Andy R

Richard, thanks also for your kind comments on my efforts to date. I am enjoying the experience and challenges the construction of Hawkinsfield brings, but feel under no pressure to hurry...just go with the flow (some days into it, other days not). I can see you have quite a challenging design on your hands though. I am less capable on the loco/stock side of things and so have tried to collect pieces that give the flavour of the south-west GWR/SR near Weymouth on the late 1930's. Some of the stock does not quite fit into that period so that is further work at some stage, but in the meantime the basic design of junction and BLT will provide operational potential and scope for a variety of train movement and revenue generation. As I have said in reply to Andrew P- the basic Buckingham design has stood the test of time...and I feel it will provide me with enjoyment into the future, despite not having room for the third BLT station. I will keep close eye on your progress also. regards, Andy R

Thanks Andrew for your comments. I sit with John Flann and others who seek that a layout can support realistic or meaningful operation and revenue generation...otherwise whats the point after we have constructed it? I have unashambly based mine on Buckingham design because for me that has stood the test of time and continues to challenge and inspire and bring joy to Tony Gee and his buddy's, which is nice...I noted his recent comments on Tony Wrights thread which is an enjoyable read. As I have said on my thread before I have been lucky enough to visit twice and operate the layout...it was hard work, a big learning curve, but fun! So, if you are mindful of constructing your new layout with operation potential in mind (and I have seen your design) then I am sure this will stand you in good stead later on. I think a junction and BLT combination presents real opportunities for this, which is why I (like you) are pursuing it. Regards, Andy R

Hi Richard, given your interest in Buckingham and Peter Denny you may (if you haven't already) like to check the great discussion about this great layout and modeller on Tony Wrights RM Web thread, including commentary by Tony Gee, the new owner and guardian of the iconic layout and some wonderful photos Tony has taken of the layout in the past. All great stuff. regards, Andy R

Many thanks for your lovely reply Tony and of course for the photos from its Cornwall location. I found the photo of the workbench really interesting- just think about what Peter Denny produced from that workbench for over 50-60 years...Incredible!. I have tried undertake some work on my own meagre layout from scratch, to respond to your point about being creative and not a slave to RTR stuff; I have built all the station points using SMP/copperclad sleeper technique, having never built a point before I started, and most of the buildings are card/foamboard creations overtime. This I have really enjoyed, but I have not ventured into the world of loco or other stock building. That is a step too far at present, and best left to experts. I got some good photos of the Buckingham layout at Tony Gees on my last visit particularly and they continue to provide inspiration and a record of not only a pleasant half-day spent with Tony 'in the shed' but of one of the most influential layouts around, lovingly re-erected and 'fine-tuned' by another fine modeller. During my first visit 5-6 years ago Tony generously took me also across to see Redford and that was a masterpiece in the making, but not with the intimacy and operational joy that we get from Buckingham (in my humble opinion). I am pleased with the comments and pleasure your recent photos have generated from other members. It just shows how much impact this layout has created over a lifetime. I will try to sell the idea of another visit to Buckingham and a related one to LB (I don't know where you are actually located Tony?) in our next visit in June 2016, but it may be a hard-sell to the other half...we live in hope. Regards, Andy R

Tony G; thanks for your reply so early in your morning. Glad to see you are getting good operation sessions with the layout improving with age... (like a good NZ wine) and through your systematic, careful tweaking and maintenance. It sounds like it has now got to the point of you guys having fun...which is satisfying. We will be back in England next June but I don't think I am able to pop up to play in the shed this time...shame. Will keep in touch. Tony W -I trust I am not 'derailing' your fine thread. Regards, Andy R

