Like most of us - I suspect - I had grand plans of stations and junctions, sidings and coal depots all on a run round track on a 4 x 2! When I woke up I thought that perhaps I needed a different approach. I did have some help in the design, well the driving at any rate!

The Early Incarnations...

I had decided to just have an oval of track as I wanted to also build a suitcase layout. I 'acquired' (thanks Christine!) a suitcase of suitable age; but not size! Measuring only 22½" x 13" (57cm x 33cm) it was always going to be a challenge to get the Peco Code 80 Flexi track around it. After the third go! It stayed! I then discovered that only a handful of 0-6-0 engines would go round the curves, as for coaches - forget it! However plans were afoot...

Early Stages - October 2004

The tunnel is in, polystyrene base, papier mache (green blotting paper) everywhere. Station halt building built and cutting planned for. 

Click on the thumbnails for more detail.

Ending the Year - December 2004

What a difference a month or two can make! Lots of detail in; scatter, back scenes, hedges, fencing, house and pond eventually full of 'water.'

Click on the thumbnails for more detail.

Nearly Done - January 2005

Lots more detail. The start of the house being 'bedded' in, fences completed, gates, post box, and trees.

And Finally...

The layout is now complete - as much as they ever are - now read the story; take a tour; enjoy the experience of visiting a 'Small World Layout.'

'Langwaithe'