Welcome to June

Summer is here, or at least it should be. At present, we’re enjoying plenty of ‘liquid sunshine’, but the weather forecasters tell us it’s only temporary and there’s no need for BRM to run practical advice for anyone building an ark.

Instead, we can look forward to getting out and finding inspiration for our modelling. When he was building the JS Models canal lock kit, Phil used it as an excuse to visit a local flight of locks in search of inspiration. He was probably looking for some coffee and cake, but the queue for the cafe was too long – tough luck, though at least he was able to appreciate the designs and colours for his model.

If it’s a prototype you’re modelling, there’s little to beat visiting the location to provide modelling inspiration. The warmer days are perfect to get out and about with a notepad or camera. While a Coles Crane, as built by Michael Russell, isn’t going to be seen on every street, they still linger in the corner of yards – such as Jamie Warne’s wood yard – if you are lucky with your search. Industrial vehicles are also popular with preserved railways, so if you can tear yourself away from watching the trains, you might spot the perfect winter project.

Beyond this, now restrictions are lifting, we can get out and see the country. You might look at ‘Llanidris’ or ‘Pont-y-dulais’ in this issue and feel the need for a trip to Wales taking in one of the famous “Little Trains” and coming home with an urge to build something new in 009. If you want to come back with more than just ideas, the Ffestiniog Railway model shop at Porthmadog Station is well worth a look if you happen to be in the area.

Holidays are also a chance to retrace lost lines. The famous Weymouth Harbour railway is sadly no more, but perhaps after looking at ‘Waymouth’, which has been inspired by it, you might feel the urge to walk the route imagining you are a Class 33 diesel.

Our friends on preserved railways have suffered in the last year, so let’s get out there and support them. Many have put a huge amount of unpaid effort into ensuring trains can run, events can happen and everyone can enjoy themselves in a safe environment. We can do our bit by patronising them, riding the trains, buying a souvenir and munching some tea and cake.

Finally, while out and about, don’t forget to look up local model shops wherever you visit. There are delights to find and interesting people to meet behind the counter. Online shopping works, but there is something special about having time to browse in a shop full of models.

Summer shouldn’t mean a pause in our hobby. Take your workbench outside and try some alfresco modelling. A small board and selection of tools will allow you to work in the fresh air. The light will be perfect for choosing paint colours for a start.

On a still day, you can happily spray paint, and the smell will quickly dissipate. After all, on the side of the cans are the words ‘use in a well ventilated area’, and you don’t find much better ventilation than the great outdoors?

Enjoy the issue and happy modelling.