With two other projects on the go it may seem I am spreading my wings too wide. However, I have given this a lot of thought and, as explained elsewhere, there are good reasons for me to step up to 0 Gauge and eventually leave 00 Gauge behind. First, I have come to appreciate the larger gauge (over 00 and H0 Gauges) in recent years and have been educating myself on what is available to buy, to make, etc. A surprisingly good selection, it turns out! Second, my finger joints are getting on a bit (as is the rest of me) and my eyesight now relies on bifocals which, when clean, allow me to see all but the smallest 00 Gauge parts.

Enough of that aspect, let me enumerate some of the problems I currently have even thinking about this new venture.

1. I don't have an outdoor space big enough for an 0 Gauge layout.
   
2. I don't plan on moving house to a property with the necessary space.
   
3. I am therefore thinking of buying some land in an area where the climate is dry, the terrain firm and the planning laws don't allow habitation.
   

Such a place does exist very close to my apartment in southern France so this is the most likely venue. The apartment will be housing my Legge Lane II shed project which will be 0 Gauge, so there will be space for running the locos when the weather is too cold, too hot, or occasionally too wet. Storage of stock, etc. will also be taken care of.

The actual plot has not been identified but it lies within a protected natural area with some vineyards, a few olive groves but mainly scrub (garrigue in French). It is the scrub land I will be looking at. A small cabin is allowed but no services will be available, so a small generator will be required. Security will be in the form of stone walls and a metal gate and a padlock. I will probably have to rebuild the walls and install a secure gate. The only valuable items that will stay overnight will be the track and the generator.

The good news is that the land is not expensive.

Here is a photo, taken in spring of the type of land that could be available:

Though I would be looking for a plot smaller in size and with defining walls. Road access would also be important!

Such plots for sale do exist but I don't expect to be able to buy one and start building just yet. This project is in the longer term while I complete 00 Gauge kits and build Legge Lane II.

Over the next few months I will be reporting on the land search and also sketching out some theoretical track plans. I will also be researching the best materials to use in what is a hot summer/cold winter environment. I find that research is a very rewarding part of the hobby but it is also important for me to chronicle my progress, hence the blog format. It's always interesting to go back and see how many times I change direction!