Phil's Workbench

Visiting a wargaming store last week, reminded me that I took this photo when Melbridge Dock was on display.

It was all going so well.

This issue takes you behind the scenes of one of the most ambitious temporary garden railways ever built, the stunning BBC Gardeners’ World Live display created by Andrew Christie.

Located in an unfashionable arcade five minutes walk from Snow Hill station in Birmingham, Element Games is part of a chain, catering for wargamers.

Small shows are a happy hunting ground for me.

I wasn't really looking to visit a model railway show.

An unexpected monorail - that breaks down!

It's time to order my 2027 calendar - the 2026 one is filling up with all sorts of things, and bookings will soon stretch past December.

Plenty of Phil in the October BRM, and in some interesting scales.

Regular readers will know I'm a fan of dry-fitting kits together to spot possible problems later in the build.

Looking at the sides, I thought a nice brass rim around the edge of the windows would look good, but it would need to be perfect.

Back to the barge!

The Joys of Model Railway Publishing Phil Parker is the editor of Garden Rail magazine and a features writer for BRM (British Railway Modelling) magazine and website.

They have let me into the studio again - this time to talk about kitbashing with Steven.

The best time to sell a convertible is in the summer.

Job done.

On the way back from Crich, I dropped in to Wingfield station.

If there was a list of model rail vehicles I never expected to see, the Hellingly Hospital Railway tramcar is very high on the list, but there, in a cabinet at the Tramway museum, is a stunning 5/8th inch to the foot miniature, built by David Getgood.

This was supposed to be a cheap show!

I had a lot of reasons for visiting the model tramway event at Crich this year.

Film and TV props, especially older ones, fascinate me.

You know I love a weird, vintage kit.

As supplied, the kit comes with a split pin, a bit of wire and a plastic hook.

The slate wagon body is simple, and ingenious.

I like being able to slot parts of a kit together without glue.