Seems we ought to create a new thread for UK SPAM (Society for the Preservation of Ancient Models)[1] rather than clog @trainwaiting's threads up.
This morning's SPAM railtour, hauled by a an old kit built J63 and the original generation Minitrix dock tank (both using the same mninitrix chassis design) plus a couple of early Farish generic four wheelers.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/222-170226121029.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158149)
[1] Not Dolly Parton
Would Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
@EtchedPixels , has your kit built J63 featured somewhere else - it looks familiar?
Tim
Quote from: Firstone18 on February 17, 2026, 03:18:58 PMWould Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
The relationship with Hornby ran from around 1973 to early 80s I think. There were Minitrix British models before and after the period when Hornby was involved.
There is a clue with the boxes, as the Hornby period models have red/yellow labels and box lids with "Hornby" in the branding :) , whist they are green/yellow labels before and after.
Do they count as ancient? Well the chassis for the class 27, Warship (older chassis version), Britannia, Ivatts, and the dock tank go back to the late 60s. I think the 9F was a little later. All based on German loco chassis The class 47, Flying Scotsman and A4 models are later still, pretty sure those later steamers came along post Hornby.
This was the chassis used for the class 27. (this set dates from around 1968).
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/medium_5885-210723211522.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=133758)
The Warships used these chassis (older above and later version underneath)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/97/medium_5885-230720112651.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=97287)
.. and the 9F used this chassis
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/91/medium_5885-260420155311.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=91760)
Quote from: Moonglum on February 17, 2026, 03:26:04 PM@EtchedPixels , has your kit built J63 featured somewhere else - it looks familiar?
Tim
I may have posted it somewhere ages ago - I don't remember.
Quote from: Firstone18 on February 17, 2026, 03:18:58 PMWould Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
I think it depends how old you are. To some "it's so old it doesn't even have a DCC connector" is a thing 8)
Quote from: EtchedPixels on February 17, 2026, 04:17:15 PMQuote from: Firstone18 on February 17, 2026, 03:18:58 PMWould Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
I think it depends how old you are. To some "it's so old it doesn't even have a DCC connector" is a thing 8)
Oh dear. I have a lot in that category :-[
Quote from: Newportnobby on February 17, 2026, 04:19:38 PMQuote from: EtchedPixels on February 17, 2026, 04:17:15 PMQuote from: Firstone18 on February 17, 2026, 03:18:58 PMWould Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
I think it depends how old you are. To some "it's so old it doesn't even have a DCC connector" is a thing 8)
Oh dear. I have a lot in that category :-[
Those of us who have been modelling in N for a while probably all have Mick. Even though I have been a DCC convert for many years now, I have a fair number non DCC models including some of my old kitbuilds, a couple of Jubs the late Fred Hempsall repainted into BR green for me, some early Farish, a mint Lima 2-6-4T, Minitrix A3 and A4......in fact quite a list and I simply couldn't part with them.
Roy
I think that under current era generations anything prior to 2000 is old so perhaps prior to 1980 will be ancient.
I'm in the Club with some ancient models.
GE
I have always regarded the "Modern Era" of N Gauge starting in 1980, with the Farish 08, Mark 1 coaches and then a year later with the 47, 37, HST and so on...
For me that was when the hobby really took off instead of relying on whitemetal kits and Mehano GP-40 chassis.
I think I have quite a lot of SPAM material in my collection ... mostly wagons but a few locos as well. Wren-Lima, Hornby-Minitrix, some early Graham Farish/Grafar ...
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXcBvXe
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX8S4mz
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX7hj5n
Does anybody have the Holy Grail of ancient models, the Lima Class 31 in Spanish Railways RENFE livery?
Quote from: Adam1701D on February 17, 2026, 09:30:28 PMI have always regarded the "Modern Era" of N Gauge starting in 1980, with the Farish 08, Mark 1 coaches and then a year later with the 47, 37, HST and so on...
For me that was when the hobby really took off instead of relying on whitemetal kits and Mehano GP-40 chassis.
As far as diesel modelling in N was concerned most definitely, before that all there was available ready to run that wasn't a foreign loco in BR livery was the pretty poor Lima 31, and the better but quite expensive Mintrix Class 27 and Warship.
