Just seen Joe Cassidy's thread re model shops in Capetown, and as I am off to Goa soon and had similar thoughts,IE does anyone know of a good model shop there? it occured to me that it might be good to have a thread (perhaps a sticky) where we could recommend model shops in different towns round the world so any one could look it up before travelling.
There's a subforum devoted to offline model shops (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?board=20.0) in the UK and abroad, though it might be useful to have a sticky there linking to posts of interest, or a subforum for non-UK shops.
As far as Cape Town is concerned I've had a look around the main shopping areas but so far I haven't found the Smithdown Road of Cape Town.
Best regards,
Joe
Hi Joe,
I'm afraid model railways are not a priority for most of the people in Africa, the hobby has a small following here hence the scarcity of model railway shops.
:ngauge:
I did find a hobby shop in Centurion a few years ago but unfortunately they had no model railway stuff :(
Best regards,
Joe
Johannesburg has three model railway shops but only one has a small selection of British outline N, the others have a smattering of US and continental outline.
Most of the N gaugers I know buy from the internet which has now become a big problem because our post office is not operational because of strike action.
Regards
Veronica
Quote from: steve836 on November 16, 2014, 11:33:14 AM
Just seen Joe Cassidy's thread re model shops in Capetown, and as I am off to Goa soon and had similar thoughts,IE does anyone know of a good model shop there? it occured to me that it might be good to have a thread (perhaps a sticky) where we could recommend model shops in different towns round the world so any one could look it up before travelling.
Steve
Having been often to India, I'd echo Silly Moo's point about Africa, it's just not a priority for people. Most people there barely have enough food to eat or clothes to wear, let alone a proper home to build a model railway in. (Not meaning that in a condescending way - just what I've observed). My observation is that for there to be a customer base for model railways countries need:
a) a certain level of GDP (or a sizeable number of people with a certain level of disposable income)
b) a general culture of inquisitiveness towards things scientific and a history of scientific achievement
One without the other leads to a very small / non-existent model railway interest.
I'd say if there was anything it would be in Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay). Possibly Chennai (Madras) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Good luck though if you find something and I think you've come up with an excellent idea to have some kind of directory of model shops we find on our travels.
I live in hope when I'm travelling around the world that I'll stumble on a model train shop. After years of hoping, I sometimes think a meteor is more likely to land at my feet.
In a city of perhaps 5 million, Dubai has not one model train shop :(
Oh, forgot to say, enjoy Goa. Never been there but I'm sure it will be lovely.
Dan
Railsquid
Thanks for the link, I hadn't seen that before.
Building on Steve's point, a message to mods / Tank: How about a proper directory with shops listed under towns / cities, with the towns / cities being listed in alphabetical order, within countries also listed in alphabetical order? Perhaps have a standard format to describe what the shop sells, so that we don't end up with too much text. Perhaps YES/NO kind of answers to pre-set questions.
What do others think?
And how about names? I'll throw my hat in the ring with "N Pages". I'm sure someone will come up with better.
Dan
Quote from: DesertHound on November 18, 2014, 05:46:39 AM
Railsquid
Thanks for the link, I hadn't seen that before.
Building on Steve's point, a message to mods / Tank: How about a proper directory with shops listed under towns / cities, with the towns / cities being listed in alphabetical order, within countries also listed in alphabetical order? Perhaps have a standard format to describe what the shop sells, so that we don't end up with too much text. Perhaps YES/NO kind of answers to pre-set questions.
What do others think?
And how about names? I'll throw my hat in the ring with "N Pages". I'm sure someone will come up with better.
Dan
That's the sort of thing I had in mind.
There is the perfect solution for such a directory - use the wiki: http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/wiki/Main_Page (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/wiki/Main_Page)
Cheers, Mike
Quote from: red_death on November 18, 2014, 11:02:38 AM
There is the perfect solution for such a directory - use the wiki: http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/wiki/Main_Page (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/wiki/Main_Page)
Cheers, Mike
No checked it out. It doesn't really help,I was thinking of a thread where someone going to a strange country could look up to find a model shop where they could , perhaps, pick up a railway related souveneer.
Well if you want a directory format, the wiki is the only viable option. The downside to that is that it's a separate system and seems to lead rather an isolated existence; moreover its content won't turn up in forum searches.
The other alternative would be to add slightly more structure to the existing topic, with maybe per-continent sub-topics and stickies in each containing links to reports of interest.
Anything else will probably require more resources and commitment than is realistically available.
Quote from: red_death on November 18, 2014, 11:02:38 AM
There is the perfect solution for such a directory - use the wiki: http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/wiki/Main_Page (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/wiki/Main_Page)
Cheers, Mike
Hi Mike
I clicked on the link, which took me to the wiki page. Are you referring to the "N Gauge Suppliers" page within that? That is indeed a fantastic tool to search for a supplier, albeit by name of supplier.
