Juicing with the Showmen...and a Wanderer Returns

While our toes briefly touch the ground between exhibition gigs, let’s catch up on what’s been happening in the Clarkiverse this week…

'Bassett's Castle', an O Gauge exhibition layout for sale at Ellis Clark Trains. The layout is pictured outside Ellis Clark Trains' Skipton showroom.

While we buy and sell pretty much every type of train there is (and a fair few you probably never knew existed), we seldom accept layouts – even our famous spacetime-bending abilities struggle to find somewhere to put them! But when ‘Bassett’s Castle’ unexpectedly rocked up in Skipton last week, we couldn’t turn it away.

Built some years ago for the show circuit, this three-piece slice of BR’s Western Region is the perfect entry point into O Gauge modelling. With hand-built track, scratch-built structures and provision for either analogue or digital control, it was a little big for the postman but will soon be winging its way to a new owner for a second lease of life.

A selection of Clark Railworks' latest OO Gauge pre-owned models. A Class 68, 'Western', 'Pacer' and 6P steam loco are pictured.

Meanwhile, Clark Railworks is back from America (at least for now!) and returning to its more usual diet of British-themed trains, with some immaculate ‘everyday’ engines rolling into the building this week. But don’t worry, there’s still a fair-sized posse of brass beauties available if you missed out last week.

Pre-owned OO Gauge models ready to be loaded for Alexandra Palace at Ellis Clark Trains' warehouse.

Our roadies have been hard at work clocking up the miles and stacking up the crates in a manic month of show-going. Every available receptacle was filled with treasures from our pre-owned train mountain as the gang braved first Kettering then Alexandra Palace. You probably know that we keep huge amounts of stock back especially for exhibitions – models that will never see the website and are the reward for those of you who venture out to support the hobby in person. Another reward is our ‘show exclusive’ offers – these went down particularly well with Ally Pally visitors, who were able to bag any three of our Lowmacs or Demontables for £100.

The Ellis Clark Trains/Clark Railworks stand at The London Festival of Railway Modelling.

Our team relish being on location; while any show is hard graft, it's not all work:

Joe from Ellis Clark Trains is very excited at having found a juice bar named after him in London.

Whatever juice Joe's been necking, it's clearly having the desired effect...

And the show’s not over yet, as after a quick crew change we’re heading north this weekend for Model Rail Scotland’s three-day extravaganza, with another slice of Train Mountain in tow and even more tasty offers…

Sam from Ellis Clark trains is in contemplative mood beside an exotic beach in a far-off place. Sipping a cocktail, he gazes out over a turquoise lagoon, with palm trees at his back.

Bronzed...

Rounding up this week’s update, we’re pleased to report that our team is once more complete, as marketer Sam has returned from his extended travels in Asia’s far-flung reaches. Filled with tales of adventure, peril and exotic locales, he’s bronzed, buffed, battle-hardened and ready to apply the lessons of life and the world to work at Ellis Clark Trains...