The 08, 47 and 37 followed (I think - I had one) by the 20 really opened the N gauge diesel market up as did the Mk1s (I still have my rake of early blood and custard ones).
Roy
All I can provide Adam
@Adam1701D is a picture.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/7169-180226105432.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158158)
I didn't know this version existed - until now!
Tim
Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 17, 2026, 04:06:50 PMQuote from: Firstone18 on February 17, 2026, 03:18:58 PMWould Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
The relationship with Hornby ran from around 1973 to early 80s I think. There were Minitrix British models before and after the period when Hornby was involved.
There is a clue with the boxes, as the Hornby period models have red/yellow labels and box lids with "Hornby" in the branding :) , whist they are green/yellow labels before and after.
Do they count as ancient? Well the chassis for the class 27, Warship (older chassis version), Britannia, Ivatts, and the dock tank go back to the late 60s. I think the 9F was a little later. All based on German loco chassis The class 47, Flying Scotsman and A4 models are later still, pretty sure those later steamers came along post Hornby.
This was the chassis used for the class 27. (this set dates from around 1968).
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/medium_5885-210723211522.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=133758)
The Warships used these chassis (older above and later version underneath)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/97/medium_5885-230720112651.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=97287)
.. and the 9F used this chassis
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/91/medium_5885-260420155311.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=91760)
[/quote
Well I have a soft spot for Minitrix Warships have quite a lot... a trio of 27s,kits with the 27 chassis a repainted 47 and all the steam versions.
Plus a pair of nicely restored Peco Jubilee's and quite a few Poole Farish.
They suit my needs quite well!
Most definitely SPAM, and one of the best CDN$5 purchases I ever made!
(And it still runs!)
The lima 31 was my first locomotive ever (but in BR blue) as part of a christmas present back in 19?? Alas I sold it before I'd ever tasted SPAM!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/192-180226202524.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158164)
Mine sadly died some years back, in the "funny smell, smoke and that's a ringfield motor that won't be coming back to life" way.
At least though it was easy to convert to DCC, and these days I guess you could fit one with sound
Nowadays I don't fritter my money away on SPAM :-X
Today's spam. White metal class 25 on a modified US style chassis, with a pair of Beaver Mark 1 suburban coaches.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/222-190226142047.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158170)
The perfect SPAM model a SPAM can :)
One of my dream locomotives I wanted as an 11 year old.. only had to wait 40 years! But here is an early Grafar 35001 'Channel Packet'
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/192-190226154252.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158172)
I think this has been posted before, but thought I would add it to this thread, she still runs, though the current draw is a bit high and she takes a bit to get going sometimes
She runs beautifully!
Quote from: grumbeast on February 19, 2026, 03:43:29 PMThe perfect SPAM model a SPAM can :)
One of my dream locomotives I wanted as an 11 year old.. only had to wait 40 years! But here is an early Grafar 35001 'Channel Packet'
That's a 2nd generation one with open frame motor? I had one of the originals with the plastic chassis and can motor. It fell apart after not much use, which was a shame as it had been a present from Dad. A few parts survive under other projects.
Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 19, 2026, 05:54:25 PMThat's a 2nd generation one with open frame motor? I had one of the originals with the plastic chassis and can motor. It fell apart after not much use, which was a shame as it had been a present from Dad. A few parts survive under other projects.
Yes appears to be 2nd gen with the open frame 3 pole
G.
Quote from: madchadbrad on February 17, 2026, 11:23:38 PMI think I have quite a lot of SPAM material in my collection ... mostly wagons but a few locos as well. Wren-Lima, Hornby-Minitrix, some early Graham Farish/Grafar ...
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXcBvXe
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX8S4mz
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX7hj5n
I'm stunned at the amount of wagon liveries Lima produced! A very nice collection there! Kev E.
Quote from: grumbeast on February 19, 2026, 03:43:29 PMThe perfect SPAM model a SPAM can :)
One of my dream locomotives I wanted as an 11 year old.. only had to wait 40 years! But here is an early Grafar 35001 'Channel Packet'
I would have loved to run this with those mysterious CIWL Pullman coaches Gafar produced!
https://flic.kr/p/2j2XdjS
https://flic.kr/p/hUYroN
I have some of the Lima ones which are a bit more common. Never even seen one of the Farish ones in blue.
