A Model Railway - Life in Miniature
Railway modelling is a craft that fuels the creative needs of the soul. This is a journal about my railway modelling activities.
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Tuesday, 1 April 2025
Sunday, 9 March 2025
Basingstoke MRS Expo 2025
Three layouts sparked my interest.
Tellindalloch in Autumn (00)
An unusual Scottish autumnal scene of a small branch line terminus where the trees steal the show. The layout was set in a 'box' framed in black with an off stage fiddle yard.This reminded me of my own Swanage loco yard model as it is about the same size, set in a black framed box and is an autumnal scene. There are issues with mine though in so far as the box has warped and operating potential is limited, since train movements focus on the single track shed and turntable. Tellindalloch inspires me to revisit mine to see if improvement can be made.
Market Bosworth (P4)
I am always excited to see finely detailed and authentic looking model railways. 'P4' is the clue here as to what can be expected.Set in the early 1900's this layout is based on a real place. It is not a period that is often modelled. The locomotives, rolling stock and road vehicles spark interest due to their 'old world' character.
Of course, being P4 the modelling is to a very high standard. The building interiors even have lighting and finely detailed furniture.
Old Elm Park (0)
Simply, a locomotive yard but beyond the shed façade in the photo is the interior of a large roundhouse with turntable. A lot of details in both areas adds atmosphere to the scene, further enhanced by the deep depth of the layout.There is a multitude of BR period locomotives on display. I thought they were all RTR manufacture and totted up the potential value to be around £20,000. I subsequently read that the owner is a locomotive builder so, if he had built the lot then a skilled modeller indeed.
This layout was my personal Best in Show.
Monday, 24 February 2025
Once Bitten Twice Shy
This is the distant signal at the west end of my Battledown Flyover Model Railway. The signal is made from a Ratio LNER upper quadrant signal pack UQ/80 with a customised platform. The lattice pole style and upper quadrant signal arm of the LNER signal is reasonably close in style to a Southern signal.
On the other side of the embankment is the Basingstoke to Salisbury main line and two storage sidings. When needing access to that area my arm passes over the signal. (you know what is coming).
Unbeknown to me my woolly cardigan sleeve caught and locked onto the finial and signal arm. It was carried across the room where it dropped off onto the floor, closely followed by my foot which crushed it beyond repair!