steve22

I like the sense of distance to the rear that you've created. Have you made the hedge smaller the higher up the field it goes to create perspective? It does look like it. Whatever, it's very effective. Steve.

Some interesting advice here. Thanks, I'm glad I dropped by. Steve.

Well Martin, two whole days ago you explained certain misgivings about opening this thread. I suspect you've absolutely no misgivings now. Go for it, Sir; we eagerly await each next development! Steve.

I use Cartridge World for all the printers in our house; Brother and Canon ink jets and one Samsung laser. I've used them for many years and never felt the need to buy anywhere else. They seem to put more ink in than the manufacturers and at a cheaper price. Very sad when the local store closed last year, so just recently I ordered from Cartridge World directly. Order came the following day. One satisfied customer yet again. I think they supply for all manufacturers. Usual disclaimer. Steve.

It looks great - inside and out. Lovely. Steve.

I very much wish to echo fellow members' thoughts here about John being a skilled artist, a creator of scenes and a story teller. Indeed he was and we logged onto John's pages each time to see more creative artistry at work, more delightful cameos to inspire and prepare ourselves to enjoy the next unfolding chapter of a story we all loved so much. My deepest sympathy to John's family. Steve.

No wonder you didn't post until nearly 4am! I can quite understand though - compelling stuff, isn't it?! Steve.

Hi John, I don't post anything like I used to but I still follow you frequently. I think I've commented before on how your layouts convey a sense of the railway serving the community. I'm sure it has something to do with the many buildings you include, even in short confined spaces. Their placement suggests that they were already there, long before the railway came. Steve.

Lovely cameo scene. It makes me want to see more (hint)...

David C. Broad writes, "Above all it looks railway like because the builder could build what he could see." David, this was EXACTLY my thought when I first saw this layout back in the early 1980s when a friend gave me his copy to keep. It's a thought that's never left me, and it still rings true all these years later when I delve yet again into the Aug '63 RM to view that particular layout. Lacathedrale, thanks for your interesting musings and for bringing this model railway to a wider audience. I have absolutely no connection except that I've always liked it. Steve

Hi Job, sorry I don't get on RMWeb as often these days but I always look at your work when I can. I remember your first posts and you've maintained that high level of skill ever since. Excellent stuff.

I agree, Corbs, delightful indeed.

Hi Adam, welcome among us. Some nice work. It certainly has that run down feel, hopefully it makes you happy rather than depressed?! Steve.

I'm no real fan of modular systems but I came here out of interest as I may need to venture along narrow gauge lines as I'm about to downsize to a considerably smaller house (my vicar wife has just retired so 'goodbye' to her stipend and 'goodbye' to our large home). You've obviously done some deep thinking about all this, some excellent and clear diagrams. All the best with your progress. Steve.

Some of us might remember that John's Noakes' first Blue Peter dog was Patch, who I think was one of Petra's puppies. I mention this because everyone associates John with Shep, and rightly so, but Patch was also a real character. Patch was so popular that when he fell ill and sadly died he made BBC national news headlines. I remember that very clearly. When John met Shep in the studio he obviously saw a similarity between the two dogs as he said on air something like, "Why do I always get the naughty one?!"

Hi Mixy, thanks for bringing these plans to our attention. Many remind me of layouts I imagined as a young boy - "the kind I want to build when I grow up" sort of thing. Some of the smaller designs help provide inspiration for people with limited space at home - just like the house I'm about to move into in the next month or so. The layout expanding out from below the high level bed is particularly interesting as are the multiple level loop type layouts. Good stuff. Steve.

You've obviously been prepared to put in a fair bit of work on this. The three dimensional panelling does enhance the kit and lets its character 'come through'.

Everything is very impressive. The layout design, the trackwork, the scenics and now the video. AND of course the family involvement too. Congratulations.

Some very nice scenic touches; I particularly like the embankment adding natural relief as well as all the foliage surrounding the cottage and the rough edge to the pavement.

It's lovely to see this layout evolve. Family involvement, great layout plan, lots of stuff for us all to see, learn from and enjoy.

I have a vague memory of Christopher Trace being interviewed on BBC quite a few years after he'd left Blue Peter, where he mentioned that the technicians at "It's a Square World" played a dastardly trick on him. Older folk like me might recall their clever and funny special effects. Anyway, the story was that, unbeknown to him, those technicians built a replica of the Blue Peter layout - then blew it to bits! Enter CT later to find 'his' layout totally destroyed, then being shown his actual creation safe and sound in another room! Anyone here on RMWeb to verify that story / my memory?

Hi Captainalbino, it's very interesting to read through your initial thoughts, decisions and procedure to dismantle 'what was before' and proceed with 'what you're up to now'. I don't think I'll ever model an actual station site myself but yours will give folk an idea of just how much space even a small country terminus station can take up. All the best with this.

Hi Phill, I've just come across this thread this evening and it's held my interest way into the wee small hours. Fascinating stuff and I really love the photos in outdoor sunlight. Great modelling and lovely DH diesels to drool over! Thanks so much for sharing.

I agree with Southernboy's sentiments. A convincing scenario; nice small enclosure with sheep nicely modelled, as are the bank edges, with a very realistic representation of grass, stones and crumbling soil. Coach and van on bend in road also add a sense of movement to the scene. Good stuff!

I like these very much. (Note TWIMC - where's those smiley symbol things when you need them?) Barry, imagine a big smiley thumbs-up, please.