Biggles Dog

Hi Phil, I was given your contact details from Stoke Courteney as I want a Signal Box nameplate. I have tried to order but keep getting bounced by an 'incomplete address' message Would it be possible to contact me, please. I'm in Oz. By the way, have you ever considered doing running in boards as the fonts are a problem ! Geoff

John, I continue to admire Stoke Courtenay with every photo you provide. I have followed from page 1. Two queries, please: What are your platform surfaces, as I can see paving edging, paving infill and some other form of infill, possibly tarmac or gravel. Advice would be appreciated, as most finishes I have seen are too 'heavy' in texture. All your textures are subdued and in scale to my eye. How can I get in touch with 'Phil@ Harlequin' - I need a Signal Box nameplate, and I'm using the same Bachmann/Kernow box as the one on your layout. I'm 80 years old, living in Oz since 2017,and trying to start modelling again after some health issues, now fortunately resolved. Geoff

Sorry, Nudged by dog demanding to be fed! Other questions, please: Yard/road surfaces - what have you used to get the basic texture - I assume this is then coloured with suitable washes ? What is the source of the lovely 2 horse wagon you used for CBC ? I realise that careful application and subtle colouring make all the differnce to the above elements, but at least knowing what you use gives me a starter - it's then up to me to do the best I can. Thanks for a most enjoyable and site - sorry about the typos in the first part ! Geoff

Hi Kevin I'm coming back to modelling after a long break, and have just found Little Muddle. I've got to page 100 so far, and am looking forward to seeing the rest. I'm still not sure whetehr to be inspired, or just shut the layout room door and finding somehting else to occupy my retirement. I think the is exceptional - the overall modelling, attention to detail, grouping, composition and very careful use of balanced colour all add up to a superb entity. a few questions if I may, please: Platforms - what have you used for edging flagstones, general stone paving and gravel Loco Coal Dock - what material is used for the timber above the brickwork base

Hi John, Thanks first to Neal for the encouragement. I will dig out something old, like me, and have a bash. Secondly, thanks to Martin for pointing me in the right direction on 00FS - I've downlaoded the details and sent off to C&L for the gauges. Thanks also to you, John, for answereing the questions on underlay and backdrop.I'll continue to work through all the other information on the site and hopefully not take fright ! I think I might try a small layout first, to get back into the feel of things, before tackling my 24'-0" x 2'-6" project - on the other hand, as I'm 78 tomorrow it might just be best to crack on with the main layout now.

Hi again John. Thanks for the encouraging comments. I'm finding that what is available these days somewhat bewildering, having returned after a huge gap, and rather lacking in confidence. I take something out of its box,look at it, think 'I can't do that, so put it back. Silly really, as if I try and don't succeed I haven't really lost anything. I am thinking of doing a through station, single line, with a branch added for extra interest/operation, about 14 points in all. Set on a fictitious line across Bodmin Moor from Launceston to Bodmin. The theory is that it was a relief line for when there were engineering works on the Royal Albert Bridge or the eight viaducts between Plymouth and Bodmin. Set in the late thirties. I grew up right next door to Clapham Junction and spent hours there, and at Stewarts lane and Nine Elms 'spotting' predominantly grimy black engines. Then made a visit to Old Oak Common and saw some shiny green things ! - all just either side of 1950. Three more questions,please, if you can help me blundering around in the wilderness! You mention 16.2mm 00FS pointwork using C&L pre-fabricated crossing assemblies - I hope to use these, but cannot find any references to 16.2mm gauges - are they available ? You have used cork underlay, chamfered to give a ballast shoulder, and also mention a further sub-base of sealed cell foam - how far does this extend, as it obviously it isn't cut back on the line of the cork. I think the reduced backdrop height is very effective, and adds very much to the feeling of open space you have achieved. Does the backdrop extend down where the groundline falls below track level - by the church/pub/ garage ? I'll now return to my trawl through your photos - at least I can enjoy and dream ! many thanks for all the inspiration, Geoff

Hi John, I've just spent a very enjoyable day working through your site. I now need to go back through in slower time and absorb all the detailed content, and take another look at all the photos. My initial reaction is that I don't know whether to be inspired, or just give up ! Your layout is everything I would like to achieve. I moved out to Oz a couple of years ago, and have not modelled for ages. Masses of models/kits, but work and then ten years as a carer left no time for hobbies. At 78 I'm wondereing if it's too late to start. One question for now, please. Have you added any elevation/cant to your curved main line ? Looking at the photos I'm not sure - in some there does seem to be a cant to the track, but it may just be an optical effect of the curve. A wonderful layout, and a joy to browse through everything you kindly share. Geoff