WHO IS GD?


I'm the Editor and in-house modelling expert at MODEL RAIL magazine, one of the best modelling magazines around. Every month we demonstrate modelling techniques, materials and projects in clear, easy-to-follow, 'how to' guides. I also produce modelling books for Crowood Press and run a number of occasional courses on airbrushing and weathering for railway modellers, in conjunction with The Airbrush Company.

With my dad, I helped to build my first layout when I was nine years old (based on Sankey station) and have built many more over the years. My personal passion is for the 1980s scene that captivated me as a child, especially freight trains, diesel locomotives and rattly old DMUs.

After training as a graphic artist and furniture maker, I began working in museums and art galleries, ending up at the National Railway Museum in York as a conservator, initially working with all sorts of things, including full-size locomotives. However, I was eventually tasked with restoring a large number of models and smaller objects, which led me to secure a job as model-maker at MODEL RAIL in 2004 and I took over as Editor in November 2020.

My dear, late modelling assistant, Maude.

Comments

  1. Impressed by a number of articles on various loco improvement projects in MR. Does Mr. Dent take on private work/commissions, or is he solely occupied fulfilling his modeller/journalist role at the magazine?

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    Replies
    1. Hi there,
      Sorry, but my job at the magazine is full-time (VERY full time!), so I'm unable to take commissioned work anymore.
      Cheers,
      George.

      Delete
  2. Obviously George is quite an informative expert upon model rail issues. One question which is bugging me to find an answer too, is why do some model rail enthusiasts openly comment that they have experienced 'greening' after applying a PVA mix to bond ballast. Could it be that manufacturers of PVA contain within their product varying chemical additives which when the PVA is in contact with the rails of nickel silver a chemical reaction takes place. Having said that I note one prominent contributor on YOU-TUBE stated that using a brand name first time around his ballasting was successful, then using a second container of the same brand he experienced greening. Please have you any thoughts upon the reasoning for this phenomenon, Mr. Dent !

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  3. Hi,
    In my own experience, the green staining on the rails has only appeared when I've diluted the PVA more than usual, so I assume it's the water reacting with the copper in the nickel silver rail.
    The phenomenon has never proved a problem as I always paint and weather the track afterwards but, if you want to keep your rails shiny, spray them with a clear varnish/lacquer before ballasting - obviously cleaning the rail heads and protecting point blades/contacts etc etc.

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  4. Hi,
    Can you recommend a book on general maintenance and repair of oo guage steam locos, please? I've been given one with some of the connecting rods missing, and I'd like to have a go at bringing it back into running order. Rgds Peter

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    Replies
    1. Hi Peter,
      Nigel Burkin wrote a good book on this subject a few years back, called 'Fine Tuning and Maintaining OO Gauge Models', published by Crowood.
      See www.crowood.com for more info.
      Cheers,
      George.

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  5. Good day George,
    I assume you have had the opportunity at some point to test-drive various airbrushes. I just recieved a Badger Sotar 20/20 airbrush and gave it a whirl this afternoon. A wonderful piece of equipment indeed...its my new favourite.....anyways if you haven't tried one yet do try to get your hands on one and see what you think....I'd be interested to hear your opinion of it. It's my new favourite.

    Cheers
    Gene Kruger

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    Replies
    1. Hi Gene,
      I haven't seen a Sotar 20/20 yet, but will look it up. Haven't used a Badger 'brush for ages!
      All the best,
      George.

      Delete
  6. Hello,

    Seem to remember reading something in Model Rail Magazine a few years ago on the very interesting subject of modifying a Vitrains 37 to make 37047? Just wondering if such an article existed? and if so, which issue of MR it was in as 37047 is a future project and any step by step article would be advantageous.

    cheers

    Nathan

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    Replies
    1. Hi Nathan,
      The article appeared in MR129 (April 2009). If you need a back issue, call 01858 438884.
      Any problems, drop me an an email at: george.dent@bauermedia.co.uk
      Best wishes,
      George.

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  7. Hello George,
    I have been reading your articles from a few years ago when you converted Hornby HFA wagons to HAAs by removing the top canopy. I'm currently converting CDAs to HBAs and would prefer to use the Hornby top canopies rather than the parkside ones. Do you still have the Hornby canopies lying around and if so could I buy them? (unlikely but they aren't available from Hornby as a spare!)
    Regards
    Lewis (Arpleymodeller - RM Web)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lewis,
      Really sorry, but I binned those canopies at the time of the conversion work.
      Good luck with the conversions anyhow.
      Cheers,
      GD.

      Delete
  8. No worries George, got a wanted ad on RM Web now so hopefully I may be able to obtain a few.

    Regards
    Lewis

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  9. George
    Did you do an article in Model Rail about giving a Bachmann B1 a makeover? If so, what issue was it please?
    Regards
    Duncan

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    Replies
    1. Hi Duncan,
      I did the Bachmann B1 way back in June 2005 (MR80). The Hornby B1 was covered more recently (converted to Departmental No.30), in MR168 (Spring 2012).
      George.

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  10. Hi, sorry to bother you. I think I commented on a previous post but these seem more recent. I am looking for a model of a Merseyrail train that are currently running (the yellow and grey) for my little boy who has autism. All he wants for Christmas this year is a Merseyrail train but unfortunately I've heard that they haven't been manufactured yet so I can't get one anywhere. would you be able to help at all?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Amy,
      I'm afraid there are no models available of the current Merseyrail trains. My model, although the colours and logos are accurate, is fictional (it's a diesel train, not electric). If you think your little lad would still like this train (with the LFC and EFC footballers on one side), drop me an email and we can discuss it further.
      george.dent@bauermedia.co.uk

      Delete
  11. Good morning George
    At last I have retired and can get around to building those wagon kits and loco upgrades. I have been reading your kit building books which provide great info - thanks. I would like to do some of the ehancements you have demonstrated. In some instances the parts referred to are from Mainly Trains (brake levers, builders plates etc). Unfortunately Mainly Trains have ceased trading. Are you aware of other traders that might have taken on the MT range or are there alternatives out there. Regards, Dave

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    Replies
    1. Hi Dave,
      Happy Retirement! It's a shame about Mainly Trains - no signs yet of the range of etched parts/castings being available elsewhere. But there are alternatives from the likes of Alan Gibson, MJT/Dart Castings or Wizard Models/Comet.
      www.alangibsonworkshop.com
      www.dartcastings.co.uk
      www.cometmodels.co.uk
      www.wizardmodels.co.uk
      All the best,
      George.

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  12. I am rather confused about the application of Modelmaster decals to painted wagon kit sides.Your technique is a gloss varnish base prior to application. I have been in touch with Modelmaster and they say their decals can now be applied on to a matt surface. Humbrol claim soaking in 'Decalfix'is sufficient. What's your final word on this George? Regards, Confused Mike

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mike,
      I recommend a glossy surface for ALL transfers - it's a simple step that brings the highest chance of success in terms of adhesion and concealing any carrier film. It also makes it easier to remove transfers if you make a mistake.
      Cheers,
      George.

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  13. George,

    What happened to the O-gauge Micro project.

    I am about to start my own Ogauge project and will need to attach a train turntable electrically. So was very interested in how you connected the traversing fiddle yard to the depot.

    Would be nice to see the finished micro at some point.

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    Replies
    1. Alas it's all packed away in the garage for the winter as it's too cold to work on it at the moment. Hopefully spring will see some progress.

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