has now also incorporated etched components and tools from Bill Bedford. These are complemented by an extensive range of good quality tools, air brushes, solders, fluxes, adhesives, craft knives, scalpels, saw blades, drill bits, dies, screws, which together make this stand a must-see for all active and would-be modellers.
Exactoscale, 20 Waterson Vale, Moulsham Lodge, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9PB Tel: 01245 263779 www.exactoscale.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 11 The Exactoscale range continues to expand and includes wagon chassis conversion kits, loco, coach and wagon wheels, brake gear, sprung buffer units, scale couplings, easy-to-assemble gearboxes and loco suspension units (both metal and plastic moulded hornguide versions). All of our new range of wheels will be available, covering a large number of GN, GE, LNER and BR(E) locomotives, plus driving wheels for the GWR King and SR N mogul. Detailed specifications will be found on Exactoscale’s website.
The P4Track Company provides easy to build and fully detailed track to P4 standards, and the range now includes 1:8 diamond crossing and single and double slip kits. A starter pack is available for those wishing to try their hand at track construction. Turnouts come as complete kits with rails precision cut to length, check rails formed to shape, crossing with wing rails pre-assembled and switch rails assembled to their adjacent stock rails - and include a complete set of correct pattern chairs. Only those skills needed to construct any detailed plastic kit are required. Note that the special switch and crossing chairs used in the kits will now be available separately.
Extreme Etchings/Shawplan, 2 Upper Dunstead Road, Langley Mill, Nottinghamshire, NG16 4GR Tel: 01773 718648 www.shawplan.com e-mail [email protected] Stand number 21 Brian Hanson bought Shawplan Model Products in July 2008 with the objective of developing the range of nameplates and detailing components available to modellers of the diesel and electric era. With the quality of RTR models available from the main manufacturers these days it was clear to him that the after-market detailing range would need a thorough overhaul to keep up!. So why ‘Extreme’ etchings? Having worked in the engineering industry as a toolmaker for the best part of 25 years, Brian knows attention to detail is paramount: all of the new ‘Extreme Etchings’ range of components are meticulously researched and wherever possible measured from the original, then drawn out at exact scale size in 4mm.
This ‘no compromise’ approach leads to some quite challenging etching processes, making the best use of modern etching techniques particularly for fine mesh and grille work. Widespread use is made of stainless steel as the etching medium for strength (most of the roof fan grilles in the new range are .002” (.05mm) half etched down to .001”(.025mm) to create the weave patterns!). Future plans include expanding the detailing components and nameplates ranges, introducing a new range of laser-cut ‘plug ‘n’ play’ glazing and looking to fully sprung locomotive drive systems/bogies. Please feel free to come over and have a look around, or just stop by for a chat!
Finney and Smith, 21 Bellott Drive, Corsgam, Wiltshire, SN13 9UQ Tel: 01249 714085 www.finneyandsmith.co.uk Stand number 37 Dave Finney, Nick Smith and Mike Corp are enthusiasts for 3mm scale but offer tools and materials of interest to modellers in all scales. Notable is their large range of brass rod, tube and milled profiles. They import the Bachrus rolling road and its saddles, adjustable to any gauge, also Hoffman point motors, The Right Clamp,“Hold and Fold” and Brass Assist” tools, Mashima motors, and offer their own even smaller motors, and a special slim version of the High Level gearbox. A new speedometer accessory is now available. The Right Clamp assembly jig holds flat materials square to each other for gluing or other tasks, and now comes the Splice Clamp for straight butt joints in three sizes. The Hoffman MWA02-S point machine , now with speed control, is small, silent and easy to install, and there is an accessory kit which gives vertical action for signals and also has inserts for hole in baseboard, and an extra switch. Scaleforum Guide 2010
Freestone Model Accessories, 28 Newland Mill, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 3HH Tel: 01993 775979 e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 30 Jerry Freestone specialises in card modelling with a large selection of high quality kits and accessories including finescale models of real buildings, all at best value prices. He stocks all UK-manufactured card kits together with the necessary adhesives, cutting mats, cutters and scribers, FMA publish and distribute the “Townscene” range of adaptable town and country scenic sheets to provide a background to your layout. Also available will be a selection of drawing instruments, colour pens, lining pens and inks and acrylic paints and brushes.
