I'm on a voyage to the dark side too. DCC sound in OO.

...and chat on RMWeb about Bulleid shunters with their outside frame connecting rods fitted back to front, and 4DD units that don't run a single circuit without derailing. Oh and Bulleid booster locos that derail too.

So it's not just us N gaugers having fun with locos and rolling stock!

Looking forward to Christmas when my Z21 can be unwrapped. And very pleased that Revolution's 313 is at least 3 months away!

Bob

Quote from: Newportnobby on December 01, 2025, 09:34:34 AMwe seem to have no troublemakers of note

I'm still here, don't worry 

I've been checking in, and slowly working on things (only just finished my 6PAN!) but due to family things I've just been busy sorting that lot out.

An interesting topic.

I haven't posted to my Ferryhill layout/workbench thread for quite a while.  In fact, my last post was on August 15, 2025.

There are several reasons for this, probably based on my main interests.  I am not a great layout operator although I enjoy watching the trains go around.  I am not really interested in shunting (too many things can go wrong!). 

My main interests are fiddling around with locomotives and rolling stock.  This includes building, upgrading, re-painting, and modifying these items.  As I have mentioned in other posts, I regard Ferryhill as a sort of scenic test track for my rolling stock projects. 

I do enjoy these little projects (and sometimes documenting my efforts).  However, finding new projects has become more cumbersome for several reasons including: 

1. The demise of the Shapeways' platform resulting in fewer 3D modelling opportunities.  Yes, I know that some 3D models are now available from other sources but Shapeways had a large library of 3D prints conveniently available from the same source. 

2. Although 3D print files can be purchased, I have not yet spent the time to research the availability of a person/organization here in the United States that could print these for me to a good quality.  I need to work on this.

3. The closure of N Brass Locos, restricting the supply of all those detailing parts required for my interests. 

4.   The US tariff situation that has resulted in either (a) small suppliers no longer shipping to the US or (b) larger suppliers adding a tariff handling charge (in addition to the tariff). 

I do still enjoy looking at the posts on the Forum, often checking in a couple of times a day (yes, I am retired).  Some of the layout topics I particularly look out for include Poppingham, Hillsden, Newton Kyme, Dawlish Warren, Sprey Point to Teignmouth, Lostwithiel, James Street (among others), and various workbench threads.

However, I do miss posts by some members that seem to have gone quiet including Ross Tierney (who has explained his absence), Dr, Al, and Steve Dacosta (Stevie DC).  I know Dr. Al still posts very helpful replies to members questions, but I used to enjoy his workbench thread as he always seemed to have something going on. 

However, I have just ordered four heritage diesel/North Eastern Region books from Strathwood for my wife's Christmas present** which hopefully will inspire me to get back to modelling in the New Year.

Ian

** Clarification:  These books are for a Christmas present that my wife will give to me, not vice versa. 

Quote from: icairns on December 01, 2025, 10:31:39 PM... finding new projects has become more cumbersome for several reasons including: 

1. The demise of the Shapeways' platform resulting in fewer 3D modelling opportunities.  Yes, I know that some 3D models are now available from other sources but Shapeways had a large library of 3D prints conveniently available from the same source. 

Shapeways are back for bespoke printing (in Eindhoven, Netherlands), but their Marketplace is now Thangs.com. Several of their UK N Gauge designers including Wageni, Recreation21 and I have (re..) uploaded designs, but speaking for myself, there's been little interest compared with downloading designs from Cults3D.com

Mike

Mike:

Thanks for the info.  I am aware of both Thangs.com and Cults3D.com and I have seen Recreation21's designs available for download on the latter. 

Are his prints available on Thangs as I have not been able to find them? (Probably due to my inability to search the site correctly).

Ian

Quote from: icairns on December 02, 2025, 12:58:37 AMMike:

Thanks for the info.  I am aware of both Thangs.com and Cults3D.com and I have seen Recreation21's designs available for download on the latter. 

Are his prints available on Thangs as I have not been able to find them? (Probably due to my inability to search the site correctly).

Ian

It seems I'm mistaken about that:

https://www.rue-d-etropal.com/3D-printing/3d_printed_designs.htm

Yes, the search facility is dire:



I found Wageni's prints very easily however. I see he's cunningly included 'wageni' in each design's list of search tags - I shall do likewise!

Mike

Quote from: grumbeast on November 30, 2025, 08:10:28 PMI still check in daily, and it has been a bit quiet.  I don't know if FB is a is taking traffic away (I don't do the social media thing.. its just digital poison).  I haven't been posting because my life is beyond stressful right now (in a bad rather than busy way ) I guess this is when I should post more but my mojo is pretty low.

