RMweb Premium Grafarman Posted March 17, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 17, 2020 On January 19th, 2011 I sneaked in to a then well established RMweb, and I've been made to feel welcomed, included and encouraged in equal measure over the last near-decade. Although I struggled with whether my modelling efforts were 'good enough' Andy Y, Gilbert (PN) and many others managed to convince me to stick at it, to the point when my 'Prestatyn in N' was featured in BRM Dec 2014...still can't believe it! A highlight for me was RMweb Live which was such a good day in so many ways; but also the ongoing friendships with respected modellers and strugglers alike which has served to lift my spirits and keep me motivated in life itself as well as in railway modelling as a therapeutic hobby. Here's to another decade or several...! David 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold fishytrains Posted March 17, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 17, 2020 I joined in 2012, just before spending 7 years working Kuwait. RMWeb helped me cope with the loneliness and the fact I couldn't work on my own layout, by providing me with lots of inspiration and ideas for when I would be able to get stuck in again. Thank you all for the inspiration, no matter how grand or small your own layouts. Happy birthday to RMWeb. Mike 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackRat Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 Wow.....is it really 15 years already? Where would we be without it.....I can remember joining all those years ago, chipping in to keep it going, adding stuff to maintain interest, and generally being here and enjoying the site and all it entails. No doubt about it.....at times it saved my sanity, at other times its almost caused me to lose it. Made some great pals, virtual and otherwise, and lost a few along the way But its still here, still going and still developing.....thanks to Andy, all the mods and everyone who has contributed......because without you, well it just wouldn't be the same and Id just have to go and look at internet GILF's.....;) So thanks RMWeb, for the fun, the laughter, the odd tear and for keeping me on the straight and narrow (gauge as I model in OO ;0 ). Sully xx 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted March 17, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 17, 2020 1 hour ago, BlackRat said: So thanks RMWeb, for the fun, the laughter, the odd tear and for keeping me on the straight and narrow (gauge as I model in OO ;0 ). Sully xx And the shirts, don't forget the shirts... 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium J. S. Bach Posted March 17, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 17, 2020 On 16/03/2020 at 10:05, Accurascale Fran said: ...snip... Memorable moments? Well, the leaking of our Class 92 by a rival magazine and subsequent fall out on here was a pretty memorable morning in work.... ...snip... Fran Any chance of a link to that thread (if it still exist) for those of us new-comers? TIA 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post Captain Kernow Posted March 17, 2020 RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted March 17, 2020 (edited) I remember the far, far off and dark days of the old BRM forum. Slow, inflexible and really just a bit of a curiosity in terms of usefulness to one's modelling efforts. Both Simon Castens (Not Jeremy, who I have known for a very, very long time) and I were on the old BRM forum, using our proper Christian names as our forum IDs. I remember being aware of Andy's plans for starting up RMWeb, but I think I missed the actual launch of it in early 2005 by a couple of days or so. I joined as soon as I became aware that it was up and running. Back then, a certain level of practical joking abounded between me and Simon C. He might, for example, 'borrow' one's Hornby 9F, without asking the Shedmaster's permission. Alternatively, he might creep up one night outside the caravan that one was lodging in at a mutual friend's house, which had been temporarily turned into a workshop for building a batch of 6 Steyning L&B 2-6-2T kits for sale (university vacation earnings) and suddenly hammer on the window and scare the living daylights out of one. That sort of endearing, friendly activity. I decided, therefore, to join RMWeb under a 'nom de plume' and not tell him. CTMK and I at the time were watching re-runs of Kenny Everett on DVDs and I liked his Captain Kremmen character, so I eventually thought up the persona of Captain Kernow, even though I am not Cornish and don't live in Cornwall (although I am only about 20 miles from the border). The ruse worked, because Not Jeremy responded to a query from someone else (LisaP4, I think, remember her?) by referring to both Captain Kernow and me in the same post, clearly believing that we were two different people, despite 'Captain Kernow' having posted a photo of his layout (Bleakhouse Road) that, incredibly, looked exactly like my own layout of exactly the same name! Clearly, the Captain Kernow name would have to stay, but the supposedly exaulted rank of 'Captain' did not prevent impertinent references to sludge carriers and