Category Archives: Out and about

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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ESNG at the Bluebell – 2

Today, a few shots of the trains around Sheffield Park.  There were just so many locomotives to admire – some in steam, some awaiting maintenance, and some, like the Schools Class 4-4-0, in pieces. Just outside the locomotive works was … Continue reading

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ESNG at the Bluebell – 1

We spent a very pleasant weekend at the end of June exhibiting at the Bluebell Railway Model Railway show.  Two days playing trains, with the real thing just outside the “exhibition hall”. The models at the Bluebell show are scattered … 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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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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1971 – December – you can’t please everyone

Our last look at the 1971 Railway Magazine.  From the always reliable letters page, an outbreak of outrage, but from Dawlish, not Tunbridge Wells…. Ridiculous SIR – The photograph facing page 577 of the November issue of The Railway Magazine … Continue reading

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1971 – September – the Victoria line opens

September 1971 edition of the Railway Magazine included an article on the opening of the final section of the London Underground Victoria line on July 23 1971. Public opening of the 3.5 mile southward extension to the Victoria Line of London … 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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