Author: Andy Carter

Langstead – Episode 18: Regeneration

Andy Carter 4 Comments

So this is where we are up to. The new outer loop is fully operational, albeit with some scenery still to be completed. The layout now has capacity to run 3 trains and is controllable from my desk.

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It has long been my intention to add in some ‘height interest.’ Let me explain… If I was going to start again from scratch I’d hide half the layout behind some scenery, a wall or hill perhaps. Trains would disappear behind such a wall and reappear elsewhere which would look visually more realistic than being able to see the full oval. This after all is how many modellers design their layouts. Continue reading →

Side Tracked: Railway Roundup

Andy Carter 1 Comment

There have been quite a few railway related stories surfacing in the press in the last week. Hopefully this post will help curate some of the more interesting ones.

Looking To Buy?

Three stories caught my eye this week as various railway memorabilia goes on sale. If perhaps the world of modelling is a little small fry for you, then check out this report from the BBC.. A railway carriage from the Victorian era, left in a hedge in the grounds of a posh Dorset B&B has recently just sold for £2300. It has been living out it’s life as a garden shed after being purchased by the former owner of Birkin House. In need of a touch of paint it apparently is in good condition inside. £2300 could be a smart investment as relics like this are few and far between. Continue reading →

Langstead – Episode 17: Outer Oval Completion

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A quick update to detail the completion of the Outer Oval Extension from last episode.

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The new line is now fully operational. As you’ll notice in the above photo, not all the landscaping has been finished. This is first to allow for the level crossing to be extended (how this will work I’m not sure yet due to the height difference). Secondly, I’ve not decided how to model over the join in the two boards. Previously I’ve laid ballast first leaving the track to be placed on top. (This picture illustrates that).  This works but makes the track uneven in places so I may investigate other methods – perhaps painting and adding railings to create a faux bridge. Continue reading →

Side Tracked: Petite Ceinture

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It’s not just London with a whole host of abandoned rail infrastructure. The Petite Ceinture (or The Little Belt) was built in 1852 and was Paris’ version of The Circle Line connecting the cities main line termini. The 20 mile line was eventually closed when competition from The Paris Metro made it obsolete. It is now a facilitating hidden space within the city, and is being documented by Thomas Jorion.

Another great little insight into the line is featured here by from the BBC

Image by J.M. Schomburg