Marly51

Hi - both figures are G Scale from the Busy Bodies range at Pendle Valley Workshop!

Hi Stuart, I have used Adobe Software for all my professional computer design work, over the years, and it has come in handy for creating my own kits. The layers work perfectly for intricate details - the newsstand in my CakeBox model of Waverley Station being an example. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_2019_09/B2661AA1-9BEB-4034-8D22-BB553492D474.jpeg.925edcf7f6f21a41955d7b5e53977a8a.jpeg In my ‘Hornby Tinplate’ CakeBox, both Illustrator and Photoshop came in handy. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/144298-new-beginnings-in-0-gauge-Hornby-tinplate/&do=findComment&comment=3604977 If you have time to master some basics in both programmes, you will be able to produce some good results. A vector application, like Illustrator, would enable you to create curves for arches, window openings, etc. CorelDraw is another application similar to Illustrator.

I am assembling the chassis for the locomotive today, from the Dapol Pug kit. However I am holding off the build of my ‘Emett’ style loco body until I receive a couple of unpainted character figures, which are actually G Scale. If I can manage it, I may upscale the model, otherwise I shall be modelling my own figures!

Card does become challenging when it comes to some of the finer details, Keith, but the model looks great and it is all coming together!

Wow, Ben! What a lot of work you put into your models! I love all the details at your planning stage!

Worked on some details for the layout and the station halt building and platform last night. The plastic container will be transformed into the locomotive boiler. Still got to decide what to do with the area in front of the track. Well... time to get moving with the actual model! In one of Emett’s illustrations he has detailed the timber boarding, on the gables of a small station, in a decorative, diagonal chevron, pattern. This reminded me of old Highland porches, station shelters, fences and outbuildings, where locally-sourced natural birch poles were used. A number of examples still exist here in Sutherland, but I am unable to go and photograph them just now. There is a small shop in Golspie and, at one time, there was a signal box at Dunrobin Station with some very fine detailed timber work. You can see a photograph of the Dunrobin signal box at the Am Baile website: https://www.ambaile.org.uk/search/?searchQuery=Dunrobin+Signal+Box I was considering creating this timber boarding effect, by laying down spent matchsticks on the gables of my station halt model... but some old barbecue or cocktail sticks might be more appropriate, to recreate the birch pole effect. A layer of DAS clay could be used to form a dressed stone base for the walls.

I have taken a quick look to see which item would be best suited for my ‘fantasy’ locomotive boiler, and have chosen one of the smaller plastic vitamin containers. The locomotive chassis will come from a Dapol/Airfix static Pug kit, and the body built up using card, DAS clay and various ‘findings’. I shall scratch build the chassis for a guards van or carriage, from Plasticard, or card treated with shellac. The locomotive, with its exaggerated chimney, will probably take up the full 6 inches height of the cake box. Hopefully there will just be enough room for a station halt, scratch built in the style of Rowland Emett’s models, possibly with a Highland flavour. Emett’s cartoons were crammed full of detail, so there is plenty of scope for scenic extras! My initial drawing is not to scale, but gives some idea of what I am aiming for.

I have loved the amazing railway creations by Rowland Emett, since seeing them at a 1950s exhibition in Edinburgh. Using a range of materials, and working to no particular scale, lends itself to creating a more fantastical railway themed diorama! Another fantasy railway modeller, who I admire, is Phil Massey and you can read about his layout ‘Mon Jouet’ here -https://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/interests/monjouet-2nd-edition-7227776?coupon=GIFT&vk=vvN9kK4bPh&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.uk%2F Phil’s models incorporate children’s toys, found at car boot sales, and his models are jam packed with humorous little details! Most of my railway models involve using recycled materials for the buildings. This time I am going to attempt to create a ‘wacky’ locomotive! I have assembled some items from my stash of useful ‘rubbish’: Soft paper from packaging Packaging cardboard Grey card stiffener from an A4 envelope Discarded piece of hardboard Kitchen matchsticks Vitamin containers Various plastic containers Tin foil pie cases Clear plastic tray from cheese packaging ...... any many more!

