Cygnet Magazines

Paul Karau edits, considering the difference between modelling in either larger or smaller scales, as exemplified in this issue by Peter Kazer's diligent recreation of Festiniog track in 1/32 scale "versus" Martyn Harrison's beautifully atmospheric 009 recreation of Castle Caereinion. Other features do not disappoint, leading with Robert Dudley-Cooke taking us around the 4mm scale hamlet of Torlish, created in card after George Illife Stokes and Pendon. The result is both beautiful and believable, really good and subtle modelling on so many levels. Chris Cox draws us further into the past, to the cattle yard of Bricklayers Arms, after which Dave Roome takes us back to the future with his CAD drawn and 3D printed Plasser & Theurer ballast consolidator, finished so very believably, as are all his models. John Sherratt next presents an update on the Central Cheshire Lines, acquired from the late Don Rowland 12 years ago - wonderful to see ongoing development of such an important and interesting layout. Finally, Stephen Hannington updates readers on his Chalk Pits Railway, great industrial ralway modelling in 4mm scale.We are also treated to "bagging from the wagon" on Paul's own model, "real atmosphere" from Sevenoaks in 1947, two toads from T. Pott and a letters page. Forty odd pages of serenity and calm in a perplexing world.

An attractive issue, following on from issue 300 with a restyled cover, sort of futuristic retro - clever stuff. Edited by Steve Hall, the contents include coaches for Drighlington, and Slates made easy, from Steve himself; Ryburn in P4 from John Dilnot, a lovely L&Y layout based upon Ripponden, more hacking of servos from Keith Slater, Shoddy and Mungo in the west Riding from Mike Taylor and what happened to the late Mike Bousher's Nonsuch Gasworks. A good crop of letters and small suppliers forum accompany the articles, and there are pictorial features of two new bits of Accurascalery, steam and diesel. I have to say that Steve's D6738 does it for me!

An eye catching "retro" feeling cover announces an edition of the magazine that celebrates its publishing milestone by looking forwards rather than backwards. Personally speaking, seeing the cover gave me a frisson of excitement that echoed how I used to feel when I first got hold of MRJ - back in the days when I worked in a dark suited 1980s sales operation that probably did me no good at all. The MRJ then was an oasis of "inspiring calm" which I completely lost myself in, and all these years later this issue has managed to have the same transcendental effect on me, albeit in very different personal circumstances(!) This issue opens with Geoff Forster's beautiful "Bleddfa Road", a model based in a wonderful and real landscape, that truly demonstrates just how much more less can be.This is followed by "Palmerston" another beautiful 1/32 scale scratch build from Peter Kazer, which is in turn followed by Gordon Gravett's wonderfully Gallic Breton tank. Chris Cox then takes us back to the early Victorian age with No 5 "London" in 4mm scale EM gauge. Chris Pendlenton follows like a blast of cold air with "Winters Day at Little Benton", the beginning of a spectacular and large new layout. Geoff Kent is next, taking the wraps off "Coldham Staithe" with wonderful and varied buildings in Plastikard and a track plan. After Barry Norman has moved a cattle wagon on in time, Stephen Williams reflects upon a life of modelling and introduces us to his new work "Hereford Riverside", which is shaping up to be a branch line terminus like no other. Geoff Cooper approaches things differently with his 7mm scale "Bourne End", Barry Norman finishes off 65442 and Philip Hall bulls up some Bulleid coaches to great effect. Letters and "Portfolio" completes the line up,the final pages appropriately being two beautiful views of the late Bob Barlow's own "Ynys Gwyntog".

Edited by Paul Karau, who encourages potential contributors to submit their material and reflects on the incredibly high quality of contemporary ready to run stock. Features include a further retrospective on "Nonsuch to Ruxley" including the current state of the surviving "Ruxley", Gerry Beale loads a "Macaw" with timber, T. Pott outlines his long established spraying techniques, Barry Norman relates the creation of J15 No 65442, and Stephen Williams refines a Hornby Hawksworth corridor second. Dave Roome shares his wonderful 1970s "Underhill Yard" layout and Chris Cox describes the creation of his "Greyhound Place" buildings for his Bermondsey model. Other features are small suppliers forum, portfolio, real modelling(?) and Alpha Mill at Slattocks Junction. No letters though - get writing!

