Nice People

by Phil Cooper

I’ve not been sniffing round Facebook too much the last few weeks because of my ongoing internet connection problems. I even had trouble logging into my JustEat.com account to order a takeaway. Life must be Hell without a computer and internet connection. How do you find out what sort of weather is going to hit UK, check on your shares portfolio and the price of gold around the world and, of course, check how North Korea’s latest missile launch has gone and is the short wee fatty boy happy now he’s had 5 close relations guillotined, upside down. Weird chap. Then there’s the porn! Don’t fib to me, Mr Batley!

Now I like to think that, despite being Scottish, I’m a nice guy and willing to help people and one of the things I like about this blog is that we’re building a nice community allowing me to take the P out of good guys like John Batley, yes you! But I’ve discovered another nice guy-Tom Connell, the famous artist who is producing a limited edition of prints celebrating Pete Waterman’s next exhibition layout, “Making Tracks 2”. Tom and Pete will be signing the print. Tom read the blog where I introduced Rasmus Blidegn and the wonderful layout he built for Phillip who suffers from Autism and is cared for by Ras who told us that Phillip likes to wave to the trains.  

Tom read about Ras and Phillip and  got in touch with me offering a print for the 2 of them. A wonderful gesture. Thank you Tom, one of Life’s good guys similar in a way to Mr Batley!

Let’s get on with the blog. Because of THE connection I’ve not seen too many modeller photos to inspire you. Today I have just THREE but they are magnificent. They’re from a previous blog modeller. the legendary….

…BRAD JOYCE

Great detail from Brad. I especially like the man with the fuel pump having to lean back to take the pressure of the fuel gushing through the pipes and, although, I am now firmly into Neil Stanley’s weathering art, it’s nice to see a clean, new-looking engine.

ONE FOR US ROYALISTS

Not many people know this, but King Chuck regularly looks in on this outstanding blog; his favourite blog. How weird, my nose is stretching out! He uses the alias, John Batley. Obviously, a false name. Anyway just in time for His Coronation we can buy realistic models (sadly without interchangeable ears-unlike the real John Batley )

A MODEL KING

Osborn’s Models has released a series of new 'OO’ gauge figures, including a topical figure of King Charles III, ahead of the monarch’s Coronation.

The latest releases include King Charles III (Cat No. OSBF123), two British Transport Police packs (OSBF128/129) and a selection of new animal packs including belted Galloway cattle (OSBF115), badgers (OSBF116), a pig farmer and pigs (OSBF120), Ayrshire cattle (OSBF121) and a Sow pig and piglets (OSBF122).

Each figure is supplied painted and ready to place in position on a layout or diorama

Prices range from £6.50 to £12.99 per pack.

www.osbornsmodels.com

RUSTON & HORNSBY FROM KMRC

Seven model variants of the small 0-6-0 diesel-electric locomotive class commissioned and in stock with retailer.

Ruston & Hornsby PWM 0-6-0DE model shunters have arrived with retailer, Kernow Model Rail Centre. The Heljan-made models have a Next18 DCC decoder socket and working interior lights (controlled with a 'wand' device to switch them on /off). In addition, a working mechanical lubricator arm and separately-fitted hand rails, vacuum pipes, screw-link couplings, roof-mounted horns, air tanks and a lubricator box under the running plate on both sides mirrors those on the prototypes.

Weathered models are priced at £179.99 each, available in the following guises:

(K2400) PWM653 BR plain green

(K2401) PWM654 BR plain green

(K2402) PWM652 BR green wraparound 'wasp' stripes

(K2403) 97651 BR light green

(K2404) PWM654 BR blue

(K2405) 97653 BR yellow

(K2406) 97654 BR yellow

(K2402) PWM652 BR green wraparound 'wasp' stripes.

Chris Trerise, Managing Director, said: “Although the model represents only four prototype 0-6-0DE department shunters, they carried a nice range of liveries throughout their relatively long career, and three have been preserved, including 97651 on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway whose owners Paul and Peter Martin have kindly assisted us with the project.”

(K2406) 97654 BR yellow.

Five Ruston & Hornsby 0‑6‑0DEs were ordered by the Western Region for use in replacing 60ft track panels with continuously welded rail. They were designed so that they could be hauled from depots to work sites in permanent way trains where the traction motor would be re-engaged to enable them to shunt wagons. The ‘PWMs’ were never part of the capital stock list and were only ever allocated to Departmental duties. EWS withdrew the final two, 97651 and 97654, in 1998. The Exclusive KMRC models represent covers PWM651-654 (97651-97654), which were delivered in 1959. The pioneer, PWM650 (97650), built in 1953, had smaller wheels and other differences.

The OO gauge exclusives can be ordered from its website, or stores in Camborne or Guilford.

www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com

I’ve found that most people in this hobby are actually good guys that I’d enjoy sharing a beer or 4 with and here’s another…

…CHARLIE BISHOP

One of the best blokes for helping mere mortals like me with railway modelling is Charlie Bishop. He takes his time and doesn’t try to baffle me (which is easily done). His Chadwick Model Railway videos on Youtube are brilliant. Here’s one for you. I think you’ll like his style.

