WJVintage Newsletter - June 2022 by angelalumsdon

WJVintage June 2022 Newsletter

Welcome to the June 2022 WJVintage newsletter. Well, what a busy month I have had! Its great to be out and about meeting you all again, but combining this with caring for my mum (along with my brother and sister) is making life a little more hectic than usual. Mum is now home and progressing really well, but does still need our support as she works to build up her strength again. Huge thanks to all of you that have sent her your good wishes. She says you are all very thoughtful customers 😊 I have to say, I completely agree! The ‘Out and About’ section of the newsletter this month reflects the busy month I have had, and I have actually tried to condense each report as there has been so much going on. That said, it has also been all go on the new product front so do scroll down to the ‘What’s New’ feature where you will find the very latest photographs of the second scheme of the fabulous Atlantic locomotive. It is leaving Prague any time now so I should have them available during w/c 27th June. It really is another stunner. Would you believe it, the much anticipated, but severely delayed and sold out WJVintage 10th Anniversary wagon is now also finished and is about to be shipped alongside the Atlantic! I think it looks really smart and represents a real nod to the style of another well-known (originally) Northampton-based purveyor of O Gauge railways Scroll down for photos. As we enter the summer months the event calendar is slightly quieter over the coming weeks, so next month I hope that ‘Customer Corner’ will be able to make a welcome return. Do please send in anything you feel may be of interest. I have a few interesting submissions promised but the more the merrier! Stay Safe & Keep enjoying your trains 1

Out & About

Fish, Chips and Trains in Lowestoft – Saturday 28 th May 2022

Another fabulous day running trains by the seaside courtesy of Steve Smith. Big thanks also to Les Martin who bought the Fish & Chips on this occasion, and who also took the impressive ‘threesome’ header photo for this newsletter. One of the things I like about trips to see Steve is the complete lack of formality. Run what you fancy, when you fancy, no themes to worry about conforming to. Both Steve and Les tend to collect more modern releases, so this is where the emphasis generally lies, and I am always happy to take something from my latest releases for them to inspect and see running.

On this occasion the new WJVintage Atlantic in LNER scheme looked pretty as a picture with a rake of Gresley teak coaches behind. It wasn’t at all planned, but when I look back at the photos, we actually ran recent releases from Ace and WJVintage covering all of the ‘Big Four’ plus some rather nice looking Seven Mill Models A2s to cover the British Railways period, along with the British Railways M7 by Ace shown above.

The Jubilee has always been a favourite of mine and this example by Ace Trains 5691 ‘Orion’ looks stunning in LMS maroon, with a rake of LMS maroon coaches of course.

Representing the GWR is the Ace Trains Churchward 2-6-0 Mogul 4375 in Great Western unlined green. If I’m honest, its not one of my favourite locos, but Ace have represented it well.

Completing the big four is the impressive Ace Trains King Arthur. This example, 736 ‘Excalibur’ in wartime black scheme with sunshine lettering suits the loco very well in my opinion.

60528 ‘Tudor Minstrel’ and 60527 ‘Sun Chariot’ from the Seven Mill Models fold make a powerful looking pairing. Both are in the early British Railways Apple Green scheme adopted briefly following nationalisation. Highlight of the day was of course the Fish & Chip lunch – I think these running days are in danger of being called the ‘Fish ‘n’ Chip Specials! Thanks once again to Steve for hosting and I have to say, it is always a pleasure to make the trip over to the east coast.

HRCA Cotswolds Group, Northend Village Hall – Monday 13th June 2022 This was my first time back at this event post-Covid, and it really was a welcome return to the newly refurbished village hall at Northend. It may not have the space of Rye Hill Golf Club, but it certainly does have character and it was nice to be back.

I don’t think I am alone in thinking that Rye Hill Golf Club, whilst large and airy, it was rather characterless and a little pricey too. So, it was a nice homecoming to go back to Northend, where following extensive renovations the new village hall is now back in action. Theme for the night was boxed sets and it was reassuring to see Her Majesty keeping a good watch over the sets that were beautifully displayed.

