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 have now built the layout. This is now a full record of the building of this layout and any new additions along the way.

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

Wednesday 31 July 2019

Creating Leaky Lock Gates Part 3

I dry brushed some white on the leak this morning.


Keith.

Tuesday 30 July 2019

Creating Leaky Lock Gates Part 2

This morning I added a bit more "Water Effect" to the leaky lock gates.


This afternoon I added a bit of colour to the leak.

Keith.

Monday 29 July 2019

Creating Leaky Lock Gates Part 1

Early stages of creating leaky lock gates using Woodland Scenics "Water Effect".
The first application.


As it sets it changes from white to clear.


I will have to do a few applications to get it right.
Keith.

Saturday 20 July 2019

Canal Repairs part 2

2nd attempt at repairing the canal water effect this morning.
The crack in between the lock and the road bridge has virtually disappeared by doing another pour of resin.


As seen from the other side of the road bridge.


Top side of the lock is now topped up to the correct height.


The 2 cracks alongside the canal wharf are still visible despite a wash of resin over the top. 
I will  have to live with this as I cannot do a resin pour, as I have done below the lock, because of the close proximity of the waterlilies.


I have done a pour of resin the other side of the other road bridge as the timber was showing.
It isn't now.


The other side of the road bridge and the extent of the resin pour blended in.

Keith.

Friday 19 July 2019

Canal Repairs part 1

First stage of repairing the canal water effect.

The 2 cracks alongside the canal wharf.



The crack below the lock and the water level in the lock itself has been topped up.


The top end of the canal lock has been topped up.
Almost a colour match but not quite, but as close as I will get.




Keith.

Sunday 14 July 2019

Hearse

I now have a hearse to complete the funeral scene at the church.


Keith.

Saturday 13 July 2019

Beetons Garage

Beetons Garage, classic car and Mini specialists, this is why there are many classic cars and Minis in Hadarford.


Keith.

Wednesday 10 July 2019

New Loco Body

Yesterday I removed this loco body from its broken chassis, which I purchased on eBay whilst we were out cruising, and added it to the good chassis I had with a broken body.

Keith.