Category Archives: Inspiration

Back to Berlin – again – 3

Today, more trains, and planes. There were a number of narrow gauge locomotives on display, including a couple of rack locomotives.  Gauges varied from 600mm to 1435mm. And this South African Garrett, built by Krupp (hence its display here) was … Continue reading

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Back to Berlin – again – 2

So to the railway exhibits proper.  A lot of them were packed into the roundhouses, and were difficult to photograph well.  But I’ve included a selection of shots below.  We start with one of the first locomotives to run in … Continue reading

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Back to Berlin – again – 1

At the end of June Maxine and I headed off for our annual visit to Berlin to see our eldest.  For once, I got the travel arrangements right.  Berlin was hit by torrential rain for much of the day, and the U-bahn was closed … Continue reading

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The empty railways of America

Before reporting on ESNG exhibiting at the Bluebell Railway, here’s a couple of links to an article I came across on the BBC website, “In pictures: The empty railways of America.” One of photographer John Sanderson’s earliest memories was family … Continue reading

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An alternative grouping

‘Proto-freelancing’ is far more popular in the USA than in the UK.  Perhaps this is due to the use of the same locomotive designs, with detail differences, across many railroads – for example the iconic F3 and F7 diesels.  Bu … Continue reading

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Book review – ‘Locomotives worth modelling’

Our visit to the South Devon Railway did, of course, include a visit to the second-hand book shop.  (It has to be said, too, that we visited the bookshop at Buckfast Abbey and came out with a purchase.)  I couldn’t … Continue reading

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South Devon Railway – 2

Buckfastleigh station is very well kept, and has some good branchline touches, like the trolley for the luggage and the milk churns awaiting collection. 1930’s carriages sit next to the preserved line’s staple piece of rolling stock – the BR … Continue reading

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South Devon Railway – 1

A week’s holiday in the south-west started with a company reunion meal in the RNLI at Poole, Dorset.  Wonderful views of the harbour and the lifeboats parked moored outside the headquarters building.  We also had a tour of the training … Continue reading

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Odd modelling idea #1677

It’s becoming a forgotten art, converting one model into another prototype.  When I was a teenager, Triang GWR Clerestory coaches could be made into almost anything, with a new roof and a bit of cutting and sticking. But this article suggests … Continue reading

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1971 – September – Nine Days to Vladivostok

Also in the September 1971 edition of the Railway Magazine, was a description of a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway.  It’s written rather in the “British Empire” style – intrepid explorer with Union Jack and pith helmet reaches the interior … Continue reading

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