the 'M.V. Whippet' being made. Such vulgarity! Then there was the time, a year or so later, when Simon and I had got back to his place in Bath from one of our Northern gricing trips. I logged on to RMWeb on his laptop in his kitchen, before driving on home to Devon, but forgot to log out. Big mistake! What followed were suggestions on RMWeb, apparently from Captain Kernow himself, that he was (a) switching to 'N' gauge and (b) was a massive fan of Barry Manilow. I think that the parsnips came later (from Baby Deltic, of course). I well recall that Northern gricing trip with Simon, when we met up with a gang from the Hull club, together with Neil, for a very, very convivial evening drinking beer and talking trains. I think that it was not long after that, that I arranged to meet up with Andy Y in The Sea Trout Inn, Staverton, while he was down here on holiday, for another excellent evening of ale and chat. These meetings were perhaps the start of a number of rewarding and sincere friendships with real, actual people, not anonymous 'electrons' appearing on my screen, but real folk who had real, concrete lives out there in the real world, not just within the internet. You all know who you are and I am truly indebted to you for the friendship and support you have shown me over the years. And not long after that, came the Members Day in 2007 at Mickleover, which Simon and I attended (Simon actually brought his tiny gauge 1 layout, which eventually became 'Pomparles Sidings'). The atmosphere at that gathering was so relaxed and friendly, that I was inspired and motivated to arrange something similar in the south west, under the auspices of the newly-formed South West Area Group. The Taunton Members Days then followed, ably supported by Martin McDermott (Pugsley) and our respective wives Madeleine and Michelle, who, together with help from others such as Nadine Moseby (Miss LMS, now 'Mrs Mozzer'), ran the catering operation with such flair and aplomb that even now, I am amazed by how easy they made it look (despite very little previous experience in catering for such numbers). Now Stu Hilton (Stubby) runs the Taunton event, ably assisted by his 'committee' of helpers and a brilliant job they have done of it. Just a huge pity that they have had to cancel it this year, due to 'circumstances outside of their control'. In conclusion, just as Al (Barry 10) said in an earlier posting on this thread, I used to be a 'lone wolf' modeller. I briefly belonged to the Bath Model Railway Club in the 1970s, before going off to university. I can think of four major influences on my modelling life over the years, who have each given me a proverbial 'kick up the backside' to improve my modelling standards. The first was my friend Brian Clarke, another school friend, who later had his own company 'Saltford Models', before leaving the hobby in recent years. The second was someone I met in the Bath Model Railway Club and who is active on RMWeb - Tim Venton, who really got me started on 'finescale standards' in 4mm scale. Some years later, I joined the Scalefour Society, not to wear the hairshirt, but just to be nosy and gain access to the stuff they sold from 'Scalefour Stores'. I had no intention of modeling in P4, but a few years later, Rod C (10800) formed the Devon Riviera Area Group (aka 'DRAG'), by inviting all Scalefour Society members living in South Devon together in a pub in Newton Abbot. That led to an active group coming into being, so I decided to have a go at P4 as well. The final, fourth influence was the formation of RMWeb and the way that it opened up such a large portion of the world of model railways to those who participated in it. Such a source of information, inspiration and, above all, friendship. Thanks Andy, it's all been just fab. Edited March 17, 2020 by Captain Kernow 32 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 6 minutes ago, Captain Kernow said: I eventually thought up the persona of Captain Kernow, even though I am not Cornish and don't live in Cornwall WHAAAAAAT...???!!! Oh how cruelly one's perceptions can be crushed on RMweb... What I remember most from my early days on RMweb was trying to work out what the 'Naval' story under every post by Captain Kernow was all about... I can't even remember the character names, now!! 1 2 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted March 17, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 17, 2020 10 minutes ago, F-UnitMad said: WHAAAAAAT...???!!! Well, for most of my railway career, I did have quite a lot to do with the running of the railways in Cornwall and went down there a lot to drink signalmen's tea on operational business. 5 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Chris116 Posted March 17, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 17, 2020 24 minutes ago, Captain Kernow said: Well, for most of my railway career, I did have quite a lot to do with the running of the railways in Cornwall and went down there a lot to drink signalmen's tea on operational business. First rule of ALL railways! Put the kettle on and wash enough mugs for those present to have a tea or coffee. 