Last two days of German pictures are from Allan trainspotting at Mainz. A good variety of passenger and goods trains, and some impressive graffiti!
Now for some monorail fun on the Wuppertal. A definite challenge for the modeller!
A few of the better efforts….
I’m sure Mr Atfield could build these, even if Bulleid would turn in his grave….
A new model announced?
I prefer Kato’s offering….
Or maybe this one? I’m waiting for the other liveries!
Not from April 1, but a worthy contender as a new model?
And by the way: On 1 April 1656 Oliver Cromwell issues an edict banning ‘All Fool’s Day’, for “the greater protection of public order and worthy humour”. This was not repealed at the Restoration and is still technically statute today. So beware!!
No jokes for Brian in Redhill, but a surprising amount of freight.
Elsewhere, this would look good on a model….
And if you are visiting Essex today….
Today’s post returns to Cologne. I love the variety of liveries – rivalling the post-privatisation UK.
For the next few days I’ll post some more photos from Allan & Ron’s Cologne visit. We’ll start with the Drachenfels (Dragon Rock), including some long-distance trainspotting from the top of the hill!
Second half of the Dawes’ visit to Cologne….
Overcast with occasional spits of rain. Did a round trip by train along the Rhine to Mainz. On return took walk through town and back along the Rhine
Mainz….
Photo was taken from Köln Messe/Deurz Bf. Looking back at the Dome and the Rhine bridge. The bridge is called Hohenzollernbrüker (useful word for future use!)
Cologne….
And trains in Cologne….
Along the Rhine to Mainz….
Homeward bound, Allan reports….
Just as we were about to board our ICE to Brussels, these two turned up.
And….
Our ICE3 in Brussels.
And of course, there had to be a picture of some delicacy (where’s the strudel this time, guys?)
A perfect end to the trip – Trappist beer in Brussels.
A pleasant Sunday afternoon with six members present and sometimes correct. The usual layout was quickly set up, and trains running.
Plenty of variety today. Swiss trains from Allan and Richard….
Colourful American steam from Simon….
Phil ran a mail train, and watched them all go by….
Derek was delivering the cement…..
And ran some other trains….
My completed bubble cars got a good test run…..
Ron joined us, and quickly went to sleep (too much walking earlier) but woke up from his coma in time for his korma. We even got the Ruchita to give him a plate to match his dinner….
We return to the bubblecars, and I make no apology for repeating this atmospheric picture of the approach to Brighton. Must admit, I wouldn’t mind a model of that EMU in the background.
Research at the time (for research read Google) turned up this useful picture that basically said paint the bubble cars any colour you like (I didn’t do a pink one in the end.)
So here’s the completed project. Using my American yard as a photo plank, here are 10 wagons loaded up with 30 bubble cars. The camera is cruel, as the picture of the single wagon is probably larger than life. But the train from normal viewing distance looks OK. And I did it myself (with a little help from Peco [wagons] and Duncan [3d bubbles]!)
What skills have I refined through this project? Patience – to come back and finish the job. Transfers – the Cambridge Custom Transfers are excellent, but tiny and difficult to get right. There are a few bits that broke off, but I guess the prototype lettering wasn’t perfect. Painting – trusting a steady hand to do the details, and careful use of multiple coats of thinned acrylic paint. I’ve learn from my recent plastic kit building here.
And the next project to be finished? I hunted this down in the bottom of a drawer. So more next time.
And a bonus video from Brian – a REAL multiple unit visiting Redhill.
Or words to that effect! Ron says….
Allan and I travelled today by Eurostar and Thalys to Cologne without any problems. We have just received emails advising us that due to social action, which I assume to be strike, our train back to Brussels on Friday has been cancelled. I have managed to get 2 seats on DB train for an extra €125, which bit am now claiming back from Thalys.
And Allan comments, passing through Liege….
How about this for a station?
And passing through Belgium….
And view from their Cologne hotel window. You do know how to pick them, Ron (though Allan would have probably preferred a view over the local sidings.
Day 2. I always enjoy Ron’s weather forecast. Invariably more accurate than the Met Office!
Started sunny but turned cloudy. Went up the Drachenfels, overlooking the Rhine, and then doubled back to head north west to travel on the monorail.
Drachenfels….
Wuppertal…
Cologne and the Rhine…
Cologne in 1945. Just a little different…
Cologne Hbf from the Rhine side…
And some trains to finish….
I bottled out of fighting my way to Ally Pally last weekend. I gather that it was a very successful show and very well attended – Allan described Saturday as a scrum, and it was difficult to get near anything. But Simon was helping on a trade stand on the Sunday, and sent me a few pictures.
Melton Mowbray (North) is an exceptional N gauge layout. A lovely slice of British Railways, a real location but when I’ve seen it they’ve kept a steady stream of trains passing to entertain the viewer. I rather liked the information provided, including the operators of the day!
Blackfriars modelled the original LC&DR terminus in P4. This has progressed a long way since I last saw it at a show. Excellent modelling, and made even more interesting by the period chosen – late 19th century.
Mortonhampstead in 2mm scale. A slice of Dartmoor, and an atypical GWR branchline. Another fine model, and lots to look at even when waiting for the next train!
Spirit of Swindon in N. It’s an excellent model of the GWR works, but I’m afraid it leaves me cold. I don’t know why (despite my lack of interest in the GWR.) Just personal taste, I guess. I’m afraid that I am equally unmoved (heresy!) by the enormous James Street (also at the show.) Somehow, it’s just too big and too much going on. Oh well, each to their own….
Finally, Pacific Electric in HO. A tiny, continuous run, but captures California in the 1950’s.
I hope that I’ll get back to the show next year – I trust that the train strikes will be over by then!
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