Simon Kohlers Harem
by Phil Cooper
Hello, I finally managed to get off my arse and get on with things on my board which needed doing. I had a similar problem when I was a VAT man between 1977 and 1981 in Maidstone. My job was to visit businesses to check their books. I hated it; I was working with civil servants not Customs’ men! Tea break every day at 11 was when most of the others decamped to the pathetic tea room to swap stories of assessments (fines) handed out to businesses. There was a common cry from business that they were being used, by the government, as unpaid tax collectors.
I could understand that thinking but I used to point out that business’ could claim tax back on their car travel and use which we mere mortals couldn’t do! Anyway I would visit a trader for a few hours -some were very anti but I kept a happy face and ploughed on. Then I’d go home to write up the report or rather I went home and should have written the report but I usually found something more interesting to get on with.
Thankfully this was pre-model trains me because I would have never got on with my VAT work! The point of explaining this is to own up to a certain amount of laziness on my part when I should have been getting on with the jobs I described 2 blogs ago. But aside from locating and destroying Greggs jam donut boxes (self preservation from NannyBarb) I did nothing at all; I put it down to the post Christmas depression.
It’s worse for us Scots as we have Hogmanay to recover from as well! Anyway, yesterday I did start to do some jobs, I made myself get back in the trains room and work. I said to myself that I’d get in there and work for 5 hours after Sky’s llve lunchtime football match (St Johnstone v Celtic (I’m a Rangers man))* without a break. And it worked.
I did some painting on the board and then I designed and laid out my station car park- for that I used my Trackside Signs Tarmac Effect Road Sets which are brilliant by the way and, yes I’m biased, but they are great value and made my main station (Harrison City) much more realistic and have brought the scene to life.
Then I got on with my DCC Concepts lights which are wonderful. I’ve installed them alongside a few Just Plug lights from Woodland Scenics although they continue to fail and are twice the price of the British DCC Concepts lights-even more when you include buying the replacements. BUY BRITISH folks. Marcus Pick would love them-Marcus is the go-to guy when it comes to night scenes. His work in our last 2 blogs has been outstanding and I’m looking forward to seeing more as he’s just told me he’s doing more. I’ll put them up ASAP.
*Celtic won 4-1. Damnit!
**Pronounced manyana it literally means tomorrow
TRACKSIDE SIGNS
One of my other jobs was to lay a carpark next to my station and I chose Trackside Signs Self AdhesiveTarmac Effect Road Sets (TSR0001).
In the past I’ve used similar stuff from Busch but let me remind you that they are German, not that I’m anti—German. Honestly, I love them -they’re well known for their sense of humour and other notsowonderfulthings and let me remind you that I featured Busch products and The Germans in my “Germans Are Weird” blog a few months ago (tracksidesigns.co.uk/blog/germans-are-weird-by-phil-cooper).
Even though I’m biased towards Trackside (he hosts this blog) I can tell you that the Trackside road sets are much better than the German stuff – SIEG
BUY BRITISH
Even with the very best equipment mistakes can be made. Can you spot the mistake here? *I’ll help. The tank was added by Harrison. That’s not the mistake but I left my assistant, Jimbo, to place this scene. Jimbo is Oirish and not very bright.
JIMBO’S LATEST MISTAKE
I’m sure you spotted that finding a space in this car park would be impossible without colliding with other cars! I blame myself. I shouldn’t have left Jimbo to think for himself!
OUR COMMUNITY
I started this blog with the intention of inspiring and helping REAL modellers (I’m NOT a modeller as I haven’t any skills), The help I wanted to offer was learning from my many many mistakes! The inspiration is from the fabulous photos from REAL modellers. You just have to suffer my weird Scottish sense of humour. The blog readership is growing nicely (10000+ now) but the unespected bonus is the community it’s building. I’m in regular contact with real modellers, John Batley, Marcus Pick, David Styles, Sean Selley-West and Neil Stanley.
Before I forget, Harrison says thank you John for the Class 68 spaceship photos! These guys offer great advice so I encourage you to get to know them and ask for help. They’ll give you great advice and they will do so willingly. Join our community. Just say, “Hello”.
