Category Archives: Inspiration

Are model railways “fun”?

Posted on August 14, 2014 by snitchthebudgie

I’ve been thinking in recent weeks about ‘why’ I actually model railways.  What do I really enjoy about model railways?  And conversely, what frustrates me when I don’t seem to find the time to get anything done (as at present).  … Continue reading →

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Channel tunnel layout

Posted on August 12, 2014 by snitchthebudgie

One of my first posts was a description of a visit to a Channel Tunnel ‘N’ gauge layout from Cha(i)rman Allan.  Here are a few photos from his return visit (apologies for the flash reflections – must get a new photographer). After … Continue reading →

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OCE – Three Steps Closer to Perfection

Posted on August 2, 2014 by snitchthebudgie

Originally posted on The Erratic and Wandering Journey:
Have a look at this simple, beautiful picture: Picture reproduced by kind permission of Trevor Marshall Just a train running through some woodland, next to a river, right? Yes. And also, no.…

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The Alton Ltd exhibition 19 July 2014

Posted on July 21, 2014 by snitchthebudgie

An annual pilgrimage for me is the 30 miles or so to Four Marks for the Alton Ltd show, as it’s all American.  It’s also a pleasant drive through the countryside along the A31 Hogs Back and the Winchester road.  A … Continue reading →

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Track cleaning tips

Posted on July 15, 2014 by snitchthebudgie

This month’s Model Railroad Hobbyist has an excellent article on track and wheel cleaning.  Here are a few excerpts…. The author, Brent Ciccone, starts with the question, “Problem #1: My track is dirty and I have an open house tomorrow!”… … Continue reading →

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The Barriger Library – old USA steam railroad photographs

Posted on July 8, 2014 by snitchthebudgie

I recently came across the Barriger Library collection of old USA steam railroad photographs.  Lots of inspiration if you model such things.  Plenty of pleasant browsing even if you don’t.  The photos are not always of the best quality, but … Continue reading →

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Layout design – different voices – Carendt.com is back

Posted on June 27, 2014 by snitchthebudgie

After a lot of work, the new version of the best micro-layout site around, Carendt.com, has been launched.  Hopefully new content in the form of new ‘Small Layout Scrapbook’ posts will follow soon. The site has been updated as to its … Continue reading →

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A crafty idea

Posted on June 13, 2014 by snitchthebudgie

Following on from a method for panelled coaches, here’s another approach to complex cutting-out exercises. I know a number of ladies who are very keen on card making and scrapbooking.  One tool they make use of is a mechanised cutter, … Continue reading →

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Panelled coaches

Posted on June 11, 2014 by snitchthebudgie

Originally posted on Yeoton Wharf:
I needed some early LSWR 4 wheel coaches to run on the ‘narrow’ gauge part of the layout. There are no kits available so it was down to scratch-building. I decided to build them in…

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Is our hobby art?

Posted on June 4, 2014 by snitchthebudgie

A blog post I was reading recently asked the following question: Is our hobby a creative art form? And added a quote from John Updike: “Any activity becomes creative when the doer cares about doing it right or better” I was mulling … Continue reading →

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