I find it intriguing that pre-group modelling has suddenly become 'cool'.
I welcome it, as I have always thought the real golden days of railways were pre-1923 (or arguably, pre-1914), but I wonder how long it can last. Perhaps people have finally realised what I figured out many years ago. That you can no more go back to yesterday than you can to <whatever year you choose>. History began five minutes ago.
It would have been so nice (in Real Life) if "Ben Alder" hadn't been scrapped.
A "Claud Hamilton" would also have been good although, with so much rebuilding over the years, I don't know if there were still any in "original" condition.
It would have been so nice (in Real Life) if "Ben Alder" hadn't been scrapped.
A "Claud Hamilton" would also have been good although, with so much rebuilding over the years, I don't know if there were still any in "original" condition.
Yes, the loss of Ben Alder was a Very Bad Thing.
I hadn't heard about the new Rapido GNoSR loco (Gordon Highlander, I presume?), but remember that IRL it never bore green livery - by the time it was built, the GNoSR locos were black...
As you say, maybe it's time for the Great Eastern to get another look-in? Accurascale have done a really good job with the delightful little J67 0-6-0T, so maybe they have something else GER up their sleeve...I was tempted to buy one, to go with my Rapido ex-Wisbech & Upwell coaches (as used on the Kelvedon & Tollesbury line), but managed to resist. I already have a Hornby J15, and the Rapido Y7, in BR livery, so must NOT stray further from former Southern territory...
a. Would it sell?
b. Would it go round 2nd radius curves?
(a) Probably;
(b) Probably not!
BTW, I see that Rapido's website features no less than 12 variations on the GNoSR 4-4-0 theme. I had forgotten that Gordon Highlander and his shedmates were only part of a series of very similar engines, many of which lasted well into LNER and BR days:
Hats off to Rapido UK for producing such oodles of lovely locomotives and rolling stock (I have several of their very nice wagons and vans). Their O1 has received excellent reviews, although it appears that on some models, at least, quality control has not been as good as it might have been. Mine is still in the post...
ETA: the South Eastern & Chatham acquired five GNoSR 4-4-0s, which worked from Our Town's shed. They lasted into Southern days, and Rapido (of course) plan a couple (different numbers) in Southern olive green. *sigh*
I find it intriguing that pre-group modelling has suddenly become 'cool'.
I welcome it, as I have always thought the real golden days of railways were pre-1923 (or arguably, pre-1914), but I wonder how long it can last. Perhaps people have finally realised what I figured out many years ago. That you can no more go back to yesterday than you can to <whatever year you choose>. History began five minutes ago.
This.
It's noticeable that manufacturers seem to be producing pre-grouping locomotives and rolling stock which lasted well into post-grouping and even BR days. This ISTM increases the potential market for such models, though whether the market will last is another matter, as you say.
The appearance and operation of historic locomotives and coaches on heritage railways must help, of course.
The high prices of high-end models are also of some concern. There are videos on YouTube concentrating on small, low-budget, layouts, often in N scale, using the neat Kato track (with integral ballast), but there don't seem to be many (if any) UK manufacturers offering low(er)-price models in any scale. Even Hornby's *Railroad* range models aren't exactly cheap...
I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford high-end prices, though the problem now is finding space for the models. Never mind - my sorrowing Heirs and Assigns will benefit, in due course.
As you say, maybe it's time for the Great Eastern to get another look-in? Accurascale have done a really good job with the delightful little J67 0-6-0T, so maybe they have something else GER up their sleeve....
Would you lot mind shutting up about stuff that would suit the Thaxted branch until I have spare cash, please?
I find it intriguing that pre-group modelling has suddenly become 'cool'.
I welcome it, as I have always thought the real golden days of railways were pre-1923 (or arguably, pre-1914), but I wonder how long it can last. Perhaps people have finally realised what I figured out many years ago. That you can no more go back to yesterday than you can to <whatever year you choose>. History began five minutes ago.
This.
It's noticeable that manufacturers seem to be producing pre-grouping locomotives and rolling stock which lasted well into post-grouping and even BR days. This ISTM increases the potential market for such models, though whether the market will last is another matter, as you say.
The appearance and operation of historic locomotives and coaches on heritage railways must help, of course.