Edited by Jerry Clifford, who muses on the benefits of adding a bit of machine toolery to one's modelling armoury, not essential but potentially beneficial and not necessarily that difficult to get useful results without a lifetime spent in machine shops. In the main magazine, Bob Isgar relates the development of his convincing "Tendring" layout in 2mm scale, plus the diesels to populate it, Richard Ellis builds a magnificent 7mm scale Midland shed for Dave Hunt's locomotives and Jerry outlines his own "Magnum opus" Bath Queen Square in 2mm scale. Gerry Beale reviews the magnificent new Siphon from Accurascale, his example representing one of the diagram 059 post war conversions, and Richard Lloydall more or less scratch builds a wonderful Cambrian Railways bus from the early years of the last Century in 4mm scale. There is a decent selection of letters, MRJ Portfolio, small suppliers forum and an interesting section of extended tributes to Pete Johnson from his modelling friends. All of them great appreciations of a much loved and fine modeller, who left us much earlier than any of us ever ought to.

Edited by Paul Karau, who in a piece that will resonate with many of us reflects upon a lifetime of interest and participation in the hobby and the astonishing advancement that it has undergone. Leading the articles is Mike Knowles wonderful "Frodsham West", atmospherically ordinary BR Blue, followed by an update from Geoff Tiffany on the station roof for his Dewsbury layout, a Manning Wardle and its promising cement works from Stephen Hannington and then a wonderful bit of modelling of early Bricklayers Arms from Chris Cox. Peter Kazer describes and models variations in narrow gauge track, Trevor Pott finishes off his late friend John Hayes' "Aberdare", there are letters, a preview of expoEM and a brief note from Karl Crowther marking the melancholy news that Peter Johnson has departed us all.

Edited by Jerry Clifford, who has some good news about various of Iain Rice's layouts which are set to burst upon the exhibition scene again. Features include progress on Gerry Beale's Maiden Newton layout in EM scale, various of Jerry's 2mm projects including his splendidly bijou Midland turntable and a Stirling O class named Nancy - really! The Cardiff 4mm Group's very lovely "Pencader" in EM scale, more 2mm locomotives from Maestro Greenwood, adapting tools and hacking servos from Bob Isgar, a healthy letters page, and an extended set of fond recollections of the much missed Tony Reynalds.

Edited by Karl Crowther, who after recounting his modelling "journey", goes on to recall his friend Tony Stoker and his "Bristol and Exeter Extension" railway. Featured in detail photographically and described by Ted Burt, this truly was a "Layout of a Lifetime". David Beale builds some beautiful 4mm PO wagons in wood, of all things, Brian McCulloch makes a career change and sort of steps into Geoff Taylor's shoes with his "Braeside Models" venture, Karl updates us on his own "Kentside Branch, describing the signalling of his lakeside line, really well done and ever so believable.There is also a very nice photographic feature of "Canada Street", appearing at "Expo EM" shortly, followed by a feature on the stonework for Slattocks Junction. In other features the sad passing of Tony Reynalds is noted in a very nice recollection from Keith Ettle, another legendary Bristolian who makes an appearance round these parts from time to time. Other snippets include letters, a very intereresting recollection of Salanson's and its part of Bristol from Doug Banham, the note that the late John Hayes "Wallingford" layout is up for careful fostering, and news of really useful rivets from the genius that is Steve at Railtec in small suppliers forum. How Steve gets done half of what he achieves is completely beyond me, he is a phenomenal worker and very talented to boot - a future "legend" in this hobby I am sure.

Steve Hall is in the editor's chair, introducing his issue with as nice an editorial as I have ever read, and following it up with an extended tour around his own completed "Drighlington" model railway. In other articles, wheels are re-invented, Pendon has acquired a most attractive Gloucester Carriage and Wagon signal box, Tony White reveals his talented tiny tender tricks and more or less bringing up the rear is a characterful BR brake van. Plus letters, small suppliers forum, some other inspiring pictorial features and Michael Rumsey records the passing of a true hobby legend, Ken Payne, who died in his hundredth year on December the 12th last.

Edited by Jerry Clifford, this issue marks the very sad passing of Iain Rice on October 8th, a few days short of his 75th birthday. Apart from Jerry's editorial, which places Iain's name rightly amongst the hobby's "greats", there are some really lovely photographs of Iain and his layouts, together with a nice collection of memories and thoughts about Iain from a number of contributors. The content otherwise features a very enjoyable retrospective article on "Great Bardfield" from its creator Dave Hawkins, a most appealing "Lockdown Loco" article from gentle genius Laurie Griffin - how he made use of recent "unexpected time", "Radstock" a fabulous coaster of the Somerset and Dorset Railway modelled in no less than two scales by maestro modeller Gordon Gravett, a 1:50 Corpet Louvet 0-6-0 by the same hand, "Port Jubilee" from Anthony Yeates, a beautiful and clever minimum space 2mm layout with shades of Neil Rushby's "Shell Island" and Steve Cook's "Dungeness Siding", and, takes a breath, Jerry Clifford's clever re-working of "Highbury Colliery" in an article that features some astonishingly good track level photographs - the Somerset and Dorset lives again!

