Diamond Jubilee model train could make ideal Easter gift

Diamond Jubilee model train could make ideal Easter gift

Posted on by Super User

Last year marked the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations with people from all over the UK descending on to London to enjoy the festivities.

Crowds gathered along the banks of the River Thames and despite the damp conditions it was made a memorable day. To commemorate the occasion Mamod released the Diamond Jubilee saddle Tank Set which has proved to be a hit with both young and old alike. This model steam train is one of the great array of gifts from the company’s collection and makes it easy to see why miniature railways continue to be popular even into the 21st century.

For youngsters it is sense of wonder to see a track come to life in their own home while for the older generations its a feeling of nostalgia, taking them back to a time when these majestic feats of engineering graced the main lines of the UK. The Diamond Jubilee is a real stand-out feature from Mamod and the steam locomotive comes in a ruby rich colour, with brass spectacles, brass chimney cowl and a brass numbered limited edition plaque mounted on the roof.

It encompasses everything great about the steam engines of yesteryear and buyers will be able to recreate the world of steam in the comfort of their own home. The Diamond Jubilee comes complete with steam oil and a gas adaptor and will no doubt take pride of place in anyone’s abode.

One of the benefits of purchasing from Mamod is that customers get a lovingly crafted model straight from the UK. The company is one of a select few that do not import metal and other parts from overseas nations. Everything that comes with a Mamod model is straight from its base near to Birmingham.

As David Terry, Mamod’s managing director, explains: “My plan is to have a business which just deals with the retail trade and is close to the public whom we hope will contact us with a view to visiting our factory. We have already introduced some changes to the way we operate but we want to make our business more sophisticated and that includes the design of the models.”

It is not just steam trains that Mamod prides itself on, it also has an extensive range of steam engines that will delight any model enthusiast with one of the prize assets being the 1410R Red London Bus. This item is a must for anyone with a keen interest in history and this miniature vehicle gives the perfect piece of London history and can also be purchased in green for those wanting something a little different.

Mamod also provides one of the focal points of the steam age with the 1380SP Showmans Special. This model is a stand-out feature in the company’s catalogue and incorporate a successfully designed piston valve engine which are prevalent within the firm’s locomotive miniatures. The Showmans Special is a classic steam engine and recalls images of black and white footage from the 1800s when the dawn of this age has increasing at a pace.

Model railway fanatics flock to Basingstoke event

Model railway fanatics flock to Basingstoke event

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The popularity of model railways was once again reinforced as thousands of enthusiasts flocked to an event held at a Basingstoke school.

Over 2,000 people visited the exhibition at Aldworth Science College in Western Way to see all the latest offerings from the miniature railway world. They were treated to 23 intricate layouts while they were able to meet with the 26 traders that had set up stalls, and were able to purchase everything from mini platform lights to carriages. The event, set up by Basingstoke and North Hampshire Model Railway Society, is now in its 30th year and the two-day event proved to be a huge success.

The Basingstoke Gazette reported that among the various exhibits was a special track set up solely for children in the school’s canteen. It was well received by visitors with people from all over the region commenting on the high standard of model making.

Dave Richards, a member of the organising committee, told the news provider: “This is the 30th year of the show in our 42nd year of the club. It continues to be a popular hobby. People’s interest in model railways seems to be increasing year on year.”

Among the various layouts that were created by the society included steam engine stations of Alkham, Stodmarsh and Fisherton Sarum. There was also a whole host of locomotive settings with Cusworth’s Yard, Norgate and Exchange Sidings all featuring among the exhibits.

The Devon village of Hemyock was depicted in the model railway form and there was even an international flavour, as the German-inspired Neunbruckenbahn was on display.

It follows on from another miniature railways event which drew in crowds from all over the Derbyshire region, as Burton and South Derbyshire College’s lecture theatre played host to the Burton and District Engineering Society’s latest event, the Burton Mail reports.

The highlight of the day was a talk given by researcher and constructor of miniature trains David Hulse, who talked about various aspects to create these models.

Miniature rail meetings show off the hobby’s popularity

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Like most things, trains have evolved over the decades. From the beautiful and imposing steam engines of yesteryear, to today's high-speed machines which fly across the UK's rail networks.

However, just like vintage models such as Formula One cars or old war planes, there is something aesthetically pleasing about older trains, and that's before we've even got on to the engineering and the science behind their workings.

This is why collectors and hobbyists continue to meet regularly to discuss these models and listen to talks and lectures.

Tonight (March 15th), the Burton and South Derbyshire College lecture theatre is expected to be filled as the Burton and District Engineering Society comes together for a seminar on steam engines.

The Burton Mail reports that David Hulse, best known for his researched and constructed models of miniature trains, will be the main attraction having had his one-sixteenth scale version of Thomas Newcomen's engine featured on television.

He will talk to steam engine hobbyists about his research into the Newcomen engine and give further details on his modelling activities.

This event follows on from last Sunday's Cyfarthfa Miniature Railway's Model Show which was held at Cyfarthfa High School.

It was opened by Merthyr mayor Lisa Mytton and welcomed more than 300 visitors and exhibitors from around South Wales, according to Wales Online.

Among the attractions was a selection of live steam and electric five-inch gauge locomotives and wagons which had been constructed by members of Merthyr Tydfil Model Engineering Society.

There was great news for the Neath Model Railway Club at the show, as they sold their £1,000 display to one of the first visitors into the event.

Going to lectures and local shows featuring miniature steam engines is a great way to get into the hobby.

While most people will probably pick up their interest from family members or friends, it is easy to immerse yourself and magazines are available for reading up on the subject.

Stores like Mamod, which was launched back in 1936, are another fantastic resource to try out. Videos of stunning models can be viewed before investing in your first scale model.