HORNBY A MODEL WORLD
My dream job is in Margate with Hornby. I’ve told Simon Kohler that I’m very good at delegating and motivating (encouraging) but my phone hasn’t rung, yet!. Not only do the employees get staff discounts but you get to work with some hot ladies. I mentioned Montana in the last blog but this week’s thrilling episode introduced us to Sally, the Assistant Brand Manager.
I‘ve always found ladies with glasses look great and Sally wears glasses too. So is Simon Kohler hiding any more hot ladies? I wouldn’t blame him if he was. I conducted a Q&A session with Simon, sorry, Mr Kohler. Actually I think he's ok with first names. I could see that he was a good bloke AND he knows how to solder. He’s also one of us, an enthusiast!
NEIL STANLEY
Neil’s been busy developing new modelling techniques. This time he’s had a go at making wild flowers. First he freezes kids’ crayons for 2 hours and then grates them with a cheese grater and adds static grass on grease-proof paper and here’s the results:
Bluebells
Trackside ferns
MARCUS PICK
This is the 3rd consecutive blog to feature Marcus’ photos – a new record! They are brilliant
For me, this is another Marcus Pick classic using shadows and silhouettes
MARK WILSON
I was over the moon when I finally got Mark Wilson to donate some of his photos for the blog. Mark you need to check your Messenger some time but you’re with us now and the photos are fantastic. Just look at the detail of this set of photos.
I’m beginning to appreciate the Class 50. They’re a good length.
Great stuff Mark, thank you.
ACCURASCALE DELTIC BIRTHDAY
Accurascale is celebrating its fifth birthday with the announcement of a second production run of the popular ‘OO’ gauge Class 55 ‘Deltics’. Their first run sold out very quickly. I tried to find out when the new Deltics were due but Accurascale couldn’t/wouldn’t tell me saying that I will have to check on their website. I just looked and they are now available on pre-order.
The new run of models will also feature improvements and modifications following customer feedback about the initial batch of locomotives. Amendments include a revised bogie brake chain arrangement to make them more robust and the corner step mounting and fuel tanks have also been improved with stronger mountings. Nose handrails are also being upgraded for a more realistic appearance.
Six new ‘OO’ gauge ‘Deltics’ form this latest production run including D9018 Ballymoss in BR two-tone green with small yellow panels (Cat No. ACC2788), 55004 Queen’s Own Highlander in BR blue (ACC2785), 55013 The Black Watch in ‘Rainhill’ BR blue with silver fuel tanks, grey roof and white detailing (ACC2786) and 55020 Nimbus in BR blue (ACC2789).
The remaining two ‘Deltics’ will be Accurascale Exclusive models finished as 55002/D9000 Royal Scots Grey in BR two-tone green (late 1990s Virgin CrossCountry condition) with high-intensity headlight (ACC2790) and, following customer requests, a re-run of 9016 Gordon Highlander in Porterbrook purple with unique WIPAC lights (ACC2787).
Each of the six releases will reflect their prototypes at a given timeframe in their career, with nuances to their detail and/or decoration included.
Delivery is slated for early 2024, priced at £169.99 DCC ready and £259.99 DCC sound fitted. The four standard models will be available from Accurascale stockists, while all six will also be available to order at the Accurascale website.
www.accurascale.com
MORE FROM ACCURASCALE
Accurascale has revealed details of further planned exclusives for its all-new ‘OO’ gauge Class 31 and Class 50 diesel locomotives, as part of its Accurascale Exclusives range.
New to the Class 31 fold are 31407 in Mainline Freight livery (Cat No. ACC2835/ACC2840-DCC) and 31466 in EWS livery (ACC2834/ACC2839-DCC). A further pair of exclusive Class 31’s are set to be announced shortly.
31407’s eye-catching aircraft blue colour scheme was revealed at an event at Toton Traction Maintenance Depot (TMD) in 1997 and was often seen in combination with similarly adorned Inspection Saloon DB999504. Similarly, 31466 received its English Welsh and Scottish Railway maroon and gold livery ahead of the company’s Toton TMD open day in August 1998.