It was also good to see a customer running one of my new Atlantics with a rake of teak coaches and the odd van

I won’t be able to make every meeting at Northend going forward as the date has changed and now clashes with a longstanding classic car club meet, which I help to organise. However, I thoroughly enjoyed being back and I will aim to make it to every other meeting. 5

Northants and Rutland O Gauge Group (NAROGG), Gretton Village Hall – Tuesday 14th June 2022

A new beginning for NAROGG as we hosted our very first meeting at Gretton Village Hall. We kept this one fairly low key so that Richard, Cathy and I could get our heads around the new layout and kitchen. Needless to say, it worked brilliantly. I’d like to say we knew it would, but actually both Richard and I were a little apprehensive ahead of this inaugural meeting in Gretton Village Hall. It is a huge hall and should suit us very well, but it’s the little things like size of tables that were likely to throw us. That plus the fact that Cathy is just recovered from Covid 19 and is still a little fatigued, plus Angela sadly works on Tuesdays so was unavailable, meaning we were a little short-staffed. Fortunately, everyone mucks in at NAROGG meets and we overcame all the gremlins and were ready to go by shortly after 1pm.

The ever-reliable Dave Peasant, ably assisted by his uncle Peter, created a beautiful layout featuring some superb Bassett-Lowke buildings. They also set up a very apt Jubilee parade in honour of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations just a week or so earlier. This consisted of Britian’s military mounted and marching figures and a Corgi (I believe) Coronation Coach passing by a Princess Elizabeth and a Coronation Class locomotive. What a splendid sight and thanks to the lads for going to so much trouble. 6

The main layout, consisting of three circuits was a little difficult to marry to the tables available but we managed it in the end, and it proved very reliable throughout the afternoon.

There was no theme as we just wanted to get things going again without additional worries and it all worked very well with a good selection of locos. Here are a few that were on display.

The attendance was down on what we would normally have expected (2 years ago) but then Richard took the decision not to advertise this first meet so we could get established again without too much stress. However, those that did come along had an excellent time including Frank Sidebottom and friend Mark, who travelled down from the north-west – great to see you both. Len Mills was also on hand and soon found himself doing some running repairs.

We will be heavily publicising the next meeting on August 16 th – scroll down to ‘See Us at Shows’ below for the full details. Everyone is invited so please make a diary note now and we’ll see you there!

Alresford 28th Festival of Toy Trains, Perins Community School, New Alresford – Saturday 18th June 2022

It is hard to believe that it is three years since I was last at Alresford, one of my favourite events of the year. It certainly didn’t disappoint but it was a real shame that it clashed with the Bassett-Lowke Society event at Digswell, another of my 9 favourites.

The show was the usual mix of all types of layouts across all interests – 25 layouts in total and 80 trade tables. The kids in particular are well catered for with some fantastic Lego layouts plus Lone Star and Chuggington trains for the kids to interact and play with. This gives it a really, family-oriented feel, which is just what we need if the hobby is to survive.

I was also delighted to see customer Ben Dearlove, with sons Gabriel and Nathaniel. Whilst they did spend much of the day playing with the Lego and Lone Star, later in the afternoon, I spotted them absolutely transfixed by the superb 3-rail tinplate layout created by the Mortimer HRCA Group.

Bryan Pentland also had a 3-rail Circus themed layout which was quite superb. Everything worked – I only wish I had videoed it. It also incorporated some Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends items to maintain the family feel.

I cannot close without mentioning the most impressive display created in Gauge 1 by Adam Heely. With apologies to Dave Peasant, whose NAROGG display was so impressive, but this was a Jubilee parade and a half. How long it took him to create I have no idea, but it really was something else, a piece of 3-D art!