Hi Tony (G); First an apology for only seeing this fascinating discussion on this thread today (30 August) when most of it has taken place in February! But, I literately have only come across this while 'surfing' the RM Web in some down-time on a lazy Sunday afternoon here in NZ. I hope Tony W will also forgive me for my rather belated visit to this thread/topic. As you know Tony (G) I have been another admirer of Buckingham for sometime and have had the absolute pleasure of meeting you and visiting Buckingham under your excellent guardianship twice in recent years. Both visits have been a highlight of my modelling hobby time; the operating session we did together last year was a big technical challenge but also so much fun -all at the same time! (and the Kit-Kats helped of course!). The wonderful photos of Tony W a couple of pages back of Grandborough Junction bring back wonderful memories that's for sure. Your response commentary equally enjoyable. So, as many commentators to the topic have acknowledged the significant, inspirational (I would say Everest-like) contribution of Peter Denny and his layout to UK modelling I just felt like adding my own observations and support for the comments expressed in this part of this great thread. People like you Tony (G) and you Tony (W) provide experienced and sensible and comment/observations that we can all learn from. Long may that continue... regards, Andy R

Hi Richard, I think good idea to move across to this part of the web, as I have found the feedback valuable and supportive. It seems to be a highly visible and well looked at part of the web. Its always nice to read a layouts progress here. I will be keeping a close eye on your progress for reasons we have traversed in your blog site. Regards, Andy R

Hi Les- thanks for your comments on the goods yard scene, which I am pleased with, and the storage yard remodel; and yes it is another compromise- isn't a lot of our modelling really about believable compromise? (take 00 gauge for example...!) I have gone with my instinct on this as given the size of the room and the desire for reasonable radius curves and transition to and from the junction station, the yards forward idea pushed the limits on these things too much. Time will tell; my feeling is that having only 3 and 3 sidings/lines on each main line will end up more of a constraint to operations than the location. See you at Hamilton. regards, Andy R

A couple of weeks later since the last post and I have turned my attention to the revision of the storage yard area on the opposite side of the layout room from the junction station. Members who have viewed the whole topic will note that on the layout plan posted some time ago I had indicated that the storage yard would be curved in front of the intended BL terminus, and that was fine in theory. But when I began to set it out in practice the resulting configuration and the sharpness of the curves etc... made me think twice on this and revert to Plan B......bringing the branch line over the top and back in front of the storage yard area to the terminus. I realise this is not 100% ideal as it means the storage yard will be behind and below (if that makes sense) the BLT and its backscene, but in the end compromise is required to keep the main line curve radii at a reasonable minimum (in this case 30 inches). I can still physically access the storage yard area from one end (the end with the pillar holding up the house!). I figure better than nothing. This design also allows me to have a longer terminus area and be able to reach the terminus easier...so loose on the storage yard accessibility and gain on the BLT area overall. The aim of this work is to squeeze another storage line so that each main line has 3 sidings each, and hence another train formation can be accommodated in this area compared to the present (and unhelpful) 3 and 2 combination that is did originally. I have started reconstruction with the rear 3 sidings/lines running along the back of the area and now feed by two PECO code 75 curved points at each end, giving the 3 sidings/lines for this main line. I am currently turning my attention to the inside main line to get 3 more sidings/lines on it. The curved points will be changed by electric point motors- I have many PECO motors lying idle as well as a supply of old H and M's which might be used instead. A small control panel will be built to allow this control from a central point on that side of the layout. All this new stuff is in contrast to the visible parts of the layout and its home-built points which are designed and built to be operated by manual, lever switching, using levers yet to be built. The BLT will also have manual lever point switching.= Another advantage of having the BLT designed and constructed forward of the storage yard area. The two photos are just of general work in progress before and then during reconstruction of the rear main sidings/lines. The lower one is the original configuration and the upper one a start on the new rear configuration. Work continues... regards, Andy R

