Links

Arkwright Models

Freestuff------Other Sites to Visit------

Updated 7 May

VIRTUAL............

M W MODELS - the world's only shop dedicated to Meccano: visit Geoff Wright at http://www.btinternet.com/~mwmodels.meccano/

RAVENSTONE MODEL RAILWAYS - large stocks of new/used railways; buy, sell, exchange: visit Len Smith at http://www.rmrailways.freeserve.co.uk

This site will also access the UK MODEL RAILWAYS WEB COMMUNITY- highly recommended

The American equivalent is the RAILROAD WEB RING for model and full size trains - you will find this at http://www.rrdepot.com

IRWELL PRESS is a leading publisher of railway books & magazines (including the new history of Kitmaster). Visit them at http://www.irwellpress.co.uk

WHIMSICAL GARDEN RAILROADS? Try http://www.awnuts.com (Always Whimsical, Not Usually to Scale) to raise a smile.

COLLECT TRIANG MINIC SHIPS? Visit the collectors' site for info, sales, collectors' notice board at http://www.moreton.com/ships

MODEL RAILWAY ENTHUSIAST is the monthly for the ready-to-run enthusiast and collector. Visit them at http://www.mremag.demon.co.uk

THE ROVEX TRILOGY (Vol 1 Triang Railways, Vol 2 Triang Hornby 1965-71, Vol 3 Hornby Railways in preparation): visit Pat Hammond's site http://members.aol.com:/pehammond

............. AND ACTUAL

ABBEY PUMPING STATION, LEICESTER was a Victorian pumping installation: its original beam engines are still in working order, and are steamed at some of the special event days. Now housing Leicester's Museum of Science & Technology, Abbey Pumping Station is the venue for the country's largest event devoted to toy steam engines - this takes place each February. The museum is located off the A5131 Abbey Lane, 1 m north of the city centre and is open daily. Special events for 1999 include -

ABBEY PS - SPECIAL EVENTS
"MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S STEAM" (barbecue/engines in steam) Thu 24 June
"THE DAY WAR BROKE OUT" (engines in steam) Sun 19 Sept
RAILWAY DAY (engines not in steam: admission free) Sun 10 Oct
CHRISTMAS TOY & STEAM DAY (engines in steam) Sun 5 Dec

It is advisable to check opening times - phone 0116 299 5111 (admission charge on steam days).

THE BLUEBELL RAILWAY is England's longest established preserved railway. The Collectors' Weekend on July 17/18 is a prime attraction for collectors of both model railways and full size railwayana, not to forget railway literature of all kinds. Specialist traders from all parts of the country attend this leading event, and specially arranged trains are just one extra attraction for this very special weekend. The following weekend, July 24/25, is the date of the annual Steam Rally, with loads of exhibits including a full scale steam powered funfair! Both events take place at Horsted Keynes station, near Haywards Heath in Sussex.

THE SUSSEX TOY & MODEL MUSEUM is normally a recommended visit if you've been to the Bluebell, however they've been forced to close for a period whilst repairs are carried out to remedy the ingress of water following major work on the Brighton railway station above. The museum is hoping to reopen at Easter, but it would be a good idea to check by phone on 01273 749494 if you plan to visit in the summer.

THE GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY at Loughborough is another long established preserved line, now open through to Leicester, and working on doubling the track throughout. In June and August Loughborough Station platforms host an open air Train Fair organised by Barry Potter. These popular events attract excellent support from the trade and public alike. Dates this year are 6 June and 15 August - details from Barry on 01604 770025.