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On Video: Penpont Dries…

I was in a bit of a quandary about filming something describing Penpont Dries. How to show it in a way that demonstrates its size, its portability, its ease of use and its curiously satisfying operation…


Yesterday I took it down to visit a good friend at the signal box in the village. We enjoyed shunting a few trains over a cup of tea in between real trains on the Llangollen Railway. Back home I realised that sharing this with you all needs to feel human scale; so you can appreciate its compact form but also how you interact with it. Whilst not perfect, this video goes some way to that aim…


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Expect less of the realistic viewing angle and more of me wittering on and relaxing before your eyes as I shuttle trains in and out of the two sidings. I hope this either reinforces your thoughts about how lovely this little place is to visit, or you can see at least why I have enjoyed creating and operating it. Until next time, more soon…


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Comments

  1. Tom Lloyd5 July 2025 at 14:45

    Hi James. Compendium 3 has arrived down here in West Cornwall! I'm just browsing it's pages on the sofa with a cat on my lap and a coffee. 08791 at Paxton Road is one of my favourite images so far but they are all good. All three compendium magazines (?) have been thought provoking, they complement the blog and your books. The thought of a magazine in the future is very exciting, the current RM has just arrived too and I've skimmed through in half the time I've spent with Compendium 3. Penpont Dries in the signal box is inspired! Great stuff as ever. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and models every day, much appreciated. Take care.

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    1. James H5 July 2025 at 18:07

      Tom, very kind.
      I’m currently enjoying the Wild Swan ‘Peter Barnfield’ trilogy, they’re a wonderful nostalgic collection of travels at the twilight of steam and much of the railways are long gone. It has reinvigorated my thoughts for travelling myself, and documenting those journeys too… that might be some sort of interim magazine whilst the others take shape. If I’m down your way I will let you know. It feels important to try and visit this summer before the Castles are all withdrawn…

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  2. Tom Lloyd5 July 2025 at 20:13

    I can recommend a trip on a castle HST for sure. There's not alot of china clay about, I think they run Monday and Tuesday to Fowey. I've got one of the Peter Barnfield books, memories of the withered arm, it's a good one. Let me know when you are down this way.

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  3. Simon Hargraves6 July 2025 at 07:31

    I've just viewed the video while drinking my second cuppa, in a hotel on Eastbourne seafront.
    The combination of good slow running and a reliable auto coupler is great, it makes the whole experience so much more immersive. I think the simplicity of the scene enhances the atmosphere...some might be inclined to add more "stuff", but this works really well as it is.

    I've also been enjoying Compendium 3, which arrived just in time for me to bring it with me.
    Off to the station in a bit, looking forward to getting home!
    Cheers, Simon.

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    1. James H6 July 2025 at 07:48

      Thanks Simon, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the video and lovely to get away for a weekend. Compendium turning up was a stroke of luck! I’ve a few more to get away this week, all being well.

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  4. Ian Holmes 6 July 2025 at 17:18

    The mind boggles at just how small that is. I thought the case was bigger than that I really did. Now... how small is a Dapol Sentinel and a few wagons in 7mm scale? Let me get my ruler. Excellent James.

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    1. James H6 July 2025 at 17:31

      I think modern N can be deceptive, for sure - I can't wait to see what you come up with Ian - always a fan!

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  5. Roger S12 July 2025 at 11:34

    I've just watched this again for the umpteenth time. The simplicity of two lengths of track; the wonderful colours and angles of the buildings and of course the slow, smooth running of the stock. Absolutely perfect.
    Shunting puzzles for me are what this great hobby is all about. Simply wonderful James.
    Roger Swan.

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    1. James H12 July 2025 at 11:57

      Thank you Roger, very kind. I’ll do another ‘more realistic’ video at some point too…

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James.