GraModels, 18 Lower Tail, Carpenders Park, Watford, WD19 5DD Tel:07833 364272 www.gramodels.co.uk e-mail [email protected] Stand number 43 Gramodels offers a unique range of hand produced military vehicles cast in resin for use as wagon loads and other displays such as Nissen Huts and pillboxes. A warflat wagon is available to carry these vehicles. Newly available is a 2mm scale ash plant and coaling tower. All kits are manufactured to a high degree of accuracy and detail.
Golden Age Models, PO Box 888, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 9AE Tel: 01929 480210 www.goldenagemodels.net Stand number 27 We specialise in the production of fully-finished, ready-to-run high quality brass models of Pullman cars in 4mm scale as well as O gauge and Gauge 1. The 4mm scale models are provided with 00 or P4 wheels as required and bogies have sprung axleboxes. The range includes brake, parlour, bar and kitchen cars as well as the Devon Belle observation car. A recent addition to the range is a 5-car Brighton Belle set and a range of A4 steam locomotives. Further steam locomotive models are planned.
Green Scene, 60 Holly Mount, Worcester, WR4 9SF Tel:01905 24298 www.green-scene.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 15 Green Scene manufactures a range of high quality scenic modelling accessories. Products include track ballast, scatter and foliage materials, tree-making kits, and even snow and water. Other products include a textured bark finish for trees Also available is a landscaping compound which contains natural fibres mixed with a high mechanical strength plaster.
G W Models, 11 Croshaw Close, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 9LE Tel: 01903 767231 Stand number 40 George Watts will have available his range of tools for the modeller including quartering jigs, wheel pullers, bending rollers, bending bars, precision rivet embossing tools and back to back gauges. Also available will be a range of good quality secondhand model railway and prototype railway magazines.
High Level Kits, 14 Tudor Road, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3RY Tel: 0191 388 2112 www.highlevelkits.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 17 Despite the recession, High Level Kits still have their full range of loco kits in production – the Black Hawthorn and Neilson Y5 0-4-0STs in particular prove that you don’t need to build a ‘King’ or ‘Royal Scot’ to experience the pleasures of putting together an absolutely state-of-the- art loco kit. The well-established ‘Precision’ range of gearboxes is the automatic choice of many modellers in the post-Portescap era, and if you’re having problems describing how best to motorise your next project loco, bring it along (with drawings if possible) and Chris will advise. Reflecting recent trends towards a marriage of convenience between finescale modelling and top-end RTR, High Level have a growing range of chassis kits for such popular locos as the Bachmann ‘Jinty’ and Pannier tank and the Hornby/Dapol ‘Pug’ – the latest is the Dean Goods and a tender chassis for GWR prototypes. The needs of kit- and scratchbuilders are not forgotten and the most exciting development here is a modular system for installing Continuous Springy Beams (CSBs). The key elements here are High Level’s hornblocks and carrier tags that work in conjunction with a simple jig for setting up the CSB supports using a set of fixed dimensions (available online courtesy of Russ Elliot).
Hobby Holidays, The Spinney, Low Street, Beckingham, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN10 4PY Tel: 01427 848979 www.hobbyholidays.co.uk e-mail [email protected] Stand number 46 Hobby Holidays run workshops at their farmhouse in Yorkshire where you can learn from a range of expert modellers while enjoying home- cooked food. To assist modellers in building accurate and square chassis Phil Atkinson has designed the Master Chassis, a precision-made jig to aid assembly of solid, compensated or sprung chassis. Also available are ranges of precision ball bearings suitable for 4mm scale and modelling materials.