I think what Steve has in mind (or at least what I'm thinking) is a directory so that you can easily find a model shop by town name. Indeed, this directory just popped to mind, listing shops by county;
http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/counties/modelShops (http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/counties/modelShops)
So, perhaps we could say that the job has been done for us, and we don't require a new one. However (and no disrespect to the other website) the international section at the bottom is quite "light" I think. Okay, for 99% of guys on here, they are not interested in model shops in South Africa, Hong Kong, India, or wherever it might be outside of the UK, but for those of us overseas, it could be a useful little project.
Am I missing something in the link you posted Mike?
Cheers
Dan
My point was that the wiki is a suitable tool to create such a directory (much more suitable and manageable than a forum thread).
M
Right, I think I'm getting the gist of this Mike / Railsquid. If we go down the wiki route (which maybe is the most suitable) then perhaps we could have a section titled "International Shops". Could we then have countries listed under the A-Z format, and then models shops under those countries?
Just a thought. I'm always away due to work and would be happy to add model shops if / when I find them.
Cheers
Dan
Quote from: railsquid on November 18, 2014, 11:38:29 AM
Well if you want a directory format, the wiki is the only viable option. The downside to that is that it's a separate system and seems to lead rather an isolated existence; moreover its content won't turn up in forum searches.
The other alternative would be to add slightly more structure to the existing topic, with maybe per-continent sub-topics and stickies in each containing links to reports of interest.
Anything else will probably require more resources and commitment than is realistically available.
Ok if it can't be done it can't be done. I was merely stating something which I ,and I think others too, would like. I am not sufficiently knowledgeable about computers to have any input about how it might be achieved.
Quote from: steve836 on November 18, 2014, 11:59:52 AM
Quote from: railsquid on November 18, 2014, 11:38:29 AM
Well if you want a directory format, the wiki is the only viable option. The downside to that is that it's a separate system and seems to lead rather an isolated existence; moreover its content won't turn up in forum searches.
The other alternative would be to add slightly more structure to the existing topic, with maybe per-continent sub-topics and stickies in each containing links to reports of interest.
Anything else will probably require more resources and commitment than is realistically available.
Ok if it can't be done it can't be done. I was merely stating something which I ,and I think others too, would like. I am not sufficiently knowledgeable about computers to have any input about how it might be achieved.
Hang in there Steve - it was a great idea. I'm with you in not being a computer genie but we'll work something out, unless there's any specific objections.
Dan
Something is certainly doable to improve on the existing situation - just thinking of the most practical, sustainable options. (I've been on both the technical and organisational end of this kind of thing, and the easier-to-implement solutions based on what's available are very often the ones that work best, even if they're not quite ideal).
Quote from: railsquid on November 18, 2014, 12:16:38 PM
Something is certainly doable to improve on the existing situation - just thinking of the most practical, sustainable options. (I've been on both the technical and organisational end of this kind of thing, and the easier-to-implement solutions based on what's available are very often the ones that work best, even if they're not quite ideal).
The wiki option seems fine Railsquid. Can we "create" within wiki such a directory, or does it have to come from the top? I don't really know how to add info to wiki, but then I've never tried. For example, each time a new shop is added in a new country, would it be possible for the person adding it to create that new country. No point having 200+ countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, when there aren't any model shops in those countries. Either that or the chance of finding a model shop in them is about as likely as finding an English sign in Japan! ;)
So that the directory is not cluttered with unnecessary countries, but only has those countries in it that contributors have actually populated with a model shop.
Digging down further, to keep it universal, we could have a set of criteria to be answered, e.g. UK stock (YES/NO), Continental stock (YES/NO), second hand stock (YES/NO) and so on. Perhaps a small section at the end for a couple of lines of free text.
Just my thoughts.
Dan
If we go the wiki route, which seems do be the way those who know about this sort of thing appear to favour, perhaps we could have a "sticky" in the forum bit with a link to the appropriate page, or is that a non-starter?
Quote from: steve836 on November 18, 2014, 12:55:00 PM
If we go the wiki route, which seems do be the way those who know about this sort of thing appear to favour, perhaps we could have a "sticky" in the forum bit with a link to the appropriate page, or is that a non-starter?
A sticky post in the forum should certainly work, assuming cooperation from the friendly mods :)
Quote from: DesertHound on November 18, 2014, 12:40:07 PM
Quote from: railsquid on November 18, 2014, 12:16:38 PM
Something is certainly doable to improve on the existing situation - just thinking of the most practical, sustainable options. (I've been on both the technical and organisational end of this kind of thing, and the easier-to-implement solutions based on what's available are very often the ones that work best, even if they're not quite ideal).
