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Thanks for that, I have done an item on the faults and help topic, so will see what happens. Rob

Hi I started a thread on Layout Topics back in 2012 but when I had a look back today to check something I noticed that none of my earlier photos were available, and this included some downloaded by others. I know that these may have been input prior to the restriction on picture size and am wondering whether this is now an issue. However, they were there until quite recently. The message I get is 'requested URL not found on this server'. Can anyone help with this problem and is there anything I can do to retrieve these photos? Rob

Hi Everyone, I can't believe how long it is since I posted on any progress. As I mentioned in one of my last posts the railway room was required for other reasons. This went on longer than expected and I guess my mojo also left me by the time the room became available again for railway related activities. However, I managed to rouse myself to the extent of re-erecting the old New Osney boards after Christmas so I can now wander in and consider options for its future development and play around with card mock-ups. As part of on going research I was looking back through this thread for a photo of one of the previous layouts and discovered that the photos on earlier pages no longer load and this includes some photos that others had down loaded. I recall that at some stage there was a restriction on the size of photos you could down load and it it likely that those photos that won't load pre date that restriction. If that is the case it is quite a recent problem as I can recall looking at some of these older photos not so long ago. If anyone with more technical know how has an answer to this issue I would love to know what it is and whether there is anything I can do about it. In the meantime I continue to play with ideas for the new build. Regards to all Rob

Hi Stu, I can thoroughly recommend it, lovely scenery but it is a long trip, if you travel the whole line you need to allow the best part of the day. Hi Marc, good to hear from you and I'm sorry you are unable to model at the moment. I have long been a fan of your work and as you may remember you were instrumental in getting me posting on hear in the first place, so hopefully you will be able to get back to it some time in the future so we can once more enjoy your work. Rob

Hi Everyone, Its been a couple of months since my last post so thought an update might be appropriate, although in a somewhat negative way. Life, in a good way, has got in the way of modelling. A holiday in North Wales and an opportunity to ride behind steam again. The visit coincided with my wife's birthday so we treated ourselves to a first class trip on the Welsh Highland from Caernarfon to Beddgelert. We bought one of their luxury hampers, designed for one person, which we thought we would share. Well, it provided sufficient for the two of us for lunch for two days. Amazing and well worth the expense. Altogether a lovely day out. When we got home there were visitors to stay, which meant the 'railway room' had to revert to its other use as a bedroom and now the decision has been made to decorate one of the bedrooms which means the room has been emptied into the railway room, so I am still unable to erect the base boards where I can work on them. However it does give me more time to consider the options for the new project before I get started. In the meantime a couple of photos of 7404 shunting the Osney Farmers Siding. You may notice that they were practicing social distancing even then!! Rob

The consensus seems to be to keep the siding, but you know me, simple in everything, and if you are struggling to find a use for it, then in my book, it is surplus to requirements and should come out. I think it would look ok without it, just my personal opinion. I will watch the build with interest. Rob

I'm a big fan of having something big at the front Don, but a willow tree sounds like a step too far, but then again, what a challenge. I will have to get my Gordan Gravett books out. He must have made one!

Afternoon all, Well, there has been a lot of thinking since my last post. As I said before, I want to create a picture to make the best use of my coaching stock to complement the Wharf, which is goods only. While I am not looking for anything complicated I want the final picture to look balanced, but at the same time the railway aspect must be a realistic portrayal of the railway scene, at least to me. All this in 5 feet. The two stations that I have homed in on are very different, Hemyock has been modelled many times and I do not intend starting again, and it is too big anyway but I do like the way a siding leaves the platform line to serve the dairy on the other side of the road. The Looe line has some lovely halts along its length, some associated with some lovely bridges as scenic breaks. Coombe Junction station, where trains reversed direction is simple in the extreme with just a waiting shelter on the platform. So my thinking, so far is as follows, a short platform, served by a single line with a siding leaving to serve the wharf. The line would be contained between two complex bridges with arches to serve the railway, the adjoining Osney river and a footpath. The front of the layout would comprise the river its banks and a lot of vegetation. The risk is that all the interest will be at the rear of the layout. My first effort involved just a waiting shelter but it actually looked too small and disappeared completely behind the auto coach! So I went for a small station building similar to those on the Hemyock branch. To make some sort of sense of all this I have attached some photos. The old track bed will roughly form the river and the bits of the old platform are just to give a sense of what it could look like with a building to the rear to give some interest. This reflects the old mill behind Coombe Junction station. So that's it for now, comments always welcome, Rob