Both models will be available DCC ready and DCC sound-fitted.
Accurascale has also unveiled plans for two additional exclusive Class 50 diesels as 50007 Sir Edward Elgar in GW150 green (ACC2211/ACC2239-DCC) and 50149 Defiance in BR Railfreight General sector livery (ACC2216/ACC2244-DCC).
Sir Edward Elgar is set to appear in 1988-1991 guise with full length orange cantrail stripe, while 50149 will reflect the colourful makeover it received in 1987 for use on freight trains in the South West. Both will be available in DCC ready and DCC sound fitted form.
Prices for the newly-announced Class 31s are set at £169.99 DCC ready and £269.99 DCC sound-fitted, while the Class 50s are priced at £189.99 DCC ready and £299.99 DCC sound-fitted.
Both sets of models are expected to arrive after the main batch of standard models in each case, during the first quarter of 2024.
Visit www.accurascale.com for more information.
KMRC EXCLUSIVE
Kernow Model RailCentre have announced two Exclusive Heljan 00 Gauge Class 33/1s as 33 104 and 33 106 in BR Blue livery, as used on the Thames Tamar Express Railtour on 16th April 1977.
The Southern Region of British Rail ordered an eventual total of 98 Type 3 diesel locomotives from the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW) of Smethick, Birmingham. They are powered by a Sulzer 8 cylinder engine of 1550 bhp. The main generator and the four traction motors were supplied by Crompton Parkinson, hence the nickname for the class.
All locomotives were delivered in standard BR loco green, most being repainted BR blue during the late 1960s and early 1970s. During 1967, 19 of the locomotives were fitted with push-pull equipment for use on the Bournemouth line becoming Class 33/1. The last 12 members of the class, delivered in 1962, designated 33/2 were 7 inches narrower to allow working through the restricted tunnels of the Hastings line.
The Exclusive KMRC models represent 33 104 and 33 106 that entered traffic in July and August 1960 as D6516 and D6519 respectively. They were push pull fitted during 1967 and were renumbered in BR Blue livery as 33 104 and 33 106 in early 1974. Withdrawals took place in December 1985 and November 1990.
The Exclusive models in 00 Gauge are being produced for KMRC by Heljan. The model features highly detailed bodyshells and underframes with many separate components including handrails and the front pipework for push pull operation. [Updated] They are fitted with a revised chassis with switchable LED lighting and a 21pin DCC decoder interface.
The two models are in the condition, without the high intensity headlight, as used on the Thames Tamar Express Railtour on 16th April 1977. The Thames Tamar Express Railtour was organised by the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society. It ran as 1Z21 0847 London Waterloo to Carne Point and was formed with Class 33/1 Diesel Locomotive number 33 104 leading into Cornwall with Class 491 4-TC unit number 420 and 433 forming the passenger accommodation. Between these units was Mk1 RMB number S1872 which had special wiring to work with the TC units. Bringing up the rear was Class 33/1 Diesel Locomotive number 33 106.
They ran in this condition almost untouched cosmetically from 1974 until orange cant-rail stripes were generally applied around about 1985.
The two versions of the locomotives are available now priced at £209.95 as follows:
3372 Heljan Class 33/1 Diesel Locomotive number 33 104 BR Blue DCC Ready.
3373 Heljan Class 33/1 Diesel Locomotive number 33 106 BR Blue DCC Ready.
Chris Trerise, Managing Director, said: “These Class 33/1 locos are ideal companions for our acclaimed Exclusive 4-TC units, as they worked together in usual service as well as the Thames Tamar Express Railtour, and will be also offered as value bundle packs comprising of one of these Class 33/1 plus a suitable livered 4-TC unit, so keep
an eye on the website for details.”
www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com
LONDON MAYOR CONFIRMS OLYMPICS
I have to admit that I’m not an admirer of London Mayor, Sadiq Khan but I do support his Olympics bid. The 2012 Games were a huge success but that was when Boris was in charge. I’d love to see Golden Saturday II. Anyway Sadiq Khan has confirmed that he wants London to host the 2040 Olympic Games, which would trigger more transport improvements. He told MyLondon: ‘We're working with colleagues to get a bid explored. 2032 and 2036 are a done deal.