Here's a Farish blue luggage Pullman. I don't yet have a full parlour coach.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/5885-160326161752.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158742)
Quote from: madchadbrad on March 16, 2026, 02:12:03 PMQuote from: grumbeast on February 19, 2026, 03:43:29 PMThe perfect SPAM model a SPAM can :)
One of my dream locomotives I wanted as an 11 year old.. only had to wait 40 years! But here is an early Grafar 35001 'Channel Packet'
I would have loved to run this with those mysterious CIWL Pullman coaches Gafar produced!
https://flic.kr/p/2j2XdjSJ
https://flic.kr/p/hUYroN
I know someone who has a long rake of the Farish CIWL Pullmans, both saloons and a couple of brake ends I think 8 or 10 all boxed, lord alone knows what it would be worth to a collector, but it is irrelevant as quite understandably it isn't for sale!
Quote from: Roy L S on March 16, 2026, 04:42:08 PMI know someone who has a long rake of the Farish CIWL Pullmans, both saloons and a couple of brake ends I think 8 or 10 all boxed, lord alone knows what it would be worth to a collector, but it is irrelevant as quite understandably it isn't for sale!
I had four CIWL diners and two Baggage cars for a while. The Diners averaged £34 and baggage cars £17 when I bought them (2007-2012). I sold the entire rake in 2015 for £250. They were interesting, but not super high quality items, compared with today's paint and finishes. I find it difficult to eulogize over models that were simply rare.
At one time I had every Minitrix warship made, plus one that was allegedly never made. D815 Druid in Green. I had Ramsey's verify that it was indeed a real version, and not an aftermarket renumbering. But rare as it was, it didn't make huge money. I sold it for £104 (at a time when maroon Zebra were £60). Happy days!
Bob G
Quote from: Bob G on March 16, 2026, 05:25:53 PMQuote from: Roy L S on March 16, 2026, 04:42:08 PMI know someone who has a long rake of the Farish CIWL Pullmans, both saloons and a couple of brake ends I think 8 or 10 all boxed, lord alone knows what it would be worth to a collector, but it is irrelevant as quite understandably it isn't for sale!
I had four CIWL diners and two Baggage cars for a while. The Diners averaged £34 and baggage cars £17 when I bought them (2007-2012). I sold the entire rake in 2015 for £250. They were interesting, but not super high quality items, compared with today's paint and finishes. I find it difficult to eulogize over models that were simply rare.
At one time I had every Minitrix warship made, plus one that was allegedly never made. D815 Druid in Green. I had Ramsey's verify that it was indeed a real version, and not an aftermarket renumbering. But rare as it was, it didn't make huge money. I sold it for £104 (at a time when maroon Zebra were £60). Happy days!
Bob G
Agreed, they were basically just the bog standard pullman cars originating from the 1970s with a different livery, but for me regardless of that there is still a certain intrigue factor and I would be curious to know how many were actually made.
I am proud owner of 11 BR maroon Minitrix Gresley coaches, there were only ever 1,000 made of each type in the livery and for a time they fetched crazy money. They are beautiful coaches and were way ahead of their time when released back in the late 80s. I could never part with them regardless of value (or not) I value them for what they are.
Roy
[quote author=Roy L S link=msg=879828 date=1773690210
I am proud owner of 11 BR maroon Minitrix Gresley coaches, there were only ever 1,000 made of each type in the livery and for a time they fetched crazy money. They are beautiful coaches and were way ahead of their time when released back in the late 80s. I could never part with them regardless of value (or not) I value them for what they are.
Roy
[/quote]
I have a rake of minitrix teak coaches but just one of the maroon Gresley brake comps. They add variety to the Dapol Gresley brake comp as the minitrix ones have a longer baggage section.
Quote from: EtchedPixels on March 16, 2026, 02:58:41 PMI have some of the Lima ones which are a bit more common. Never even seen one of the Farish ones in blue.
