What Say You?

The MRE (Model Railway Express) forum was created and maintained by Pat Hammond, a gentleman I have always respected. He was and still is an exceptional writer and author as well as being in the past a magazine editor. What Pat does not know about Tri-ang Railways and Hornby is certainly not worth knowing. He retired from MRE in 2012 and handed it over control to Phil Parker another well respected model railway journalist but although Phil did a sterling job, it was never the same without Pat at the helm. What made MRE different from the rest of the forums was that he reminded all contributors that the manufacturers were their friends and that any criticisms towards them or their products should be tempered with respect in accordance with how the contributors would expect themselves to be treated. This atmosphere of mutual respect created a forum devoid of sarcasm, needless insults and rude comments. Due to the simple rule of mutual respect MRE was both informative and highly respected.

‘What Say You?’ wishes to continue this simple ethos so let’s have your thoughts, views and comments concerning anything associated with the great hobby of model railways, just remember to keep it polite and respectful. Address them to Simon@kohlercoms.com and I will do the rest.

What Say You – Update w/c 7 October 2014

More Reviews from Adi

My good friend Adi has been extremely busy with his reviews these past few weeks.

Adi’s reviews are always honest and straight to the point. He shows no fear or favour neither does he enter the world of ‘click bait’, he just says what he sees. Solid, honest opinion.

So do have a look at the following:

https://youtu.be/QEx7oqW72LE where he reviews EFE’s (Bachmann) GWR Bloater

https://youtu.be/3cT0rQYgv7c With this well executed review Adi looks at the Oxford Rail PO 6 plank open wagon.

https://youtu.be/ZU-Isep1FNo In this video Adi takes an in depth look at the new and Hornby Streamlined B17/5.

https://youtu.be/bHKhcgtku34 Adi’s review on Hornby’s 2024 yearly wagon. He certainly likes the price!

Enwin’s Motors

Don’t let the name fool you, Neil from Enwin’s not only offer some well detailed 3D printed models but also attend and film numerous railway events both model and 1:1.

The following are just a small selection:

https://youtu.be/LnFZQgfb0d0?si=QmJrkn3_8DOMs7bv Some great drone footage to enjoy.

https://youtu.be/qHLaD_67Jow?si=KEFAPs-qc6burF-s Leigh Model Railway Exhibition

https://youtu.be/4eUhzUA2bv4?si=IhII8Efe594789h1 A detailed review of Enwin’s 3D printed models in TT:120 range

https://youtu.be/VYVMH8OePzw?si=48Nae7mwIZg47xb_ And finally, Soar Model Railway Exhibition – Enjoy

Videos received this last weekend

My good friend, Rodger Shanks has certainly been busy commissioning a couple of very special TT:1290 models as will be seen on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBwkyj_QhdI

The first model you will see on Rodger’s latest video is an A4 resplendent in a very vibrant red livery and named after his wife, Samantha. The second specially liveried A4 in a striking blue colour scheme with matching coaches is named after his late father-in-law, George.

No doubt there will be some who will feel that Sir Nigel Gresley will be spinning in his grave but I think the great man might just approve of not only the colour schemes but the sentiments behind both models.

Enwin’s Models have posted their latest video associated with my interview with Neil some weeks ago. Several questions were asked and I have endeavoured to answer them as best I can.

I am always happy to respond to questions be they about my time at Hornby or any other model railway related views or opinions. Just email them to simon@kohlercoms.com and I will post my responses either directly or add them to my ‘What Say You’ section on www.kohlercoms.com

Adi Pullen – YouTube Channel

I first became aware of Adi Pullen’s YouTube site when he sent me a link some years ago to his latest review. Although not the most polished presentation what struck me was his very clear and honest approach to his review. There were no ill-informed remarks or attempts to find fault, just simple observations but more importantly if he did not know the name of a particular part of the model he said so. There was something both fresh and innocent about his presentation while at the same time incredibly honest. Not for him wild accusations or inaccurate opinions just facts as he saw them. As for his later reviews, I can assure you there is no click bait, no looking to attract as many subscribers as possible so as to inflate his bank balance, just an honest viewpoint from someone who simply enjoys sharing his hobby of modelling railways.

I have attached a couple of his reviews. This first is him showing off his rather eclectic range of models https://youtu.be/O0NPRcXO1g0

The second is a review of some Grafar coaches which were produced by Graham Farish back in the 70s, many years before Bachmann Europe bought the company! I remember selling these coaches during my time at The Model Shop, Northampton so seeing them again brought back some fun memories. https://youtu.be/L5zwp4c-hqs

Enjoy, and please let me know what you think.

Videos worth a look see

Over this last weekend I have received some interesting and varied videos which I am keen to share.