Still I did force myself to get a few trains, that haven't run in decades out onto the new European extension to Aberffilli.  Track is temporary at the moment but I needed to just watch some trains run and just let nostalgia take me.

Left to Right, the TEE Rhinegold, TEE Rhinepfeil, TEE Ligure, I just let them run and drifted off into Oblivion

Oddly, that European extension is what my Foreign Muck layout will look like when I start it next year. What a great line up of TEEs, and I love the townhouses. I'm gutted that Top Slots & Trains closed down, they were a great resource for Faller kits.

My layout is very basic - 2 small circuits and runs on DC. I look in on the forum about 3-4 times daily , but there are many topics that I don't understand (DCC , wiring). I usually contribute when I need an answer, but I do tend to skip topics that I don't understand . There appears to a core of contributors. Is the viewing  number based on number of members logging on or of members viewing the individual post.  But for me the forum is always there and usually has the answer.

The quality of RTR items and the massive output of 3D printed scenic and complimentary items has IMO diminished the need for exchanging hands-on info about railway modelling!
Even 2 years ago when I moved house it was becoming obvious that my original plans for modelling, involving collecting copious amounts of polystyrene packaging, plastic films and large pieces of cardboard, were rapidly becoming outdated. Visiting the Canterbury exhibition in Jan '24 and being offered a service to 3D print any building from a few pictures stopped me dead in my tracks. Here was a quick route to "perfect scale modelling" perhaps?
From there on I've revisited all the ideas for the layout, can't change the track or control panel as I'm too deep into DC and all the kit is DC. But the scenics and the rolling stock AND the locos? Should I now be looking to "purify the stock" so that only the latest, most accurate and detailed items are in the running fleet?
Then if it truly is a scale 'model' shouldn't every building be a replica or at least an accurate representation of the prototype? Why is the farm in grey stone (from Metcalfe) when the prototype is sandfaced Norfolk bricks?
So much is being offered to us in the most convenient packages yet containing the most complex control items or constructions that we are becoming irrelevant in our very own hobby, descending into "train set" owners rather than modellers and becoming more reliant on funds than fun, consequently having less to talk about!
Or do you disagree ?

I do disagree, personally I think things like 3D printing makes people more likely to do modelling, not less. Those buildings still need painting and detailing and what not. Other forums are still very busy.

'Model railways', per se, is a broad church where all should be welcome. I physically struggle to scratchbuild anything and my electrics knowledge is virtually zero, but does that mean I'm just playing with a train set? At the end of the day, aren't we all when it boils down to it.
I happen to have the disposable income to pay for what I want, whether that's something RTR or paying someone to do something for me

The answer to the whole 3D modelling debate is simply 'depends'.

I have less that zero interest in it as I want to learn new physical skills, maybe learn to scratchbuild, recycle materials, slow down and enjoy my hobby.

If you want to build a perfect (or not) representation of whatever railway floats your boat using as much 3D printed stuff as you can eat, then go right ahead.

I think Rule 1 applies to your enjoyment of the hobby as well as what trains you run.

For me its getting more and more analog, slower, less exacting and simple.  Its a balm for the modern world, not a part of it, I do it to escape 3D, AI, Tech, Whatever the next thing is.

G.

Quote from: Newportnobby on November 30, 2025, 03:26:16 PMI reckon it needs a good announcement to get everyone frothing again.
It was hinted there maybe one from Revolution as Ben was at the opening of Rails shop at Sheffield station yesterday, but I don't know what gauge or even if there was one

Apologies, only just seen this.

The announcement at Rails was the OO gauge Class 180 in EMR livery, which was already offered in N.

As to other announcements; tbh we have decided to make 2025 a year of consolidation and catching up; we took on board criticism of our making new announcements when long awaited models such as the Class 66 and 313s were not here.

(Note: I don't include the Class 120 in the list above as we were clear from the start that it would take significantly longer than most models due to the scarcity of drawings and lack of preserved examples.  We are making slow but steady progress.)

cheers

Ben A.

Quote from: njee20 on Yesterday at 08:43:19 PMI do disagree, personally I think things like 3D printing makes people more likely to do modelling, not less.

Well, it's revolutionised my model making.
Since the Club bought a 3D printer I've turned out some 20 locos and over a hundred coaches, none of which I'd have been able to completely scratchbuild - I'd tried before (in Orribly Overscale) and failed completely.
I've also found it good for making the basic structures for buildings, to be finished off with brick/stone cladding, etc. and all sorts of odd little detail parts. I could have done the buildings from card, but probably not had them turn out as well as they did.
If anything, being able to 3D print has made me do more, certainly not less.