Inter-City Models, ‘Holbrook’, The Moors, Porthleven, Cornwall, TR13 9JX. Tel. 01326 569200. www.intercitymodels.com e-mail: [email protected]. Stand number 39 Inter-City Models is Britain’s most southerly Model Railway Shop, producing our own range of kits and detailing parts for the post- modernisation period in OO and O. We have moved to larger premises, where there will be a working model railway. We stock Bachmann, Cambrian, C-Rail, Dapol, DC Kits, Deluxe Materials, Eckon Signals, Evergreen Styrene, Exactoscale, Expo tools, Gaugemaster, Heljan, Hornby, K & S Metals, Kestrel Designs, Noch, Parkside Dundas, P4 Track Co., PECO, ‘PreCut’ Signs, Railmatch Paint, Ratio, Romford, Shawplan, Shire Scenes, Smith’s couplings, Superquick, Superollers, Tracksetta Gauges, ViTrains and Wills, as well as glues, fillers, scenic materials, BA nuts and bolts, motor and axle bearings, adjustable legs, joiners and alignment dowels for base board construction, and all those difficult to get items for the modeller. We are the sole UK Distributor of ‘ModelTorque’ replacement Lima motors and have just started producing a range of etched cabside and smokebox number plates for BR(WR) locos. We offer a full Mail Order service, and accept all major credit and debit cards.
Judith Edge Kits, 5 Chapel Lane, Carlton, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 3LE Tel: 01226 722309 www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/calalogues/judithedge.html e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 12 We produce an expanding range of etched brass kits covering diesel and electric locomotives, both industrial and BR prototypes. Recent releases include a 35T Hunslet 0-4-0DH, 6 wheel Steelman, the early LMS 0-6-0DH and our first steam loco the Hunslet 15-inch 0-6-0 ST.
Kevin Robertson Books, PO Box 279, Corhampton, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 3ZX Tel. 01489 877880 www.kevinrobertsonbooks.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] Stand number 25 Kevin is a specialist retailer of books relating to transport, railways and railway modelling. He will have on sale an extensive collection of new and secondhand railway books covering a wide range of prototype and modelling topics for you to browse and purchase. There is usually a selection of special show bargains available so buy early before they disappear. Kevin also publishes in his own right under the Noodle Books imprint, which offers the flagship title “Southern Way”. Why not register for Kevin’s e-mailed newsletter for monthly updates on new arrivals and special offers? Kevin will also have a selection of railway DVDs on sale featuring archive films of the railway scene.
London Road Models, PO Box 643, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD24 5DZ www.londonroadmodels.co.uk Stand number 31 Blackfriars Bridge London Road Models began supplying 4mm etched kits in 1988 with a range of LNWR 50-foot carriages. Since then the range has steadily expanded, providing one of the largest ranges of kits for the pre- and post-grouping periods. Recent releases include the LNWR Teutonic 2-2-2-0, etched entirely in nickel silver and supplied with an 1800 gallon tender. Other new kits include the LT&SR class I 4-4-2 tank and the LNWR 2-4-2 radial tank. Planned additions to the range include the LNWR D14 long wheelbase timber truck and two NLR tank locos. Scaleforum Guide 2010
Martin Finney Locomotive Kits, 1 Poolestown Cottages, Thornhill, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 3SQ Tel. 01963 362400 http://website.lineone.net/~cbwesson/ E-mail: [email protected] Stand number 34 Martin will have on sale his complete range of high quality etched 4mm locomotive kits portraying GWR, LNER and LSWR prototypes. New are two wagon kits for LSWR 18’ low-roofed vans. One kit will build virtually all the variations of 10’ 6” wheelbase, un-fitted vans with a timber underframe – SR diagrams 1410, 1413 & 1484 . The second kit will build the 11’ 0” wheelbase, fitted vans – SR diagrams 1401 &1481. Also on sale will be a selection of etched detailing parts.
Masokits Masterbits, 27 Crotch Crescent, New Marston, Oxford, OX3 0JL Tel: 01865 721090 www.scalefour.org/masokits/index.html Stand number 7 Michael Clark will have available his full range of wagon and coach detailing parts, together with his springing systems, and tender subframes. He will also have his suspension systems for a range of R-T-R tank wagons and kits. Also available is a range of track detailing and signal components.
