Paper/Card models for those interested in railways.
For contact by email please use retrocardmodels@gmail.com
History
Of Millimodels, Micromodels and Prototypes.
First a brief history of Millimodels starting with my first encounter with the idea of very small card models.
Autumn 1972. Bought my first Micromodel in Bradford.
Some time early in 1999. Drew out L&YR small boiler 0-8-0 by hand, photocopied it down to size and built it.
Some time later in 1999.. Started using Computer Software to produce L&YR 0-6-0. Everything goes on hold as we move up north from Somerset.
March 2005 First experiments with printing Micromodel style models on inkjet.
November 2006. First listings on eBay. Two sets LYS1 and one LYS2.
Next a brief history of Micromodels and their origin with Modelcraft.
Micromodels started in 1941 when Geoffrey Heighway first produced some sets of models for Modelcraft Ltd,
This was wartime and shortage of the usual modelling materials together with their small size and relative cheap price were the answer to many who were missing their modelling hobbies. In addition few tools were needed for their construction.
“Your Workshop all in a Cigar box!“ was a slogan used to promote them, which tells quite a bit about the values of the day as well.
The title “Micromodel” was used on the Modelcraft models and then retained by Geoffrey Heighway when he broke away to form his own company. Most collectors are happy to collect models from both ranges as the concept is almost identical.
The subjects of the models started out as war time themes, armoured ships, tanks and planes but there were soon architectural models and, of course, locomotives!
The range rapidly expanded but Geoffrey Heighway became ill and sold the company in 1956. Decline followed.
For a much more complete history see http://worldofmicromodels.nl/micromodels-history/
The history of the prototypes.
This is going to be a part of my website that is subject to change and additions!
There is too much information to put it all on at once so I shall add to it as I have time, and as I discover it in most cases. I have photos of some of the subjects as well as techncical data but in most cases you may be better off searching the internet for information if anything takes hold of your interest, but beware of outdated entries that have not been kept up to date!
Lancashire & Yorkshire Goods Train
Here are some photos that I took in 2017 of the preserved example of the locomotive included in this set, an Aspinall class 27.
This was on the East Lancashire Railway, where she is usually to be found. As can be seen she had been repainted in British Railways livery at this time, although she has also carried the Lancashire and Yorkshire livery in preservation.
Hopefully the cab interior photo will inspire some to do some extra detailing!
