Updates - important note

I have tried to update some of the outdated information relating to suppliers on this blog. However, I can only pass on what I glean from the model press and similar sources. Details such as addresses should always be carefully checked, especially if you are sending money.

There has been a great deal of change lately, and sadly most of it is in a negative direction as traders have retired/fallen ill or generally fallen by the wayside. Unfortunately this has not been matched by Dapol (or anyone else) bringing out RTR GCR items! This trend is likely to continue, so please support the remaining traders and buy what you can when you can.

If anyone has additional information, or wishes to correct errors or outdated data, please let me know. Similarly, if suppliers would like their products mentioned I am happy to oblige. I do not make any charge, as my objective is simply to help other modellers of the GC.

Finally, although I try to keep things factual and rarely offer criticism, I have quite likely made mistakes and do not accept responsibility for any difficulties or loss caused thereby. Or to put it another way please check for yourself that any product I mention is suitable for your needs, and is still available before dishing out any money.

Gladiator Loco Kits

Gladiator is now under new ownership. As I understand it, they will be slowly reintroducing the kits, and for the GC the Director is first in line. If you want to buy one, or one of the other GC kits, or if you want to 'encourage' the J10 that Geoff Stratford was working on before he retired, the best way forward is to contact the new owners with expressions of interest.

GCRS Website

The GCRS website is now blessed with a growing number of online drawings from the archives. The great majority of these are only available to Society members through a password. However, this is a very good reason to join the GCRS, as the subs are very modest by modern standards.

For example, I didn't know that the GCRS had a dining saloon 'for football parties'. But I do now, and what's more I've seen the drawing.

GCR Signalling

I just wanted to share a couple of URLs that give access to some very interesting GC siganalling diagrams. However, please note that most (but not quite all) show post-1923 amendments and so must be used with care when GC era arrangements are what you want.

LNER Signal Box Diagrams  As you might guess from the title this site is not just about the GC. But it does have an extensive selection of GC section diagrams and some from the joint lines.

Lymm Observatory   Another exceedingly useful collection. Again, not just the GC, although for the GC there is a particular focus on Woodhead and the adjoining lines.

For anyone wishing to make models there is an excellent thread on RMWeb. Suffice it to say that the OP, Jon Fitness, has probably forgotten more about making signals than I shall ever know. He works in 7mm scale but the principles apply to all scales.