Edited by Paul Karau, who reflects upon the kindness of individuals within the hobby and recalls in particular the generosity and spirit of recently departed John Dornom, whose genius adorns the cover. There follows a charming 1963 photographic review of "Ruxley", a layout by the Epsom and Ewell MRC that inspired a young Paul Karau on to his finescale journey, still impressive all these years later. Other features include a trio of practical modelling articles from the pen of T. Pott, Stephen Williams continuing the story of developments at Faringdon with some excellent gardening, a lovely small 7mm scale layout from Albert Cotton and Tony White building neat tenders. Finally an appreciation of the talented John Dornom, 1950 - 2022.

Edited by Paul Karau, who muses on a model's ability to capture feel and atmosphere and thereby introduces the main feature in this issue; a beautifully illustrated account of the thinking and influences behind Kier Hardy's magnificent "Hornsey Broadway". Peter Kazer constructs the diminutive "Spooner" in 1/32 scale, Trevor Pott invites us on to the "Torbay Express" for a final time, we catch up on developments on Paul's own model of Henley on Thames and there is an extended feature on the modelling of the late Dick Petter.

Edited by Karl Crowther, who celebrates the enjoyment of our being able to gather once more at exhibitions and the opportunities offered to all of us by the ever improving 3D printing. Features include a welcome update from Karl on his own Kentside Branch, an interesting piece on filming moving models from Richard Challis, part two of Peter Kazer's 2'3" wagons in 1/32 scale, Johnny Duffet with a really good piece on 3D printing and the results achievable, Ian Worthington updates us on his now static "Glaisden", and Pete Hill scratch builds an S160 in EM. Plus a review of the EM gauge society's Peco produced track system, a 7mm GW yard crane, beautiful photographs of Abergynolwyn village's TR yard, an early water crane and details of all the forthcoming shows.

Edited by Paul Karau himself, musing upon how nostalgia moves on and even admitting to admiring some recent models of the once ubiquitous "bubble" railcars that usurped his beloved Pannier tanks and coaches on the Henley to Twyford branch. Contents feature A "Torbay Express" for Churston from Trevor Pott, a compact O gauge line with an intriguing plan from Derek Haynes, Stephen Williams continuing to detail Station Road at Faringdon, beautiful 1/32 slate wagons from Peter Kazer, Richard Ellis building a convincing 7mm model of the Midland's Berkely Road and bathroom sealant and wagon tarps from Tony Hammond. Smaller features cover, vehicles and progress at Henley from Paul Karau, new RTR 4mm wagon offerings with Gerry Beale, David Lane's skillful modelling of High Wycombe's original station, Geoff Kent's Station Hotel for Dewsbury and finally remembering the irrepressible, wonderful and sadly late Grahame Hitchen.

Edited by Jerry Clifford, who muses on whether sheds are lofts, and cheekily purloins (not purlins, please note) my word "Shoffice", which is of course a cross between a shop and an office. A shed and a roof would surely be a "shroof" or something. I'll forgive him, it must be the strain of making everything in such a tiny scale, and Jerry's great skill in this regard is evidenced by the final part of his article on building his truly exquisite Kirtley locomotive. Sadly, this issue marks the passing of another small scale genius, Keith Armes, who is recalled by Tim Watson, Barry Norman and Jerry himself. Layouts feature Ian Smith's 1906 GWR 2mm scale Modbury and a major update on Robin Whittle's magnificent "Barrow Road". T. Pott was over for lunch yesterday and part of the fun was him pointing out to me on Robin's wonderful model where he and his mates used to stand when trainspotting! In other articles Peter Kazer delights with part 2 of James Spooner in 1/32, Simon Grande weathers in 2mm scale, Richard Ellis makes a delightful Parcels receiving office in 7mm scale and Richard Challis flies way above my head with part 3 of lots of fiendish relay based interlocking, which is clever beyond (my) imagination. And there are two letters too.

