Return tickets all round
IHAVE absolutely no idea why the first series of THE GREAT MODEL RAILWAY CHALLENGE (Channel 5, 8pm) passed me by. I guess I just got sidetracked. Still, no matter, because it’s back tonight for another eight-week run, with 15 new teams of dedicated modellers competing for a title that was won last year (apparently) by a society from Aberdeen.
And this time I’ve a feeling I’m going to get hooked.The tone set by co-hosts James Richardson and Tim Shaw is obviously crucial to the whole thing.
In common with shows of a similar ilk (by which, of course, I
mean Bake Off, Sewing Bee, Lego Masters and The not particularly Great Pottery Throw Down), the presenting pair strike just the right balance between gentle irreverence (to amuse the broader audience) and genuine respect for the creativity involved (so as not to disgruntle the geeks).
Also, it’s not just about laying down a few tracks and making tiny trains go round and round.Any idiot could do that.
Even this one. No, this is clearly about creating miniature worlds – and also, I guess, about losing yourself as you do so. It must be hugely therapeutic.
Competing in this first heat we have Corby Model Railway Society, Fancott Miniature Marvels and a bunch calling themselves The Train Set, introduced to us as “professional biochemists” (I’m not sure I’d want to meet an amateur one).
With judges Kathy Millatt and Steve Flint looking on (Kathy is a modelling expert and vlogger, Steve is the editor of Railway Modeller and winner of my Ian Beale lookalike contest), the teams are told the theme they must tackle this week – namely,The Restless Earth.
That means their railway-themed creations must include things like volcanoes and earthquakes, although surprisingly, nothing quite as destructive as leaves on the line.
And to test their ability to think on their feet, they’re also given random items they have to incorporate.
This week’s, in no particular order, are party poppers, hair gel and a tutu. Seriously. So yes, the overall effect is like watching Bake Off’s showstopper round, where your ingenuity gets pushed to the limit but where you mustn’t lose sight of your creation’s principle purpose.
You can tell I’m already a convert, can’t you?
Also tonight we have GOGGLEBOX (C4, 9pm), returning for its 14th series in just six years.
And who are my own personal favourites among these armchair telly critics? To be honest, I couldn’t tell you. I’m too busy shouting at the screen to ever hear a word they say.
Ironic, eh?