Quote from: madchadbrad on January 30, 2026, 03:29:53 PM

Quote from: Moonglum on January 30, 2026, 12:33:13 PMYes agreed Mick, I remember hearing the track on "Bumpers"* and it certainly struck a chord, along with "The Sea" by Fotheringay, "Hazey Jane" by Nick Drake and "Thunderbuck Ram" by Mott the Hoople. Those Island samplers were really great and albums in their own right.

Jane Relf's work with the band Illusion is good as well!

Tim

*The Australian release had a significantly different track listing.

Cut my teeth on compilations like Bumpers (a breath of fresh air) and the CBS samplers like The Rock Machine Turns You On, etc.
A great introduction before starting my own vinyl collection!

I've still got that CBS Rock machine somewhere. Samplers were great for cash-strapped teenagers!

As @tunneroner61 says its a matter of personal choice.  Partially inspired by John of the SuperSplendid Poppyshire I find I am more and more eschewing recent releases in all the geographical areas I model.  Indeed with a little TLC I find many of the older models far more reliable than the very expensive and very delicate marvels that are produced currently.  I'm not decrying newer models but I always seem to have a much harder time with those I have than the far older majority.

I think if you have an older model and it gives you pleasure then stick with it.  If there is something new (especially if it hasn't bee produced in N before) that you really fancy go for it.

I recently purchased some beautifully detailed, perfectly running (if noisy, they haven't been run in yet and have brass gears) Arnold electrics from I believe the late 80s / Early 90s.  From over 12" away they look as good as anything modern (with the flanges being the exception) and ran straight away after years in a box.  All this for around CDN$100 each (£50ish) good luck getting anything new for that!

I don't know if this helps, but its an interesting topic that I'm sure more and more of us will have to pay attention to

G.

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to this question, it's down to personal preferences.
In my case having started in N in 1980 I have numerous Poole Farish, Mintrix and Peco items, most of which have been renumbered, detailed, TPM coach inserts fitted etc. I have also built many kits, most of which now have RTR equivalents. However I don't feel inclined to part with these early models - they still run well enough and importantly to me I have done some modelling on them. Because of this attitude nor have I in general bought the retooled version that has arrived later on. I did the work on the model and I wish to keep it.
Just my penny worth, N

I model mostly the Midland Main line and have replaced my old Farish Peaks with the Rapido version which I think is superior.
I agree with Ian Cairns about named locos. I too would prefer a bigger sample of unnamed locos whatever the class if appropriate.

Chris

Quote from: icairns on January 30, 2026, 03:52:04 PM[...] What do other Forum members do when an upgraded model becomes available? [...]

Almost certainly I'd do nothing.

In fact, I've been disposing of many of the fairly recent models I acquired when I moved to 'N' gauge. I find the older ones have so much more character and, whilst less realistic, can seem more railway-like.

Also, refurbishing older models to give them a new lease of life is especially satisfying. Not quite BBC 'Repair Shop' work, but a little bit like it. Of course, not every older model gets refurbished, some are used for parts.

A Union Mills 'B12' 4-6-0 is on its way (yes another 'B12'!) and I'm hoping I can do something with it. I'll certainly have such fun trying. Would I buy a super-duper detailed 'B12' from one of to-day's manufacturers? No.

I don't need to buy any of these models, but a satisfying hobby is, in my view, a prerequisite of a civilised lifestyle. I don't think about resale value - I simply write off the amount paid at the time of purchase.

All I can suggest, @icairns , is that you buy whatever appeals to you. Because 'N' gauge is such fun!

With all good wishes.

John

One of my best ZZ Top tracks. Great geetar

I usually replace when new versions appear.
But I like the old GF Peaks and will keep them. Have 4 new peaks coming to supplement them.
I have 3 locos that are pre 2005. 2 MN/BB rebuilds, and my original jubilee.
I'm not bothered about preserving history. The value of early models in N is not like the very old models in the larger gauges.
HOWEVER, I'm definitely slowing down on acquisitions, and am selling off a lot of my collection. Slowly.
In the early days I got into the habit of buying more than one of an item because the rate of supply of new models was not very high. And on a big layout you would see more than one of each class at the same time. And then there was the issue of modelling eras. I've managed to stop collecting the 1980s and 1990s. Now it is just the 1950s to 1970s.
Oh and I like classic combinations, like class 20 pairs in blue and green, even though they never worked on the southern!
So that's my story. Trying to focus on 1960s and 1970s southern and western, but being a bit liberal with region and era.

Bob

Quote from: Newportnobby on January 30, 2026, 09:11:39 PMThat must have been a labour of love, Andy

Totally agree there mick.

Impressive with the Class 25s, Manchester Pullman stock and BOC tanks too. Evocative and brought memories

That must have been a labour of love, Andy

Finally completed a long term project of recreating the Forder's Sidings to Kings Cross 'Brickliner'. Got enough second hand Farish Freightliner flats from Rails of Sheffield to make up a 10 vehicle train. One of the reasons it took so long was I had to make up thirty loads to put on them, then make up the labelling to go onto them, running to around 180 individual transfers to stick on.