Edited by Barry Norman, whose editorial theme of trains in the night leads neatly into Jim Smith-Wright's masterful evocation of the night time railway through a stunning collection of images of the latest incarnation of "Brettell Road". James Wells artfully makes the Hornby 08 more mundane in P4, James Aitken applies the latest laser cutting and 3D printing to wagon construction, the late John Watson's friends describe the evolution of his last model, "Cratfield" accompanied by a stunning images of the finished result, Mike Osborne builds a Midland trolley wagon in S7 and Jamie Guest brings up the rear modelling overhead line equipment for his Lancaster Green Ayre layout in 7mm scale. Finally Bob Essery's sad passing is recorded with a well written obituary from his friend David Hunt accompanied by a personal "thank you" from Paul Karau.

David Hunt guest edits this splendid "Midland" edition of the MRJ, in part to celebrate forty years of the Midland Railway Society. Formed by thirteen people who met in a cafe in Derbyshire, it now has over 500 members and as David explains is active in many fields. Bob Essery is the first name that will come to many of us when we think of the Society and "matters Midland", and he was one of he founding thirteen in that Derbyshire cafe. Sadly Bob Essery passed away on the evening of November 23rd, too late to be recorded in this issue, but he would I am quite sure have been very pleased with what David has assembled here. No doubt Bob will be properly recalled in the next issue, apart from everything else he had a large involvement with Paul Karau and many wonderful Wild Swan publications over the years. For myself, I enjoyed a number of telephone conversations with Bob after I acquired Wild Swan and always valued his insight, positive approach and generosity of spirit, he will be remembered and much missed. Going back to the magazine, contents are a great feature on the fabulous new model railway being built in the new "Museum of Making" at Derby, Stephen Lea affectionately describing his building and modifications of the Slater's 4mm scale MR wagons, notable layouts Heckmondwike and Chee Tor are recalled, a Buxton motortrain in 7mm scale from Mike Holland, a superb Midland "Gallery", all topped off by Peter Kazer's magnificent 1/32 scale "James Spooner" and finally Martin Wicks makes it into print improving Dapol vans in 7mm scale. Plus the estimable T. Pott on luggage duties, letters and the totally believable "Caledonian Road Junction" signal box from Bob Juleff.

Edited by Jerry Clifford, with an appropriately but cautiously upbeat look towards the future(!), the main layout feature is a really impressive scenic model of Moretonhampstead in 2mm finescale. This is followed by a virtuoso performance from Howard Bolton on his lever frame, PO wagons and a lovely Kirtley model from the editor, a "Toplight" in 4mm scale by Gerry Beale, a Midland wagon in (glory be) 1/32 scale by Richard Ellis, platform lamps for High Wycombe from Tim Peacock, Classical Jazz part three from Dave Doe and louvered Midland milk van in 7mm scale from Laurie Griffin. Also, sadly, an obituary to the towering figure of Don Rowland who sadly left us recently.

Edited by Barry Norman, who makes some thoughtful and forward thinking comments about the "virtuality" of recent shows and the benefits that this new approach has brought forwards. Rosehearty is the main layout feature, a pleasingly spacious looking 7mm location on the beautiful Moray Firth in earlyish BR days, which is followed up by James Wells tinkering with a Cavalex BBA wagon to great effect, after which Barry gives a nicely scratchbuilt J69 an effective makeover, including bicycle on the front! Lindsay Galloway continues his description of modelling Burntisland's roundouse, David Fishers opens the doors to motivation and a Bachmann BG, James Smith sledgehammers a Southern nut with 3D printing and CAD (sorry), banner repeaters for High Wycombe from Tim Peacock, a lovely extended piece on Paul Rhodes' very wonderful "Old Parrock", one of the very worthy winners of the "Cameo Competition", kit bashing bridge castings from David Wager and a couple of snaps of a breathe on Dapol Sentinel in 7mm scale, plus letters and small suppliers forum too.

Edited by Karl Crowther and with a much brighter looking cover than of late, the lead article is a welcome and well illustrated visit to Hywell Thomas's Morfa Bank Sidings, reviewing recent developments on this most original and convincing evocation of the 1970s embers of South Wales industry. The other layout article is Karl's own "Kentside" lifetime layout project, wonderful shades of Arthur Whitehead and David Jenkinson set around the Lakes, a gloriously ambitious scheme with a lot of work carried out already. Other articles include Howard Bolton's unbelievable lever frame for Leeds City Station, a simple conversion of a Bachmann J72 to EM scale by Pete Hill, Tony White concludes his modelling story, Ian Worthington builds a big chimney for Glaisden and Adam Capman builds a an aluminium prefab in 4mm scale from an interesting kit. Plus letters, small suppliers forum and obituaries to Brian Rogers and Roy Link.

