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.

Friday 30 July 2021

More Transfers

 Yesterday some new transfers arrived in the post, this morning I was able to finish off detailing by adding the stars and data labels to the 5 tanker wagons.


Also data labels to the 4 well wagons

Keith

Sunday 25 July 2021

New Barbecue etc.

 Friday these pieces arrived in the post.

Yesterday I primered them.

Today I painted them.



The barbecue.



The pallets.


The 19kg gas bottles.


The wrought iron gate.


5 more fire extinguishers.


Keith

Saturday 24 July 2021

Coils of Wire

 Creating coils of wire, from the wire supplied with Greenwich couplings.


Added to a wagon as a load.

Keith

New Minibus Service

 Running to catch the new minibus service 🚌🏃‍♀️🏃

Keith

Thursday 22 July 2021

TT Gauge Horsebox Conversion Part 2

 Today I finished the TT gauge horsebox conversion.

It is being hauled by 0-4-0 Leo on it's test run past Hadarford wharf.

Keith

Tuesday 20 July 2021

TT Gauge Horsebox Conversion

 Yesterday 2 flat wagons arrived by post, this evening I cut them down and glued them underneath the Triang TT gauge horse box having previously removed the original underframe and the lugs which held it in place underneath the wagon.

Keith

Sunday 18 July 2021

A Triumphant Train!

 D071 'Hadar' passing Hadarford lock hauling a freight train carrying classic Triumph cars.


Keith

Fire Extinguishers and Gas Bottles Part 2

 The recently painted fire extinguishers and gas bottles are now on the layout.




Keith

Saturday 17 July 2021

Fire Extinguishers and Gas Bottles

 This morning I finally got round to painting these fire extinguishers and gas bottles, having primered them a couple of months ago.

Keith

Thursday 15 July 2021

4-6-0 Baldwin 'Joanne'

 4-6-0 Baldwin 'Joanne' leaving Hadarford station with the up passenger service.


Keith

Saturday 10 July 2021

Alice Hauling Wagons

 Alice hauling wagons loaded with 28lbs cannonballs, below the long retaining wall.

Keith

Friday 9 July 2021

The Land Rover/Range Rover Section of the 'Hadarford Car Club'

 The Land Rover/Range Rover section of the 'Hadarford Car Club' are meeting and dining at the Station Hotel.


Keith

Steam Railcar and Brake/Observation Coach

 Steam railcar with the brake/observation coach in tow passing Hadarford wharf.

Keith

Thursday 8 July 2021

Tanker Repaint Part 3

 This afternoon I applied some transfers to all 5 repainted tanker wagons, this is just one. 

Definitely haven't gone overboard with them!

Keith

Wednesday 7 July 2021

Tanker Repaint Part 2

 This morning I stripped down the 5 tankers and sprayed them with primer.


All 5 tankers sprayed with satin black this afternoon.


D581 'Peggy' returning with the repainted large tankers back past Hadarford lock.

Keith

Tuesday 6 July 2021

Tanker Repaint?

 D581 'Peggy' hauling the large tankers past Hadarford lock, on their way to possibly be repainted. 

They are in the original Triang coloured plastic, and look very plasticky, I have been thinking for some time about repainting them.

I am still undecided as to whether to repaint them or not?

Keith

Monday 5 July 2021

Logging Engine 'Marmite'

 Logging engine 'Marmite' heading a down ballast train past Hadarford wood.

Keith