The wiki option seems fine Railsquid. Can we "create" within wiki such a directory, or does it have to come from the top? I don't really know how to add info to wiki, but then I've never tried. For example, each time a new shop is added in a new country, would it be possible for the person adding it to create that new country. No point having 200+ countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, when there aren't any model shops in those countries. Either that or the chance of finding a model shop in them is about as likely as finding an English sign in Japan! ;)
So that the directory is not cluttered with unnecessary countries, but only has those countries in it that contributors have actually populated with a model shop.
Hmm, it's the MediaWiki software, the same one which powers Wikipedia, which I am (or was) somewhat familiar... Basically what it would involve is some kind of wiki markup template, which someone would have to fill in with relevant details; that would at least create links to country pages or country categories or something, which could be filled in by whoever if needed.
The downside is that this would not be an entirely intuitive process; wiki markup is a finicky beast and tricky for anyone not used to matching up nested sets of brackets. And someone would have to keep an eye on it, 'cos inevitably you'll end up with one shop being located in "America", another in the "USA", and another in "The US" or something.
Quote from: DesertHound on November 18, 2014, 12:40:07 PMDigging down further, to keep it universal, we could have a set of criteria to be answered, e.g. UK stock (YES/NO), Continental stock (YES/NO), second hand stock (YES/NO) and so on. Perhaps a small section at the end for a couple of lines of free text.
Again, could be solved with a template. But not very end-user friendly, unless MediaWiki has gained some new functionality I've missed.
Personally I'd stick to a slightly expanded subforum, keeps everything in one place and is easier to contribute to.
Railsquid - sounds like we need one administrator to handle the wiki directory. That way everything gets entered correctly and to a universal format. The issue would be encouraging / making people aware that there is someone to send this info to. A sticky perhaps with a link to the wiki directory and also instructions on who to send your model shop info to. Just a thought.
If it's a sub-forum then don't we have the problem we were discussing earlier of it not being searchable, and people would have to scroll through the forum to find a shop. Also, if it's in forum format could we not end up with thread creep / threads about the shops that have been listed, hence "clutter" etc.
Dan
Quote from: DesertHound on November 18, 2014, 05:32:40 AM
Quote from: steve836 on November 16, 2014, 11:33:14 AM
Just seen Joe Cassidy's thread re model shops in Capetown, and as I am off to Goa soon and had similar thoughts,IE does anyone know of a good model shop there? it occured to me that it might be good to have a thread (perhaps a sticky) where we could recommend model shops in different towns round the world so any one could look it up before travelling.
Steve
Having been often to India, I'd echo Silly Moo's point about Africa, it's just not a priority for people. Most people there barely have enough food to eat or clothes to wear, let alone a proper home to build a model railway in. (Not meaning that in a condescending way - just what I've observed). My observation is that for there to be a customer base for model railways countries need:
a) a certain level of GDP (or a sizeable number of people with a certain level of disposable income)
b) a general culture of inquisitiveness towards things scientific and a history of scientific achievement
One without the other leads to a very small / non-existent model railway interest.
I'd say if there was anything it would be in Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay). Possibly Chennai (Madras) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Good luck though if you find something and I think you've come up with an excellent idea to have some kind of directory of model shops we find on our travels.
I live in hope when I'm travelling around the world that I'll stumble on a model train shop. After years of hoping, I sometimes think a meteor is more likely to land at my feet.
In a city of perhaps 5 million, Dubai has not one model train shop :(
Oh, forgot to say, enjoy Goa. Never been there but I'm sure it will be lovely.
Dan
Hi Dan.
I go to India a lot too and I have never come across a model shop in any of the big cities that I visit. I understand that there is one in Pune but I have never been there. There is supposed to be a model railway layout on display at Mysore railway station but whenever I have been there it has been closed.
Best regards,
Joe
P.S. I have managed to vist the Mysore railway museum
Quote from: DesertHound on November 18, 2014, 12:40:07 PM
Quote from: railsquid on November 18, 2014, 12:16:38 PM
Digging down further, to keep it universal, we could have a set of criteria to be answered, e.g. UK stock (YES/NO), Continental stock (YES/NO), second hand stock (YES/NO) and so on. Perhaps a small section at the end for a couple of lines of free text.
Just my thoughts.
Dan
As a camper I often troll through campsite lists -they tend to have a system of symbols Eg. a picture of a dog = dog friendly, a picture of a shower means showers available etc.
Could something of this nature be used?
Quote from: joe cassidy on November 18, 2014, 09:32:35 PM
Quote from: DesertHound on November 18, 2014, 05:32:40 AM
I go to India a lot too and I have never come across a model shop in any of the big cities that I visit. I understand that there is one in Pune but I have never been there. There is supposed to be a model railway layout on display at Mysore railway station but whenever I have been there it has been closed.
