Modbury Torr at Southampton MRE 2015.

 Paul Hopkins originally started this layout as an entry into the 3mm Society 40-inch challenge set for the 40th Anniversary celebrations in 2005.
The majority of buildings, scenery,structures and trackwork are all proprietry items which can be obtained at most good model shops.
Based on the proposed terminus of the Yealmpton Branch, the locomotives and stock are representative of of those that ran on the South Devon Branch and are a combination of kit and scratch building sources.

Hollow Fosse at Southampton MRE.

I first saw this layout several years ago and always considered it a wonderful piece of modelleing. I remember encouraging John to show his work- something he has done with great credit.
It really captures the feeling of the Cotswolds with many of the buildings modelled on structures in that area.

Southampton Model Railway Exhibition 2015.

 First up is Peter Whites Masham.
An excellent rendition of the North Yorkshire market town station.
Following North Eastern Railway practice, the layout is modelled in 3mm finescale 14.2mm gauge.
All rolling stock is from kits available to 3mm Society members, the track is the correct scale rail laid on plywood sleepers in moulded chairs.
The buildings were mostly constructed by the late Peter Gentle, a superb modeller and a much missed friend- a lasting tribute.

50 something challenge.

 Nigel is really cracking on with his entry for the 3mm Society 50th AGM.
Track laid and buildings placed, the character is starting to emerge.
50 inches long, it is designed to be viewed at eye level and has a front to cater for this.
I really must try and get some time to produce something!

Getting Ready.

 At the last group meeting, Nigel had progressed with his next project.
Can't remember the name but it is his entry for the 50 something challenge for next years 50th anniversary of the 3mm Society.
A two level layout which has some interesting possibilities.

Pine Road 4.

The final three pictures of this superb layout- must find or do something myself!!

Pine Road -Part Trois!

More Pine Road.

Pine Road.4MM.

The first time I saw part of this layout , I showed a few pictures. Built by fellow group member Colin, this is  really well modelled. Some may have seen it on RM Web- well worth finding to see how it was built. There will be more-without my witterings over the next few days.

A 3mm Micro Layout.

Robert brought this small layout to our meeting and it shows what can be produced in a small space whilst retaining an uncrammed (is that a word?) atmosphere.
Designed to be a Diesel era layout before the mass closure and removal of this type of scene.

Tri-ang TT at Northampton.

Going back to the root of 3mm, this large Tri-ang TT layout is by Kevin West and diplayed a large chunk of the items produced by the Margate factory.
Run on Type A track, it took me back to our layout which was the reason that 3mm became my prefered scale.

A Christmas Treat!

Normally I don't go in for indulgent Christmas presents but this year I thought- why not?
The reason being that I have not had a controller to use unless one of the layouts was in use.
Laziness really as I could have wired up a DIN plug to use on a piece of track but you know how it is!
Visiting a local Model shop recently saw me exiting with this- a Gaugemaster Combi ,which, with a couple of wires and croc clips means I can test wherever or whenever I want.
It doesn't have feed back like the HH's but does the job it needs to

Track layout-Name sought.

 A few minutes were found to try and work out the track diagram for the new layout.
The available track and points were rescued from their boxes and it was found that I had enough for what was needed.
I have decided on a maximum of five turnouts as that is the number of long pin point motors that I have.
This layout is to have motorised points- something which both previous ones have not. Hennock and Teignford both are wire in tube operation.
I have decided that I will produce this layout from what I have- not a lengthy wants list this time- time will tell!
Now, all I need is a name!

New layout Board Completed.

Due to the good weather i have completed the basboard for the shunting layout.
Measuring 4ft 10inces by 15inches this will be totally self contained.
The legs detach for transporting and attach by means of bolts and wing nuts.
This will be a challenge- now to see how I can create a trackplan!
It is also solid and means that PECO point motors with extended will be used due to the board being 18mm thick.
Safely erected in the loft it means a lot of juggling before the trackplan is finalised.

Layout Legs.

Again, something found whilst tidying the shed!
The baseboard was made from the side slats from a bunk bed. These are more of the same.
Cutting two of these gave me four pieces three feet long- ideal height for a layout.
They are pine so not too heavy and they are straight and true- something not always avilable at the DIY Sheds!
When the filler is drying on the being refurbished window sills this will provide a few minutes occupation.
Just a few more bits to attach andthe layout board will be ready.
Then the exciting bit. Will what I want to do fit? Do I have enough points and track to complete the trackwork?
Watch this space!

New board means new layout?

 Some time ago I was given a sheet of 18mm ply.
Whilst attempting to find something in the shed, this was rediscovered. Also found were the old retaining bars from my daughters long gone bunk beds.
These are straight and true and have formed the frame for the board. It is a little heavy though.
Still it is only going to be one board so this shouldn't present too much of a problem.
Now to find the pictures under the Stolen with Permission post and you may be able to work out the type of track diagram to be used.

The Forge.

Following on from the recent post about Colin's cottage, this is another building that fits this corner well.
Also a DAS covered shell, this depicts the village forge. It is intended to detail this scene with a horse being reshod- a sort of rural Quik-Fit I suppose.
I think the building has been well finished with individual roof slates as well.
You wouldn't know that the railway passes behind this scene would you?
But it does.

Modelling in any scale.

 Colin brought in the corner section of his layout at our last meeting.
The cottage has been seen before but it is now bedded in with some of his excellent trees adorning the surroundings.
The cottage is covered in DAS clay and the thatch covered with static grass material.
Excellent modelling and this shows that the group has no scruples as all this is to 4mm scale.
However, Colin is enthusiastic in joing in with the refurbishment of Swanage- we may have a convert soon!

Dorset Group Meeting July 2013.

Something surprising happened at our July meeting.
The picture alongside may provide a clue. It is ,of course , unmistakeable -Swanage Signal Box.
The group has taken custody of a layout I have been trying to adopt for some time. It sat, unloved, in a display cabinet in the booking hall of Swanage Station for several years. Layers of leaflets hid what is a remarkable 3mm scale layout of Swanage Station.
Unfortunately I don't know the name of the builder but the layout was given to the railway as we have aquired it.
Originally the Engine Shed section was attached but skipped due to lack of space. More Anon!

Fiddle yard complete.

 On my list of things to do was the boxing in of the fiddle yard.
Whilst at the local In Excess recently, I found some 3mm ply of good quality at a couple of pounds each plus some thin wooden strip about 3/8 inch square.
This has all been used to box in the fiddle yard as seen here.
Surprisingly this was all cut to shape with a coarse razor saw blade which provided neat cuts with minimum need to clean up afterwards.
All it needs now, together with the fascia is a coat of paint.