I didnt know Tony either when I made contact via email; as you see I live in NZ. Eventually Tony and I corresponded and I arranged the first visit a couple of years ago when the layout had only just got into its new shed home and was in several pieces and some parts rather damaged. But that first time we had several fun hours playing with Leighton Buzzard and just talking through some of the outstanding ways Peter approached his modelling and his craftsmanship. It was truly amazing. Then last year I made contact and visited again for a 1/2 day only, but this time the layout is functioning and we were able to follow the timetable- which is a beast and requires a lot of concentration and knowledge of how the layout works -as I say in my layout comments, it took several hours to do about 8-10 movements! Oh what fun and given the age of the thing it is remarkable it still works well. Tony has put a lot of work into restoration of course along with some dedicated friends helping. Tony attends a lot of exhibitions and if you googled him you may well get a contact email. He lives south of Doncaster in a village called Bawtry, which may, or may not, be near you? Anyway, I know Tony would be comfortable in engaging in conversation with you and maybe arranging a visit. It worked for me... Hope you liked my own, meagre 'nod to Buckingham' called Hawkinsfield Junction. regards, Andy R

Les- nice to see you back with some more stunning photos of your modelling progress. Keep at it as the character is really emerging now as a lovely little BLT... One day I hope we can arrange to see it in the flesh. Maybe see you at Hamilton Gardens in October which is pencilled in for further O gauge layout workings- the GWR one, not Lymbridge which is getting and extension of the wharf scene to support more operating variety. regards, Andy R

Hi Richard, I have just come across this blog after following a comment from the layouts section. I find the read very interesting because like you, my own layout is very heavily influenced by the all-time classic Buckingham. And, I am not sure whether you have ever seen it but even though I live in NZ I have actually seen and operated it in its new home with its new owner, the wonderful Tony Gee, twice over the last few years on my visits to the UK. It was...sensational and such a joy. I have written about the experience and the inspiration Peter Denny has provided for my layout Hawkinsfield Junction as a layout topic in the layout section. If you have some spare time pop in and have a look. I look forward to following your layouts construction as it evolves further. regards, Andy R

Chris (I am not sure where Gilbert fits in?) Many thanks for your informative reply. Andy R

Hi Glibert. Have just gone through your topic for the first time and it is a lovely modelled layout. The video is also excellent and shows how much movement you can have in a small but well designed layout. My question relates to the kadees you have fitted please. What number KD's for your steam locos and the stock. There are several layouts on here which seem to use a variety of KD numbers - just would like to know your approach please. regards, Andy R

John -I am humbled by your comments and support- many thanks for the positive feedback. Much appreciated. A little bit at a time on this project and it starts to unfold. C and WR -likewise thanks for your positive feedback. regards, Andy R

Hey thanks John -nice to hear from you. Likewise me with watching your fab buildings/structures unfold. I love the bridge you have been showing by the way -nice work and I can learn from it- my main road bridge to station approach remains white foamboard skeleton (seen in some pictures) until I get around to putting slaters plasticard stone on it. I'm thinking that approach instead of the PVA/plaster mix on the road bridges at the junction end. The future viaduct will probably be slaters also rather than scribed plaster approach and will seek consistency with the two main bridges at this opposite end of the layout. regards, Andy R

A little more work on the warehouse locality and bedding it into its surroundings. Fence along yard boundary and trees, scrub, long grass vegetation added and coloured- the long grass (carpet felt) still needing a trim with scissors I note. I am experimenting with seamoss tree material and need to look at other topics in the RM web to see how best to do these, as not quite nailed these yet. Sea moss approach is new to me- I have been using homemade materials on my trees to date and want to introduce some variety. Warehouse named after my sister's surname for fun...she doesn't know yet -Mahon Merchants! Mr Mahon has just jumped off his bicycle, which he has leant against the corner of his little empire and is heading into the office...must be a wagon due any minute.

