AFMRS

Anglo French Model Railway Society 

AFMRS

Hello and welcome to the Anglo French Model Railway Society

Let me first start off by saying that despite the title of this blog it is not only intended for English and French model railway enthusiasts, it is for English-speaking expats of any nationality, living in France.

I would like to provide a platform for modelers to tell us about their passion for model railways. Plus, if you already have a layout or are still in the building or planning stage then tell us about your progress including any problems you encountered and how you overcame them.

I would also like to provide a forum for modelers (and those who are new to the world of model railways) to be able to ask questions and get advice from the more seasoned among us.

The biggest problem facing any railway modeler is space. How do I fit my dream layout into my tiny garden shed, garage, spare room or attic? Well there are several answers to this age-old problem, the obvious answers would be to reduce the size of the layout or to choose a smaller scale. However, the more experienced modeler will look at the space available and come up with several cunning plans such as:

• building a fold-away layout that can be stowed away against a wall after use
• suspend the baseboard from the ceiling (this is especially suited to garages)
• make a baseboard with buildings to fit under a bed and slide out for use
• make a layout in sections that can be bolted together and dismantled when not in use

These are just some of the choices available and the internet is full of ideas on how to build and operate everything from the beginner's layout to the professional type for clubs, exhibitions, shopping malls and shop window displays for Christmas.

In order to try and include everyone, regardless of experience, I will include pages on a variety of subjects such as;

• Safety First, the dangers of working with electricity and power tools
• wiring a layout for electrics including points and signals
• building locomotives, rolling stock, station and lineside buildings from scratch and from kits
• how to build a proper baseboard
• how to lay track properly
• how to make realistic looking scenery

Having said all that, it's over to you now, let's hear your comments and input. Feel free to make constructive criticism and suggestions but please refrain from political or personal remarks. 

Let's give model railways in France the promotion it deserves