Interesting story about the Greetwell Ironstone Mines! I think you have captured the atmosphere perfectly! Your excellent modelling certainly replicates the photograph!

Hi Keith.. Yes, I already used scrap paper and card on that model, which would have been discarded otherwise. Plus the small models I plan to use were discarded toys, probably regarded as rubbish by a tidy mum, but always a valuable modelling extra to us modellers! Marlyn

Interesting project, Anthony! I have been brushing up on ‘The Railway Series’ with a view to creating an Awdry inspired shelf layout for when the grandchildren are able to visit once more! Been collecting some items for a few years... maybe it will happen this year? Good luck with your progress! Marlyn

I used Kappaboard extensively in my design work for lightweight exhibition displays, up until the 1990s - panels up to 4ft x 6ft. A metal edge strip was available to reinforce the edges and some displays are, surprisingly, still in place today. I would normally have only recommended these boards for short term/ limited display. The large boards do warp over time and the surface is liable to damage when depressed, but for small layouts, I think sandwiching three layers of board with a timber edging and batten reinforcement on the underside could be quite stable! The thicker foam board panels used in roof and wall insulation is another option, which is popular with modelmakers... the ability to carve out your landscape could be an added bonus, but a plywood base, with batten framework might be needed for stability. I feel the length of layout, you are contemplating, would require the foam board to have some kind of reinforcement, to prevent warping. It is a challenge!

It has been ages since I have visited the Forum! Delighted to see a 2021 Cake Box Challenge. While I still have two to complete from the earlier challenges.... will see what I can do for this one! Like most modellers, I have that box of useful rubbish which might come in handy one day! Marlyn

I’ll be fascinated to see your progress, Justin. Another Forum member has just sent me a copy of the drawings of Carrbridge Station, so I am going to have a go at producing a model which is still hopefully recognisable in such a small scale! We’ll see!!!

I’m very impressed with the detail you have achieved, Justin! Are you planning to create a scenic layout? Marlyn

Hi Justin, Apologies for not having been on the Forum for months. Too many domestic projects have taken me away from modelling this summer. We have only been out if the village twice since February, so no trip to Carrbridge yet for my reference photos. I hope to do a mock up shortly and pull together what information I have gathered so far. I was very impressed with the model on the trade stand at Model Rail Scotland. I do like to base my models on actual locations and will have a go at drawing up the station building in Illustrator, for starters. I am still catching up with topics on the Forum - have you made a start on your project yet? Marlyn

Well it has been quite a while! This year the wilderness, otherwise known as my garden, took over! Now the nights are drawing in once more, it is time to tidy the workshop and finish this little model. I have another couple of ideas for some additional cake box models, just for the hell of it!

I think this is an excellent model making challenge, Oliver and Luke. Don’t think I’ll manage to take part this time, but look forward to seeing all the entries on 20th May! Good luck everyone! Marlyn

Thanks ‘ScottishLocos’ - I have been working hard in the garden this last while, so modelling has come to a bit of a standstill. Will definitely purchase some T scale rolling stock and attempt to customise. I don’t have a 3D printer, but there are a few modellers up my way, who might be able to help. Marlyn

I have not been on the forum for a while, Job! But delighted to see more of your school project. Lovely modelling, as always! Marlyn

You are probably right, Job! In a small school the teacher would probably have looked after the buildings, perhaps with help from a local cleaning lady?

I like the way you experiment with different materials, Stu! For rough stone walls on one of my models I used the technique on ‘Mouldy Raspberry’ s Yorkshire Dales layout - the cat litter was very cheap and the process was quite messy, so recommend doing the walls before painting, if possible! https://youtu.be/F5mkiT0gNuQ

Brrr... memories of outdoor school toilets in the winters of the 1950s! Frozen pipes and and a mad dash through icy winds. No lingering!! Lovely details, maybe have the school janitor nearby with a bucket and mop? Marlyn

Thanks, Tony, Paul & Kevin! Will post a mock up shortly! Marlyn

Hi Job - Yes, we are fine here in the Northern Highlands. Plenty of jobs to be done in our garden, we are lucky to be surrounded by open fields and the local village shops are delivering our weekly supplies! Hope you are keeping well too? Marlyn