The attraction of a deal for 2040 for London is it would be the greenest Olympics ever – watch this space.’ It is the second time that the Mayor has revealed his ambition. He told ITV last year during a trip to the USA that the cost ‘wouldn’t be humongous’ because the capital was equipped to host the Olympics in 2012, when the Docklands Light Railway was extended.
NEW TRAIN SIM WORLD 3
Class 385 trains at Glasgow Queen Street Station. // Credit: ScotRa
The busy railway route between Edinburgh and Glasgow is the setting for a new train simulator game, “Train Sim World 3: ScotRail Express: Edinburgh – Glasgow”.
Developed by Scottish-based Rivet Games and published by Dovetail Games, the game is the latest release of the Train Sim World franchise. It adds another full Scottish route to the series and will be available as an add-on for Windows PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles when it is released today, Thursday, 26th January.
The game’s star is a ScotRail Class 385 electric train* that carries ScotRail’s iconic Saltire livery and features a number of classic railway vistas including:
New features in this game are passenger announcements, whilst ScotRail’s classic train planters feature again but this time as static scenery objects
The add-on requires pre-installation of Train Sim World 3, and can be purchased digitally on Steam, the Epic Games Store, PlayStation® Store, and Microsoft Store.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said: “It’s great to see our Class 385 fleet and the Glasgow – Edinburgh mainline come to life in Train Sim World 3, following the successful addition of our Cathcart Line and former Class 314 fleet in the previous version of the game.
“We can’t wait to see what the players think as they take a virtual trip between Scotland’s two biggest cities on the newest trains in the ScotRail fleet.”
Jonny Gourlay, ScotRail driver, said: “For anyone coming into this for the first time if you feel you don’t know the controls that well, or you don’t know the route that well, give yourself a bit of time first to learn it.
“There’s lots to remember if you’re driving between Glasgow and Edinburgh, like braking points and how many carriages fit on which platforms.
“Give yourself the time to learn it, because if you were doing it in real life, you’re not expected to drive the train within two hours or know the route back to front.”
Matt Peddlesden, Dovetail Games Executive Producer, said: “I’m delighted that Rivet Games have been able to bring this key railway from Scotland into Train Sim World 3 along with the ultra-modern ScotRail Class 385 units.
“This is an exciting release for all fans of Scottish railways!”
Jasper Holzapfel, Rivet Games Community Manager, said: “As a Scottish studio, we’re more than excited about this release.
“Recreating a route many of us often use was particularly fun and interesting.
“Combined with the modern Class 385, we can’t wait for our community to get their hands on this!”
- I would have preferred a Class 170 myself
Further information about Train Sim World 3 can be found at www.trainsimworld.com
AND IN THE REAL WORLD
NICOLA FINALLY GETS SOMETHING RIGHT
Oh dear I’m getting a bit controversial today with my politics. I’ve already said that I am not a Sadiq Khan supporter, neither do I support NIcola Sturgeon and I am NOT in favour of Scottish independence but she may finally be getting something right as Scotrail is launching a ticket sale for it’s off-peak trans from 26 January
ScotRail’s half-price ticket sale began on Thursday 26 January and continues until Thursday 2 February 2023. Millions of half-price tickets will be available for off-peak train fares providing people with the chance to visit Scotland by train at bargain prices.
Tickets in the half-price sale can be used between the 26th of January and the 28th of February inclusive and comes as part of the rail operators ‘Yours to Use’ initiative which aims to get more people travelling by train during the winter period.
Half-price tickets can be purchased by using the following methods and quoting the promo code SALE23:
scotrail.co.uk/sale
The half-price promo is available on all off-peak tickets on ScotRail services and is valid for return travel within a month. The sale offers a fantastic way for customers to take a winter break or a great day out. Customers can buy as many half-price tickets as they wish!