Layout mistakes at Chadwick Model Railway

This one is about the art of soldering

RAILWAY EMPIRE 2

Aspiring train tycoons to step into the railroad revolution, as Kalypso Media confirms railway management simulator for May, 2023.Publisher Kalypso Media and developer Gaming Minds Studios have confirmed the release date for Railway Empire 2, the successor to the award-winning railway management simulator. On May 25, 2023, Railway Empire 2 will be released with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC and will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles (supported through Smart Delivery), PlayStation 4|5 and PC. The title will be released on Nintendo Switch later this year.  

It’s full steam ahead from May 25, 2023, when aspiring train tycoons can step into the world of the railroad revolution. Railway Empire 2 will be released with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC and will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles (supported through Smart Delivery), PlayStation 4|5 and PC. The title will be released on Nintendo Switch™ later this year.

Scenario

It’s the Industrial Revolution and you are tasked with taking over a small railway company in the 19th century. Do you have what it takes to turn it into a railway empire of the ages?

Kalypso Media said, "Railway Empire 2 builds upon all the best features of its predecessor and is bigger and better than ever before. Choose from sprawling maps across Europe or North America and grow your network with a selection of 60 historic locomotives. With expansive regional maps, improved track construction, and real-time terraforming, there’s no better time to unleash your inner conductor."

WATERLOO IMPROVEMENTS

Network Rail has started a two-year project to refurbish London Waterloo’s roof, which was built in 1922.

Around 10,000 new glazed panels will be installed across 12,000 square metres of roof – an area nearly twice the size of the pitch at Wembley Stadium.

 The panels will be made from a polycarbonate material which is around 50% lighter than the existing panels in order to reduce stress on the structure.

Other changes to the station will include the addition of more seating and improved toilet and baby changing facilities.

Office of Rail and Road figures show 41 million journeys were made to or from London Waterloo in the year to the end of March.

 Cem Davis, Network Rail’s London Waterloo station manager, said: “Customers will soon benefit from a lighter and brighter station, making journeys more welcoming and pleasant.

“Work is also under way to improve the retail and food and drink on offer, and the toilets are also in the middle of a large-scale refurbishment.

“There will be some changes to the station as we carry out the upgrades and our station team will be on hand to ensure customers’ station experience is as seamless as possible.”

TRANSPENNINE

I was going to include an article here about Transpennine’s ongoing contract problems. The conclusion is that the jury is out! Transport Secretary Mark Harper has said that “no option is off the table” ahead of his decision on whether to renew the contract of TransPennine Express (TPE). But it was very lengthy (and boring)so Harrison and I have found some photos for you.

Both Grandsprog, Harrison and I love Transpennine livery-Harrison says their locomotives are spaceships. So here’s some photos The first two are photos that Mr Batley left for Harrison. See, I told you that he’s a good guy.

And now images from Google

TPE SPACESHIP READY FOR LAUNCH

Maybe next time I’ll include a gallery of Class 37s.

Let me know which class or livery does “it” for you

 PENDON MUSEUM

Apparently, this HUGE Model Railway “Will Blow Your Mind” - The Vale Scene at Pendon Museum

Personally I prefer David Styles’ videos which really do blow my mind. Here’s just one of his Oscar-nominated films,

HM700

For those of you interested in Hornby’s new HM7000 system here’s a video explaining the first setup

and a Q&A session with the experts

GB RAILFREIGHT CONTRACT FOR STADLER

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has contracted Stadler to provide full service for up to 30 Class 99 bi-mode Co’Co locomotives.

This follows the order secured last year for Stadler to build and supply up to 30 Class 99 bi-mode Co’Co locomotives for GBRf.

These new locomotives will operate in the UK using both electric and diesel power.

With this order, Stadler is introducing the Class 99 bi-mode Co’Co’ locomotive in the UK

Paul Patrick, Managing Director of Stadler Rail Service UK, said:

“We have established a strong foothold in the UK over recent years, and are delighted to have been awarded another Service contract, based on our proven track record and expertise in this field.

“The locomotives that Stadler will be responsible for will pave the way to a greener and more efficient rail network, supporting the industry’s ambition of promoting modal shift from road to rail. We are pleased to be supporting the government’s targets to decarbonise the UK railway by 2040, which will benefit our clients, British business and society alike.”

Under this latest contract, Stadler will be responsible for all aspects of service and maintenance of the fleet. The contract will start in 2025 once the first locomotive has been delivered, and it will last up to 16 years.

To ensure the fleet’s availability and reliability, Stadler will provide maintenance services for the vehicles at a new depot in Leicester. It will manage overhauls, spare parts, material supplies, vehicle repairs, mobile service support, data and maintenance software.

SPECTACULAR ABANDONED STATIONS

I’ve nicked this article from timeout.com-it was written by John Bills

There are some truly spectacular abandoned train stations all over the globe, and we’ve compiled the most beautiful right here

The most influential mode of transport ever conceived? The humble railway allowed nations to develop, industries to be built and much more, and its influence cannot be overstated. Although air travel and private vehicles may have overtaken the humble train, the world is still filled with gorgeous railway journeys. And, of course, you can’t have a railway journey without a train station.