3 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BoD Posted March 17, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 17, 2020 Captain K: that post deserves such much more than a simple click on the like button. 7 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry1975 Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 I can't remember when I joined, a fair few years ago now. For me Rmweb has been a life line. As some of you know I have had some health issues and family issues and the support and comradeship of this forum has kept me going through some very difficult times. I have made some great friends too. It's a place for everyone, everyone is made to feel welcome and there's always a freindly person to help you out if you need to know something, it's sort of like a family. The skills and knowledge of others is passed on to newcomers to the hobby and not so newcomers. It's not just about modelling either, a whole host of topics are covered but the one that has stood out for me is the kindness and support I have received from Rmweb. Well done Rmweb for such a brilliant site/forum. Thanks to everyone who has shown an interest in my modelling, helped me, supported me. You are all truly great. Here's to next 15 years and beyond. Jerry. 8 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Barry Ten Posted March 18, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 18, 2020 3 hours ago, F-UnitMad said: WHAAAAAAT...???!!! Oh how cruelly one's perceptions can be crushed on RMweb... Yes, that was a bit of a shocker to me as well. Next he's going to tell us he's not an Actual Captain. 10 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Not Jeremy Posted March 18, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 18, 2020 (edited) Happy Brithday to RMweb. I pitched up fairly early on, can it rall really be 15 years ago - sheesh! Some great memories and thoughts on this thread, really interesting. Following on from a post of Neil's and also one from the master of MV Ferrett, that most notorious of the South Hams sludge tankers... Three snaps in a pub in Barton on Humber, quite a long time ago, featuring The two Neils, Ken, John, Ian, Tim and Simon. I'll leave you to work out which is which. Thanks to Andy and Wendy and now the Warners team for all their hard work and all that they have given us. Not a footnote, as things happily continue, but a real highlight for me was RMweb live at re Ricoh arena, a most fabulous experience. That more than made up for anything else that may or may not have happened, about which I couldn't possibly comment and it wasn't my fault either. There, I think that just about covers it.... Barry Manilow and going N gauge, then himself was virtually "kidnapped" some months later when I got access to his log in again. What a place!! Not Jeremy Edited March 18, 2020 by Not Jeremy 11 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted March 18, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 18, 2020 3 hours ago, Not Jeremy said: also one from the master of MV Ferrett, that most notorious of the South Hams sludge tankers... Barry Manilow and going N gauge, then himself was virtually "kidnapped" some months later when I got access to his log in again. Barsteward! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Stubby47 Posted March 18, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 18, 2020 34 minutes ago, Captain Kernow said: Barsteward! And there is the winning entry 3 1 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly Posted March 18, 2020 Share Posted March 18, 2020 I can't speak for the previous 6 years prior to my joining the site, but it has been a mine of useful information, friendly support and some of the RMWeb meetings in the past have been very good (I wish there were more tbh, as I much prefer smaller more social things these days). Well done Andy and the rest of your team for your hard work and massive amount of patience at times on this forum! 1 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium ardbealach Posted March 18, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 18, 2020 Personally I prefer printed magazines to the digital versions - but with one exception - RMweb! It is my daily fix over a cup of tea first thing in the morning. RMweb is the place for all that immediate news about our hobby, RMweb is like being in a world wide model railway club. RMweb is the banter found in clubrooms, and what you find over a pint with your modelling mates RMweb has those who make you laugh, and those who wind you up And thanks to moderators Andy and Phil, the bouncers at the RMweb 'front door', we do not have any unwanted guests to spoil the fun! Happy 15th Birthday RMweb! (AM) 4 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Markwj Posted March 18, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 18, 2020 I remember rmweb being born on the BRM forum and we have ironically come full circle. I joined as reevesthecat (we had a cat called reeves) and kept this name until the latest update. I visit daily and as a lone modeller this has been a place of inspiration and advice but has also cost me a load of cash with the bargain hunters threads over the years. The forum has pointed out faults on models I was never aware