Edited by Paul Karau, happily recounting both his and some of his many friends modelling achievements over the last 10 months or so. Although this might have been the Christmas issue it is unmarked and without festive decoration or baffling quiz, but the contents are as interesting as they come. Professor Tony White conducts us through the first part of his modelling life, touching upon many familiar names and ideas along the way, while no less than two articles are devoted to wonderful Southern Electrics. Stephen Hannington pursues a fairly conventional route (by which I mean no criticism) while John Chick comes at the subject straight from the side of a fairly high wall. Alan Webber produces a densely populated Quad Art in 4mm scale, Geoff Forster reports on an artful move into 7mm scale with his "Bleddfa Road" essay, two postcards from Steve Hall's "Drighlington and Adwalton" and Lindsay Galloway models the roundhouse at Burntisland. An obituary to Paul King, more wagon loads from Trevor Pott, small suppliers forum and a healthy letters page complete the line up.

Edited by Martin Nield, this issue has a very good mix of articles I think. In "my own" scale of 1/32 scale there is an inspiring account of how Peter Kazer built Talyllyn No 4, in O gauge Simon Fountain discusses the locomotives he has built for "Blackberry Lane Shed", John Thompson builds some magnificent NER signals for "Port Solway", the editor reflects on his completed L&YR P4 "Eccleston" layout, Ralph Robertson builds the magnificent Alphs Mill for "Slattocks Junction", while Stephen Williams adds an advertising hoarding to "Faringdon". This article features one of the nicest colour pictures of the steam era railway that I have ever seen, taken on the Severn Valley line at Bridgnorth, just lovely. A decent letters page contains a wonderfully indignant letter from one John Bennet in Towcester which had me re-reading Tim Watson's piece from last month(!), small suppliers forum has a fab picture of auto trailer enhancements, and lastly Dave Rowe marks the sad passing of his wife Shirley with a beautifully written celebration of their life together. Moving, uplifting, funny and absolutely full of interest to anyone who has been in this hobby for more than five minutes, it brought to my mind the letter Dave wrote to Railway Modeller following some slightly fulsome obituaries to the once ubiquitous Cyril Freezer. It was candid, insightful, down to earth and bloody funny but also kind to the memory of a man who had spread a lot of joy amongst us all in one way and another. RIP Shirley, you are much missed by many.

Edited by Jerry Clifford, with an editorial that acknowledges the impact of Coronavirus but also reflects on the happy notion that few of us modellers and enthusiasts will have suffered boredom over the last few strange months, and that some of us might even have finished the odd model. Speaking for myself, I haven't been bored, and my own 1/32 brake van has made some progress - hopefully it will gain wheels and even some paint before the year is out. In the magazine there is a lovely retrospective on Copenhagen Fields, an article on "stay alives", kitchen table scratch building an Irish 4-4-0, the brilliant (EM) "Bottom Works Siding" (one of the superbest Cameo competition winners), a shop from St Erth beautifully modelled in 2mm scale, and bringing up the rear a Class 15 in 2mm scale from Bob Isgar. Plus letters, small suppliers forum and obituaries to Dave Alexander and Adrian Swain, who have both sadly left us.

Edited by Jerry Clifford, pre lock down, but with a very good advert on the rear cover from Sutton's Locomotive Works that is superbly post coronavirus. Maybe, in the hopefully not too distant future, "PC" may take on a whole new meaning - we can live in hope. Back to the trains; Dave Stone's beautiful "Sherston Abbas" headines this issue, Nick Mitchell puts stay alives in a 2mm scale shunter, a properly detailed and thought provoking article, Graham Tierney adapts the ever popular Ration "Iron Mink" to represent some Welsh cousins, a superb 2mm finescale "Castle" conversion by Keith Armes and Steve Martin, keeping things clean on "Copenhagen Fields" by Tim Watson, featuring some truly breathtaking panorama shots of the whole project, drawing your own decals by Andy Carlson and a Sentinel shunter in "S" by John Holden. Plus letters, small suppliers, a tribute to the late Fred Blackman and some nice "portfolio" shots including "Hornsey Broadway" and a North Eastern Railway directors saloon by Barry Norman. A great issue celebrating and showcasing a great hobby - very useful in these strange times for those of us lucky enough to be suitably afflicted!

