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.

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.

Keith

Wednesday, 2 June 2021

New Trees

This morning some new trees arrived by post. I have fitted 2 of them to hide the corner of the new backscene and the road that just ends in a field!

Before fitting the 2 new trees.

2 new trees fitted.

I will fit the other trees tomorrow morning when it is cooler.

Keith

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

"Valerie"

Saddle tank "Valerie" awaiting the signal to depart the canal wharf siding with a mixed freight.

Keith

Monday, 31 May 2021

Double Fairlie "Paddy"

Double Fairlie "Paddy" heading an up special passenger service passing Hadarford lock.

Keith

Sunday, 30 May 2021

The Sunday steam railcar service plus additional coach.

Keith

Thursday, 27 May 2021

New Backscene

I have never been happy with the cloudy sky backscene behind the farm.

Especially where it meets the top of the brick wall and goes down to ground level at the pair of gates.

Today I have fitted a new backscene.

I have ordered some new tall trees to hide the corner and the joint to the cloudy sky behind Beeton Wood.

Keith

Wednesday, 26 May 2021

Road Roller Part 3

The new road roller added to the busy roadworks scene.

Keith

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Alice and Emma

Alice and Emma, named after my two grandmothers, double heading an up mixed traffic passing Hadarford lock. 😊

A hare is racing them! 😲

Keith

Monday, 24 May 2021

Doris and Douglas

Doris and Douglas double-heading a down passenger service below the long retaining wall.

Keith

Sunday, 23 May 2021

Grand Gala Weekend Day 2

Day 2 of the Grand Gala Weekend, and it steam loco naming day. Mr Beeton has some of his steam road vehicles on display, and he is out playing with his ploughing engine and living wagon in tow.

Even the MG and Lotus section of the Hadarford Car Club have turned out and parked up in the Station Hotel car park. 😊