So a few bits to update in today's blog.

Firstly a blog name change from a specific layout goal to a more general modelling area. Thus rather than it being about a modular version of Cowes, albeit set on the mainland, it is now a blog on all of my Isle of Wight modelling.

On the micro layout (as yet unnamed), I had it sat on my desk, 50% of the rear back scene board in place and I was struggling to feel that it worked. Whilst considering solutions to avoid a train accidentally running off the end, I considered the back scene extending along the edge of the layout to the front. All of a sudden it felt so different, it felt like it worked much better. I had given thought to maximising the layout operation and maximising my space, I had given almost no thought to framing the scene and focusing the eye. The micro layout is proving to be an excellent learning curve for larger projects and understanding how the scenery and background frame the scene. I must now continue to focus and keep moving it forward. I do at least now have some trains running around it in DCC.

Having run some trains the traverser is proving too complicated for such a small layout, also working the traverser from the front of the layout has been a bit fiddly. Therefore I am planning to remove it and use a PECO loco lift as a cassette instead. I might end up building a long version of the cassette in the future.

The bigger plan had been to build a model inspired by Cowes. Having now completed more research I might be tempted by an alternative. The benefits of modelling a terminus are great but I feel personally I am more attracted to a through running layout. I must keep my focus on completing the micro layout. However I may have had my head turned by building a compressed version of Newport or Ryde St John's Road. Whilst researching I am surprised no one has modelled St John's Road before. It has huge potential and so much interest. A running shed, loco workshops, coaling stage with a raised road to unload coal and one end bounded by a bridge as a scenic break. More to ponder but I will try to remain focused on progressing the micro layout.

The stock keeps growing, I now have the Hornby Terrier Cowes and 4 Blue Circle chalk wagons. The blue circle wagons from Wessex Wagons look great.

Next steps on the micro layout. Decide on tunnel entrance (scenic break), two single bore tunnels or one double tunnel. Then build the structure for the side of the chalk face. I also need to fit a few more locos for DCC, to test out all the track with different locos. Then to mark and fit the point motors plus wiring.