steve22

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.

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

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 think you'll find that Allan Downes is alive and well and contributing to RMweb. Try the scenic section.

Hi Kevin; thanks for that.  My comment was in jest, a bit of a tease, but thanks for the reply.     

Apologies that I have nothing to contribute to this topic but just to say it's very satisfying for me as an observer to read how like-minded enthusiasts help each other through shared knowledge and experience.  I look forward to dropping in again as Banff progresses.  

It was c1968 or 1969 when I was a 14 year old that a friend gave me a copy of his dad's 'old' RM; October 1964.  Railway of the Month was Peter Denny's Grandborough Junction.  I can to this day vividly recall my disbelief that a model railway could look so real.  'Jaw dropping' probably wasn't an expression in common use then but that was my response on seeing this wonderful railway station!  I gladly endorse many readers' comments here, especially regarding fifties, sixties and seventies articles and modellers such as Denny, Ahern, Hancock, Jenkinson, Awdrey, Charman, Knife, Harrison, Dyer, Towers, etc.  Also, of course, the work of 'Robbo', Northwood, Essery, CJF and so many other inspirational folk.  Railway of the Month from RM December 1972  was mentioned; yes, another great model.  Plan of the Month from that copy was another favourite of mine - 'Mainly Operational'; a fab layout design and it's whimsical commentary on how it came into being is worthy of Allan Downes (what ever became of him, I wonder?)  All these such a profound influence on me - even Jock Armstrong, Angus MacTavish, Jock's bicycle and the dog (Craig, Dec. '67) still stay in my mind to this very day!       

Sorry, it's been a while since I last visited here.  So much more to see, and you've accomplished so much in that time!  I really like the heather on the rock terraces, which will contrast with the 'grey' areas of the layout.  I also like the fact that you aren't afraid to use large(ish) structures and buildings on the layout and they do seem to look as though they belong and blend in rather than dominate the scene.

Oh - my - word.  Wonderful !!

Great to watch this all evolve.  Fast work, Mozzer, and it all looks really good.

I've looked in vain for a model of any one of my dad's earlier cars - a 1956 Standard 8 (gloss black it were...), 1965 Singer Gazelle (lovely silver moss green with black stripe and classy chrome trim), 1973 Austin Maxi (Teal Blue, another classic 1970s colour) and 1984? Austin Montego.  I may have seen a Vanguard (Corgi?) model of a Standard 8 once; next time I was in that particular shop it was gone, if it was ever there.  Have I missed any of these models somewhere folks?

I hardly ever get to Exeter, and even then it's only on business.  But seeing Dave's shop whilst walking past one time I called in.  Good range of stock, very pleasant service and he made time for some 'modellers chat' which is always nice.  On subsequent visits to Exeter I tried to make sure that I caught the earlier train so I'd have time to call in. 

I agree with C&WR - you've captured the atmosphere well.  Some nice detailing on and around the station, too; I'm thinking of the variation in style of the fence and the gate, the long ramp and sloping wall up to the station entrance and the realistic open space of the car park, taxi stand and cycle racks.  

Hi Sven,  welcome among us.

Steve.

Actually, CKPR, I'd say from what else I've read somewhere that you are right.  I just didn't want my post to ramble on!  Thanks for verifying the existence of a 'Mk2'.

I have fond memories from th 1950s of the 7mm scale railway in Derby museum, especially when it was operating on Saturday morning.  What happened to it?

I read somewhere that it got to the stage where it was requiring excessive maintenance to keep it going and sadly it was dismantled.  When and where I read this I can't recall.  I too have fond memories of reading about it in my friend's October 1968 RM when it was Railway of the Month, billed as 'Midland Magnificence'.  It was about that time that I first saw Grandborough Junction in the RM for October 1964.  I'd never seen a model railway look so realistic.  My friend gave me his copy and I can recall walking back home with my head almost dizzy from what I'd seen - and any part of Buckingham still amazes me now.  Size wise at the other extreme I still enjoy looking at Ian Futer's 'Ashleigh'. One more or I'll never stop; I always thought the December 1968 ROTM 'Huntshire' was fascinating.  Still do.    

"She's a beauty".  She sure is!  Steve, you lucky so and so; trains and a very pretty wife; a wonderful combination.    

"My lass is the regional under 20's Hammer throw champion..... should i be worried   (I add there is a very small age gap. she is just turned 20, Im 21, just so no-one gets the wrong idea    ) "

I'll bet you don't argue with her very often, unless you can run out of range.  But no, don't be worried.  Well, only if it's a silver one and, er... her name isn't Maxwell, by any chance?

Need I say more...

 

Our Wedding Day, Ffestiniog, 1/5/11 by Steve Purves, on Flickr

 

I was a kitesurfing, racing driver, general adrenaline junkie when we met. I felt 'responsible' and decided to revert to something safer as a hobby. She was fine with trains at the start but so long as I don't bat on about it she doesn't mind now. Married 3 years ago yesterday!

Now I know why women cry at weddings.  The scenery in your picture is absolutely beautiful...  (and hearty congratulations to you both, by the way)

Thanks for the info Mr. Ryde-on-time, that's helpful.  I'll be brief so as not to go OT; up to SIX years sounds great but 'potentially' is something that seems rather open to interpretation far more than a definitive warranty.        

Whatever happened to the EU directive (if that's the term) that products now carried a two year warranty.  Is it for items only produced in the EU or what; does anyone know?  Was it just a nice dream that I had?    

All very yummy stuff. 

Another layout to capture the imagination.  The track plan and that first overall picture shows a seemingly quite small layout. The following pictures somehow portray a much larger scene. That twenty looks a great distance from the sea.  Have you employed some perspective modelling?  And I do admire the rocks, they look very realistic.  Is that the Knightwing bridge?  It looks very much like one I have, also painted red.