The high prices of high-end models are also of some concern. There are videos on YouTube concentrating on small, low-budget, layouts, often in N scale, using the neat Kato track (with integral ballast), but there don't seem to be many (if any) UK manufacturers offering low(er)-price models in any scale. Even Hornby's *Railroad* range models aren't exactly cheap...
I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford high-end prices, though the problem now is finding space for the models. Never mind - my sorrowing Heirs and Assigns will benefit, in due course.
As the resident N modeller, I’m just going to point out that Kato is not cheap. Even allowing for the integral point motor you’re looking at £40+ for *each* set of points. And then you have to buy the point switches separately.
On a Kato double track roundy roundy with some sidings in 8’ by 2.5’ you’re looking at north of £1000 of Kato track before you buy anything else.
On the other hand, it is the best solution for N gauge.
What you clearly need is a Union Pacific "Big Boy" or "Challenger" ...
Then we'll have a problem. This being a sort of religious forum and all, there are going to be emerging factions that claim that Beyer-Garratt is the only true prophet of Thaxted, while the high priest of the Mallet faith will declare the Garratt followers to be godless savages. And there will be war. I shall declare my adherence to the Garratts.
I did enjoy building a 1600 piece imitation LEGO version of Big Boy but was disappointed to discover that it could only run on straight track, having too many in-line wheels to cope with the radius of curvature of standard LEGO track.
What you clearly need is a Union Pacific "Big Boy" or "Challenger" ...
Then we'll have a problem. This being a sort of religious forum and all, there are going to be emerging factions that claim that Beyer-Garratt is the only true prophet of Thaxted, while the high priest of the Mallet faith will declare the Garratt followers to be godless savages. And there will be war. I shall declare my adherence to the Garratts.
Though of course there are Garratts and Garratts.
Some favour the East African Railways 59 Class.
I am firmly with the Rhodesia Railways 16th Class.
On which tangent I commend to the house Sam Wright’s excellent book ‘Tracks Across the Veldt’, being his memoirs of working for Rhodesia Railways 1950-76.
I find it intriguing that pre-group modelling has suddenly become 'cool'.
I welcome it, as I have always thought the real golden days of railways were pre-1923 (or arguably, pre-1914), but I wonder how long it can last. Perhaps people have finally realised what I figured out many years ago. That you can no more go back to yesterday than you can to <whatever year you choose>. History began five minutes ago.
This.
It's noticeable that manufacturers seem to be producing pre-grouping locomotives and rolling stock which lasted well into post-grouping and even BR days. This ISTM increases the potential market for such models, though whether the market will last is another matter, as you say.
The appearance and operation of historic locomotives and coaches on heritage railways must help, of course.
The high prices of high-end models are also of some concern. There are videos on YouTube concentrating on small, low-budget, layouts, often in N scale, using the neat Kato track (with integral ballast), but there don't seem to be many (if any) UK manufacturers offering low(er)-price models in any scale. Even Hornby's *Railroad* range models aren't exactly cheap...
I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford high-end prices, though the problem now is finding space for the models. Never mind - my sorrowing Heirs and Assigns will benefit, in due course.
As the resident N modeller, I’m just going to point out that Kato is not cheap. Even allowing for the integral point motor you’re looking at £40+ for *each* set of points. And then you have to buy the point switches separately.
On a Kato double track roundy roundy with some sidings in 8’ by 2.5’ you’re looking at north of £1000 of Kato track before you buy anything else.
On the other hand, it is the best solution for N gauge.
A fair comment. I must admit that I hadn't realised how expensive Kato track is.
Fleischmann N scale track with ballast is still available, though I suspect the prices are not too different from Kato - a simple manual point is over £20.
I used it many years ago for an Austrian HOe layout, and remember it being of very good quality - the sleeper spacing was wrong, of course, but it looked OK to me!
BTW, those awful Rapido people - clearly out to bankrupt us - have just announced yet another new locomotive, in the form of the Southern Railway class U 2-6-0...
This is a lovely story, putting one in mind of both "Fire Queen" and "Duke the lost engine": https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clylnxd1lrdo. As it happens we travelled on the railway a couple of months ago. I can't see me going up there, even though I'm attracted by the sight of a "Terrier" high up in the Welsh valleys (the top end of the railway, at Whistle Inn Halt, is only a few feet lower than Waunavon up the line, the highest main-line station in Wales - the P&B would love to get there!).
