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February 2010

Aster 9F - A few owners of the Aster 9F 2-10-0 'Evening Star' and black-liveried versions have reported concerns that their locomotives may not be receiving enough cylinder oil. Although experience has proven that this is not necessarily the case, based on the positive results with the forthcoming Standard Class 5MT prototypes I have developed a simple modification to improve the rate of cylinder oil delivery on the 9F. This modification does not alter the appearance of the locomotive in any way and takes only a relatively short time to implement. The result is a marked improvement in the rate of oil delivery, which although not excessive will provide comforting evidence of oil throughput at the chimney(s). Please contact me for more details or a quote for performing this modification.

Sales list updated today (22/02/2010) - more to come shortly.

Big News! I have had the opportunity to evaluate the prototypes of the forthcoming Aster Standard Class 5MT models and give them a workout on the railway. These beautiful models will be available in BR lined black or green livery and are expected to become available May/June 2010. Please contact me for more information and a quotation for kit construction. My video of these test runs is here:

January 2010

And a Happy New year to all... A number of coaches have been taken into stock and will be listed shortly, once the weather eases to allow some decent lighting conditions for photography! Examples include LMS suburban and GWR corridor stock.

December 2009

Season's greetings to all my many Customers & Friends!

8/12/09 - Following a very successful G1MRA AGM, I have at last found some time to photograph some of the new batch of models being offered for sale. The low winter sun does not make for the best lighting conditions for taking pictures of course, but if you check out the Models for Sale page you can view some of the currently available stock. I will complete the remainder and update the listing as soon as possible.

November 2009

Very busy this month preparing for the G1MRA AGM at Woking on Sat "8th Nov. I will have my usual table there and look forward to meeting friends old and new. See you there!

A look at the current sales list will reveal that most of the models listed have now been sold, but more new stock is on the way and I hope to update the list shortly. I will have a number of interesting new items for sale at the show.

October 2009

New sales list now available G1 Models for sale .

This magnificent Chinese QJ Class has recently been through the workshop for some attention. Coal-fired and with many operational refinements, it is a powerful and impressive locomotive. Scratch-built in England by master steam builder Roger Marsh.

I have produced a short video of this engine under test here:

September 2009

The first Aster AD60 Bayer Garrett has now been completed and is now undergoing running trials on the RBR (Rushford Barn Railway). As anticipated this was a lengthy and complex build, but the end result is a most powerful and impressive machine - haulage capacity can only be guessed at, as I simply do not have enough suitable rolling stock for it to pull!

August 2009

In the workshop we are continuing to build a variety of Aster kits including further Castles and will shortly be constructing one of the impressive Australian AD60 Garratt locos - an exciting prospect!

The Rushford Barn Railway is also undergoing some improvements with a new steaming bay and turntable under construction plus a long refuge loop and headshunts installed on the outer circuit.

I expect to have a Sales Table at the forthcoming ALSRM Show at Dereham on 16th. August - see you there? http://www.alsrm.org.uk/diarydates.html

June 2009

Back by popular demand, the return of my Aster Castle video! - see Gallery page.

May 2009

In line with all former UK Aster dealers, I regret to announce that with immediate effect I am no longer able to supply new Aster models. This is due to a change of distribution policy by the UK importer. I would like to thank all my past Aster customers for their loyalty and support. I will however continue to offer a kit-building service for Aster models as usual.

April 2009

I will have a table at the G1MRA Spring Meeting on 4th April at Loughborough. I look forward to meeting all customers and friends - see you there!

Pre-owned models: I will be listing some new models shortly, but invitations are sought for commission sales of your unwanted models.

October 2008

We are nearing completion of a long series of Aster 9F kit building projects on behalf of customers - these very successful models are now completely sold out in both the BR green 'Evening Star' and BR black versions.

Photos: G. Calver