One of these? I think they only did just the one coach!
https://flic.kr/p/hTDYmH
I have only ever found this one umber and cream Pullman from Lima:
https://flic.kr/p/i2SRYQ
The CIWL livery version in my case, where the single coach style and some UK full brakes and a 71 did nicely for the Night Ferry.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/222-170326135010.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158752)
Hi folks
There is a chapter of SPAM down here in Australia too. OZSPAM
Here is my current project a Minitrix K4. This was my very first N scale locomotive acquired in about 1976. The K4 Minitrix is not considered by the N Scale Encyclopedia to be a fine runner due to sub standard pickup issues. Adding to its running difficulties, my pulsed power supply used in its early days damaged the motor I think. I'm now determined to get this little beast running as best as I can. So far, I've cleaned all the contacts, lubricated it, and added a bit of wiring to help things along. Still a pretty ordinary runner though better than when I started my refurbishments. My next planned improvements include replacing the motor with a coreless motor, adding a simple capacitor 'keep alive' system in the tender, and replacing its pathetic headlight with a LED.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/4229-180326050138.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158768)
A bit more about the K4 model. Interestingly, the K4 locomotive was largely used as the inspiration for the design of the A1 and A3 by Sir Nigel Gresley. It would seem that some of the fine looks of the Flying Scotsman have been inherited from the K4. Also, the Minitrix K4 shares the same motor and chassis as the first version Minitrix Britannia and it's an upgrade kit for this loco that I'm going to install. (TRAMFABRIEK).
Webbo
Entering the SPAM game! Admittedly, I've been sitting on these for a while, but just got around to photographing them. Added a couple of Minitrix locos to the collection: a late Britannia and the trusty Dock Tank. Also includes a collection of (mostly) period-appropriate coaches and wagons too!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/11512-120526150825.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=159709)
The Britannia was a birthday present and works reasonably well. I knew the Minitrix locos were rather, erm, impressionist, but I didn't realise quite how high it sits above the coaches... Still, I rather like it!
The Dock Tank is in a more sorry state and doesn't really run - although I suspect all it needs is a good clean. Even if the motor is kaput, though, it doesn't really matter as I plan to swap to a Micromotor and add a Zimo DCC chip in the process. (Which combined are nearly twice what the engine was on eBay, and that included a few of the wagons! Oh well, can't put a price on happiness...) The Britannia will get chipped as well, eventually.
@TeddytheSpoon Fantastic models! Welcome to SPAM! I used to have one of the Dock tanks but unfortunately is has been lost to the mists of time.
Graham
My oldest was originally, 1974, a Fleischmann 7161 which rapidly became an ex LSWR S15 class thanks to a Langley kit still got it has had one replacement motor. Does 52 years count as ancient in N gauge?
@Dorsetmike ah the old P8 / BR 38 loco. Yeah they've been around forever.
Well, last week after several attempts in recent months to acquire various lots of ancient UK origin models on Yahoo Japan Auctions and always being outbid I finally acquired not one, but two objects of desire. Although I am definitely a follower of the principles of the Dean of the Faculty of Non Collectors John
@Train Waiting , in this case I could not help myself from acquiring both of these fine Peco Jubilees in what I believe may be nearly BNIB/Mint condition, almost as they were when they left the warehouse in Beer at a time many complete orbits of the sun ago.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/7694-130526161450-1597381617.jpeg)
Although on closer inspection, despite appearing to have hardly been run, one of them has had its coupling changed to a USAean type with the hanging down bent pin thingy for magnetic uncoupling. As you will note these are complete with a full set of Methfix transfers and optional double chimneys.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/7694-130526161458-1597391725.jpeg)
This evening I ran them both. A sticky start at first having clearly been a long time in their boxes - however once they got going they ran very well.
I do have a question to the collective expertise of the Forum. The manual refers to them as Jubilee Locomotive "MKIII" - is their some history of different variants over time? Was there a MKI and MKII?
Anyway, I am very pleased with this acquisition - and fear not they will be regularly run, pulling trains, not left sad and lonely in their boxes as part of a collection. This will be alongside another Jubilee I purchased not long back, that being one restored by
@Ozymandias of this parish,
Have Fun!
Colin.
Quote from: cmason on May 13, 2026, 04:42:55 PMI do have a question to the collective expertise of the Forum. The manual refers to them as Jubilee Locomotive "MKIII" - is their some history of different variants over time? Was there a MKI and MKII?
Roy L S seems to have covered the variations here;
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?msg=867222
The gear coupled ones of which he speaks had their coupling rods only fixed firmly to the centre wheels, with forked ends engaging over the leading wheels' crankpins. The rods only "hovered" over the trailing wheels with a dummy boss stamped into the rod.