And another photo of the same scene with the carpet felt grass evolving between yard and rail tracks. To the left of this scene the landscape will be begin to change from the flat yard, as the railway goes over a valley via the yet to be constructed viaduct (see track plan). This viaduct scene is probably a long time off yet given my slow pace compared to some wizard modellers on this forum. The next main task on Hawkinsfield is to change the storage yard sidings on the side opposite Hawkinsfield Junction station, to bring them forward in front of the planned branch terminus (again see track plan). I hope to add further storage tracks to each circuit at this time as the layout needs more storage holding capacity. regards, Andy R

In post 109 above I showed the new site clearance of the further industrial warehouse at Hawkinsfield good yard, and a mock up of a possible warehouse building. Since then things have moved on and the building has been constructed and is now being bedded into its site and the surrounding area re-landscaped using the methods described in earlier posts on the topic. The building has emerged as a lower scale 'background, three-quarter relief building' , because it is on a slight angle, at the end of the second siding in the yard. The photos attached show the building located in its position and the preliminary landscaping to 'bed' it in. The idea of the building is to provide a juxtaposition and counterpoint to the linear nature of the goods yard and indeed the whole of the station scene, by having another structure at 'right angles' to the main station composition. The building is constructed of picture mounting card frame with a plasticard embossed dressed stone skin. Windows done with clear plastic and thin card for the frames. Nothing fancy...The platiscard skin is then white washed all over and the colours of the stone weathered with various layers and areas of coloured pencils -all blended in by finger to get soft shading. (I used the technique on the cattle dock and thought it had real merit). I hope the results speak for themselves. The building just needs to be given a name now. The backscene embankment has been recreated to emerge from behind the building with card base, painted with my 'ground grunge' mix and then teased carpet felt glued on with PVA. When dry this will be trimmed and washed with suitable acrylic colours. The whole thing is now being blended into the existing ground just by texturing and paint washing. The photos show progress and some of the landscaping evolving. regards, Andy R

Andy - nice plan and good operational potential. Enjoying the revamp story. Progress is good. regards, Andy R

Nice work Alan. I always enjoy watching your excellent modelling unfold. Your work is so competent, neat and tidy compared to mine. I tend to rush in without adequate pre-plan...a fault which I am trying to sort out as I advance on my layout- with mixed success! I look forward to monitoring your progress. Thanks Andy R

Another recent photo at the engine shed and the painted Monty's loco crew. I like the figures purchased, they have more period character than some other ranges. regards, Andy R

Thanks John -I was hoping you would reply with good advice...and you have. Appreciated and the renaming will be put on the job list! Onward with the agricultural building and its location and bedding in and photos to come later after flu/ cold is beaten. Regards, Andy R

Working through the slow/steady process of building the agricultural merchants building at rear of Hawkinsfield good yard in-between distractions of other things like a working bee on the jointly-owned ) gauge layout, and flu which has caught up with me now in a cold snap.. Not totally happy yet with the building-will post photos when able to get down to layout room. In the meantime occasional running of layout of course to 'keep eye in'. Attached photo shows morning stopper to Weymouth at Platform 2 and very quiet time in Platform1 as people arrive for the next train northward. View taken from under the Hawkinsfield Station approach road overbridge. A breakdown crane and wagon has recently appeared on Hawkinsfield, obtained from a friend who has since passed away, but it (not him) needs further wheeling attention for smoother running and greater weight to improve running qualities. I also need to change the assigned location on the wagon -Ludlow from my UK geography knowledge is a long way from southern Dorset??? Regards, Andy R

As always John I really appreciate your feedback. I find your buildings very convincing and I have to be honest- I have been looking at Hintock photos several times to get a sense of building scale, shape etc along your backscene as help for me. I am sure you don't mind! You are right- the building needs to be further advanced to see the impact but I have already decided to 'break' up its lines with an extension further to the left (as we see it) at a lower height (maybe one-two storeys) to give balance to the bulk of the main building. A bit of trial and error I feel. I will mock up further using bluetac as a temporary holding material and play around with the shapes and scale a bit more. My aim here is to provide some relief from the green bank that wraps around the goods yard as well as further traffic/movement generation, but to compliment rather than dominate the existing goods shed. Thanks John -Andy R