Barry Norman is in the editorial chair, musing on the changes in attitudes and the "nuts and bolts" of model railway photography over the years. The main layout feature is a very atmospheric rendering of Killybegs on the County Donegal, beautifully created in the unusual scale of 10mm to the foot by Chris Romain. Brian Self creates an authentic Southern yard lamp for St Merryn, Geoff Haynes uses a Brassmasters chassis kit to EM-ify the exquisite Hornby SECR liveried C class, Andy Glover scratchbuilds an award winning model of Stoneswood MIll in 2mm scale, Graham Thompson continues building LSWR non corridor coaches from issue 275, Martyn Welch sets about weathering 7mm tank wagons and finally Lawrence Boul uses digital modelling to produce a beautifuly observed horse and gig, his example being in S scale. Plus letters, small suppliers forum and some exquisite "portfolio" shots of a wagon and a locomotive.

Gerry Beale is in the editorial chair, sensibly suggesting that we embrace new technologies and high quality RTR rather than bemoaning a potential loss of craft skills. The the main layout feature is Dent and Dentdale in 4mm OO(?) by Ian Nuttall. Previously featured in Railway Modeller, "Railway of the Month" in November 2013, this exquisite and atmospheric layout has somehow previously passed me by. A terrific follow up to the late David Jenkinson's "Garsdale Road" and also acknowledging David's wonderful "Rails In The Fells" book, which must rate as the best Geography lesson that has ever been given(!) I'm sure David would forgive me, it is a book that inspired me and which I still go back to and it helped Ian to produce his breathtaking recreation too. Other features include Worseter locomotive shed, Gerry and Jerry building a 54XX in EM, using state of the art products from the trade, Rodney Cooper builds an exquisite GWR Diagram L autotrailer from a David Geen kit, Alan Brakenborough shows us a new halt on his achingly beautiful garden line and the irrepressible Dave Murdoch introduces us to his South Wearing Light Railway. All just about as good as it gets I think, plus a decent letters page and the usual features - wonderful.

Edited by Paul and Karau Barry Norman, jointly musing on the Cameo and other layout challenges and the consequent starting of projects, or not. The main article features Mike Baker and Martin Finney's "Newton Heath Works", the winner of the Cameo challenge and a superb bit of modelling to boot, complete with working tipper wagons and a novel use for cat lit! Two lovely LSWR non corridor coaches built from Southwark Bridge etches by Graham Thompson, Stephen Williams developing suburbia at Faringdon, some superb signals in "Portfolio", Ty Dwr water column in 7mm scale by Peter Kazer and Gordon Gravett, (a really lovely bit of scenic modelling of a lost feature on the Talyllyn Railway) and Tim Peacock finishes some GWR standard water tanks. Also small suppliers forum, Trever Pott on wagon loads and a decent letters page, which includes a great piece of writing from Peter Hunt of Chuffs fame recalling Mike Sharman and the Tibetian National.... So thank you Peter and farewell Mike, singular characters both.

Jerry Clifford in the chair again with a gently mindful editorial which is partially written in the light of recent appearances of our hobby in the media I think. The main layout feature is Andrew Bartlett's wonderful N gauge "Blueball Summit", which I am very pleased to see in the pages of MRJ - a fantastically atmospheric rendition of Blue diesels and the West Country before BR's spree of depressing destruction in the mid 1980s, and just as I remember it all being. John Elliott introduces his new layout following the brilliant "Bradfield", Paul Bannerman builds Gordon Ashton and Gordon Gravett's clever etched chassis and fits it under the lovely Hornby "Peckett", a feature on some of the gems to come from the Cameo competition and Giles Favell discusses theatre and model railways - exhibition layout builders please take note! Simon De Souza scratchbuilds an exquisite Cavan and Leitrim van in 4mm scale, Richard Ellis shows us around his brilliant "Midland in Bristol" and Maurice Hopper extols the virtues of slow modelling. Finally, Iain Rice records the sad passing of the genial genius who was Mike Sharman, who did so much more for the hobby than is generally known, his range of wheels arriving on the scene just in time to make P4 more than just a theoretical dream. Talking to David White of Slaters' at Mike's funeral, he told me that he and Mike more or less started off developing the production of wheels together. After an evening that saw the two of them discussing the problems and possibilities of finescale wheels, morning saw Mike presenting David with a prototype wheel (after two overnight hours in his garage) and the rest, as they say, became history. Mike developed his range of wheels in 4mm scale, subsequently sadly lost, while David pursued the 7mm scale route to create the fantastic range that is available today.

