Restless Heart Big Iron Horses.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IItlT10uwWs

New to me.
I shall be listening to it properly when I get a chance but my first, brief, impression is that it is worth further investigation.

First impression was it's very Camel-ish but I'll listen to more later.
Not keen on the vocals on the opening track, though

EBay is dominated by retailers selling buy now items, often at inflated prices, and away from people selling their old models cheap in auctions.

I still have a few saved searches, and always look only for auctions. You still get some people starting things at higher prices, but there are still some good deals to be had at times.

High secondhand prices is obviously just basic supply and demand economics. I refuse to ever pay more than retail for any item, my recent highlight was a sound fitted Revolution 66 for £108.

From speaking to retailers, I've heard that used N is going through a bit of a boom. Demand is high and the prices are going up. You can also see this in recent Dapol "NQP" sales - demand for non runners is through the roof and the prices have almost doubled since their first NQP sales. But sales of new N are declining, with stock hanging around in inventory for quite a while and having to be cleared on sale. Meanwhile TT120 sales are growing rapidly though still a much small market overall compared to N. A lot of people are downsizing to TT from OO and a lot of newbies are starting with TT because it's well supported with fairly affordable trainsets.

Now, why this is happening is an interesting question and I don't have a firm hypothesis. It could be pressures on hobby budgets, it could be demand for out of production models.

But I'm reasonably confident in suggesting that the used N market reflects a lack of brand new popular prototypes at an attractive price point. But without more detailed insight, that's not a hill I'd want to die on.

It's interesting though.

Not sure this is "Prog Rock" (maybe Synth or Symph Prog) but it was something close in 1977.

Used to have the vinyl(or maybe a cassette). I have listened many times.)Mainly fair, but some good bits.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrNe7auplFY

Mark

Whether I'm searching for British or American image N Gauge/Scale items, these days buying new from shops is cheaper than 2nd-hand from Ebay.

What's happening!? 

Is there such a dearth in N? And if there is, why aren't manufacturers filling the gap?

I'm missing something.   

Quote from: Newportnobby on June 04, 2026, 10:05:48 PM

Quote from: port perran on June 04, 2026, 08:41:58 PMVery interesting although I'd question whether some of those original artists should actually be classified as "Prog Rock".
For example - Moody Blues, Osibisa, Incredible String Band and Supertramp even though I do like all of those.

I agree with Martin. It's a rich source they've tapped into and I've no idea how they'll cram it all in. I just hope the whole shebang gets televised

Sadly, no. Sound only

Quote from: scottmitchell74 on Yesterday at 01:05:22 PMGreat feedback!!

My takeaway?

Ngaugeforum.co.uk is my club. I've been here 14 years??

12½ ackshully

Our club has a small membership of maybe 16 members, most of whom are in the 60-70 year old range. It's roughly split 50/50 N gauge and 00 gauge. There is a small skill set - maybe a couple of guys good with wiring and everyone else being enthusiastic amateurs. I can't figure how little is known about the prototype, though. The club frequently gets given railway mags, DVDs etc and often gets asked to sell stock donated, sadly, from someone's death. We organise one show per year and, at present, just have the one layout ('Heatherley' in N) to show but another N gauge and an 00 gauge one are are the way. All locos and rolling stock are members own. 'Heatherley' is sometimes asked to other shows but much depends if a suitable number of operators are available with their stock (it requires 3 operators at any time). It is totally androgenous i.e. no particular location/era, so anything and everything can be run (and is!!)
£18 a month seems a lot to pay but has to cover rent, heating, broadband, drinks & biccies etc
Just as model railways are maybe seasonal i.e. winter months busier than summer, from June to October the membership can be a bit thin on the ground due to other activities such as house maintenance, gardening, holidays and so forth.
Just as with a family (you can choose your friends but not your relatives) I get on better with some than I do others but there's no friction within the club.
The clubhouse is, however, out in the boondocks so I don't find it surprising youngsters are difficult to attract to the club as you need your own transport to get to it

Clubs will work for some and not others - it depends on the club itself and the individual's approach...

For some it is simply the "Social" aspect and never underestimate that - meet up for a natter and a pint afterwards - we have quite a few who walk through the door and their first line is "the Wife has just died or Kids have left home, and I'm looking for something to do so dug my old train set out of the loft..."

Other obvious benefits are the opportunities:
1. get involved with something different (different scale/era/theme) to what you model at home without massive initial outlay.
2. collective projects - combining with other modellers who have different skill sets you can produce something bigger and better than any one of you could have achieved on their own.
3. If you want to get onto the exhibition circuit, probably the easiest route is through a club show you are a member of. Also get to be involved in the organisation and see what goes on behind the scenes.

Obvious downside is you can't always do exactly what you want - there are rules... and occasionally in some cases internal politics (the 'stirrers' don't tend to last too long with us thankfully...)