Hi Adam, many thanks for your comments. The Shed has always been one of my favourites, as I think it came closest to what I try and achieve in my layouts and the picture I see in my head. I have no current plans to get rid of it for a number of reasons but it no longer has pride of place in the workroom! I'm glad you like Osney Wharf as I feel it does what I set out to do and has taken the place of The Shed as a result, physically and mentally. You cannot always plan these things, the little cameo with the two men really came by chance. I have mentioned previously that that particular corner had caused me problems and a number of solutions had been tried until I literally stumbled on the final solution. I always think about what my wife has said to me in the past. If a particular model works for her she says that she wishes she could shrink herself down so that she could walk down a certain path or open a door of a building to see what is inside. So I tend to use that test when I am working, what would it be like to be able to walk around that area? What would I see? Does it feel right? However, at this point I think I had better stop as I keep thinking of that line in The Big Bang Theory, I'm not mad, my mother had me tested! best wishes Rob

Hi All, You may have noticed a change of title to this thread. This is to reflect what the thread has turned into during the course of the last few years and hopefully how it will continue. The Wharf, as it will probably end up being called, is still receiving attention in its new location in front of me, rather than in a different room, so much more convenient for adding the occasional detail when inspiration strikes. I have, however, been giving a lot of thought to where to go next. As mentioned in my last post I am looking for somewhere to run and pose my passenger stock as a contrast to The Wharf which is a shunting layout. I'm looking for something simple, in line with my modelling history of keeping things simple but creating an overall picture. Passenger stock is always going to look large in a cameo, especially as the scenic area is only 5 feet in length, or unless you use 4 wheeled stock, which I don't have. In the past I have used the trick of putting the running line behind the platform to reduce the impact, Osney Town for example. Having been down that route more than once I think it is time for a change. I have had my books out looking for inspiration, that one glimpse of something that will provide inspiration, and have homed in on Hemyock, on the Culm valley line, and Coombe Junction, on the Liskeard and Looe line. I have an idea that combines elements of both, but leaning more towards the latter. In the meantime I have been preparing the base boards. These had a photographic backscene, which you will recall I was less than pleased with, so having removed the old scenery my intention was to paint over the backscene. Simple! Not so, when I removed the scenery I discovered the vinyl was coming away from the backscene in a few places. Closer inspection revealed that the mounting card I had used to create the curved backscene was also coming away over large areas. I had used the card thinking that as it was not going to have paint on, it would be ok. What I should have done, I think, is to have sealed the card prior to applying the glue. So, it all had to come off. I have now replaced the lot with bendy mdf, which is what I should have done in the first place. So that is where I am at the moment. The next step is to mock up a few ideas and then I can take some pics to share and get your views. Regards rob

Hi All, Just a quick update on progress. First of all thank you for all your likes and to Stu, Steve, David and Pete for your lovely comments. I did hit the thanks button but that seems inadequate as a response, as your comments are really appreciated. In considering my next move I was thinking about when I started The Shed, so I looked back through this thread and discovered that it must have been in 2011. How time flies and not surprising that it is looking tired. Looking back also got me reading through some of the thread which made me realize how much has happened in my modelling over the years and just how many of you have followed my ramblings along the way. Some of you I have met but others I probably never will but it's what makes this hobby all the more rewarding. So thanks to you all. Having got that out of my system, back to the current situation. I have bitten the bullet and moved The Shed into long term storage in the garage which we all know means that it is one step nearer to the end, although for emotional reasons that is probably still some way off!. There are also details on it which I would remove and reuse as they provide a link to the past and provide, for me, some continuity in my modelling. The Wharf now takes pride of place in the workroom where it can still be worked on and small details added. New Osney, or what is left of it, has been moved back in on the trestles vacated by the Wharf, after dusting it off and removing the spiders. It is now handy for planning the next move. Looking back through the thread someone mentioned that however long you look at something, if it doesn't look right it is never going to get better. My view entirely, so the wrecking ball will shortly be applied while I consider the next step which will almost certainly include more pictures of the Wharf with any added details. If there is anything else I will keep you updated. Regards to you all, Rob