The first involves a good friend of mine, Rodger Shanks who has embraced Hornby TT:120 with amazing gusto. Having purchased one of Hornby’s TT:120 sets he embarked on a TT:120 journey that involved him turning his loft space into a model railway area with a layout which is on going and something that will keep him occupied for many a day.

His video not only shows the new Hornby TT:120 HST going through its paces but highlights the enthusiasm and excitement that simply exudes from Rodger. Enjoy!

The next video was sent to me by Enwin’s Motors and shows in great detail the development of a model railway for the transport of a cat! Fascinating stuff and I recommend you stay watching to the end.

What’s new from Osborne Models in TT:120?

Osborne Models are certainly well known in the model railway world for being not only having a truly impressive retail outlet but also for their range of exclusive models in numerous scales.

Established in 1992 as a small model railway shop, Osborn’s Models has grown to become the UK shop with the widest selection of N scale items available today, which they import and export Worldwide. What is not so well known is that they are also a major stockist of ‘00’ Model Railways as well as plastic kits, paints and tools. Osborn’s is a family business, run by Maurice and Michael Pearce and family since 1994 and is now based at 7 Honestone Street, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 2DL, England. Telephone 01237 423453.

The relocated shop was opened on the 2nd August 2008. Since 1^st July 2011, Michael has assumed day to day responsibility for the running of the business. All customers both old and new are more than made welcome to browse the stock in the new premises. The products on sale through this site can be viewed and tried in person at the above address which is open to customers 5-days a week. Osborns Models is a Main KATO dealer, a Dapol ‘Gold’ stockist, plus Hornby main dealer and specialist in Digital Command & Control. Maurice Pearce is a well known N Gauge modeller. You can see one of Maurice’s layouts at http://www.gwr.org.uk/layoutskingswear1.html

Recently, Osborn’s have been turning their attention to producing some very interesting TT:120 items two of which are listed here.

Adi Pullen – YouTube Channel

I first became aware of Adi Pullen’s YouTube site when he sent me a link some years ago to his latest review. Although not the most polished presentation what struck me was his very clear and honest approach to his review. There were no ill-informed remarks or attempts to find fault, just simple observations but more importantly if he did not know the name of a particular part of the model he said so. There was something both fresh and innocent about his presentation while at the same time incredibly honest. Not for him wild accusations or inaccurate opinions just facts as he saw them. As for his later reviews, I can assure you there is no click bait, no looking to attract as many subscribers as possible so as to inflate his bank balance, just an honest viewpoint from someone who simply enjoys sharing his hobby of modelling railways.

I have attached a couple of his reviews. This first is him showing off his rather eclectic range of models https://youtu.be/O0NPRcXO1g0

The second is a review of some Grafar coaches which were produced by Graham Farish back in the 70s, many years before Bachmann Europe bought the company! I remember selling these coaches during my time at The Model Shop, Northampton so seeing them again brought back some fun memories. https://youtu.be/L5zwp4c-hqs

Enjoy, and please let me know what you think.

 

Videos worth a look see

Over this last weekend I have received some interesting and varied videos which I am keen to share.

The first involves a good friend of mine, Rodger Shanks who has embraced Hornby TT:120 with amazing gusto. Having purchased one of Hornby’s TT:120 sets he embarked on a TT:120 journey that involved him turning his loft space into a model railway area with a layout which is on going and something that will keep him occupied for many a day.

His video not only shows the new Hornby TT:120 HST going through its paces but highlights the enthusiasm and excitement that simply exudes from Rodger. Enjoy!

The next video was sent to me by Enwin’s Motors and shows in great detail the development of a model railway for the transport of a cat! Fascinating stuff and I recommend you stay watching to the end.

 

What’s new from Osborne Models in TT:120?

Osborne Models are certainly well known in the model railway world for being not only having a truly impressive retail outlet but also for their range of exclusive models in numerous scales.

Established in 1992 as a small model railway shop, Osborn’s Models has grown to become the UK shop with the widest selection of N scale items available today, which they import and export Worldwide. What is not so well known is that they are also a major stockist of ‘00’ Model Railways as well as plastic kits, paints and tools. Osborn’s is a family business, run by Maurice and Michael Pearce and family since 1994 and is now based at 7 Honestone Street, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 2DL, England. Telephone 01237 423453.

The relocated shop was opened on the 2nd August 2008. Since 1^st July 2011, Michael has assumed day to day responsibility for the running of the business. All customers both old and new are more than made welcome to browse the stock in the new premises. The products on sale through this site can be viewed and tried in person at the above address which is open to customers 5-days a week. Osborns Models is a Main KATO dealer, a Dapol ‘Gold’ stockist, plus Hornby main dealer and specialist in Digital Command & Control. Maurice Pearce is a well known N Gauge modeller. You can see one of Maurice’s layouts at http://www.gwr.org.uk/layoutskingswear1.html

Recently, Osborn’s have been turning their attention to producing some very interesting TT:120 items two of which are listed here.