Note: This final instalment of my Introduction and Background has been split into two episodes, to keep the suspense up (???) a little longer.  Some content has been discussed in other RMweb Forums / threads:

 

Episode 4 - The Leaky Bucket List and the Rule of Two

 

In this double episode I’m looking at possible project options, to draw this first series of posts to a close.  I don’t have a permanent modelling space, but I do have use of a room that has become spare, with the proviso that I can clear it out when the house is full (once or twice a year).  I need to build a removable layout, though it doesn’t need the full flexibility of an exhibition layout.  So let’s go…

 

Project A - Workbench

 

The first piece of advice I often share with folk wanting to build their first layout is to start modelling.  Make a kit or a small diorama while planning the dream layout.  Build some experience.  It’s something I wish I’d known years ago, and is something I do now.  So I’ve learnt that the first thing I must have is a workbench, not a baseboard.  This is the space (the 31.5” arrow bottom right is the door):

 

 

…and this is the easiest way to fit in a workbench by the window and a layout - the baseboard can cantilever over the bed (which is not moveable).  A layout space of 9’ x 4’4” isn’t huge, particularly for a continuous run layout, but is more than I’ve had to play with before:

 

 

The IKEA Kallax storage unit is not mine and access is not required.  The sink is useful, but could be blocked off (or reached from the operating well).  Other arrangements can be considered, but permanent shelves / wall fixings are not an option (several reasons).

 

Project B - Layout Options (the Leaky Bucket List and the Rule of Two)

 

A second piece of advice is to look more closely at prototype railways (important, as my primary influences were other model railways).  Once I stepped back from the idea of an OO Gauge GWR Branch Line, I had complete freedom to explore any prototype in any scale or gauge.  Through 2021 and 2022 I had great fun trying new things.  Each time I thought I’d cracked it something changed: my bucket list of layout ideas leaks!  The gift of this space means I can now settle down.  So I’ll tackle my possible projects list in prototype order.

 

One final thing before I start - what is my Rule of Two?  It refers to how many locomotives I have for a potential project, and is something I’ve established to show my level of interest in an idea: while I have one locomotive an idea can be classed as a novelty, but buying a second one means I have a relief engine as insurance against loco failure / maintenance.  From this point on it can start to feel like I’m running a small railway.  So, what are my options:

 

Project B1.1 - British Outline Standard Gauge

 

In my case this would still mean a GWR Branch Line.  Other than a couple of items of sentimental value, I’ve finished selling off my OO Gauge collection, and only have these incomplete Ratio kits for a country station (Castle Cary) and platform awning (Generic):

 

 

I started it in 2020.  Close up, I was making a decent job of it until I left some trademark glue marks on the awning glazing, something I’d now feel confident I could fix.  But with nothing else in my stash, I can’t see me returning to British OO Gauge for a layout.  Until Peco announced their TT:120 range I wasn’t sure I’d return to British outline modelling at all, but I was taken by their range of kits and have bought a set (I also have more Flextrack in storage, not shown):

 

 

My plan is for this to be a future project, once suitable rolling stock is available, so it’s not the layout I want to build now.  With TT:120 now an option, I can’t see me going back to British outline N Gauge.

 

Project B1.2 - British Outline Narrow Gauge

 

As a Member of the 009 Society, I’ve seen the delightful models now being produced by Peco, Heljan, Kato and (especially) Bachmann close up and running.  With the promise of more to come, r-t-r 009 is becoming an established commercial option.  While I’ve modified some 009 items for my American HOn30 layout however, I’m not tempted to build a British Outline Narrow Gauge layout at present.

 

Project B2.1 - American Outline Standard Gauge

 

The American influence on my modelling is clear.  With my Dad still modelling in American HO, it’s a natural option for me to consider, and I made a fresh start around the turn of the year.  I have some building kits ready and waiting:

 

 

And a selection of pre-painted freight car kits to build too:

 

 

A couple of diesel locomotives (plus one awaiting repair) and a total of around 40 freight cars (including these kits and some needing new couplers) means I have all I need for a c.1970 freight based layout.  What’s the catch?  American HO Scale needs space - I’ve looked at small switching layouts, and while I enjoy watching them, have never quite persuaded myself to follow through on the layouts I’ve designed to actually build one.  I’d like to run trains at least 15 cars long, but with the four car train in my header photo measuring 44” my space and my ambitions don’t meet. I’m going to keep American outline modelling, but will it be this first layout?  Not sure at the moment.

 

I have looked at North American N-Scale.  This KATO ‘Gevo’ was the smoothest and most impressive locomotive I’ve ever owned:

 

 

 

(I like lights - this is DC too).  For test running it was superlative, but I found I could no longer read some of the detail on freight cars, and couldn’t properly see the couplings (far right in the photo below):

 

 

Not a problem on an unscenicked test circuit, but I think I’d find it too fiddly / frustrating when anything broke / fell off on a layout, so I went back to HO.  I didn’t buy a second locomotive.

 

American TT (also 1:120 or 1/10th of an inch scale) is impressive but has little commercial support, and modellers also seem to prefer the same N-Scale couplings.  A variant of these is used for North American Z-Scale, so I think HO is the smallest viable scale for me.

 

One advantage of North American modelling worth noting before moving on: depending on the choice of prototype, it’s possible to dispense with station platforms (certainly high level ones).  This can save a lot of space on a model layout, something I’ve learned over many years while trying to convert American plans into impossible British outline layouts!

 

Project B2.2 - American Outline Narrow Gauge

 

One of my favourite all-time magazine articles was in the November 1981 issue of Model Railroader magazine.  Modeller Bob Hayden was designing a new basement-sized freelance 1940s HOn2 1/2 (now called HOn30) Carabasset and Dead River Railway.  It was my inspiration for returning to Narrow Gauge modelling in early 2021.  My modelling space at the time had moved up into our attic room, and I didn’t fancy carrying large Standard Gauge stock boxes (and buildings) up and down steep stairs when visitors needed the room.

 

But HOn30 hasn’t really taken off.  On30 became popular when Bachmann introduced a range, and every On30 layout I’ve seen is wonderful.  But with limited space I’m not sure I’d want to move up to O-Scale, and with the Bachmann range now rarely seen on sale, a more realistic option would be to extend my existing HOn30 CAL.  I could do this of course, but with just a few freight car scratch-aid kits left to build I’ve found I’m content with what I have.  I have the two locos I’m happy with, and am not planning a bigger layout.

 

…to be continued.

 

In the next and final part of this blog post, I’ll look at the Continental European prototypes and models I’m interested in, then draw my conclusions for this section of my journey towards a model railway layout.  Until next time, thank you for your patience, Keith.