Mike Thorp (Photographs), New House Cottage, Provender Lane, Norton, Faversham, Kent, ME13 0ST Tel: 01795 520169 Stand number 24 Mike will have on display some 15000 black and white pictures of railway stations, locomotives etc, covering the pre-grouping period up to the early 1970s. All major and some minor UK railway companies are covered, along with a selection of some European railways and others from further afield. Many prints by LPC/F. Moore, Real Photos and L&GRP are on offer together with new glossy prints on double weight card by Jim Ashton covering post war SR and BR(S) locomotives, coaches and scenes.
Model Railway Developments, 6 The Square, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3BN Tel: 0845 644 1101 www.emardee.org.uk e-mail [email protected] Stand number 32 Hubert Carr is applying cutting edge technology and sound engineering principles to the development and advancement of railway modelling. He has made a substantial investment in a new workshop and computerised machinery to bring both established and new manufacturing techniques to you in the coming years. The first products comprise wagon suspension plates which give a simple and widely applicable suspension system for a 4 wheeled chassis, bogie swing link and basic chassis systems and a new wagon suspension system using independent rubber springs. Work is progressing on coach bogies incorporating these developments. Also available are replacement wooden doors and a correct fully riveted roof for the Ratio GWR Iron Mink, together with 4mm scale cast figures from the Edwardian Collector.
Mousa Models (Bill Bedford), c/o The Engine Shed, 745 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4QS Tel: +44 (0)7586 415287 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mousa.biz Stand number 20 Mousa Models is introducing a completely new range of resin-based kits of coaches, wagons and locomotives. The aim is to simplify building by reducing the content count to the minimum. Look out for Metropolitan coaches, a S&DJR loco and wagons from the NSR, NER and others.
Parkside Dundas, Millie Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 2NL Tel/Fax 01592 640896 www.parksidedundas.co.uk E-mail : [email protected] Stand number 2 The Parkside Dundas stand has a wealth of 4mm scale injection moulded plastic rolling stock kits covering the railway scene chiefly from 1910 onwards. The range comprises over 75 complete kits together with underframe kits and other accessories. The celebrated wheel exchange service will be operating for those modelling to the finer standards. Recent additions to the range have been an LNER 20 Ton Riveted Hopper Wagon (diagram 100) and the GWR O11/15 10 Ton Open Goods Wagon. Due for release at Scaleforum 2010 will be the GWR O12/13 10 Ton Clay Wagon. Also on sale are Modelmaster and Old Time Workshop transfers, many of which have been produced specifically for the PARKSIDE range of kits. In addition, Red Panda, C-RAIL Intermodal and Chivers kits will be available. A selection of 009 narrow gauge loco and rolling stocks will also be on sale. PARKSIDE DUNDAS are steadily introducing new models so a visit their stand is essential to find out what is new and perhaps to suggest future kits.
Phoenix Precision Paints, PO Box 8238, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 7WY Tel: 01268 730549 www.phoenix-paints.co.uk e-mail [email protected] Stand number 29 This extensive range of authentic railway colours, covering the whole range of railway development in the UK from pre-grouping to the current period, will be on sale together with varnishes, primers and thinners. Where possible paints are based on official specifications. With a range of almost 400 colours, most needs can be met. Also available are an extensive range of traction engine and bus colours along with the SuperClean airbrush cleaning spray and SuperStrip paint remover for the removal of factory applied finishes on plastic models. We also have on sale a range of pure sable brushes ranging from No. 6 to 0000 at prices well below those found in art shops.
