Andy R

Many thanks for your reply Stu -it would have been a privilege to visit the layout and talk to its creator. Did it help with your own modelling?

Andy R

This is my first post on the web of the layout I have been slowly constructing in my basement layout room here in Tauranga, New Zealand. In an effort not to bore fellow webbers, I will write up my journey on constructing the layout in parts, as and when I can find time to compose. It is a meagre but honest effort so far away from the UK.

1. History

The layout was started about 4 years ago after being able to partition off part of a basement room to create a hobby room space of 14'6'' x 9' (in the old money- NZ is metric but I like the old measure!). It comes after constructing and operating a GWR OO exhibition layout occasionally at the limited number of model railway shows here in the upper north island of NZ. That layout is now rather over-exposed after 9-10 years on the show runs. It survives but has limited use and limited operational satisfaction.

Hence the desire to create something more meaningful and challenging at home. I have no hesitation in confessing that the inspiration, as with many others, has come from the famous Buckingham Branch of Peter Denny. Over many years I have read the articles in RM and then his PECO book on the model. More recently I acquired the DVD showing the layout operating and interviewing Peter. His way of approaching the creation of this layout, his high level of skill and ability to fashion out most of the layouts components from scratch never ceased to amaze me. It took a while to pluck up the courage and energy to make a start. My main, base decision has been to closely follow Grandborough Junction as the main station on my layout, and design and build the rest of the layout around that lovely modelled station.

So, Peter Denny's Grandborough Junction has become my "Hawkinsfield Junction", set somewhere along the GWR/SR joint line running northward from Weymouth. The GWR branch from the junction, which is yet to be started, has SR running rights for a little variety. This concept is not unlike the work of John Flann with Hintock, but that is purely coincidence on my part. The junction station is named after a good modelling friend of mine who tragically passed away a couple of years ago when just finishing his own first exhibition layout in O gauge -based on Lymbridge Pier. That O gauge layout I now part-own with some other friends having brought it off his family. We now exhibit it occasionally.

Finally in this history part I note that I have had the privilege of corresponding with the new owner Tony, then visiting Buckingham Branch in its new home up north. In fact I have been there twice in holidays back to the UK over the last 4 years- the last visit in September this year. I had a great time talking to him and several other regular operators, photographing and operating the layout as well- actually a very slow and deliberate learning process from move 41 to 49...over several hours. So much concentration and so much fun. The layout is IMHO an absolute marvel, and Tony is doing a fantastic job in restoring one of the iconic model railways of the world.

In the next part I will try and briefly describe the construction phase and try to work out how to follow instructions to post photos and/or layout plan...!

Andy R

David- very pleased to give the layout the wraps it deserves.

I will be interested to see your improvements to an already excellent layout. I noted you are also on the exhibition circuit, and I am sure the feedback from visitors would be very positive.

Andy R

Rick -had a good look through your topic now and this is very nice modelling. I especially like your subtle touches in and around the station area and buildings.

Keep up the good work.

Andy R

I have been watching this topic for a little while and endorse the many complimentary comments made about this layout David. This is a beautiful essay of a 'typical' GWR branch terminus and I love it. The photos posted are delight.

 It is inspirational to those of us who are trying to nail down such a branch station concept, either on its own or as part of a larger layout- which is what I am working on. There are lots of ideas seen in regular mags and on many web sites but I think this little layout has really helped focus the mind on how my future branch station could be modelled.

I cannot see it 'live' but will continue to enjoy the topic and photos via RM web.

Andy R

Nick and other GWR layout makers...

I have to agree with recent posts about some of the superb GWR layouts that provide us with much inspiration with their stories and their photos. IMHO Much Murkle is right there at the top from where I am sitting (down under in NZ). The quality of the modelling is top-notch and your photos and the video in earlier pages is really interesting.

 I don't get to see many top quality british layouts 'in the flesh' in this part of the world so the forum provides great information and learnings via photos etc. Also the GWR modelling web site.

Please keep up the good work for all to enjoy and to aspire to.

Andy R