An 8th scale model of the revised layout

It's very rough, but is has helped me with some construction ideas.

Stage Left

Stage Right

Frontal View

There still needs a few of the ancillary buildings to add (sand house, lamp store, etc.) and I might add a bit more detail on the buildings (like the openings to the running shed). I can also continue to play around with the sighting of trees in the background as well as the front. The single tree in the front is to act as a viewing break. Overall though I feel it has been a worthwhile project as it gives me a good idea how it will look. 

After looking at the model a few times I'm beginning to think I've set proscenium pelmet too low. Something to consider possibly altering when I built the layout, me thinks. 

I realise that the inclusion of the shed plate on the model will be contentious to some, but in my alternative history Rospeath Lane would have been 83G. Time will tell if I'm brave enough to keep it on the finished layout.

Scalefour Society Jubilee Challenge

As can be gleaned from the lack of posts during this last six months past, I lost my mojo for Rospeath Lane.

My problem with Rospeath Lane has been the damage to the baseboards, along with its size. The damage must have occurred during our move to Cumbria and/or during its subsequent storage. Its size will infringe on the space required for the Boscarne Junction project. With these thoughts, I've been struggling to come up with a solution for the layout, that is, until the Scalefour Society announced the Jubilee Layout Challenge.

In essence, the challenge is to build a layout to Scalefour standards, with a scenic footprint no larger than 18.83 square feet and for the completed layout to be transportable in a single car including two operators.

Now this got me thinking, would it be possible to condense Rospeath Lane into 18.83 square feet. If so it might be able to exist in the Man Cave along with Boscarne Junction. After a couple of days mulling over this opportunity, then a few more days drawing plans, I think I've come up with a plausible solution.

After checking the dimensions and some minor amendments I was able end up with a plan that complies with the 18.83 square feet footprint.

As yet, I've not filed my intention to enter the challenge because there are still problems to solve. These being, formulating how to construct the baseboards, how to transport them securely, how to support the layout, along with its presentation and lighting, so it can all fit into my current car. I have until 31st August 2024 to register the design, the best and most complete layouts will be invited to Scaleforum 2026.

So... 3 years from now, not long really, especially as I want to start constructing Boscarne Junction soon. But, I see Boscarne Junction as a long term project of ten years or more and it will require a rather larger vehicle than a single car to transport. Rospeath Lane could now become a cost effective stopgap for an exhibition layout.

Coaling Stage Extension (1)

I've finally dug out some paint and made a start on the coaling stage extension. My thinking is to use this structure as a test bed and try out a couple of different techniques. If I make an absolute hash of painting this part of the coaling stage I could then replace it with a grass bank.

I'm thinking so far so good. It needs a little more work of subtly picking out a few individual bricks. Then there will be a some weathering to be applied, coal dust and algae, this is a stage I'm not  sure of for the moment. Also not sure how to deal with the base of the recesses. Just realised they would have a angled slope to allow rain to run off.  So a little further work is required in the recesses then might paint them a subtle variations of grey and add a few small bits of foliage.

The model has suffered a few broken railings posts during our move to Cumbria. I was wondering if they were really necessary then in looking through my books on WR engine sheds it would seem they are. On brick built extensions similar to the model the norm was to have railings where as railing were not installed on grass banked extensions. The intended period for the layout is towards end of steam so a few missing/broken posts might not go amiss.

Didcot visit (part 2)

 Here follows some photos of Didcot engine shed and an ancillary building with tool rack.

Didcot visit (part 1)

After our move up north I'm still pondering Rospeath Lane's future. Though it is a layout I'd like to progress with it may have to be redesigned slightly. That said I'll still require the core buildings of the coaling stage and engine shed.

Last September I visited Didcot Railway Centre with the main aim of taking photographs of the buildings and any ancillary equipment. This was with the hope of getting a guide to colouration of the brick work.

The colouration of the water tank at Didcot is causing me a some concern. What I was expecting was versions of GWR Stone No 1 and No 3. On the water Tank and Engine Shed Stone No 3 looked more like maroon. I reaslise that this is not an exact science as paint might alter slightly between batches but this does seem a tad dramatic. Would this be due to weathering or a from a repaint during BR ownership? I'm not sure so to be happy with my model I may have to go what is recognised as GWR Stone No.3.

The new "Man Cave" build

In a previous post I did mention that the jigsaw of pieces for the new "Man Cave" had arrived. As we thought it did take 5 days to construct, though I have the lean to shed which goes on the end of the log cabin still to build.

The start of putting the walls together

All roofing boards installed

Almost finished so time for a mug of tea, toast and jam

Unfortunately while we are in full renovation mode on the house the new "Man Cave" is being used as a store for a lot of our furniture.

Current state of our kitchen

Current state of our Living Room

We're hoping these two rooms will be finished by Christmas... Well that is the time scale we've been discussing with builders, electricians, plumbers and kitchen installers. Not much to go wrong then...