HORNBY O GAUGE (next stop, TRUMPTON)

Regular visitors will be aware Paul Watson supplied a fair amount of Timpo Prairie Railway stock and track a while ago. It was a wonderful gift, and a great addition to my gaming. I am very grateful. Later, my interests expanded to include tin aeroplanes that could work with my 54mm soldier collection. They just look so perfect together. Now, I have combined the two collectables by acquiring my first tin railway building. 

It is a Hornby 1940s No.2 Signal cabin in O Gauge. When I spotted this in my local collectables shop I took an instant liking to it. The condition is very good, with no dents, although a measure of fading has occurred. But it looks wonderful, and perfect with my lead soldiers. Rest assured, I will not be paint stripping this piece of pure nostalgia. Having decided to purchase, the kind hearted shopkeeper, once more, gave me a discount, knocking it down to £10.

(Postscript, one seller reported this tinplate building was first manufactured in 1949)

Having just got back from shopping, I had to take some photos!

My recent visit to the Exeter Toy Fair furnished a fair number of toy soldiers. Quite a few have now been sorted, with photos to follow. But I could not miss an opportunity to include this repaired and repainted soldier on a cycle. 

Am I the only one here humming the theme tunes to Camberwick Green, Trumpton, and Chigley?   They have a lot to answer for!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM_NJnoj2kE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWiDd78OQB8

MGB

REPLYING TO FRIENDS COMMENTING BELOW

Hello Tony. To be honest, I had no plans or the resources to incorporate 1/32 railways into my toy soldier project. It is Paul Watson that made it all viable. For me, the visual spectacle is dominant in all my wargaming, and nostalgia comes a very close second. As you say, toy soldiers and trains, you can't beat it!

Thanks Donnie. I keep popping into the Dinning (Games) Room to view the tin building. It has that magic which drifts you back to the previous century, capturing the pre-1980 toy shop atmosphere. For only £10 spent, it may have a claim on being my most satisfying toy purchase! Haha, the soldier on the bike has the ability to bond the terrain together, a very useful character. 

Hello Roger. Paul sent me three working models of Timpo 1970s trains. One moderate set I swapped for lead railway and civilian figures. Another, in the best condition, was mixed and matched to have a red and black livery (as shown). The third was in the poorest condition, but I used plastic card to alter into an armoured train, suitable for 1870-1945. Yes, they actually run on batteries. But it runs rather fast, and completes my entire track in ten seconds. But the Timpo trains and track are quick to set up, and work fine in the garden, too.

Hello Brad, I think we have the same views on this hobby. I make no apologies in seeking to recreate the magic of old toy shops. Sad to think future generations will reminisce over their holding a remote control while staring at a screen. These actual signal cabins were still a common site at railway stations before 2000, and were mainly built well before WW2.

Thanks MJT. When Paul visited to deliver the Timpo trains, he gave me the impression he wanted them to not only appear in indoor wargame photos, but also some games outside. Still to achieve the latter. Yes, it is true, combining a working railway system with 54mm toy soldiers is the height of 'traditional' or H.G. Wells style gaming.