View from the end of the Platform
MISTAKES DON'T MATTER
"Y ou see, if you're going to break the world land speed record, or if you are going to design the best cabinet, or you're going to come up with the ultimate model train layout, you actually need mistakes. Mistakes are the most amazing things. If you make the same mistake, you're not learning. But if you make different mistakes, it's called education, it's called lessons in life." - Henry Cole from The Life Changing Magic of Sheds.
There is a trend on social media for people to post photos of models they have made and ask the assembled throng if they are acceptable. This annoys me, because the correct answer is that if you are happy with it, then it is perfectly acceptable, whatever anyone else thinks. Especially people sitting online who have never built anything of their own.
We are engaged in a hobby, so the only person whose standards you have to worry about is your own. Now, if you are a brain surgeon, then results matter. I love model railways, but am happy to admit that they aren't in the same league.
In this issue, we have one of the best models I have ever seen - Chuck Doan's Tractor locomotive. It is a stunning piece of work, which I hope you will enjoy seeing and taking a bit of inspiration from.
This isn't a competition, though. I see a lot of models, and every one is a triumph for its builder. Each one would also inspire other modellers, which is why I am always keen for people to write up their experiences for these pages. We'll always aim to bring you a spread of abilities, and no one will ever judge your efforts. So, get writing! Phil Parker, Editor
Publisher: Steve Cole E: stevec@warnersgroup.co.uk Editor: Phil Parker E: phil.parker@warnersgroup.co.uk T: 07879 383
GARDEN Rail
Advertising: Sarah Jarman E: sarah.jarman@warnersgroup.co.uk T: 01778 392055
Advertising Designer: Amie Carter E: amiec@warnersgroup.co.uk
Designer: Dan Jarman
E: danjarmandesign@gmail.com
Production Executive: Allison Mould
E: allison.mould@warnersgroup.co.uk T: 01778 395002
Contributors: Tony Bird, Ben and Amy Bucki, Louise Christie, Chuck Doan, Graham Duncan-Smith, Wayne Herivel, David Pinniger, Mark Thatcher
Printed by: Warners Midlands plc
Distribution
News Trade - Warners Distribution T: 01778 392417
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Subscriptions T: 01778 392465 F: 01778 421706 (UK & Overseas) T: 01778 395002 E: subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk UK: £57.00 12 issues (1 year) UK DD: 3 issues for £5 then £12.49 per quarter Rest of Europe: £71.00 12 issues (1 year) Rest of World: £83.00 12 issues (1 year) You can now manage your subscription online at: www.world-of-railways.co.uk www.warners.gr/gardenrailrenewals
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All rights reserved. Material is only accepted on the understanding that there are no copyright restrictions. Although every care will be taken, all materials submitted are at the owner's risk and Warners Group Publications cannot be held responsible for loss or damage however caused. Copyright on all materials in this magazine remains vested in the Authors and Warners Group Publications. Reproduction of the whole or any part is forbidden without relevant permissions. Warners Group Publications and the Editor cannot be held responsible for any error that might occur in text or advertisements. Reliance placed upon the contents of the magazine is entirely at the reader's own risk.
CONTENTS
6 The Grand Central Railroad by Wayne Herivel
14 Yvette by Dave Pinniger
17 Building a tractor locomotive by Chuck Doan
23 Diary dates
24 A Churchwater Slate Railways carriage by Tony Bird
28 A silly idea?
30 A Cape Locomotive by Graham Duncan-Smith
32 Looking forward on the living layout by Louise Christie.
36 Postcards from Kathleen's Light Railway
40 Luggage Barrows by Amy and Ben Bucki
46 The Toy Toyota by Mark Thatcher
52 The National Garden Railway Show preview
56 Product News
60 Mailbox
62 Seen at the Great British Model Railway show
Glistening in the sun, a fine collection of locomotives lined up in St Francis Church, Bournville, for a show organised by Garden Rail regular contributor, Andy Christie, and featuring a few more modellers you would recognise from our pages. The temporary line ran all day, much to the delight of visitors to the show, who don't often see live steam indoors.