Road Transport Images, 17 Foxdene Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 4QY Stand number 18 Frank Waller produces a large evolving range of 4mm lineside classic and modern road transport vehicles cast in resin with white metal wheels and detailing parts. Accuracy and details are on a par with much larger scale models and the entire range is sold as a modular system rather than as complete kits. This enables you to assemble the exact vehicle you require. Make your choice from the 50 cabs, 12 chassis types, 18 bodies and 30 different types of wheel profiles which are currently available. The cabs are also interchangeable with EFE and Trackside models. To complement the vehicle kits is a selection of articulated and drawbar trailer kits, loads and transfers. Transfers include British Road Services door roundels, lettering, group and fleet numbers as well as prototype vehicle operators.
Roger Carpenter, 407 Highters Heath Lane, Hollywood, Birmingham, B14 4TH Stand number 1 A wide selection of subjects are available, mainly in postcard size, featuring locomotives, trains, stations and lineside subjects. These cover the whole of the UK and Ireland and include minor, light and industrial railways, some continental railways and some tramways views. All these subjects cover the period from the 1890s to the 1900s. Included in Roger’s stock are prints from the “Lens of Sutton” collection and lists relating to this collection will be available to purchase.
Roxey Mouldings, 58 Dudley Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 2JU Tel: 01932 245439 www.roxeymouldins.co.uk e-mail [email protected] Stand number 14 The Roxey Mouldings range contains a comprehensive selection of etched brass coach and EMU kits and accessories for the Southern Railway and its constituent companies, together with the GWR, S&DJR and Metropolitan Railway. Where appropriate kits feature milled brass trussing and working Pullman gangways. Also available are a range of etched and cast kits for locomotives and wagons. Complementing these is a selection of etched detailing parts and rub down transfers. The transfers include a sheet for BR Southern Region coaches including set numbers, coach numbers and van loads. Dave also sells Mashima/Tenshodo motor and bogies. Visit the secure Roxey Online store.
South Eastern Finecast, Glenn House, Hartfield Road, Forest Road, East Sussex, RH18 5DZ Tel: 01342 824711 www.sefinecast.co.uk e-mail [email protected] Stand number 41 South Eastern Finecast produced a comprehensive range of locomotive kits ranging from the diminutive SECR crane tank to the LNER W1 “Hush Hush”. Most kits include an etched chassis and these are available separately. A selection of tender kits are also available. The New Style kits also incorporate an etched chassis. Several new products are under development, and Dave Ellis will be pleased to discuss progress so far. South Eastern Finecast also manufacture turntable kits in 10 12/ inch and 12 inch sizes which have textures wall surfaces and a moulded ball race insert. Large vacuum formed building sheets of brickwork in a range of bonds are available together with a range of other products including Flushglase windows and Romford wheels. Scaleforum Guide 2010
Southwark Bridge Models, 7 Carne Close, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO3 1HH Tel: 02380 262414 www.sbmodels.org E-mail [email protected] Stand number 33 Southwark Bridge Models produces a range of more than 24 coach and rolling stock kits plus lineside accessories, mainly based on LSWR and GWR prototypes. The range includes Engineers’ Dept vehicles, Toad and brake vans, directors’ saloons, 6 wheel block sets and other coaching stock. Custom transfers are available for the kits in the range. Accessories include point levers, barrows, platform seats, signal and signal ladders and a selection of period bicycles. The aim is to produce high quality kits with little or no compromise from the prototype which fit together easily and accurately with clear and comprehensive instructions.
Ten Commandments, 20 Struan Drive, Inverkeithing, Fife, KY11 1AR Tel: 01383 410032 www.cast-in-stone.co.uk e-mail [email protected] Stand number 22 Ten Commandments manufacture and supply a comprehensive selection of lineside and scenic detailing accessories. As well as our own Stonecast plaster range of wagon loads and accessories, we also now stock Peter Clark's range of modern accessories, selected items from Roger Smith and Pro Arte paintbrushes. Our full range is available from our stand or direct via our fast mail order service, either by post / phone or online from our website. We also produce items for 2mm / N and 7mm / O gauges. Stop by and see what is new and if needed, ask for advice about using and painting our products.
