A while back I made this post as part of my blog. I felt it needed a permanent place rather than just being lost in the blog so here it is: five inspirational layouts.
The first layout is the wonderful Creech Bottom by James Hilton. Built on an IKEA Lack shelf, just like my planned layout will be, it is just a beautiful depiction of ‘the middle of nowhere.’ Sadly, I believe it’s been a victim of the Beeching cuts and is no longer with us, but what a lovely layout, encapsulating the ‘less is more’ approach perfectly.
The Old Quarry Line is, ultimately, a roundy-roundy. It’s a circle of track with a siding coming out of it, a fairly standard train set track plan. However, it is the aesthetic appeal that grabs me. The colour pallet, the scenic treatment; it’s all wonderful. Again, less is more, a key message.
Borth-y-Gest, situated just behind Porthmadog is a place I’ve enjoyed short breaks to for years. This model, built by Paul Holmes, supposes an extension to the Ffestiniog was approved and built. It’s lovely modelling, but for me the beauty is the back scene: it just ‘is’ Borth-y-Gest and, when I view it, I’m transported to the location. Great work.
Next up we have Wadenhoe Road. Wadenhoe Road is built by Mark Branson of the 00 gauge micro Juniper Hill fame and is just as excellent a piece of modelling. Mark depicts the Northamptonshire countryside beautifully and the ‘end of the line’ portrayal seen in his latest narrow gauge output is quite wonderful. Mark leans quite heavily on the scenic methods and ideas of Gordon Gravett, which shine through in his modelling. Sadly, I believe Wadenhoe is no more, but it’s replacement – Stoke Doyle Goods – is just as impressive a piece of modelling.
Ironically, my final choice, and by no means last, is First by Stephen Clulow. Another roundy-roundy and inspiring because, like any future layout of mine, it was Stephen’s first 009 layout. Once again, it captures that middle of nowhere feel beautifully and is wonderfully finished.
So, there are five layouts that I enjoy feasting my eyes over again and again. Less is more is something that applies to all of the layouts that I find wonderful and is a concept I’ve been guilty of not always sticking to myself!
Down Narrow Lines 