Mike Gascoigne

That's looking atmospheric and suitably weather worn. I particularly like the S15 taking on coal and the shot above that. How suitable that row of terraced houses look, perched above the noise and smoke of the engine shed sidings. Splendid.

Hello Jim. Thanks for the link. I've only had time at the moment to flick through this blog, but your work looks terrific. I will be back to see more when I have the time

That's the trouble with life... it always gets in the way of any good project. Look forward to seeing your work in the future. Thanks Mike

Yes John. Less is more in scenery painting. My sporting equivalent is the referee... if you don't notice him he's had a good game! Do you have any examples of your scenic work on here? I like to take good ideas and incorporate them into my own work.

DJ. Thanks for pointing me in your direction. I like your work, especially the fact that the building hues are muted, and it seemed to add to rather than detract from the layout. One suggestion I would make... and forgive me if you have already considered this... if there is room, how about placing something three dimensional between the platform and the buildings? A dozen lamp posts, some advertising hoardings or even some small saplings. My feeling is this might help break up the very solid feel of the housing.

Ha ha!!! Such is life. Thanks for your comments DJ. I shall take a look at your suggestions. Is it possible to see your work on here? I find I learn so much from viewing other folks work, whatever the level of expertise.

As a late comer to model railways, and having worked on just two layouts, in some ways I don't feel I have the experience to make conclusive comments. (Here comes the however). However, from the moment I started viewing layouts, I felt that the background scenes had a great deal to play in how good they looked. I saw numerous displays which had wondrous modelling and weathering, but which were badly let down by their backgrounds. What was clearly years of great work seemed to have been spoiled by background scenes painted in gaudy colours, or with poor, inappropriate use of perspective. Does anyone agree, or am I being over critical? Indirectly, I think I am supported by the BRM magazine. How often do you see photographs in there where the backgrounds have clearly been edited out?

That's stunning Rob. Artistry meets modelling and imagination, with fabulous results. I can't wait to see it in the flesh. I reckon I'll need to put my wellies in the car!

Sounding, looking and feeling terrific Rob. Can't wait to see it in the flesh!

Looking forward to seeing how things are developing Rob. My friend's blog is Churminster and Stowe Magna, Southern Railway. I think you will agree it is an impressive undertaking!

Hi Rob. I have finally found time to sign up to the RM web, and can now follow your progress at the touch of a button. Tony, my friend who kindly commissioned me to paint his back-drops has recently started a blog on here. Since it has been six years in the making he has taken a retrospective stance with the blog. If you are interested his username is slowcomo . Speak to you soon; the buildings look fabulous.