Hi everyone, I said earlier that I had found my modelling slowing down because I had realised that the layout was nearing completion and since then everything has proceeded at a snail's pace. However you can't put off the inevitable for ever and the photos below show the present state of play. A few details have been added to give life to the wharf, people have appeared and a few other items. Really there is little more to do, a few flowers, perhaps, and the odd, trade mark, cat (those who have seen my layouts at shows will understand). I have also been mentally distracted but more of that later. This layout has been very much a product of the lock down and has served its purpose well. I have enjoyed every bit of the build and am pleased with the end result, well almost the end. When I started I really thought that it would be the last of my cameo layouts, but the closer I got to the finish the more I realised that I would need to come up with a new plan to keep me occupied while the other half is off working to keep me in the style to which I have become accustomed . With The Shed and the new Osney Wharf, I had no where to use my auto coach and Bubble Car, and I have also been eyeing up the Dapol Class 121/122, as a suitable item for a small cameo layout. So my mind began to think of options before I had even finished the Wharf, such is the addiction of this lovely hobby. Some of you may wonder about New Osney and ask , why not use that layout? The sad answer to that is that it is currently gathering dust in the garage and has also been slightly cannibalised of one or two items. The good news is that it represents base boards which could be utilised for a new project. That is the current state of play and I am developing one or two ideas but I will come to that in due course, if the ideas get to the stage of construction. To create space in my small workroom The Shed may have to be moved to the garage but it is now several years old and beginning to look tired, so I am not too dismayed at the idea. It has been in my eye line for a long time and could be replaced with The Wharf! Well, I have rambled on for long enough, so regards to all and hope you like the current batch of photos, Rob

Hi Richard Thanks for that and you know that in O gauge you don't need a lot of space. best wishes Rob

Hi Ray, good to hear from you. Hopefully things are moving closer to the day we can all go to shows and meet up with old friends. As we all get older the effort in exhibiting seems to get greater and after two years away I begin to wonder whether I will be up to it, if indeed I'm invited!! best wishes Rob Hi Steve, yes it is static grass applied with a puffer bottle. No fancy electrical gadgets here! Due to the size of my layouts this method has always been adequate for my requirements and I find it gives me the close control I need. The bulk of the grass is a Woodland Scenics static grass flock - Burnt Grass with a few other bits added when necessary. Regards Rob

Hi All, Well I did say that the next update would involve the great wall, so here goes. Before I began work I spent a fair bit of time researching the type of stonework likely to be used on quay walls and quickly realised that I had so many examples around me down in the far west that I was really spoilt for choice. The variety was amazing, so I came to the early conclusion that Rule One could easily be used and consequently I did my own thing. I started on the left hand board, and despite intending to proceed slowly across both boards to get continuity, I ended up completing the left board first. This was mainly due to not being able to initially get the effect I wanted, so carried on till it looked right. I don't think that it has turned out quite the way I saw it in my mind's eye when I started the layout but looks ok, I think. Anyway it has gone to far to really change it now apart from minor changes. The foreshore, which is modelled at low tide still needs a little tweaking but i will get the right hand board done before going back to that area. So that's it up to now, hope you like the photos. Regards Rob

Glad you like the curve, I have a photo somewhere of a line wending its way through industrial buildings which was at the back of my mind, but the Wenford Bridge line also has that feel as you say. I took the photo as this view is not one that is normally available from the usual viewing angle. Rob

Hi Nick, thanks for your comments, hopefully progress won't be too slow. Rob

Hi everyone, I managed to get down to the wharf early this morning to get a few snaps. I was surprised at the lack of activity as I understood the quay wall had been damaged in recent storms and I had expected to see some work progressing, but nothing. However I took a few snaps anyway: As luck would have it I was just about to leave when I heard the sound of movement on the branch to the wharf and it appeared that the daily goods to Osney had a van load of fertilizer to deliver to the Farmers association siding. I was fortunate to be around at that moment as days can go by without any rail movements on the branch. Normally the working would be one of the panniers from Osney shed but today it was unusually a 14xx Class which must have been deputising for the normal loco. So out with the camera again: So that's the story but now for the reality. Progress has been delayed by school holidays and having to camp out in half the house while a new kitchen and flooring was installed but also I suddenly realised that only one major part of the layout remained to be done, the quay wall. When this is finished only minor items will remain and the layout will be finished. I know that they say a layout is never finished but with 5 feet in 0 gauge, believe me it is finished! As I have really enjoyed this build and am very pleased with the layout so far I think I have unconsciously slowed right down because I don't want to finish. There is also the small matter of having to scribe nearly 5 feet of stonework on the quay wall, but looking at it from another viewpoint, it should keep me going for a while. And finally, those of you who have followed this saga may have wondered about the sudden appearance of the 14XX. It appeared about Christmas time from Tower models who had helpfully given it a light weathering to save me the trauma of having to work on a pristine loco. I can add to that if I want but it certainly needs some real coal, fire irons and a crew. Something else to keep me occupied. So that's the story up todate, the next installment should be news of the great wall. Regards Rob

