Shows you how:
D. E. Lloyd built the AUGHER VALLEY
To convert an EIGHT-WHEEL-DIUVE A1A-A1A IN IT-3
to arrange STATION ACCESS
to combat DUST
to get FOUR FOR SIX
to build a SMALL LOCO DEPOT
to build an L.M.S. 30-TON BOGIE BOLSTER
to control with ASTRAC
Prototype Loco Plan:
THE "HALLS"
Plan of the month:
TWIN TERMINI
Modern British Railways:
CHANNEL TUNNEL
Proprietary Modeller:
BLETCHFORD
Early British Railways:
ST. IVES
MIXED FREIGHT:
Scenic bints
Spring points
Seat units for Bulleid coaches
On boilers
Soldering cast kits
ALL CHANGE AT WESTMINSTER
READERS' LETTERS
NOTES AND NEWS
COVER PICTURE - Donegal railcar passing over Augher viaduct on D. E. Lloyd's 4mm. scale Irish narrow-gauge system.
THIS year's Model Railway Exhibition, which will be held as usual at the Central Hall, Westminster, from Tuesday, March 31, to Saturday, April 4, inclusive, marks a distinct break from tradition. Instead of having the static displays spread around the halls, they are going to be concentrated at one end of the lower hall, and instead of being under the heading of the four groups the models will be displayed in categories—locomotives, coaches, complete trains and so on. This is welcome news, for we have long argued in our private capacity against these stands because we have felt that they gave the hobby an outdated appearance. Examination of the working layouts will show that modern practice is not ignored by the club. It is only because the trade produces so much B.R. equipment in ready-to-run or kit form that it does not feature prominently on the static stands, where scratch building must be the rule. Many enthusiasts feel that this is unimportant; it little matters what any of us do on our own layouts. On an individual basis this is perfectly true; indeed, we ourselves prefer historical modelling. But when we are dealing with public exhibitions we must consider the image the hobby presents to the casual visitor. Too much emphasis on the past gives an impression that we are not with it, that railway modelling is something for grey-beards. This could we'll be a significant factor in the falling off in recruitment to the hobby.
The plain fact of the matter is that the latest developments on British Railways are exciting and if it's colour you want - and who doesn't ?—there's no time like the present. Modern stations make. fine models and the diesel is rapidly removing the black locomotive from the scene.
Multiple-unit railcars are as useful for the model operator as they are on the prototype. Above all, we were advised when we started modelling in the thirties that it is always easier to copy the prototype you can see for yourself. We hope as many readers as possible will visit the exhibition, which is always well worth the time. This year sees another and perhaps more important alteration at the Model Railway Club, for Don Boreham has intimated that he is not standing for re-election as honorary secretary - a post he has filled with distinction for some fourteen years, covering perhaps the most dramatic period of the club's half a century and more of existence. He has brought to this most onerous of posts a dry, urbane wit, and his reports on club activities have shown, time and time again, that a factual account need not necessarily be a dull one. We hope that he will find more time to produce his excellent narrow-gauge models, and perhaps delight us with further articles and books.