Quote from: cmason on May 13, 2026, 04:42:55 PM[...] Anyway, I am very pleased with this acquisition - and fear not they will be regularly run, pulling trains, not left sad and lonely in their boxes as part of a collection. [...]
Simply
SuperSpiffing, Colin.
Proper job!
It would be difficult to imagine an endeavour more aligned with the objects of both SPAM* and the Faculty of Non-Collectors. Tiny trains are meant to be played with, not left languishing in boxes.
*SPAM - The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Models.
Congratulations on your aquisition.
With all good wishes.
John
Dean of the Faculty of Non-Collectors
@cmason yup, I always considered them the "Rolls Royce" of British N steam locos back in the day. Look after them, don't strain the motor as the commutator melts if overloaded, and watch out for brittle plastic especially the tender underframes. (Peters Spares probably still have replacements).
I remember original one cost me £26 in 1979 (I blew most of my week's wages from my summer job on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway :) )
When I migrated to European N I sold it off with all my other related locos and stock, but of course since then I've bought three (along with old Mx Warships and 27s) just because I loved them as models. One of them has had a motor-transplant with a coreless type now fitted.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/132/medium_5885-260523113245.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=132636)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/131/medium_5885-240423101617.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=131770)
Quote from: chrism on May 13, 2026, 05:00:55 PMQuote from: cmason on May 13, 2026, 04:42:55 PMI do have a question to the collective expertise of the Forum. The manual refers to them as Jubilee Locomotive "MKIII" - is their some history of different variants over time? Was there a MKI and MKII?
Roy L S seems to have covered the variations here;
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?msg=867222
The gear coupled ones of which he speaks had their coupling rods only fixed firmly to the centre wheels, with forked ends engaging over the leading wheels' crankpins. The rods only "hovered" over the trailing wheels with a dummy boss stamped into the rod.
Thanks
@chrism - very interesting - so a jewel case MkIII dates these to 1977/8 when I was in the lower 6th form. Coming up to 50 years ago,
Colin.
I acquired a LMS black Jubilee "Renown" at a toy fair when I lived in Geneva ... ... I was hoping to build it a train of Howarth Stanier coach kits but the project t got sidelined by life in general and I had to wait until Farish finally produced their Stanier coaches before I could finally run it with a proper train ... by which time the layout was in storage in the garage and infested by mice and spiders ... so the dining table oval had to suffice! https://flic.kr/p/qzv44o
My first Jubilee cost me £12 second hand, can't remember where it came from though
Probably my very first 3 purchases in N gauge - Minitrix Ivatt 2MT, 9F and Britannia. All still running well albeit noisier than more recent offerings
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/264-130526214536-1597431068.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/264-130526214534-1597401240.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/264-130526214534-1597401686.jpeg)
They all look in good nick, Mick. You've looked after them well.
Cheers,
Chris
Ta, Chris. They're still in their original boxes, too
I still have a Minitrix A3 "Flying Scotsman" and A4 "Mallard" bought new in the late 80s so in the "jewel case" type box. Neither have been much used so both still in decent nick (a tiny bit of cosmetic "edgewear") and still run well. I have no idea why I kept them so long, neither is a very good representation of the real loco in model form, I guess it is a nostalgia thing :hmmm: .
I also have an old Minitrix A4, a present from Mrs Grumbeast from more than a few years ago. It still runs beautifully but I have no box (it was another surprise find, spotted by her at the back of a dark cupboard in a store in Exeter on a visit back to the UK in the 90s)
I know they aren't the most accurate but I think they do capture the overall look of the A4 well enough and I love it!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/192-140526143227.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=159752)
Funnily enough the Ivatt 2MT was my first N gauge purchase as well - and funnily enough, also bought second-hand in (or near) Geneva! Must see if I can dig it out of my folks' storage one of these days...
Quote from: TeddytheSpoon on May 14, 2026, 08:28:26 PMFunnily enough the Ivatt 2MT was my first N gauge purchase as well - and funnily enough, also bought second-hand in (or near) Geneva! Must see if I can dig it out of my folks' storage one of these days...
