Category Archives: Inspiration

Another small layout idea – and a view from across the pond

Posted on March 13, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

Trevor Marshall’s “Achievable Layouts” regularly comes up with some interesting model railroad ideas.  They are often small (and achievable), as Trevor models in ‘S’ gauge, so a medium size layout to him is a very buildable small layout in ‘N’.  His … Continue reading →

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Good(s) links

Posted on March 11, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

Here are two useful sites for the goods wagon enthusiast. Firstly, “Goods & Not So Goods – An overview of railway freight operations for modellers.”  This labour of love is packed full of interesting material.  The site is often an … Continue reading →

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Pacers: The train that the UK has struggled to get rid of

Posted on March 9, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

An observation about railway modellers is that we are not very good at modelling the ordinary.  It takes a lot of discipline to keep your model making or buying to a specific era or discipline, rather than apply “Rule 1” (it’s … Continue reading →

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Flying Scotsman is back – and running

Posted on March 7, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

From the Daily Mail via NGForum, this lovely cutaway drawing of the Flying Scotsman.  Reminds one how simple in some ways, and complex in others was the ‘modern’ steam locomotive.  But a lot simpler and more reliable than today’s diesels … Continue reading →

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Lego sushi ?!?

Posted on March 1, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

I grew up with Meccano – my children grew up with Lego.  But they never got this keen!  It’s not railway modelling, but one has to admire skilful modelling in whatever shape or form.  How about a complete sushi restaurant … Continue reading →

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Two photos

Posted on February 28, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

To finish February, two random photographs I came across whilst ambling around the web.  Sorry, I haven’t got the links or owners… Firstly, unloading an elephant from a circus train.  (From the file name, I think this is an entry … Continue reading →

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Book review – ‘Model Railroad Planning 2016’

Posted on February 26, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

Regular readers will know that I am better at planning railroads than building them, and probably prefer the armchair to the workshop.  So I was pleased to receive this year’s copy of ‘Model Railroad Planning’, published by Kalmbach, from the … Continue reading →

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BadSouthernRail

Posted on February 24, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

With Southern Train’s unenviable reputation, it’s no wonder that mock Southern Rail Twitter account https://twitter.com/BadSouthernRail is doing so well and has more than 3,000 followers. Here are a few Tweets which Redhill residents may be able to relate to….  

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Odd modelling ideas #2

Posted on February 22, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

Thanks to N Gauge Forum for this gross idea – “Something prototypical I’d rather not model,”  with a link to this BBC page.  The BBC is a bit over-the-top about the risks – only 10% of UK trains still deposit … Continue reading →

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Norfolk, 1960’s

Posted on February 20, 2016 by snitchthebudgie

More closed railways.  The East Dereham branch was still open for goods in 1964, and the signal box was in very good condition. The Eastern Counties bus service that replaced DMUs on the line was in the station yard.  The single … Continue reading →

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