Model Railway Forum

Following on from its somewhat controversial (at least among model rail enthusiasts) first outing, UK TV Channel 5 starts airing it's second series of 8 programs entitled "The Great Model Railway Challenge" starting tomorrow, 8pm Friday 13th

I know it had many detractors (I'll call them rivet counters), but IMHO any exposure of our wonderful hobby to a wider audience can only be a good thing. Even the disgraceful vandalism of Market Deeping's show in May brought an increased level of public interest, especially when it was recorded that such celebs as Rod Stewart and Jools Holland count amongst the hobby's devotees. So switch on and enjoy (but please don't count the rivets )

I admit to being a detractor but I ain’t no rivet counter!
I agree it appeals to many, and will undoubtedly attract interest to the hobby, but it just doesn’t do it for me.
I watched some of the first series, didn’t like it and won’t watch this series as a result.

Anything that spreads the word to younger potential enthusiasts, or even to older guys, has to be, a good thing. I watched the first series, which, had its faults, but their modelling is a better standard, than mine, so, will be watching again. Most of us, are not too old to learn the odd new trick.

Not for me either thanks, time is to valued to waste watching that.

Might give it a second look - just hope those who consider taking up the hobby realise things can't be done as quickly as shown on TV. It has to be quick or the audience wouldn't see the end result. Not sure the layouts are of the quality many of us are striving for.

I watched the first series and have now watched the first 3 of the second series. I do think the second series has improved.
Personally find some of it a little bit silly and my favourite layouts have been the most realistic, the Great Western themed one in the first series was really impressive I thought!
I am surprised how many derailments there are?
Overall i think its a good hour or so worth of tv.
One thing that really does bug me is that jangly piano music, surely there must be something better to play?

C37 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 27, 2019 10:39 pm I watched the first series and have now watched the first 3 of the second series. I do think the second series has improved.
Personally find some of it a little bit silly and my favourite layouts have been the most realistic, the Great Western themed one in the first series was really impressive I thought!
I am surprised how many derailments there are?
Overall i think its a good hour or so worth of tv.
One thing that really does bug me is that jangly piano music, surely there must be something better to play?

And there was me thinking I was the only member watching

I watched it last night. Family team were excellent. Great model building of two excellent stations, and. a clever wagon lift. Ladies team was novel, and they tried hard.

I watched a recording today (minus most of the adverts!) and felt the best team won.

The crucial thing for me is that it should work without a hitch on the final run. Only one did and it won.

All the brilliant modelling and animations in the world can't make up for a derailment or boat that needs the hand of God to make it move.