And the most spectacular train stations around the world are arguably the abandoned ones – they carry a haunting grace that is difficult to place. Who knew that neglect could be so aesthetically stunning? Memory has a lot to do with it, of course. Abandoned architecture has become quite the photogenic phenomenon, and these stations are right at the top of the table

Spectacular abandoned train stations around the world

I know many of you real modellers like to challenge yourselves scratch-building railway stations. Who fancies having a go at lots-of-history                            Canfranc

A bottle of Glenmorangie is on offer for the best Canfranc attempt!

1. Canfranc International Railway Station, Spain

Way up in the Spanish Pyrenees lies the hushed memories of Canfranc International Railway Station, a grand station that opened way back in 1928 amid a swelling of Spanish pride and determination. The Spanish wanted a grand border station to show the French what they were capable of, you see, and this was the result. However, the station was seemingly cursed from the get-go, suffering from fires, smuggling and all the rest before succumbing to the winds of time and change in 1970. Since then, it has become a traveller hotspot, with more people visiting the station between 2013 and 2017 than ever used it during its years of activity. Work is also under way for it to become a hotel – so you’ll soon be able to soak up its beauty overnight.

2. City Hall Subway, New York

First things first, don’t be surprised to bump into Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael down here; the abandoned City Hall Subway in New York was the inspiration for the famous HQ in which Splinter and co made plans and ate pizza. Anyway, is a station truly abandoned if it is a popular attraction with frequent tours and an iconic chandelier? Maybe so, maybe not, but there certainly aren’t any trains running through New York’s City Hall Subway anymore, and there haven’t been since 1946. The most beautiful former station on the planet? It could well be.

3. Vyšehrad, Prague

Beautiful buildings are ubiquitous in Prague, and every corner of the city shimmers with Art Noveau majesty. The neglected beauties often go overlooked as a result and the abandoned train station at Vyšehrad is right at the front of this queue. It is easy to imagine how magnificent the building was before time did a number on the place. The last train left the station in 2002, and it has been neglected ever since, although a growing interest in abandoned structures has seen Vyšehrad get a little bit of attention in recent times.

4. Lagos Old Railway Station, Portugal

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that the Algarve is all sunburnt tourists, and nothing else. There is plenty of history and culture here, and the derelict old railway station in Lagos gives a curious insight into a time long gone in these parts. The lattice facade is gorgeous, and the mosaic tiles are a joyous celebration of old techniques and the eternal wonder of colour. Sure, there’s a new shiny station not so far away, but the old one still attracts no shortage of visitors.

5. Jersey City Terminal, USA

The increase in private vehicles brought the Jersey City rail’s days to a close in 1967, but a Richardsonian Romanesque redbrick beauty like this doesn’t just slink off into the night unnoticed. Far from it, as the terminal building has become a popular place for movies and TV shoots, romantic escapades and all the rest. The nineteenth-century structure stands out in the confines of Liberty State Park.

6. Gudauta Station, Abkhazia

It has been a tumultuous modern period for Abkhazia, a disputed territory in the Caucasus, but lovers of abandoned train stations have been heading here for years in search of this charmer. It isn’t exactly hard to find, being in a darling Black Sea town of 10,000 people, and the grand exterior of its train station is only the beginning. The main hall is a stunner, albeit a stunner ravished by time.

7. Psyrtskha Station, Abkhazia

Sticking with Abkhazia for a moment, abandoned railway stations don’t come much more beautiful than the one found at Psyrtskha. Located in a town called Akhali Atoni (some 22km or so from Sukhumi), Psyrtskha is small but perfectly formed (in a decaying sort of way), with old Soviet touches and surroundings that are dominated by thick greenery. Trains still head into the tunnel next to the station, but no locomotive has stopped at Psyrtskha in a very long time.

8. Michigan Central Station, USA

An absolute stunner, architecturally speaking, Michigan Central Station ceased operations in 1988. That said, it remains an aesthetically pleasing structure in Detroit, one that has featured in several movies and music videos since its doors were shut on a cold January day. The main waiting room was actually modelled on an ancient Roman bathhouse, all marble walls and vaulted ceilings, while the ten platforms contained all manner of curious flourishes. Ford bought the building back in 2018 and has plans to renovate it. Watch this space.

9. Garub Station, Namibia

It is hard to believe that trains ever passed through the desert wilderness that is Garub – but rest assured, they did. This inhospitable stretch of land and sandstorms used to see industrial trains trundling through Namibia, exporting the country's natural wealth to the rest of the world. The red water tanks of Garub make it more photogenic than most, although getting out here takes some doing. Watch out for the feral horses too.

10. Anhalter Bahnhof, Berlin

Berlin’s Anhalter Bahnhof had a solid century of service before it was closed at the beginning of the Cold War. Much of the station (opened in 1841) was subsequently destroyed, but public outcry ensured that one of the façades remained, itself a curious monument to the ideology-centric architectural destruction of the twentieth century.

SLAINTE MHOR

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The views and opinions expressed within the content are solely the author's and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Trackside Signs or its affiliates.