Ribbons - a compendium of creative Railway Modelling...
Announcing a new project, and one that I would appreciate your help and support with...
When I finished the third and final Compendium last month I closed with thoughts of something new, taking the concept beyond my solitary voice, creating something different, artful and mature, well worth reading...
This will be an experiment. Perhaps a one off, perhaps a series, we will see how things go...
A 'compendium'?
"A collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject, especially in a book or other publication." This time a collection beyond my own work, kind contributions from friends and fellow modellers alike, the subject being...
Creative Railway Modelling?
Isn't all modelling 'creative'? Yes, and no... I'm not particularly interested in reading about how you did something - but why you made it. The story of creation and creative writing. Story telling, poetry even?
The certainties?
To be produced this year - 2025. 40 pages of content. Initial run of around 100 copies. Perfect bound, high quality finish and feel. Printed by Blurb in the Netherlands.
I will be the editor (and contributor), and my good friend James will be the proof-reader.
This is NOT a magazine.
The uncertainties?
There are still areas that I would appreciate some support:
1) Sourcing advertising - I intend to offer the rear and inside covers as advertising, the intention to allow me to reduce the price to around £10 including postage in the UK. If you're reading this and can help, let me know.
2) Content - I have the first pieces in hand, with more promised but if you'd like to write a heartfelt and personal piece that describes your relationship with the hobby, with your modelling, why you do what you do and would like to see if you can find a voice then I'd love to hear from you.
3) Telling people - I don't really plan on doing more than 100 copies in the first print run - but this won't be an exclusive never to be repeated quantity. I am happy to do more, and in future have them printed in the UK if volume permits... so can you help by talking about this new magazine, this compendium with your modelling friends and on forums, to spread the word that something new and different is coming, and to keep an eye out?
And finally, why 'Ribbons'?
Ribbons of steel, those thin narrow rails - weaving through our lives and tying us to one another...
This post will become a page on the blog today as well, you can find it again by looking under 'On Paper' and clicking on the Ribbons link.
Looks like a great concept James. I would definitely like a copy please. My modelling isn't of a high enough standard to be featured though. Rather than intimidated, I'm inspired by people like yourself who do model to the highest standards.
ReplyDeleteHello Tom, thank you - I'd suggest readers might be quite interested in what you have to say - accompanied by a photo of your 7mm efforts... so don't rule it out. I don't want Ribbons to be about method, nor madness (!!) but certainly about mindfulness, about the why, the story telling... something we can all contribute.
DeleteHi James
ReplyDeleteYes I agree with Tom it seems an interesting concept and please put me down for a copy.
Also like Tom I am not sure if my modelling is of the level you would like to see in Ribbons ( such a great name) but am willing to write something up if you feel that might be of interest . Some idea on article length and timescales for publication would be appreciated.
Have a good weekend- hope it is drier than here
Best regards
Alan
Hello Alan - great to hear from you. I'm hoping that the 'standard' of modelling is less important (though quality photography is definitely a requirement) and the story telling and quality of writing the main feature. We will see... would love to see anything you feel you could contribute. I'm sure a reflection on your life long interest in industrial railways scattered with a few stories and anecdotes would go down well...
DeleteHi James. I'd be pleased to contribute an article; something narrow gauge and a photo or two if you like? I do dabble with poetry too...
ReplyDeleteI'd certainly like a copy of Ribbons please, either way.
Best wishes
Roger Swan.
Thank you Roger - get in touch on email, I can't promise to publish anything but would love to see something narrow gauge...
DeleteI'm pondering the potentail advertisers, who aren't already in the publication game. Rapido being the obvious one?
ReplyDeletePerhaps - Light Railway Stores have taken the back cover and others are talking about supporting. I don't know if anyone from Rapido reads here...
DeleteCount me in for a copy please James. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ian - I would suggest your experiences and stories of the meaning behind models like the 44t you shared on email would make a rather lovely contribution too...
DeleteInteresting idea. On the whole when we talk about model railways we speak of the inspiration and of the building, but rarely about the feelings that we get when modelling and our relationship with our models, unless there's an element of nostalgia involved.
ReplyDeleteIt's something that I often think about, but haven't the skill to put into words.
I have a suspicion if you had a go it would be as readable and enjoyable as your more technical meanderings on the blog… if I can twist your arm to have a go…
DeleteDear James,
ReplyDeleteHope you are well. What price would you offer for a repaint of a OO gauge DMU trailer and a light weathering finish.
Also do the weathering prices for the Rapido trains apply to model trains that can be sent to you?
DeleteGet in touch via the contact form and we can discuss this - the prices for Rapido models don’t apply for others. There is a saving for me in working on the Rapido models in one batch when they arrive and I pass on some of that saving in the price.
DeleteInteresting idea. Will be interested to see how this develops. The 'why' or inspiration behind modelling often tends to get drowned out or skipped in amongst the plethora of 'how to' descriptions. One small observation though, I would suggest 'Ribbons of steel' to be a better focussed and more enigmatic title than just 'Ribbons' - which could easily be mistaken for a sowing or quilting publication! Anyway, good luck with this venture. -Phil
ReplyDeleteWell Phil, hopefully when it’s available you can pick one up and see what you think. I’m a fan of the name so it’s staying singularly ‘Ribbons’. It isn’t just Ribbons of steel, for it is also the nature of this hobby to weave through our lives and stitch things together. Ribbons of steel therefore is too restrictive in my opinion.
DeleteJames,
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful idea. I have just started working on an Sn3 model railroad based on scenes I like in the states of New Mexico and Colorado in the United States. The three scenes, which are really three cameos designed as a continuous railroad are based on placed I would have liked to watch a train, or on trips to Colorado. You can read about the project here.
https://modelrailroadimagineerings.wordpress.com/2025/07/05/colorado-and-san-juan-southern/
I would enjoy reading about what inspired others to create their model railroads. Reserve a copy for me!
Herbert “Matt” Mathews
Thanks 'Matt' - sounds rather lovely, I'll take a look.
DeleteI'd be interested in a copy of Ribbons in due course please, James.
ReplyDeleteAnd I could perhaps offer a piece on my journey in British H0 modelling, very much in the 'why' rather than the 'how'?
Thank you Alan - I can't promise to publish your contribution but would be happy to take a look. Get in touch using the email you have for me, I think, already? Best, James
Delete