In the process of building my Penzance, I have discovered that an American attempting to construct a British OO layout is under a severe handicap. There are no local sources of supply, no swapmeets, no vendor displays, and the modelling magazines are nearly prohibitively expensive. However, the wonder of the internet has opened many doors -- in fact made this whole undertaking possible. Listed below are some of the sites and sources that have been most helpful.
Ravenstone Model Railways. Len Smith has been a wonderful source of new and used locomotives and rolling stock as well as advice, guidance, and good conversation.
Paul Wells' Modern Models has been another great source of supplies and help.
A lot of good information has resulted from my membership in the British Railway Modellers of North America. The quarterly journal has much useful material as well as used items posted by members.
Nigel Bird, Bookseller, is chap who has helped locate books with Penzance info. He has an extensive list of railway books new and used.
A relative newcomer is Model Railway Express -- an online magazine from Hammond Publishing. This promises to be a wonderful supplement to the one monthly printed magazine I can afford.
A site that promises to be of huge benefit as I move further into structure construction and detailing is Langley Miniature Models. Pam has already helped a great deal with her responsive emails. It's here that I find the best assortment of uniquely British structures and scratchbuilding parts.
The other dealer that has a great wealth of just about everything is Mainly Trains. Dave Cleal is most responsive and offers quick email order service.
There are also two email lists that have resulted in wonderful communication, new-found friendships, and a wealth of information. Both are on Onelist.com. One is Britrail, the other is GWR-elist.
And I musn't forget Penzance itself. Kevin Parkyn of Moonshine Framing in Penzance has a wonderful site with many pictures of Penzance and Western Cornwall.
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