of and still discovered I wasn't bothered with most of them. I donated when the forum needed money to keep going and missed it when we had the long down times, I have been amazed to see some of the spats and fallouts but have been amused to see previous members who flounced off return with a new name (they usually give themselves away)! Manufacturers have been born and announced on this forum and it's hard for me to think of the hobby without this forum although I realise others will have a different perspective. I can't imagine how much time all this has cost Andy and if it was me and my wife I would be divorced by now! So here is to another 15 years! cheers mark 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium PhilJ W Posted March 18, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 18, 2020 I had to look up when I joined. It was March 23rd 2010. In 5 days time I will have been a member for 10 years. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold queensquare Posted March 18, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 18, 2020 Well I've been a member for almost thirteen of those fifteen years and have to say that, on the whole, its been a very positive experience. Its the only form of social media I do, my wife Kim who is an avid Facebooker (is that a verb?) calls it Trainbook. For me its served two useful roles. Firstly, its helped me progress my personal modelling and projects enormously. I keep my various threads almost as a diary of progress and post whenever Ive done anything which I think might be vaguely interesting to other users. This has resulted in my making far more structured and productive progress than I otherwise would have done with my normal scatter gun, slightly chaotic, approach. In addition, the 2mm area, where I largely preside, has developed over the years into an incredibly useful resource thanks to some fantastic modelling by the highly skilled practitioners who reside there. Secondly, and some would say more importantly, this Luddite has learnt at least some basic internet etiquette along the way. Within a comparatively short time of becoming a 'Webber my natural potty mouth and lack of ability to not open gob before engaging brain had got me in trouble and I found myself on the naughty step and justifiably booted off. Thankfully, whilst exhibiting at the Manchester show a few months later I found myself next to Andy Y who was there promoting RMWeb. We got on (hes a good lad, dont believe the stories!), and he agreed to put me back on so long as I behaved myself which I think, mostly, I've managed to do. Finally, its worth pointing out that RMWeb is probably the biggest model railway club we have and in these uncharted times that we are currently entering could be the only club we have. With social isolation being increasingly enforced and physical contact reduced to a minimum due to the advance of Covid19 social media will need to come into its own. RMWeb, along with other platforms, has the potential to do a great deal of good in helping us get through what will be a difficult few months. So Happy Birthday RMWeb. Whilst I rarely leave my little 2mm corner and consequently only see a fraction of whats on offer I'm a big fan. Jerry 14 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cravensdmufan Posted March 18, 2020 Share Posted March 18, 2020 RMweb has always been my first stop for all things model railway. I have found it a source of comfort and friendship - even more so in these current days of anxiety. Over the past few years when I've been building my layout and venturing into DCC there's always folk on here that have always been helpful. Thanks guys. But most of all HUGE THANKS to Andy, Phil and all the team for keeping the show on the road. And not forgetting Warners of course. So a big Happy Birthday to RMweb - congratulations on the last 15 years, and here's to the next 15. 5 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnb Posted March 18, 2020 Share Posted March 18, 2020 It seems I joined in March 2007, was it really THAT long ago???? It's been a very interesting, fruitful and informative ride. I really, really appreciate the work that has been put into the organisation of the site. It's had the occasional dip but has come though remarkably well thanks to the dedication of Andy Y, his team and the supporting cast of contributors. Being a bit of a generalist in railway matters I find the range of contributions absolutely fascinating, particularly the in depth posts of current and former railway employees who are unstinting in the generosity of information. Some of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting. It would be invidious to single out anyone, but thank you guys!!! I am online most days and there is always something to interest me. Keep up the good work folks, it will help us all through the upcoming trials. All the very best everyone and keep well. John 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Kingzance Posted March 18, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 18, 2020 As a very newcomer, I have found the site a treasure trove of information that, unfortunately in some respects, makes my modelling seem quite inadequate. I joined after a bit of lurking because I needed some technical help and, being RMWeb, that help came flooding in. I have remained an avid reader and have offered my six-penneth where I could but I love the camaraderie and sympathy so many on here show. Thanks one and all but most particularly, thanks Mr York. Your enthusiasm and determination has created something rather unique - well done! 