Merry Christmas to you all, fill up your life with love, compassion, tolerance, peace, happiness and perhaps hopefully some time for modelling. The wonderful Southern Railway Christmas press advert from December 1924 seen left (click for a larger version) is a fascinating glimpse back to a different time. I love the promise of "Jolly Parties … Continue reading Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Rails of Sheffield’s exclusive ‘OO’ gauge Stroudley ‘A1/A1X’ 0-6-0Ts return
The Rails of Sheffield’s exclusive ‘OO’ gauge Dapol Stroudley ‘A1/A1X’ 0-6-0Ts were first introduced back in 2020. My post about the release can be read here. Rails of Sheffield have announced today that a new production run of seven versions with a number of tooling enhancements are due in quarter 3 2026. The enhancements include … Continue reading Rails of Sheffield’s exclusive ‘OO’ gauge Stroudley ‘A1/A1X’ 0-6-0Ts return
Introducing ‘Collingwood’ by Simon Paley – Modern Signalling in Miniature
As many readers will know, I can often be found at shows helping friend (and Principle Signalling Designer for Network Rail) Simon Paley, operating and providing logistic support (van driving!) with his Collingwood layout. I firmly believe that Simon's Collingwood is the most accurately signalled and 3rd rail model railway on the exhibition circuit today, … Continue reading Introducing ‘Collingwood’ by Simon Paley – Modern Signalling in Miniature
EFE Rail Class 74s and ex LBSC Isle of Wight coaches arrive.
The EFE Rail range Class 74, first announced in January, and the ex LBSC Isle of Wight coaches announced in March have now started to arrive at retailers. I have been responsible for developing both these new tooled models in my role with Kernow Model Rail Centre). EFE Rail Class 74 Ten locomotives were rebuilt … Continue reading EFE Rail Class 74s and ex LBSC Isle of Wight coaches arrive.
Picture of the Month – December 2025
This Month's Picture... Drummond T14 4-6-0 No. 466 is turned at Fisherton Sarum as Bulleid Merchant Navy 21c14 heads through Salisbury on the Devon Belle.
Workbench Witterings #27 – What a load of… well… loads
With the recent influx of excellent open wagons from the LBSC 5 plank D1369/64 from Kernow Model Rail Centre to the wide range of SECR / SR and other railway company wagons from Rapido Trains UK I have spent some time personalising them with some light weathering (using my usual techniques) and adding a variety of … Continue reading Workbench Witterings #27 – What a load of… well… loads
SR Newsround #November 25
Although I try and bring you any SR / BR(s) related model news as soon as it is announced, especially new tooling etc., sometimes smaller snippets of news do not necessarily justify a dedicated post, or simply time gets in the way etc. This is the first of an 'SR Newsround' style post to capture … Continue reading SR Newsround #November 25
When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today #Remembrance #lestweforget
If you so wish, wear your poppy with pride today, pause respectfully for two minutes at 11 am this morning for Armistice Day remembering all those, both service and civilian personnel who have given their lives for the freedom that we all enjoy today, and should you feel so inclined, support the sterling work of … Continue reading When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today #Remembrance #lestweforget
Picture of the Month – November 2025
This Month's Picture... For this Month's Picture we have moved to the South East with ex SECR motive power being utilised. Due to Canute Road Quay having very few visual references to either period or location it allows me to change the location and era with different rolling stock, vehicles and details. For more details … Continue reading Picture of the Month – November 2025
Hornby Autumn announcement includes a new Drummond M7 livery version
Hornby have today announced some new locomotives to their range due within the next six months. The only addition for SR modellers is a Drummond M7. The Hornby M7 tooling dates back to 2006 but still holds up as a good model. The notable thing about this addition to the range is the tooling combination … Continue reading Hornby Autumn announcement includes a new Drummond M7 livery version