The great model railway challenge

[teedoubleudee]

So the general feeling is not worth buying a VPN to watch the show in Aus on a rerun?

Ha ha, probably not. There are plenty of other reasons to get a VPN though, been some really good drama series on recently, not to mention the security aspects.

[LC&DR]

I watched episode 2 last night and also Rob Bell's walk from Penrith to Cockermouth which followed and was entertained by both. I thought the Walford layout looked excellent but was disappointed that they made a lash up of the track-laying, especially as they called themselves that. I would have liked to see the underground train running. They had even gone to the trouble of putting third and fourth rail down, but this didn't get a mention.

The 'Black Adder goes Forth' WW1 layout was obviously going to be the winner it had all the right ingredients and worked reliably. I especially liked the narrow gauge element, which undoubtedly benefitted from Bachmann's recent introductions

Somebody on another forum has said that it has to be remembered that the challenge is to build a working and fully scenic layout in 24 hours, and even with five participants how many of us can truthfully say they have achieved this, my layout has occupied well over 120 man-hours and it is still far from finished!

I am actually looking forward to the rest of the series.

[IanS]

Those that find the programme interesting or fun may like this behind the scenes video from one of the teams.

SPOILER ALERT: Don't watch this if you intend to see the programme on catch-up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfK6U0KwP3s

[Bandit Mick]

I enjoyed the second episode more - probably because I knew what to expect. The best layout did win as others have said. I suppose we need to bear in mind that 24 hrs is not a lot of time so finesse is going to be lacking. I just hope non modellers realise that it isn't possible to knock up a quick quality layout - many people spent countless hours/many years on theirs.

[smokyjoe]

Have watched the two episodes. I don't know why the presenters have to be so stern and unfriendly to the contestants. The contestants are a friendly bunch, as are all modellers so the presenters should definitely lighten up. The background music reminds me of a Charlie Chaplin film and is quite distracting. A bit disappointing considering I was really looking forward to it. Thank goodness Walking Hidden Railways with Rob Bell is on after! I always watch his programmes because he is so enthusiastic. It's brilliant!

[Stese]

I'm sorry, but i'll have to disagree on "all modellers are a friendly bunch" there, smokeyjoe.

I've met some modellers who are horrendous people. A few i've met at exhibitions have been rude, ignorant, arrogant and self important!

[Pedros]

Sadly, obnoxious people invade every walk of life. Don't think that because someone follows the same hobby as you, that they are either nice people or indeed that they are honest. But take heart that those people are definitely in the minority. As for the second programme, I also enjoyed it. I'd guess that the judges are a tad confrontational in their style as a result of the director requiring it to make better TV.

[IanS]

I agree with the judges, only one met the brief of 'Globetrotting' in my view. The other two were good layouts but lacked the focus on the theme of the week.

I'll be watching the rest of the series

[Bandit Mick]

I thought episode three was the best so far and the winners deserved to come first. I still don't like the novelty themes however and think that some of the junk they use to scratchbuild from is a bit cringy (what was the wok and fishing rod all about in episode 2!). However, there are some interesting and friendly characters on the shows which will hopefully dispel the geeky image that some people have of the hobby.
P.S. I'm gradually 'coming out' at work and no-one has made a negative comment so far!

[Steve M]

I gave the series a try but although it as ok initially, I’m afraid it’s just not working for me.
I have cancelled my series link.