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold NHY 581 Posted March 19, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 19, 2020 (edited) I'm little bit late to the show. I joined in 2012. Despite playing with trains since a very small chap and several attempts at completing a layout, by 2012 I was not doing any modeling at all. Circumstances dictated that I no longer had access to a layout and things were pretty much dead in the water. Loads of stock but nowhere to play. About then, via then work colleagues, I started to mooch about and tinker with trains again. Up until this point, I still wasn't doing much on RMweb but I was amazed by the amount of material and information held on the site. The quality of the modelling was very very inspiring and the little grey cells began to tick again. I became involved in my first exhibition for many, many years. The exhibitors were mainly drawn from RMweb and all have become firm friends. That started my involvment with the Small Cardiff show. Just taking the money but at the end of the show I was told ! to have a layout ready for next year's show. So it started. Next year saw my first ever showing of my own layout, Sheep Lane. Prior to this I had received much in the way of encouragement from many members on here but I must mention the good Captain of Kernow amongst many others. Now Tim was a bit of a hero to me. I had long admired his layouts Engine Wood and Bleat house Road ( ) devouring articles in the modelling press. This was what I wanted to try and do. On the day of the exhibition, Sheep Lane was set up and off we jolly well went. About mid-morning, an unfamiliar voice offered praise. Turning I saw Tim and John ( Re 6/6). Others who introduced themselves that day were Chrisf and the Stationmaster. There were so many others, many of whom had travelled considerable distance to visit this little show........and and this was just the start. Five years on, three layouts built and one pending. All with what I hope is now a familiar distintly Ovine trait........Quite a few exhibitions attended and subject to the current climate, a few more to do this year. It is so nice to meet members at exhibitions who introduce themselves and then spend time chatting. But, and this is the most important thing here. I have made friends with many, many people. Some I have met and others I have just corresponded with on the forum. I've learnt from many of these fine types and as a result I am now an active modeller in a very fine hobby. I probably would not be doing what I am without the input of so many members, certainly not enjoying it as much. Yes there are times when there is a grump on here but over all of this, there is a fantastic friendship on this forum which is second to none. This will undoubtedly play a massive part in keeping people going at this tricky time, something we are seeing already on the forum and we should not underestimate the importance of this aspect of the forum. Thank you Andy and the other 'staff' for your continuing efforts. Long may things continue. Rob Edited March 19, 2020 by NHY 581 Sausage hooves 18 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Popular Post Mikkel Posted March 19, 2020 RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted March 19, 2020 (edited) Happy birthday RMweb! I'm sat here in the Danish lockdown and thinking how RMweb is yet again proving itself to be more than just a hobby forum, now in very troubling times. It’s strange to think back over your own life for the past 15 years and realize that RMweb has been here all that time. My children have grown up and started their own lives in the meantime! For me the forum has been an invaluable source of inspiration, fun and sometimes more serious conversations. As others abroad have said, without RMweb it would have been a much more lonely affair to model UK outline here in Denmark. Although most of the interaction is online it does feel like real relationships – which of course it is, there are real people behind the avatars (though I do wonder sometimes 🤪). And thanks Andy. RMweb is essentially created by the members, but none of it would be possible without your original idea and perseverance at all hours of the day. I know it’s a job now, but I bet it’s a lot more than that. Must feel pretty good to have made something that means so much to so many (well that came out Churchillian, have a cigar!). I do have one complaint though. Over the years RMweb has become a rather sprawling place. A map of the forum would be good, but they are hard to come by. So I’ve made a map. Not a bid for any prize, just a bit of fun 🙂 (click to enlarge) Edited January 16 by Mikkel Image reinstated 12 32 7 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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