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. One 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.

This is a full record of the building of the original layout, and having moved into a flat in Warwick and sold our narrowboat, this will now cover the building of the New Hadarford in our flat.

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

Monday, 21 June 2021

More Painting Today

More painting today, maroon trim to the signal box and bargeboards, and the roof tiles painted.

Vacuum pipe at the observation end of the coach and the roof painted, but not fitted, still need to fit glazing and passengers inside and couplings to the bogies.

Mobile crane has had some detailing paintwork.

Keith

Sunday, 20 June 2021

Painting Day Today

Brake observation coach given a 1st base coating.

Also the signal box given a 1st base coating.

And mobile crane given a 1st base coating.

Keith

Friday, 18 June 2021

Brake Observation Coach Part 4

Bogies built and fitted to the brake observation coach.

Vacuum brake pipes fitted.

Keith

New Signal Box Part 3

Bargeboards fitted to the signal box roof this morning.

Signal box primered inside and out this afternoon.

Keith

Thursday, 17 June 2021

New Signal Box Part 2

Windows and door fitted to the new signal box.

Using the end walls of the box to form the roof, which will not be attached to the box as I want it removable to be able to show the detailed interior.

Keith

Brake Observation Coach and Mobile Crane Part 3

Mobile crane, observation brake coach and its roof primered.

Keith

Wednesday, 16 June 2021

New Signal Box

For some time now I have not been happy with the signal box, being made from resin it has very thick walls, not a problem with the larger buildings on the layout, but quite obvious with such large windows on such a small building.

I have decided to replace it with a Wills kit, all 4 sides glued together.

Keith

Brake Observation Coach Part 2

2 floor bolsters added underneath and 2 truss rods glued in place.

Keith

Sunday, 13 June 2021

Brake Observation Coach

Recently I purchased this kit, and having mulled over various building options since receiving it. I have decided not to build as per instructions, but to my own variation.

1st I glued one side to one end, then did the same to the other side and end. When the glue had set I then joined the 2 parts together and glued the floor in.

Then when that had all set I added one bulkhead. My wife's hair bands come in very handy.

Seats and foot boards added this afternoon.

Keith

New Mobile Crane Part 2

Greenwich couplings fitted to the new mobile crane this morning, already for painting.

Keith

Saturday, 12 June 2021

'Emma' Passing Hadarford Lock

'Emma' passing Hadarford lock with an up light freight.

Keith

Friday, 11 June 2021

New Mobile Crane

This rather nice 3D printed mobile crane arrived in the post yesterday.

This morning I glued a slightly modified Peco GR-104 bogie underneath ( I had to cut the pivot off) and temporarily refitted the wheelsets for photos.

Keith

Thursday, 10 June 2021

'Leo' on the "Beer O'clock Special"

'Leo' heading the "Beer O'clock Special" through the PW depot below the castle ruins 🍻

Keith

Sunday, 6 June 2021

Alfred Henry

Alfred Henry on the down toast rack service passing Hadarford Wood.

Keith

Saturday, 5 June 2021

Horsey Friends

It is the small details that make a scene 😊

Even if it is well hidden at the back of the layout .

Keith

Friday, 4 June 2021

Busy Morning

Mr Beeton is setting off onboard his ploughing engine with living van in tow behind two of his display engines on a low loader, for a steam gala weekend.

Baldwin "Keith" on the early morning down passenger service having just left Hadarford station and about to enter Hadarford tunnel, whilst saddle tank "Wendy" has just taken on coal.

Keith

Thursday, 3 June 2021

New Trees Part 2

This morning I added the other taller and half relief trees that arrived yesterday to hide the backscene joint behind Beeton Wood.

I wasn't that happy with the positions of the new trees at the back of Beeton Wood, so I have been moving a few around this evening, much happier now.