The Engine Shed, 745 High Road, Leytonstone, London, E11 4QS Tel: 020 8539 3950 E-mail: [email protected] Stand number 9 Dave Haswell returns to Scaleforum with a selection of ready to run models from Bachmann, Hornby and Heljan – look out for the latest releases from the trade. Dave also stocks the complete range of Ian Kirk coach kits together with a large range of model railway accessories, including Hollar Models transfers. A comprehensive mail order service is offered, so if you do not see what you want on his stand please have a word and, if he stocks it, he will be only too pleased to mail it to you!
247 Developments, Seven Acres, Meltham Road, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6JZ Tel: 01484 840996 www.247developments.co.uk Stand number 36 We offer a range of steam era nameplates, smoke box plates, shed codes and works plates. The big four and British railways are well represented along with a small range of pre-grouping names and numbers. Also available are etched brass coach side overlays. A range of TPO sides and parts for the: LMS, LNWR, GWR, LNER, M&GN, and HR, coach detailing parts in brass and whitemetal for the RTR modifiers, kit bashers and scratch builders. Loco detailing parts include: crank pins, vac pipes, whistles, darts, balance weights, bearings, fire irons, three link couplings, cast whitemetal parts, and a selection of related reference books. Cast whitemetal figures for: loco crews, ashpit gangs, cleaners, maintenance, Have a browse on our website or call 01484 840996. Ask . . . we might just have it .
Wild Swan Publications, 1-3 Hagbourne Road, Didcot, Oxfordshire QX11 8DP Tel: 01235 816478 Stand number 23 Wild Swan publish Model Railway Journal as well as a range of magazines covering prototype material of the GWR, MR, LMS and BR. Back numbers of all of these will be available, together with the extensive range of high quality books on modelling and prototype topics. Recent new publications will also be on sale. New titles in preparation include an inspiring book on model building construction by Geoff Taylor, Vol. 3 of The North & West Route by John Hodge covering Hereford to Abergavenny, L&NWR Wagons Vol. 3, LMS Locomotive Profile No. 13 - The Standard Compounds and LMS Locomotive Profile No 14 - The Standard Class 3 Freight Tank Engines."
Wizard Models, PO Box 70, Barton upon Humber, DN18 5XY Tel/fax:01652 635885 [24 hrs] Mobile: 0778 894 0312 www.wizardmodels.co.uk E-mail: andrew@modelsignals,com Stand number 45 The MSE arm of Wizard Models produces the most comprehensive range of semaphore signalling parts in 4mm (and other) scales. These are packaged in component form for the modeller to construct signalling in the same way as the prototype: arms, finials, posts, brackets and accessories are selected and assembled, enabling you to recreate most prototype designs on your layout. A number of complete kits for the more common prototypes are also available, as are the first parts in a new range of colour light signals. Items such as lever frames, and level crossings are provided in kit form to complete the range.
Wizard Models is also the parent of the 51L range of 4mm scale locomotive, carriage and wagon kits and components. This range is continuing to expand, with new wagon kits in development covering prototypes from around 1900 to the present day. Also available exclusively from Wizard Models are the Sprat & Winkle Line and DG autocouplings for 2, 3, 4 and 7mm scales. We also carry a range of useful materials for the modeller, including point motors, cork and foam underlays, solvents, solder and fluxes. For details of all our products, ask for a price list on the stand, send five first class stamps to the above address, or visit the web site, where you can shop online.
York Model Making & Display Ltd, Unit 13 The Bull Commercial Centre, Stockton-on-the Forest, York, YO32 9LE Tel: 01904 400358 www.yorkmodelmaking.com e-mail [email protected] Stand number 16 Laser cutting – affordable perfection for scratch builders and kit bashers. Bring your buildings to life with ready-cut windows, doors, valances, canopy brackets and roof tiles – all with realistic relief. Plus bespoke service for the bits you can’t buy off the shelf. For ordering information please visit our stand or web site.
The young at Scaleforum and the . . . well, not so young. Fun for all.
Published as part of Scalefour News No. 169. Edited and designed by Jim Summers for the Scalefour Society. Copyright is held by the authors, photographers and the Society.