All round this was another stunning show and well worth the wait. Attendance was perhaps a little down on previous shows – but not by much. It justifiably claims to be the largest show of its kind in Southern England and has always existed to raise money for the local school, scouts and Save the Children, which is fantastic. Long may it thrive! I just hope that next year it doesn’t clash with the Bassett-Lowke event at Digswell as I have always enjoyed supporting this as well.

What’s New? More Atlantics are arriving!

I am delighted to announce that the second scheme of the brand new C1 Atlantic is due to leave Prague this week so I should have them available by early week commencing 27th June. It’s the super-heated steam, unlined black British Railways version and it is certainly another impressive looking beast! You will note the subtle differences between this and the earlier LNER saturated steam release (snifter valve behind chimney and non-shrouded brass safety valves). Once the pre-orders are accounted for, I have just five of these available to sell so please get in touch quickly if you would like to secure one. The price is £695.00 each plus P&P

I also still have just 2 pieces of the LNER lined green RN4433 left but if you miss out on these, the later super-heated LNER version with running number on the cab rather than on the tender, will be along soon as the final release (after the GNR version) and I have 10 of these still available. Again, all locos are priced at £695.00 each plus P&P

Note – crew figures not supplied – available separately (see below)

However, following on from British Railways, the next version to arrive is scheduled to be the much anticipated, (and SOLD OUT) GNR green lined scheme which promises to be an absolute beauty. The artwork is shown below to give an idea as to how it will look.

The later LNER green lined scheme representing a superheated steam engine will be the final release.

ETS are manufacturing these as quickly as they can. The lining on the GNR and LNER, plus the fine detail takes a long while to produce but is well worth the wait in my opinion. They will hopefully all arrive within the next 2 to 3 months. 14

The locos are selling very well indeed, so if you would like to reserve one, please do get in touch as soon as possible. Once again, all Atlantics are £695.00 plus P&P With an open cab such as the Atlantic’s, you may wish to consider a crew set as shown in the photos above. I still have stock of a few sets from the excellent Graham Lock figures range. They are priced at £15.00 plus P&P per set Pre-war

Post-war

If I should sell out, please don’t worry, Graham can produce these pretty quickly so I will be able to order more with a lead time of about 2 weeks.

WJVintage 10th Anniversary Wagon on the Way!! SOLD OUT

The great news is that my 10th anniversary PO Wagon is now ready to ship and should be arriving along with the next batch of Atlantics (w/c 27th June). These photos now show the actual production wagon, and it does look rather nice (if I do say so myself).

I will be in touch with all of you that have placed orders as quickly as I can – bearing in mind I do still have caring duties with my mum so two & a half days of the week are lost at the moment. Packing and wrapping is surprisingly slow business, but I will be working overtime to get these to you. Just as a reminder the price is £39.99 each plus P&P

Mineral Wagon Wagon Update I have now sold close to 200 of these wagons so I really do thank you all for your support. My total order was for 250 so there are still a few of both liveries available. Prices for these mineral wagons are £39.95 each for a single wagon and £150.00 for a set of 4 wagons, both plus P&P. The second batch of coal loads has also now been delivered and these are priced at £4.50 each plus P&P. These make a great finishing touch, don’t you think?

More from the late Rev Alan Cliff

Regular readers will be aware of the huge collection of coarse scale O gauge that was owned by the late Alan Cliff. I have already sold quite a considerable amount of the more modern items that Alan owned, but now I have a few more items to offer to you. All are in excellent, virtually unused condition, and as such represent excellent value for money. All items are obviously one-offs and so its very much a first come, first served scenario.

Ace Trains NER G5 0-4-4 Tank – Lined Green £375.00 plus P&P

Complete with enamelled pin badge and crew figures

Ace Trains London Transport Pannier 0-6-0 tank – Lined Dark Red L91 £325.00 plus P&P

Complete with lamps and pole

Ace Trains GWR 2-6-2 Prairie – GWR Unlined Green £400.00 plus P&P

Complete with lamps 17

Ace Trains/Seven Mill Models LNER N2 0-6-2 – Lined Black £400.00 plus P&P

The N2. Whilst Ace branded, was in fact a collaboration between Ace and Seven Mill Models. This model is one of a small batch of these locos modified by ETS for Seven Mill Models to include twin clutches for super smooth running, plus a smoke generator.

