This month, let's start with the photos. I've been a busy boy, and you'll find three layout shoots by me in this issue.
First, we have the East Derbyshire Mineral Railway. This EM gauge layout wasn't what I origionally contacted owner Mick Payne to talk about - but I'm not complaining, this fascinating rural line is one of the nicest I've ever pointed a camera at. With more than enough shots in the bag, I could still have worked away for another hour.
It helps that we share an interest in building kits of unusual locomotives, especially Centre Models kits, so the chatting was very pleasent.
I've never fancied owning a layout built into a room before - but I could enjoy building this one very much thank you.
From the countryside, we move steeltown with Burnroyd Works. Apart from the scale, the two models share nothing. It's all big diesel locos, dirt and metal here, and all the better for it. There's even that DCC sound stuff. Deservedly popular at shows, this isn't a big layout, but it's got a lot of action in the space.
Finally, we have some N gauge in the form of Midholme. What I like here is that this is a spacious branch line station that uses the smaller scale to give the atmosphere of a quiet line. In the photo above, I bet you can't tell it's N either - cracking modelling.
Back at the bench, well, we have a guide for benches, the sort you sit on.
I've dig around to find a selection of station benches for different lines. This was harder than I expected as I really didn't want anything generic. Also, I had to buy the kits and then build them. Fiddly work with a deadline approaching!
Finally, one of those kits I spot, and immediatly want to have a go at. This time, it's Metcalfe Models "Ramshackle workshop". Lovely design, and crying out for some minor upgrades so it could sit in any layout.
Oh, and on BRM TV, I'm answering a reader's call to weather the inside of some wagons.
Phew! That was a busy month!