8. The Pipe Dream

While concentrating on my little 09 project at the moment I've previously mentioned my planned 009 large layout based on the Boston area . I just thought I'd show you the provisional track plan. I hope it is readable.

This was found in a forum on one of the model railway sites, I forget which one, and is for a double-decker layout, though it could be used as two singles. It is ideal for my purposes, as it goes from one quayside (Boston) to a cassette which is moved to the next section ending in another quayside (Freiston).

A large layout in all, and one I'm unlikely to complete in its entirety. However, if I get the first bit done I'll be (reasonably) happy.

7. The owner's family appears

Assorted medical matters (self and MrsJ) taking precedence over the last few weeks, little advancement made in either of the two layouts being built. However, I have continued painting the various Andrew Stadden figures that I have in the 'to do' box, and show the results here.

They are;- Mr Ian Nesbit, Mrs Dinah Nesbit, and their children Jenny, Sally and Gary. All resemblance to any other well known railway family is probably quite intentional. The Nesbits are the owners of Hubbards Hills estate, just outside Louth in Lincolnshire, and the small miniature railway runs about a mile from the gates through a pleasant valley to a small tearoom by a waterfall.


I am only working on the gateway end for now, though I have ideas for the other (new boards tagged on at some future date?).


The main 009 layout of the Boston Tramway is maturing slowly with the main features blocked out on paper and some trackwork planned. I'll be putting photos up eventually, but don't expect too much too soon! I have a reputation in the family for slow progress, having once taken three years to make MrsJ a spice rack.

6. The basics continue

After a small hiatus because of health issues, both my own ticker problems and MrsJ's diagnosis of  Myelodysplastic Syndrome (doctor's letters full of long medical terms which basically don't spell good news) I managed to get into the shed and do some work on the baseboards for 'Hubbards Hills', the 09 (7mm to I foot scale on 9mm gauge track) layout. This is two 3foot long boards anchored in the middle by hinges which will eventually be split and pinned, this coming apart to allow board storage.

The track on one board is complete, point mechanics (rod in tube) in place and wiring dropped through to the underside of the board. More electrics to follow.

I found time yesterday to paint the sky. Three different shades of blue, light at the bottom grading to a mid blue at the top. These were melded into each other hoping to give a vision of the sky round this area. Little streaks of white were incorporated to give variety. I hope it doesn't look too bad. Don't forget, it will have trees etc. in front to break it up.

 

 

The holes in the right hand corner are for access by the cassette style fiddle method of changing trains. There will be a slight mound in front of these which should hide the workings.

 



In the corner I used some triangular fillet that I had lying around (the planned doll house stairs will have to wait) in order to try disguise the sharp angle of the corner.

I've been painting some Stadden figures for the layout, more about these next time. When I have taken the photos.