European Railways European Railways European Railways European
European Railways European Railways European Railways European railways
My brief for ER Modelling was quite straightforward: to 
encompass the scales Z to IIm (1:220 to 1:22.5) including the various narrow-gauge options; be generous with the European boundary; emphasise small and home-based model railways. In addition; to write some practical and constructional articles, mention new and unusual products, and promote the many European railway societies.
With the support of modelling enthusiasts I aim to continue to develop the modelling content and expand its outreach - in the range of modelling scales, and in the European countries represented. However, most important, is to encourage less well know modellers and beginners working quietly at home.
Many home layouts rarely, if ever, see the light of day, let alone have the opportunity to inspire potential enthusiasts. Some of these inventive recluses are sought out, encouraged to show their wares, and to describe their motivation, tips and skills. So, let’s have more fun, planning, building and enjoying playing with model trains. However, you may like to know a little more about my own railway modelling background, and where I am coming from.
I got into all this because I wanted the challenge of exhibiting the outcome of my own practical work to the public – I was (am) hooked on praise, even adoration! At the time, back in the mid-80s, European models were of very high quality and most colourful – eminently suitable for exhibition. I concentrated initially on early(ish) German, Bad Heiligenstadt, and modern French, Charmes (both photos PECO Studio). 
My model Schloß Wolfental is currently showing on the exhibition circuit. These three are all N gauge (1:160) models, but I have also worked in HOm with Fleur SNCF (metre gauge at 1:87; photo PECO Studio), and I am now working in HOe (750mm gauge at 1:87), Austrian, and G scale or IIm (metre gauge at 1:22.5), Swiss/French, for use indoors. Narrow-gauge models have considerable design attractions, and are worthy of serious consideration.
Your Editor, Trevor Ridley, allowed me to develop my monocoque baseboard-construction methods in his N gauge commission Singen Hbf, and this has proved to be a sound technique. In addition, he has just commissioned a German motive power depot, Bw Bad Koldt, in HO (1:87).
Attending exhibitions at 16 per year it became apparent that there were some modelling problems for which I had solutions. As a result I designed and provided training courses for young people and adults starting in 1990 and was inundated with trainees. Fortunately, I was supported by many enthusiastic individuals and organisations.
This provision of training was valuable experience and, over the first few years, it highlighted one fundamental issue; the skills were there but confidence was seriously lacking. There were many supplementary and contributory factors, but this was the essence. Work was started but rarely completed; modellers were closeted away in a spare room or, worse still, in the loft; ambitions exceeded motivation; jargon confused; new materials were unfamiliar; one way or another the modeller was daunted, and even intimidated by friends, colleagues, relatives. The two big and daunting challenges were, planning & laying track, and everything electrical. These are generalisations, of course, but my broad-brush statements appeared to be eminently justifiable, challenging, and worthy of addressing.
Further, the UK based European societies are a significant and resourceful store of information and expertise from which to develop a spirit of cooperation. With good will on all sides, these resources can be more accessible and transparent; the unknown becomes less daunting and progressively more transparent.
I offer here my sincere thanks to Chris Ellis, and to the late Alan Wright’s son, for their agreement to further expose an essential truth; small is beautiful. This is especially so if you are a beginner or a returnee to the world of model railways. In addition, your Editor, Trevor Ridley, has been encouraging this already for many editions of ER – back copies are available! He is very keen that you should have a go, to get your trains running, and to enjoy.