Edited by Karl Crowther this is a classic "active modellers" issue. Karl builds up a Manning Wardle in 4mm scale from an RT models kit while new contributor Robin Ashley builds Meldon Viaduct in 4mm scale. Trevor Hughes discusses scratch building techniques, John Elliott introduces his stupendous follow up to the Bradfield Gloucester Square, "Leeds City Wellington" while Richard Dunning builds a chassis for the Golden Arrow body of the "Southern 08". Kevan Greenhalgh's magnificent OO finescale layout "Thurlstone" is the main feature, highly atmospheric and full of operational interest, the Great Central in 1910 being the subject and theme. Aside from Karl's editorial which encourages us to extend our skills a bit, there is small suppliers forum, T. Pott on wagon loads, a decent selection of letters (including one from Rich Phipp in Bath on representing polished brass) and a very fitting epitaph from Geoff Kent on his close friend, the inimitable Roy Jackson, whose passing is a great loss to the hobby and humanity in general

Jerry Clifford carries the editorial honours, talking about multimedia modelling, and whether it is, or isn't (modelling). The main layout article is an ambitious and stunning depiction of South Pelaw in EM Gauge, a layout I had never heard of until reading this article, with a great accompanying text written by its creators. Giles Favell describes in detail the creation of his radio controlled mechanical horse, Stephen Hannington describes his "quickie" London suburban station "Surrey Arms", really effective and believable, and Jerry himself provides the only 2mm scale input with a description of his Midland Railway signalboxes for his Bath Queen Square project. Aside from letters and the diary, this issue also marks the sad passing of Richard Hollingworth, joint creator of Parkside with Andrew Hastie, amongst much else.

Edited by Paul Karau, musing on narrow gauge locomotives, this issue also contains Geoff Kent's continuing account of how he created "Black Lion Crossing", Dave Roome describes his latest, a convincing Scottish suburban survival in the 1970s, Trevor Pott contributes an informative piece on wagon loads and their wherefores, which we could all do with paying a bit more attention to I think. Other features cover some intriguing Wartime model buildings, Justin Newitt applying his etches and other magic to 4mm railtanks, a glimpse of Peter Kazer's latest convincing models of Hughes locomotives in two scales and finally some 4mm scale suburban development in rural Oxfordshire. Plus an obituary to ERH Francis, letters and the other usual bits.

Edited by Barry Norman, musing on the success of EM over the last fifty odd years and the exciting news that Peco are producing RTR track for the EM Gauge Society. The main layout feature is Geoff Kent's terrific "Black Lion Crossing", which is now completed as Geoff explains in his accompanying article. Freight only and partial as this layout is, it seems to me to have captured pretty much everything that one could wish for from a model railway, in addition to looking utterly believable. As with many of our projects, it has involved the participation and co-operation of friends in its construction, and the whole thing is a complete delight from beginning to end. In other articles, Tim Peacock describes building a Braithwaite tank for Aylesbury, Alan Whitehead revisits and details the catenary on his glorious 2mm scale Woodhead based model and Richard Ellis details old ground on his Midland in Bristol cameo. Aside from the usual extra features and letters, there is an interesting feature on Peco's involvement in producing the first RTR EM pointwork and finally a superb feature from Philip Harvey on his "Ambleden Station", showing that romance and imagination play at least as important a part in creating a believable railway scene than any amount of accuracy or precision will ever do. Oh, there is an update on the Cameo competition from Iain Rice too, don't forget that you can see the results of the challenge for yourself at "Railex" on May the 25th and 26th this year.

Edited by Gerry Beale, musing on what makes us model what we model and the joys of catholic taste, main layouts featured are both Midland, Robin Whittle's epic P4 rendition of Bristol Barrow Road shed and a wonderful 7mm model railway depicting the Midland 100 years or so ago. Nothing so unusual about that you might think except that it is in the Antipodes and built by a genuine Australian gent. Actually, I think it is a type of model railway which we in the UK have sort of forgotten about as we all apparently strive for ever more accurate renditions of "scale", some of us apparently believing that only models of real places are "proper" models. What utter tosh, sez I, and Graeme Lewis, his wonderful writing and this layout are all real breaths of fresh air, so thank you and well done Graeme. Having upset everyone, the rest of this issue contains more stock by Gerry himself, Mark Humphries finessing a Pannier chimney, Rodney Cooper building a stylish DMU, John Darch doing a large Prairie, a superb bit of the old Talyllyn from Peter Kazer and an obituary to the incredibly talented Stewart Hine. And letters, one being illustrated with a very fine bit of North American modelling by my highly talented friend Dave Easto. As Bill Smarme has so often sung, there is nothing like a Dave...