Geneva had 4 or 5 model shops with good stocks of railway models back in the 1990s and I bought quite a few British profile minitrix items there including a Flying Scotsman, Evening Star and Britannia ... now I think there's only one left! A couple of the others went over to the dark side of RC cars and planes ...
Quote from: madchadbrad on May 14, 2026, 09:03:33 PMQuote from: TeddytheSpoon on May 14, 2026, 08:28:26 PMFunnily enough the Ivatt 2MT was my first N gauge purchase as well - and funnily enough, also bought second-hand in (or near) Geneva! Must see if I can dig it out of my folks' storage one of these days...
Geneva had 4 or 5 model shops with good stocks of railway models back in the 1990s and I bought quite a few British profile minitrix items there including a Flying Scotsman, Evening Star and Britannia ... now I think there's only one left! A couple of the others went over to the dark side of RC cars and planes ...
Yes - on my last trip to our HQ office in Lausanne back end of last year I had some scheduling reason that I cannot remember to stay near GVA and took the chance to pop into town and look for the model shops. It was late in the day and I manage to get to a couple however it was nearly disappointing. There was Bollets Jouer which I had visited once before maybe 15+ years ago when they had much more N-gauge and I found the selection to be quite limited, mostly Fleischmann. And then there was Expertrains @ 8 rue de Berne where I had a good chat with the owner who has indeed largely transitioned to RC and planes - he was lamenting the decline in interest in trains and as such he has had to change his business model. I don't even think he has the company name on the street signange any more, although he has a massive model of a tank wagon (Gauge 1 maybe?) in the window - cannot miss it. Anyway in conversation it turms out he does have some N-gauge but largely not on display. So has dug several boxes of old inventory for me to dig through - a mix of Minitrix, Arnold &c. I ended up buying several items from him including this Arnold E16 that I have previously posted about here on the forum.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/7694-230326151610-1588351425.jpeg)
So worth a visit if passing - there is some treasure in those boxes, just need to ask.
There is a model shop that I do recommend if visiting Lausanne. I have been to it several times. Le TGV on Rue Saint-Martin. Significant quantities of 2nd hand N-gauge - bought my Krokodil there (also previously posted):
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/157/7694-090126135706-1572731391.jpeg)
Cheers,
Colin.
My Minitrix Mallard has worn it's traction tyres out, unfortunately. :(
Quote from: madchadbrad on May 14, 2026, 09:03:33 PMQuote from: TeddytheSpoon on May 14, 2026, 08:28:26 PMFunnily enough the Ivatt 2MT was my first N gauge purchase as well - and funnily enough, also bought second-hand in (or near) Geneva! Must see if I can dig it out of my folks' storage one of these days...
Geneva had 4 or 5 model shops with good stocks of railway models back in the 1990s and I bought quite a few British profile minitrix items there including a Flying Scotsman, Evening Star and Britannia ... now I think there's only one left! A couple of the others went over to the dark side of RC cars and planes ...
Yes, I grew up in Nyon and the one model shop they had there has done the same - seems to be a worldwide trend. Must admit I'm surprised it's still going, even without trains!
I must check out that Lausanne shop next time I'm there though...
Quote from: Bealman on May 15, 2026, 02:35:46 AMMy Minitrix Mallard has worn it's traction tyres out, unfortunately. :(
Easy to replace. :)
https://www.petersspares.com/p/trix-minitrix-e12087800-s-traction-tyres-for-britanniaa3a4-formerly-72087800-pk20-n-gauge (https://www.petersspares.com/p/trix-minitrix-e12087800-s-traction-tyres-for-britanniaa3a4-formerly-72087800-pk20-n-gauge)
I still have four Minitrix Britannias; all are runners (some better than others), though not now used, and all are chipped. The first was bought in 1975, the last 1989. They are all repainted and renumbered, though, and are mostly on, I think, the third set of tyres. My Dock Tank still exists under a class 04 brass body, but the 2MT and 2MTT are now gone, as are my original 9Fs.
I also have a P+D Marsh 'factory built and painted' cl 47 and Peak cast body, though currently no chassis for them. The peak went on to a modified cl 40 Poole chassis (and was written up in the Journal) after the original stretched Mehanoteknica chassis failed. They date from circa 1978.
I also still have, though not in use, some Poole early mk1s with the window 'strip'; they are all fitted with Ultima etched replacement underframes.
