Category Archives: Inspiration

How do we describe our hobby?

Posted on August 28, 2017 by snitchthebudgie

Some good thoughts from “The Erratic and Wandering Journey.” I think the starting point [to explaining model railways] would be to embrace the sheer range of interests and abilities encompassed by this most democratic of hobbies, from the 2 year … Continue reading →

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Odd modelling ideas #2030

Posted on August 26, 2017 by snitchthebudgie

For the climate conscious (and it would make a cool model)….. Rail Energy Storage Harnesses the Power of Gravity All the Livelong Day A California startup is repurposing trains and rail cars to help renewable energy utilities compete with fossil … Continue reading →

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Don’t delay, start today

Posted on August 22, 2017 by snitchthebudgie

Some good insights from Steve Flint, writing in the latest Railway Modeller editorial… There are three categories of model railway enthusiast.  The first is the person who has a specific layout project on the go….  The second is the collector….  … Continue reading →

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Tinkers Park 2017 #2

Posted on August 14, 2017 by snitchthebudgie

The full size exhibits had plenty of interest, and there were some well preserved items.  However, it was sad to see others in a poor state of repair, rusting away.  There were interesting bits of metal all over the site … Continue reading →

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Tinkers Park 2017 #1

Posted on August 12, 2017 by snitchthebudgie

The Tinkers Park Model Railways Plus show did what it said on the can – a reasonably sized model railway show, plus full sized trains, traction engines and road vehicles.  Derek and I visited on the Saturday, so missed the … Continue reading →

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DC or DCC?

Posted on August 8, 2017 by snitchthebudgie

In the latest edition of Model Railway Journal, Jerry Clifford’s editorial has some helpful thoughts on model railway electrics.  Edited highlights below…. The old and the new…. A good friend and very fine modeller recently said to me that, in … Continue reading →

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New York port railroad maps

Posted on July 31, 2017 by snitchthebudgie

For the map enthusiast, a few more hours of tracing rail lines….. From the UMSL Digital Library, maps of the port of New York , prepared by the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors.  These maps are a set … Continue reading →

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Two odd links

Posted on July 29, 2017 by snitchthebudgie

Two odd links from the Daily Telegraph….. Shocked commuters gawp as woman brings desktop computer on First Class Virgin train A shocked commuter took a photograph of a woman who had turned her First Class seat on a train into … Continue reading →

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Jon’s modules (and layouts) – A new(ish) layout

Posted on July 27, 2017 by snitchthebudgie

As I write this, I’m looking at a large black box parked in the lounge, and waiting to go into the loft.  What could it be? Kuritu.  At our 2017 show in April, I noticed that Ian Milroy had a … Continue reading →

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Back to Berlin – again – 4

Posted on July 23, 2017 by snitchthebudgie

Our Sunday in Berlin was spent in pure tourism.  We started with brunch at “Sweethearts”, the coffee and brunch restaurant that our Ruth part runs.  It only opened a few months ago, but seems to be going well. It’s tucked … Continue reading →

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