BRITAINS MODEL FARMING YEAR
A unique insight into the production of Britains model farm implements
Author: Warner Hall Format: Hardback, Size 210 x 297 mm Pages: 124 Price: £14.95 + postage Where to buy: www.britainsbooks.com
Developed and illustrated by Warner Hall, Britains Farming Consultant, using the Model Farm models from 1921 to the present year 2018. Warner’s unique text and his prototype models are included, as are actions taken following discussions he had with the Britains Design Department from 1972.
Britains Model Farming Year is the culmination of years of Warner’s enjoyment with model making with particular attention to Britains models. He made many other models over the years including boats, planes, cars and, particularly, a perfectly detailed and large 00 gauge railway layout in the loft at his home. Yes, there was a farm included in the layout. He also restored two farm tractors, a Fordson Dexta similar to that which he used at Writtle Agricultural College, and also a ‘grey and gold’ Ferguson 35.
The book is split into two convenient and chronological parts, telling the story beautifully. Part 1 is titled Autumn to Spring and covers ploughing, cultivating and tillage, sowing and planting, fertilising, spraying and irrigating, and manuring. Part 2 is Spring to Autumn, covering haymaking, silage making for both smaller and larger farms, grain harvesting, balers and bale handling, potato harvesting, and timber harvesting. The book concludes with a brief history of Britains to round the whole tale off perfectly.
Warner passed away three years ago, when the book was around 90% finished. It has been lovingly completed with the help of his brother, Stephen, and is a fitting tribute to a passion for the subject that has spanned many decades. Lavishly illustrated and detailed throughout, its publication is very timely, as we conclude our Britains Farm centenary celebrations in this very issue. The layout is very neat and the book makes for a very handy reference on the subject that is very difficult to put down. ■