HADARFORD

From when my Parents gave me my first train set for a Christmas present as a child, I have had an interest in model railways. I originally started in "OO" gauge, but have also built in "N" and "O" gauge. The last layout I built was my exhibition layout "Holmehurst" which was in "O" gauge, and I exhibited it around the country. Photos of it can be seen by following this link.

I inherited some "OO9" rolling stock from my late father, including a loco I built from a white metal kit for him, and ever since living on our working narrowboat Hadar I have been thinking about building a "OO9" layout.

For those who do not know, "OO9" is "OO" scale, which is 4mm to 1ft, but the track and rolling stock are narrow gauge, equivalent to 2ft gauge in real life. Modelling-wise this means that I can used standard "OO" scale buildings, people, scenery etc. of which there is a far greater range of ready built items and kits to choose from, but it has the advantage that the reduced size of the track and rolling stock means that curves can be tighter than for standard gauge, without losing a realistic look within a restricted layout size.

I had thought about building a layout in our garden alongside our mooring at the Saltisford Canal Centre, but after much thought decided that this would not be practical. However I built a small layout (now dismantled) which sat on the shelf above the display cabinet, in our saloon, which houses my "O" gauge rolling stock. Having finished it, my wife Jo suggested that when we stop selling coal I could build a layout in the hold. As we stopped selling coal at the end of 2016, I am now building the layout. This will be an ongoing record of the building of this layout.

Please feel free to leave comments, I am always interested in suggestions or questions.

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Resident Cat

Rose Radcliffe's white cat is strutting home atop the newsagents yard wall despite an unsuccessful mouse hunt :( I have come up with names for the human residents of Hadarford, guess I will have to think about doing the same for their pets. :)

Keith

Tuesday, 20 April 2021

Up fish delivery from South Crossing harbour about to pass Hadarford wharf on it's way to Alfa Central.

Keith

Wednesday, 14 April 2021

Not Often Seen View

One of a few views from the rear of the layout not often seen unless using a mirror, then the road name is back to front.

At least I remembered to hang the curtain up to obscure the far side of the hold.

Keith

Monday, 12 April 2021

Loading Cattle to go to Market. 😊

Keith

Sunday, 11 April 2021

Sunday Special Passenger Service

A down mixed Sunday special passenger service heading to South Crossing.

Keith

Saturday, 10 April 2021

Saddle Tanks Double Heading

2 saddle tanks double heading a down heavy freight train passing Hadarford wharf.

Keith

Friday, 9 April 2021

Storage Tray No.8

Another storage tray arrived today.

Glued and screwed.

Already half full with wagons.

Keith

Milk Delivery

Early morning up milk delivery passing Hadarford wharf.

It says what it is on the tin, I only applied the milk van transfers yesterday.

Keith

Thursday, 8 April 2021

Steam Railcar Service

Steam railcar service rounding Hadarford Hill on it's way to Alfa Central.

Returning steam railcar service from Alfa Central passing Hadarford Wood with extra carriage and empty milk van in tow.

Keith

Wednesday, 7 April 2021

Waiting Patiently for the Level Crossing to Reopen 😊

Keith

Tuesday, 6 April 2021

Topping up on Coal 😊

Keith

Monday, 5 April 2021

Easter Monday Special. 😊

Keith

Sunday, 4 April 2021

Easter Sunday Special. 🐰🐣🐥

Easter Sunday special passing Hadarford Wood. 🐰🐣🐥

Keith

Saturday, 3 April 2021

Ground Signals

This afternoon I finished painting the 4 ground signals by adding the red stripe across the white disc face.

The 4 cats have had some detail added, yellows eyes to all 4 and white breast, paws and tail tip to the black cat.

The scooter has had a 2nd coat of gloss white, I think it needs a further coat before adding the detail.

Keith

Easter Weekend Special

Easter weekend special service passing Hadarford lock.

Keith

Friday, 2 April 2021

Good Friday

Good Friday and the start of steam services with Baldwin's "Keith" and "Joanne" on passenger duty.

Being a bank holiday, Mr Beeton has brought some of his steam road vehicles out from his compound to join in.

Keith

Thursday, 1 April 2021

For Andy Healey

Following Andy Healey's comment about the Triumph TR7 next the the Long Cottage a week ago.

The Triumph section of the Hadarford Car Club parked in the car park of the Station Hotel.

Roger Brown who owns the Station Hotel along with his wife Betty, is a petrol head, and a prominent figure in the Hadarford Car Club.

They often host meals for the various sections of the club in their hotel.

Apart from the TR7 you mentioned Andy, there is a TR4, Stag, TR6, and Vitesse.

The Jaguar section of the car club, the largest individual manufacturer section in the club.

The Lotus and MG section.

The miscellaneous section of the car club.

Keith

Another New Boiler Test

Another new boiler being tested ready for the start of steam traction tomorrow.

Keith

Monday, 29 March 2021

Test Run

With Easter only 4 days away, and the start of steam engine services, Baldwin "Keith" is out on a test run having had a new boiler fitted over the winter, has just come round Hadarford Hill, accompanied by a diesel shunter just in case of problems.

Keith

Saturday, 27 March 2021

Residents of Hadarford

Busy this morning thinking up names for the occupants of the various houses, cottages and businesses in Hadarford so I can refer to them in my postings to make sure I am consistent in using the same names.

Keith

Saturday is Race Day.

The race day special is off to Alfa Central with Susan Smith from Hadarford Farm, her horse "Special" and their trainer Bill Thomas safely stowed in the horsebox.

Hope they have a great day out with their friends 🏇🏇🏇