Best regards,
Joe
P.S. I have managed to vist the Mysore railway museum
This is the sort of thing I had in mind. I was hoping to visit Bangalore, Mysore and Ooty this trip (sadly its looking unlikely) and didn't know Mysore had a railway museum---Must pencil it in for next time!
Ps Sorry to do two posts back to back ,but I don't know how to do multiple quotes.
Don't get too excited Steve - there's not much to see in Mysore railway musuem, but if you're there anyway it's worth a visit, as is Mysore railway station which is a junction station where there's always something going on.
I recommend a visit to the national railway museum in Delhi, even if it is a glorified scrap yard - gives one a chance to see the innards of steam locos at close quarters !
Best regards,
Joe
Quote from: steve836 on November 18, 2014, 09:57:21 PM
Quote from: DesertHound on November 18, 2014, 12:40:07 PM
Quote from: railsquid on November 18, 2014, 12:16:38 PM
Digging down further, to keep it universal, we could have a set of criteria to be answered, e.g. UK stock (YES/NO), Continental stock (YES/NO), second hand stock (YES/NO) and so on. Perhaps a small section at the end for a couple of lines of free text.
Just my thoughts.
Dan
As a camper I often troll through campsite lists -they tend to have a system of symbols Eg. a picture of a dog = dog friendly, a picture of a shower means showers available etc.
Could something of this nature be used?
You calling me stupid Steve? ;) :P
Why can't you make the trip to Ooty? Is it the distance? Too far? Font forget there's very cheap domestic air travel in India. That said, perhaps if you are going to Goa with the wife, she might not appreciate you jetting off two days after arrival!
Dan
I'm the stupid one :dunce:
The reason we are not doing the trip this year is that my wife's brother is coming out. I only do one flight per year as I have a blood disorder which makes flying dangerous and I have to self inject with heparin so when in India we go about by train and we were unable to get train tickets before he comes and afterwards there won't be time. Still there's always next year!
I've never been there but I believe that Ooty is a day's journey from Bangalore by car. It's a hill station so it never gets too hot. Apparently they have a narrow gauge railway like in Wales. Don't know if it's steam-driven.
Best regards
Joe
Hi Joe
yes there is a lovely little railway in Ooty, often referred to as the "toy train". It is part steam and part diesel. If you are interested google "nilgiri mountain railway". This was the main reason I wanted to go there although there are plenty of other things to keep SWMBO interested.
Steve
Was in Bangkok at a loose end yesterday, so took this ...
[smg id=18862 type=preview align=center caption="2014 11 21 10 58 14"]
... to go and visit this ...
[smg id=18863 type=preview align=center caption="2014 11 21 12 58 22"]
[smg id=18864 type=preview align=center caption="2014 11 21 12 58 43"]
... then jumped onto this ...
[smg id=18865 type=preview align=center caption="2014 11 21 15 27 07"]
[smg id=18866 type=preview align=center caption="2014 11 21 13 18 22"]
... to go and see this ...
[smg id=18867 type=preview align=center caption="2014 11 21 16 10 59"]
[smg id=18868 type=preview align=center caption="2014 11 21 16 11 21"]
It was a long day, starting off with a change of Sky Train from the Silom Line onto the Sukhumvit Line at Siam and then up to the end of the line at Chatuchak market to Mo Chit. Located the first shop although it seemed to be closed. Asked around and they said he's gone for food. No problem I thought, I'll go and grab a coffee and sit down for a while (feet were sore from walking) and went back 30mins later. To my relief the shop was open.
Mainly Kato, Tomix and Fleischmann stock, although to my surprise there were two Farish diesels in the Window. I was interested in Kato track and a quick calculation revealed that UK prices are cheaper. I guess there just isn't the demand in Thailand. That said, the chap in the shop was most willng to chat and was not bothered if I was going to spend money or not, he was just happy I made the visit. Nice display cabinets with the stock in and he informed me of a second shop in Bangkok. Back on the Sky Train it was then ...
Now I ended up at Sala Daeng station on the BTS. Apparently it's a famous area for certain "night time activities", and with daylight slowing fading, I knew I'd have to be quick. I found the second shop in a mall selling mostly golf equipment and this shop was the official stockist / importer (I'm not sure which) of Kato products. Another thoroughly friendly chap who I enjoyed speaking to and who had a fantastic array of Kato stock. I was even tempted to buy something but had left my credit card at home after getting it out at home the other day to make an order with BR Lines!
Two shops I can thoroughly recommend if you are ever passing through. They do require a bit of "hunting down" and the first is about a ten minute walk through market alleyways from the Mo Chit station, but seeing as we're on the subject of "foreign model shops" I thought I'd do my bit for the thread.
Some say there are plenty of models to be seen in Bangkok - fortunately these are the only ones I saw! ;D