Martin Nield is in the chair for what is a festive edition, which has a bit of an operational theme to it, unsurprisingly(!) Plumpton Green is fully explored and illustrated, with particular reference to operation, while the next major article covers operating Midland Sidings by the estimable Westinghouse club. Forgive me, but on page 296 I was very pleased to see the hut I contributed looking suitably authentic (it is the grotty one with its back to you). Tony Wilkins then describes his fantastic working wagon tippler, Gavin Clark explains how he built his lovely Lancashire and Yorkshire signal box for Kerrinhead and Bob Essery contributes an Ellerton Road update. The very sad passing of John Spencer is recorded, the builder of Ryton Road and a superb "plywood wonder" with an unpronouncable name for Bernie Baker. Finally we have letters, well a letter really, from one Iain Rice who disusses Tony Wright's recent contribution in the context of OO and P4, informative and measured, it makes for interesting reading I think.

Karl Crowther, in the guest editorial chair for the first time, kicks off a vintage issue with a thoughtful and interesting editorial. The Internet in general and specifically RMWeb are both referenced and the whole issue has a pleasingly contemporary feel to it. The layout features are a great mix of nostalgia and modern approaches to the hobby; "Metropolitan Junction" by the late Doug Williams and "Tollesbury Quay" by Martin Stringer, both fabulous models anyone's standards. "Doing" articles include an unusual scratch built shunter by Hywel Thomas and a choice bit of wagonery from Adam Chapman featuring the "Rumney Models" products from the talented Justin Newitt. Plus the usual features and a magnificent two sided preview of Kier Hardy's "Hornsey Broadway" . A vintage issue I feel, showcasing a great hobby in great shape.....

Suffering catfish Rivetman! After Gauge One on the cover of 235 we are treated to a stunning 5 inch gauge Southern plywood van of utter believability - so much for that "small scale only" tag eh? A cheeky but well observed editorial from Roy Jackson that promulgated a Kafkaesque thread of epic proportions on RMweb does not detract from an excellent issue, Doug Hewson on how he ceates and finishes his 5 inch gauge masterpieces, an update on Geoff Kent's "Black Lion Crossing" and an extended article on the excellent "Black Country Blues" - but one tangible result of the gloriously lunatic RMweb. And at the other end of the scale the letters page has an epistle that can only have been written by someone on hallucinatory substances and with a couple of OS maps firmly pla... ahem!

Featuring portakabins for "Widnes Vine Yard" on the cover, incredibly well modelled but making for one of the the least visually appealing MRJs ever produced in my opinion. Articles inside are varied and interesting however.

Featuring Mike Anson's "Western Road" diesel depot, part two of Chris Pendlenton's Deltic article (covering body mods) and a really believable scratchbuilt "Pannier" in 4mm scale.

The last issue of 2008 featured "Night-time on Dubbieside" plus the usual mix of other finescale fare.

Good BR Blue issue, Kier Hardy's very informative article on detailing an "03" and a colour pictorial feature on Hywel Thomas's magnificent "Morfa Bank Sidings".

Summertime saw the editor extolling the virtues of editing whilst Gerry Beale S&D-ified the new Hornby Black 5 and Midsomer Norton South was featured in 2mm scale.

Featuring Barry Norman's take on Kier Hardy's "Wibdenshawe" and a return visit to Jas Millham's S scale Yaxbury branch. Tim Shackleton suggests modelling in the dark.

Early 2008 found Tim extolling the virtues of ebay, the 5th part of Don Rowland's freight based layout description and Paul Marchese recalls the work of the recently late Mike Jolly.

From January 2008, main feature is a retrospective on "High Dyke", letters record Guy Williams sad passing.

A particularly interesting issue, containing an article which tells the story of the famous "Kitmaster" construction kits - way ahead of their time, and still selling well in some instances. Also included is the "Stoke & Matlock Railway"a very nice free-lance light railway line in 4mm scale.

A couple of boxes discovered in the warehouse so this classis issue comes back in to stock. Monty Wells is re-arranging Lima Geat Western railcars, a great monograph on Wantage Tramway's Manning Wardle, Iain Rice on pick ups and Chris Pendlenton on suspension, and more.