I haven't updated the site for a while, and neglected this blog for even longer, but the construction of Gaite's Farm on the Waterley Bank Estate Railway is still ongoing, though forced to do so at a slower pace due to the demands of university. However, incrementally the layout approaches basic completion and the final major works are in sight now.

I have continued to update my Gnatterbox thread frequently, so if you want an account of every bush and fence post and the hows and whys thereof, take a look there. As I said before, the construction story on this site is an overview only, with all the minor additions compressed into major summaries.

I have even allowed myself to consider further layouts in the future. I would like to build more Gn15,  but am undecided as to whether I will build an extension to the first layout using the same overall structure and techniques to seamlessly create a larger layout, or try a new and completely different format of micro-modules that can join up to create many different layouts, increasing the interest value and number of possible exhibition appearances several times over. I must emphasise micro modules, this is not modular as in the classic modular layout format of a set of stations, yards and junctions that can be arranged into different large networks.

The concept I am referring to has much smaller, tile modules a few inches across with just a straight track (or two in parallel), or a curved track, or a point linking tow tracks with one track, each tile may or may not have additional lineside features such as a tree or building. These tiles each form a small part of a yard, for instance two pointwork tiles, a single curved track tile with lineside halt, and a two parallel straight tracks tile together form a small passing station. This allows the flexibility of modular layouts to be employed in a much smaller space and with less track than, OR with more possible layouts in the same space as, classic large modules. This concept is inspired by the tile terrain system used by miniature wargamers.

I know of only one example of model railway micro-modules in use thus far, and the largest problem seems to be getting the scenic dressings on different modules to integrate effectively with each other and their surroundings. Has anyone else got any experiences of using sub station-sized model railway modules?

I know this site has not been updated for ages, nor has the relevant Gnatterbox thread, but progress is still being made. I will make some updates once I find the time/motivation/prompt to do so, but really must point out that practicing my hobby is something I prioritise a long way above writing about it, not to mention myriad other things I have to be doing, so don't expect to visit this site regularly for new content. Having said that, being aware of the great use and interest of other people's model railway sites, I am still compelled to maintain this site in the long term. Thank you to the people wh

After some considerable time otherwise occupied, I was able to get some modelling done recently. See Estate Farm Construction page and/or my Gnatterbox thread.

If you have frequently visited this site then you will have noticed little new content related to the railway itself over the past few weeks. This is because I have had little time for modelling due to other commitments. However, the Waterley Bank Estate Railway is still in progress and most days I find the time to put down a little more grass on the Estate Farm layout. Nothing really meriting picture and verse at present though.

Many years ago, many a farm had a narrow gauge railway for transport around the farm. For instance, many watercress farms had 18in gauge railways to bring the watercress from the beds to the bagging shed, the potato farms of Lincolnshire were served by eccentric 2ft gauge systems, and at Shillingstone pig farm there was a 10 1/4 inch gauge line to move pig feed. Most are gone now with the advent of more powerful tractors that can cope with very muddy ground (one of the main reasons for using railways was that trains do not get bogged down when the ground is very wet because the track spreads their weight). However, there are still a few about and even one or two new ones built this century.

This one, for example, a delightful little line built to shift horse dung and equine supplies, is in regular use at least twice a week. Traditional small narrow gauge with little diesels and a few grubby skips in tow chugging along track buried in the grass, is still a viable means of transport sometimes.

http://www.ingr.co.uk/sar_intro.html