Just a couple of pictures to show that there is progress, mainly of the small detail variety at the end of the wharf. Still work to be done bedding in the warehouse and surfacing the rest of the wharf but I will leave that till I can do the whole area so that I can get continuity of colour etc. Rob

Hi Barnaby, Stu and Richard, many thanks for your thoughts on atmosphere and what contributes to it. I think you all understand my modelling better than I do, but you don't hear all the swearing that goes on when it won't go right which is frequently! Like you Richard, I do like to try things out and leave them for a few days. At the moment I have got mooring bollards sat on the quayside and you wouldn't believe how many times they have ben moved. Stu, it is good to see you back, I was a little concerned at your apparent absence but saw you recently explaining on another thread, so welcome back. Kind regards to everyone Rob

Hi everyone, I thought a brief update would be appropriate as it has been a while since my last post. The news is that there isn't much concrete news! Since the last update life has tended to get in the way of modelling, half term, decorating and a spell of poor health. However stepping back from the modelling for a while is always good, I find, as it gives you an opportunity to look afresh at the model so far. The good news is that coming back fresh to the Wharf has ensured I am still more than happy with progress and it has given me new energy to get on. The other thing it does is give time to assess what you are doing generally and I have given a fair bit of thought to Dons comment re atmosphere, a comment much appreciated, and after considerable thought I have come to the conclusion that I haven't got a clue what gives a model atmosphere, I'm just happy that others may think that the Wharf has it, whatever it is. I have also been waiting for a delivery of small detailing items, quayside bollards, ladders, lifebuoys etc, which all arrived today giving a further boost to the modelling effort. So I am optimistic that there will soon be progress to report. Regards Rob

Hi Barnaby, Thanks for that, I am well pleased with progress so far. I always think that one of the advantages of limited space and micro layouts is that your options are restricted. This means that you can plan the construction easily with a definite end to the project. If you don't like the result you can move on, which I have done several times. I know from my experience that if I had a lot of space I wouldn't know what to do with it so I can sympathise with your problem but if we enjoy what we are doing what does it matter if we don't finish, if we do we will only have to start again when the next great idea for a layout jumps into the head. Regards Rob

It has been a month since the last update so thought it was time to show progress. There has not been so much done as I would have hoped which has not been for lack of effort but more difficulties in getting small things right. Throughout this build I have had a clear picture in my head of what I wanted to build with the exception of two areas, the roadway and the coal merchants, and ideas for these went round and round in my head leading to countless colour variations on the road and three different build solutions for the coal merchants. With the road I wanted the feel of a surface last laid 25 years ago and now crumbling around the edges and where vegetation is starting to get the upper hand. I think I have got there but I'm not sure how I got there. Similarly the coal merchants went through many stages as I couldn't decide on an open or enclosed space, coal staithes or bagged coal. I came to the conclusion that in a small yard most coal would be bagged up straight from the wagon and I intended to have an open walled enclosure. However it came to me that a light structure built on the walls might be a solution, and that's what got built and I am happy with the solution. The yard area still needs bedding in as do the other buildings at the front of the wharf but there are still some small details to add before I get that far. The yard crane is still a kit of parts and the rest of the wharf surface remains to be worked on. At the moment it has had a coat of paint as I was getting tired of seeing the cork surface. Hope you like the way things are progressing, regards Rob.

Hi Everyone, A happy and safe New Year to all of you who have followed this saga over the years. Thank you for your continued interest and all the comments and 'likes'. They are all greatly appreciated. After a quiet period over Christmas and the school holidays I am now on my own during the day and can pick up where we left off, while the better half is out looking after the children of key workers. Although not modelling I haven't stopped thinking about the next stages. As you will have realised by now my modelling is aimed at the creation of a 3D picture, and while I am happy with the overall balance of the picture there is a big hole in the middle where the main feature is the surface of the wharf, so it is important to give this area some form of interest, rather than just having a flat surface. After a lot of trial and error I have gone with my original idea of using a skim of modelling clay to define the roadway. The photos show this in early form with a line of grass between the road and the siding. The grass at the moment comprises pieces of grass mat but will be toned down using other grass, similar to that already done elsewhere. There is still a lot of work to be done on this area but you can begin to see how it will come together, hopefully. The yard crane is a Peco one and is just placed in position to see the overall effect, it is still a kit of parts and nothing is fixed. That's where I am at, as of now, so regards to you all, Rob

Hi Don, yes indeed, it would be the perfect loco for the wharf, just shunting the odd wagon around. I can see it in my head! Regards Rob