Barry’s been in touch. He’s added to the collection of N gauge model railway layouts on the blog:
“Hi Al,
Thought you might be interested in my modelling skills, I started on my latest layout after my Daughter left us to go and live in Australia.
I already had layout 6’x2’ in a small room upstairs so I moved into her room which was some 18’ longer and decided to add to it.
So I bought two 6’x3’ boards and started to build.
The layout of old was called Meadow Falls and is a small end of line station and surrounding countryside.
I decide to join it to the larger layout I was building so that it would run to a small station at the other end of the layout with a small station and turntable, as they were both N gauge model railway layouts.
Then I when on to my main board which I am still working on but have at present got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my Right hand so it is making the job very difficult
N gauge model railway layouts:
The Mill is based on the one in Battlesbridge, Essex but the remainder of the layout is form my imagination and with the help of input from my Daughters, hence the riding stables.
I still have a lot of work to do as the far end at the left has scenery and a stone etc to build. But until I have had and operation on my wrist it will all have to wait a while.
I run mainly Graham Farish and Dapol on a DCC unit by GaugeMaster on the extension , but Meadow Falls is DC. The track and points are all Kato on my N gauge model railway layouts.
Hope you have enjoyed my pics if the want to see more please contact me.
Keep up the good work it really helps us to get so enthusiasm to continue with our work.
Yours Sincerely
Barry”
And now on to Hall of Fame member, Brian (his last post is here). He’s sent in another fine update:
“Hi Al.
I have been working on the layout, specifically the harbor area on the lower level. Fine eyesight not need for this yet.
The above photo is an approximate layout of the harbor area before deciding where and what depth to cut.
Here above, placing the objects (in this case, a car ferry) to see if there is enough space for all the harbor related buildings/boats and the like.
After cutting the base of the harbor to the correct level, placing the models that I want in the area, discovered that there will not be enough space for the car ferry nor the loading ramp and the rest of its needed bits and pieces as well a storage track for the idler cars needed for loading the ferry. That means that the whole car ferry system will have to find a place elsewhere on the layout (if at all).
As seen above, a workers barge fits better in the scene as there is a lot more detail to be seen on and around it.
The cardboard mock up building (still needs to be scratch built) top right was removed and my scratch built (incomplete) boat repair shop put in its place.
Looks much better in that area and has a lot more forefront detail in and around it.
Next was how and where to place the harbor masters office (currently next to the ramp).Too close to the ramp as well as not enough clearance around the surrounding buildings.
I built up a wooden extension from the original ground level and now the harbor master has an excellent view of the harbor. I will add safety railings around his office at the final stage of construction.
This is as far as I have got as of today.
I will follow up with photos as I progress.
All the best
Brian”
A huge thank you to Barry for adding to the N gauge model railway layouts, to and Brian.
It’s so wonderful to see how different each and every layout is – no two layouts are the same.
And when it comes to harbours or harbors (depending on where you are in the world), who can forget Fred’s stunning layout.
That’s all for today folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
PPS More N scale layouts here if that’s your thing.
Looks great. Another reason to do some spring cleaning around here.
Hello Al,
Two very fine looking layouts. Thanks you and the contributors for sharing.
Cary B
Both layouts look to be coming on well, will enjoy seeing them when finished, keep up the good work.
Eric (Leeds) UK
Two great examples of less is more… terrific detail and with a condensed footprint the opportunity to do the fine details is there… why I also did a smaller footprint for the room I have… Thank you for sharing…
looks Good. I used to live at Battlesbridge! in a caravan on a site with swimming pool?
Very nice indeed. Will be watching for your progress.
Nicely done. Barry, your background looks great and blends in so naturally. And Brian, your modeling talent is top shelf. Thanks for sharing.
Jim AZ
Barry,
Love the roofing detail. It has been many years in the U S since shingles have been applied directly to the nailer boards rather than just stapled down onto sheets of ply or chip board.
I think you outdid yourself on the harbor scene, just the right amount of structures and visual interest. Well done you.
To Barry And Brian
Really enjoyed your layout pictures and descriptions. Do let us have more.
Regards
Mal
North Wales
Wonderful examples of craftsmanship. Barry’s canals and barges might be readily understood for a non-Brit, unless one had been fortunate to travel there or been a fan of Inspector Lewis and Morse. Lots of criminal of activity in the TV canals there, but Barry’s looks all quite legal.
Thanks for the views!
MN Dan
Great looking layouts
Dear Alastair and Barry
I have followed your posts for years. Barry’s layout certainly proves that excellence may arrive in small packages. I think his layout is breath-taking.
Two great layouts in the making. Keep up the fine work,you are both inspirations .
Barry your layout is great. I got several ideas for changes and additions to mine. I best be careful since my wife is adding two new sections. There will be hell to pay if I mess those up.
Brian I imagine your not docked in a tidal area, must be a lake cause that one platform / dock to right will be under water if there is a tide. lol
Other then that I love boats and aquatic scenery. Nice job.
The critic
Hank what are you doing? Talk about layout gone wild. Barry’s layout looks great –success with your surgery! I remember Brian’s layout from sometime in the past. Did he start over?
Two outstanding layouts with fantastic detail. Great inspiration, too, as I make plans to expand my layout.
Questions for Barry: Where did you get the wonderful backgrounds? What did you adhere them to?
For Hank…
The DREAM every kid had a Christmas looking into the window displays at Christmastime. All those trains all those levels, with all the lights and houses…. takes me back to my childhood! Thanks!
It is nice to have a dream and put it together, great job.
Mine going to look that when i am done.
Wow! Hank, you got a lot going on there with three rail trains, a little plasticeville (I think) and so many I remember. .Love the store fronts and the old cars…A few of them diesels I had never seen before. Is it all Lionel or some inported brands?
You have a natural talent for model railroading…Keep us posted!
Hank
There is so much going on great video
Barry
I can relate my kids moved out 2 years ago working on my layout after sitting in boxes for years your layout shows your hard work good luck on your surgery
brian
The harbor shows your great talent
Gentlemen
you and al are what makes this hobby son much fun
bob from florida
Both, very nice work. I am always thinking of my next move when I see other great layouts.
Thanks Al for all you do.
Eric the firefighter St. Louis Area.
Wow! That’s a lot of impressive rolling stock. Really enjoyed both layouts.