Model fun

It's the time of year when the manufacturers of model railways announce their new programmes for the year ahead -- and when we see work in progress, like this exquisite London Midland Scottish Class 3F freight engine, which is clearly very near production:

This next model is of a Class 350 Siemens Desiro electric multiple unit, obviously a little further back in the production process but looking absolutely stunning:

But for me the most intriguing release by Bachmann was of a new "ready to plonk" station kit:

These resin cast objects are quite delightful, recreating one of the former Great Central Railway stations at Rothley.

Resin is a chunky material so the detail on the model is clearly nowhere near as fine as the life-size station.

What has really got my attention is that entrance -- the small doorway on the roadbridge leading down to the platform and station buildings below. A common feature on the M&GN:

In fact, Melton Constable, the nerve-centre of the M&GN system, was almost identically laid-out to this.

Then on the platform there are delightul features like this Gents:

Here's a rather fine bird's eye view:

And here's the real thing in situ:

I like those a lot. Although there's also something a bit overly twee and precious about preserved railway stations.

The originals were usually pristine, but they were never quite this dainty.