No doubt I also have some early Peco and Farish wagons hiding somewhere.
Martyn
Well I've just returned from a holiday in the Kawartha's (lake area in Eastern Ontario) which was lovely, and as I was only 1.5hrs away from a fairly famous model railway store, Larkspur line in Merrickville I thought I should visit.
What an amazing old fashioned full of everything kinda store! And the owner was friendly and welcoming (I was in the store for an hour and a half, chatting and browsing). There is a SPAM point to all of this I promise, but before that, if you ever find yourself within a couple of hours of Merrickville its WELL worth the visit.
There is a pretty varied quite large, new and 2nd hand selection of N scale (its mainly a HO store though), books, art, supplies. Just a ton of good stuff. But now onto SPAM.
First off, I found a locomotive I've been looking for for 30 years! In 1996 at my first show in Canada I bought an 8 car set of old Concor NYC passenger cars, The NYC J3a that went with it was wrecked so I didn't buy it (I'm an idiot!) but last week lo and behold a Dreyfus styled J3a for only $125CDN, but wait, upon testing part of the valve gear detached, so it needs work, so the chap said 'Its yours for $25!!). So I have a little work to do with this one. I'm unsure if its one of the pre-1987 or post ones (I suspect its 90s)
What a beauty!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/192-290526062344.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160000)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/192-290526062441.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160001)
Now for something totally different and sold again at a very reasonable price because at the moment she doesn't run, but again a locomotive I've always wanted, A peco Jubilee, 5713 Renown to be precise!. I've not had time to open her up to see whats up, but she does seem in good cosmetic condition
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/192-290526062732.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160002)
And finally, for only $65 each, and in the running order that you would expect from a Kato 2 F3s (from 1988 run I suspect) in the wonderful CN Green and Yellow livery. Both run beautifully though I think they would benefit from a service.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/192-290526063336.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160003)
I think they all qualify as SPAM and I look forward to bringing them fully back to life!.
Incidentally I also visited probably the most famous model train store in Canada in Markham, some good stuff, some N scale, very overpriced and absolutely terrible sullen service so I just left without buying anything, its worth the 4 hr drive to visit larkspur instead
G.
Bargains, mate. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
My own Peco Jubilee started life as maroon LMS loco.
Bahamas but was repainted by a late friend as
Renown complete with yellow warning stripe. It also developed running problems, but was fettled by
@Ozymandias of this parish.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/123/255-290522080212-123096907.jpeg)
Quote from: grumbeast on Today at 06:36:14 AMa Dreyfus styled J3a for only $125CDN, but wait, upon testing part of the valve gear detached, so it needs work, so the chap said 'Its yours for $25!!). So I have a little work to do with this one. I'm unsure if its one of the pre-1987 or post ones (I suspect its 90s)
What a beauty!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/192-290526062344.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160000)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/192-290526062441.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160001)
Interesting looking loco! But did the cab really have no forward-facing window in real life? How did the crew watch for signals?
Cheers,
Chris
Quote from: grumbeast on Today at 06:36:14 AMI think they all qualify as SPAM and I look forward to bringing them fully back to life!.
Great stuff, Graham.
On your behalf, I checked with Bertie Poppingham, Chairman of the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Models (SPAM). Here is his response:-
"Absolutely, Old Thing. That streamlined Hudson is
SuperSmashing, the LMS class '5XP' 4-6-0 is
SuperSpiffing and the Kato 'F3' 'covered wagon' units are
SuperSplendid.
All qualify as SPAM. I am delighted beyond words that SPAM spans the globe and wish all my fellow SPAMERS every success with their absolutely fabulous projects.
With the very best of good wishes.
Tickety-tonk
Bertie
PS Is it Opening Time yet where you are? They're closed here and I rather fancy a snifter."
Well, Graham, that looks like a definitive answer to your query and all I can add is to reiterate Bertie's good wishes for your projects.
With all best wishes.
Toodle-oo
John
Great finds, Graham. Hopefully we'll see them running in the not too distant future
Quote from: Papyrus on Today at 09:35:27 AMInteresting looking loco! But did the cab really have no forward-facing window in real life? How did the crew watch for signals?
No, they had roughly rectangular front windows about the height of the cab side windows.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Central_Hudson