Occasionally I come across a real gem of railway modelling that strikes a chord with me.
One that captures historical detail, has a story line, been created with feeling and presented in an entertaining way with a touch of humour.
Visit these links and be inspired.
More at http://www.farthinglayouts.org/ and http://www.youtube.com/user/gwrmodelling?feature=watch
It's 00 gauge.
Friday, 28 September 2012
Saturday, 19 May 2012
expoEM 2012
The first layout seen upon entering the hall was Clutton (P4). Just 24ft of magnificence. Yes, a model railway operated to prototypical standards, bells and all, but more than this. We see a vast stretch of rural England with undulating hills and no less than three farms. The railway itself almost incidental passing through it. Photographs do not easily capture the expanse of it. In my snap shot the station can hardly be discerned in the middle distance. Interestingly, the curves into the rear fiddle yard are landscaped too so there are more scenes beyond the horizon and behind the photographer.
All the other layouts were of equally high standard, as can be expected at a finescale exhibition.
Society member's demonstration stands seemed to be greater in number than the 2011 show, all attracting interest from visitors.
From the specialist traders I obtained materials to advance my own modelling activities.
Saturday, 31 March 2012
N Gauge Society - Berkshire Club Expo 2012
Simply because I'm taking an excursion into 'n' gauge modelling did I visit this exclusive 'n' gauge exhibition. It is always interesting and sometimes helpful to see what other modellers are doing.
This club has developed a modular approach to layout construction. Each member builds a section to a common standard to operate at home and connect with others for exhibition. a very large model railway is possible this way and it was exhibited together with 9 other N gauge layouts, demonstrations and a few trade stands.
It was expected this would be a small exhibition by current standards but the variety of layouts on display made it a worthwhile visit. If you like lots of track, or umpteen cameo scenes crammed onto the layout, or trains speeding by then your wish would be fulfilled.
Two layouts that I enjoyed were Kidmore Vale, which arguably was more authentic than the others, being based on reality to some degree with lots of fine, believable details. The other was perhaps easily overlooked as it was just a double track and station halt but, it was accurately constructed from historical photographs of Winnersh Halt in Berkshire.
I have always had a leaning towards authentic, historical railway modelling and whilst a model based on reality may be considered a boring exhibit to look at, if an understanding can be gained of the the time and place on which it is based then it brings it to life.
This club has developed a modular approach to layout construction. Each member builds a section to a common standard to operate at home and connect with others for exhibition. a very large model railway is possible this way and it was exhibited together with 9 other N gauge layouts, demonstrations and a few trade stands.
It was expected this would be a small exhibition by current standards but the variety of layouts on display made it a worthwhile visit. If you like lots of track, or umpteen cameo scenes crammed onto the layout, or trains speeding by then your wish would be fulfilled.
Two layouts that I enjoyed were Kidmore Vale, which arguably was more authentic than the others, being based on reality to some degree with lots of fine, believable details. The other was perhaps easily overlooked as it was just a double track and station halt but, it was accurately constructed from historical photographs of Winnersh Halt in Berkshire.
I have always had a leaning towards authentic, historical railway modelling and whilst a model based on reality may be considered a boring exhibit to look at, if an understanding can be gained of the the time and place on which it is based then it brings it to life.