Comments
I welcome it, as I have always thought the real golden days of railways were pre-1923 (or arguably, pre-1914), but I wonder how long it can last. Perhaps people have finally realised what I figured out many years ago. That you can no more go back to yesterday than you can to <whatever year you choose>. History began five minutes ago.
A "Claud Hamilton" would also have been good although, with so much rebuilding over the years, I don't know if there were still any in "original" condition.
Yes, the loss of Ben Alder was a Very Bad Thing.
I hadn't heard about the new Rapido GNoSR loco (Gordon Highlander, I presume?), but remember that IRL it never bore green livery - by the time it was built, the GNoSR locos were black...
As you say, maybe it's time for the Great Eastern to get another look-in? Accurascale have done a really good job with the delightful little J67 0-6-0T, so maybe they have something else GER up their sleeve...I was tempted to buy one, to go with my Rapido ex-Wisbech & Upwell coaches (as used on the Kelvedon & Tollesbury line), but managed to resist. I already have a Hornby J15, and the Rapido Y7, in BR livery, so must NOT stray further from former Southern territory...
a. Would it sell?
b. Would it go round 2nd radius curves?
(a) Probably;
(b) Probably not!
BTW, I see that Rapido's website features no less than 12 variations on the GNoSR 4-4-0 theme. I had forgotten that Gordon Highlander and his shedmates were only part of a series of very similar engines, many of which lasted well into LNER and BR days:
https://rapidotrains.co.uk/lner-d40-4-4-0-gnosr-v-f/
Hats off to Rapido UK for producing such oodles of lovely locomotives and rolling stock (I have several of their very nice wagons and vans). Their O1 has received excellent reviews, although it appears that on some models, at least, quality control has not been as good as it might have been. Mine is still in the post...
ETA: the South Eastern & Chatham acquired five GNoSR 4-4-0s, which worked from Our Town's shed. They lasted into Southern days, and Rapido (of course) plan a couple (different numbers) in Southern olive green.
*sigh*
This.
It's noticeable that manufacturers seem to be producing pre-grouping locomotives and rolling stock which lasted well into post-grouping and even BR days. This ISTM increases the potential market for such models, though whether the market will last is another matter, as you say.
The appearance and operation of historic locomotives and coaches on heritage railways must help, of course.
The high prices of high-end models are also of some concern. There are videos on YouTube concentrating on small, low-budget, layouts, often in N scale, using the neat Kato track (with integral ballast), but there don't seem to be many (if any) UK manufacturers offering low(er)-price models in any scale. Even Hornby's *Railroad* range models aren't exactly cheap...
I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford high-end prices, though the problem now is finding space for the models. Never mind - my sorrowing Heirs and Assigns will benefit, in due course.
Would you lot mind shutting up about stuff that would suit the Thaxted branch until I have spare cash, please?
As the resident N modeller, I’m just going to point out that Kato is not cheap. Even allowing for the integral point motor you’re looking at £40+ for *each* set of points. And then you have to buy the point switches separately.
On a Kato double track roundy roundy with some sidings in 8’ by 2.5’ you’re looking at north of £1000 of Kato track before you buy anything else.
On the other hand, it is the best solution for N gauge.
Then we'll have a problem. This being a sort of religious forum and all, there are going to be emerging factions that claim that Beyer-Garratt is the only true prophet of Thaxted, while the high priest of the Mallet faith will declare the Garratt followers to be godless savages. And there will be war. I shall declare my adherence to the Garratts.
I didn't dare say that - but I thought it!
Though of course there are Garratts and Garratts.
Some favour the East African Railways 59 Class.
I am firmly with the Rhodesia Railways 16th Class.
🤣
A fair comment. I must admit that I hadn't realised how expensive Kato track is.
Fleischmann N scale track with ballast is still available, though I suspect the prices are not too different from Kato - a simple manual point is over £20.
https://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/c/711/Fleischmann
I used it many years ago for an Austrian HOe layout, and remember it being of very good quality - the sleeper spacing was wrong, of course, but it looked OK to me!
BTW, those awful Rapido people - clearly out to bankrupt us - have just announced yet another new locomotive, in the form of the Southern Railway class U 2-6-0...
In N gauge, Farish have just announced a new hi-spec "Hall".