Raylo Exclusive – London Transport Acton Shuttle – Dark Red £375.00 plus P&P

Produced exclusively for Raylo by LT model specialists Radley Models, this beautiful model is fully illuminated and does therefore require a bit of extra voltage to run properly. I have tested it at about 18volts and it runs well. It also features an additional pick-up, together with photos and hand-written instructions as to how this was done (but not why).

Merkur Track Update Worryingly, I still don’t have much of an update on the Merkur track. I hear rumours that production is to recommence imminently but nothing from the ‘horse’s mouth’ as it were. I have however managed to obtain some brand-new stock from another retailer who has decided to cease stocking Merkur, so I do have this available (its not that much) and does include some points. I will keep you updated. If there is anything you need, do get in touch and I’ll see if I can help.

See us at Shows

As life returns to normal, so I am pleased to be getting out and about more regularly! I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the coming months of summer. Tuesday July 19th – HRCA Merseyside Group Whitley Village Hall, Village Lane, Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 4EJ – 2pm to 6:30pm NOTE: This is a new summer venue for the group that used to meet at Preston Brook. It will return to PB during the winter months but on a Saturday – more info to follow. Saturday 23rd July – TCS Summer Show Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Narborough Road, Leicester, LE3 2RD – 10:00am to 4:00pm Tuesday 26th July – HRCA Cambridge Group Fulbourn Village Library, The Swifts, Haggis Gap, Fulbourn CB21 5HD 5:30pm to 9:00pm Tuesday 16th Aug – Northants and Rutland O Gauge Group (NAROGG) Gretton Village Hall, 61 Kirby Rd, Gretton, Corby, Northants NN17 3DB – 1pm to 5pm, refreshments - £3.00 entry PLEASE NOTE THE NEW VENUE – just a couple of miles from the old one

Don’t forget to like our WJVintage Facebook Page With over 500 Facebook ‘likes’, the WJVintage page is almost as popular as this newsletter! That said, many subscribers on Facebook are associates, friends and family with a passing interest in what I get up to – so not my key target audience. However, it keeps growing and all the latest news is often seen on Facebook before it appears in the newsletter as updates can be done instantly rather than monthly. If you are a member of Facebook, why not look us up and give us a ‘like’?

Plus, we also now have a ‘YouTube’ Channel!

I have to confess, after a good start, the channel has been quiet for a while but I am pleased to say that a new video of the Atlantic running has now been posted. 19

I am hoping that this will be the first of many and that the videos will be able to recommence on a more regular basis over the coming weeks. I am working with my son to produce and post another video update over the coming weeks - I’ll keep you updated.

Ordering from WJVintage is Easy Online Please use the WJVintage website as a shop window and then place your order by using the dropdown menu on each product page to select and submit the item you wish to purchase. This automatically sends me your details and I will be in touch to confirm your requirements and take payment. Alternatively select what you want and then give me a call or email me. Whichever method you use I will get back to you asap and I can confirm stock, particularly for highly limited items, and postage options. Please see below for full contact details. Credit Card We have a credit/debit card facility, so you can telephone and place your order with us by calling 07711 092497 – please have your card to hand when calling. Cheque If you would prefer to pay by cheque, that is no problem either. Just download the order form from our website and complete your requirements. Then make a cheque out for the total and post both order form and cheque to us at the address shown. Please make cheques payable to WJVintage. Email Alternatively, you can place your order by email and payment can then be made either by card, PayPal, direct bank transfer or cheque. Please note our email address is: wjvintage@outlook.com BACS A growing number of customers are now choosing to send money direct to my account by BACS transfer. If you would like to use this method, please contact me and I will send you my bank account details.

Stay Safe Everyone!

Paul WJVintage

********* Tel: 07711 092497