d&h

You could consider a heritage railway scenario. For example the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre has the equivalent of a test track that runs along sheds and sidings containing the collection. The sheds would be easy to model either as half or low relief structures, with stock placed half in half out of the shed or just as "flats" and used as a backscene. Operating would be shunting to prepare for open days or operating open day shuttles. Now if you wanted to stretch the imagination and set the layout 30 years in the future you could then display the Javelin. https://www.bucksrailcentre.org

Hi all, not much progress on the layout except the addition of more trees along the back of the retaining wall but I'd thought I'd attach a few pictures. Thanks for looking and stay safe.

You don't say how active your dad is, but I would have though a layout in the wrapping paper Box from the Really Useful Box Co, if you have the space might be a better option. This would be easier for him and others to set up. I would also consider an arrangement which includes a simple shuttle,I find just sitting and watching a train moving is very relaxing.

That looks very impressive. I've "played" with Fleischmann 10" curves using UK stock and it surprised me what worked. I think a lot of it depends on the manufacturing tolerances of individual batches. I had instances of the same model one ran perfectly the other would not take the tight curve at all.

Hi all, I've managed to get quite a lot done in the past few weeks so I thought I'd upload some progress. I've added a retaining wall along the layout and I've also constructed a small view blocker which obscures the station entrance. Lots more to do though, I'm awaiting more foliage to hang over the wall and hopefully I'll be adding a few signals to add some interest. Thanks for looking!

Over the past week or so I've managed to finish the station building as well as fitting cable hangers and building a signal box (based on Camden Road Junct) to act as a scenic break at the end of the layout. More importantly I've been running some trains which has proved a very welcome distraction. Still more to do but thanks for looking and stay safe.

Pleased to see someones got toilet roll!

Not too sure just yet, the board is quite narrow so I might go with the less is more approach and add a few more little details Bachmann have some wooden line side cabinets coming out soon that I've got my eye on.

A few more photos of progress including a cliche on a bridge.

The platform is going the other side of the road bridge although it has to be said its not much of a platform. Today I decided to take a break from track weathering and scenery to work on the bridge and station building, which has been given another coat of paint to stop the light shining through (as you can see in the 3rd picture). I'm also in the process of making an interior and building the 3rd wall. Thanks again for looking.

This looks very interesting. Regarding freight I seem to recall there was an article in SMT many years ago about a small coal depot at Yeovil which used the HEA hoppers, in addition MOD workings might be an option

Hi all, this is my most recent attempt at modelling, Camden Hill based loosely on the North London Line. Much to do as ever including the usual detailing and an over bridge needs to be built and a half relief platform will eventually go under it. Also apologies for the lighting and other projects in the background. Thanks for looking and stay safe.

Very nice. I'm struck by how effective the signal looks, and how with families stuck inside, could, using this technique build a up something quick and cheap.

Dates can often catch you out. There is a lovely picture in the "last Days in Steam" series that has a steam engine pulling a nuclear flask wagon!

I do like this layout, but the first thing that struck me about the picture was the lighting. I wish the exhibitions I attend were half as well lit as this.

Don't forget that "industrial steam" ran into the 1970's and even if the local steam engine had been retired it is quite unlikely that "good" money would be spent removing the old infrastructure,

I don't think the concrete colour is an issue as it often varies in colour and texture when repair or patching has taken place.

This lends it's self to a truncated branch, i.e. originally a through station but the tracks to the left closed as part of "Beaching" type cutbacks.

I think Hornby have done this before (wireless handsets) as part of the Thomas range.

I agree and do this for "running in" and the raised ballast effect means you are away from most of the carpet fluff.

Ditto the Canterbury to Whitstable line where the cabs of Wainwright's R1's were also cut down

Although not cheap, in "proper" stationers seen box files with removable plastic caps, an option if you wanted to put two together.

I seem to recall a very similar 00 model in Scale Model Trains some years ago called Ball's Yard. That was just under 2ft so had a lot less operating potential than your proposal.

Noticed that the stationers Ryman had the wrapping paper box on offer at the weekend, you need to buy two though!

"Then I won a Dapol J94 Austerity saddle tank loco, one of my favourite steam engines. I needed rolling stock for it. Bidding online and visits to my local shop and toy fairs and I slowly started building up a selection of short wheelbase wagons, late BR period... Does this sound in any way familiar?" Painfully familiar! Good luck with your project