ScotRail is also enabling its Kids for a Quid deal in conjunction with the half-price sale tickets which means as many as four children will be able to travel with each adult for just £1 return each
Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth MSP said: “This ticket offer is just one of the ways in which the Scottish Government is ensuring a publicly owned and operated ScotRail can deliver real benefits and savings for passengers.
“We need more people to return to Scotland’s trains and I would encourage anyone thinking about travelling by rail to take up this opportunity for half-price travel.”
Lesley Kane, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “This fantastic offer will mean more people can get out and enjoy Scotland for less this winter and is a reminder that Scotland’s Railway is ‘Yours to Use’.
“Travelling by train is such a great way to experience Scotland, and we hope everyone takes advantage while they can make such a huge saving.”
CAIRNGORM MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
Thursday, 26th January, was a significant day for winter sports enthusiasts in Scotland as it marks the reopening of the 2km funicular Cairngorm Mountain Railway up the Cairngorm Mountain.
The UK Department of Transport has carried out significant engineering works and testing and has issued safety certificates to enable Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd (CMSL) to reopen Scotland’s only funicular railway for the rest of this year’s snow sports season.
The railway is Scotland’s only funicular railway, and the Ptarmigan building at its summit is the highest in the UK at over 1,065m above sea level.
Before the railway could be reopened, reinstatement works were carried out that included a complex engineering project to strengthen the viaduct and install a new control system. These all had to be done within the strict environmental requirements of a unique mountain environment.
As long as weather conditions permit, a regular service will operate to take winter sports enthusiasts on a 5-minute journey to the top of the slopes. As well as reopening the railway, new ‘magic carpet’ conveyor belts have been installed for the beginner slope, and improvements made to the car park.
The resort is owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and operated by the Cairngorm Mountain team. It is one of Scotland’s iconic locations, and with the reopening of the railway, the mountain environment is accessible to not only snowsports enthusiasts, but visitors of all ages and abilities throughout the year. Environmental rangers who oversee the protection of the site are available to offer insights on its unique nature, whilst visitors can also learn about the Cairngorms and Scotland’s mountains.
The Ptarmigan building, which houses the UK’s highest restaurant, has also been refurbished. It is located at the top station of the mountain railway and has a 270° immersive exhibition space and a viewing platform. The restaurant has been redesigned to provide a light, contemporary space with an open-plan gin bar**, a cosy log fire, and floor-to-ceiling windows so that visitors can enjoy the spectacular views of the mountain range.
At the foot of the mountain, cafés and shops are open throughout winter selling outdoor clothing, food and drink by the log burner, and seasonal gifts. As well as attracting winter sports enthusiasts, the resort offers interest all year round and following on from the new improved visitor experience it plans to introduce mountain biking this summer.
**It should have been a whisky bar
Further information about the railway can be found at www.cairngormmountain.co.uk, and snowsports passes can be purchased at https://cairngormmountain.skiperformance.com
Susan Smith, CEO of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, said: “The Cairngorm Mountain team is thrilled to be welcoming snowsports enthusiasts onto the funicular railway once more. The improvements across the resort have brought major changes to the visitor experience and we are so pleased to see the railway transport people to the upper slopes as well as our refurbished Ptarmigan building.
“Weather permitting and with the hope that capacity will expand further as the season continues, 2023 promises to be a landmark year for the local community.”
Dave Macleod, head of property and infrastructure with HIE, said: “It’s wonderful to see the mountain railway back in action again. This will make a huge improvement to the customer experience at Cairngorm and strengthen the appeal of the wider area to attract visitors throughout the year.
“Reinstating the funicular has been uniquely challenging, not only in engineering terms but also for the care that had to be taken to protect the environment during these works while also contending with some of the most severe and changeable weather that Scotland has to offer.
“Cairngorm plays an important role in the local economy as an environmental, educational, and sporting asset and the funicular will enable people across a huge range of ages and abilities to enjoy the mountain not only in winter but every season.”
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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.
