Ok, so what exactly can you fit into a space of 6x4 ft, when
this is what everyone will tell you this is the minimum for a OO gauge
layout. Well you can judge for yourself
from the photo’s, but I think the answer is a lot ! Ok, you cannot run 10 coach express trains
at speed around 2nd radius set-track curves and when the front of
the train almost catches the end ! But
if you keep you train lengths to three of four coaches, everything starts to
look in proportion.
With careful modelling of the landscape, the railway sits
inside the surrounding scenery giving the impression that the railway has
forged its way through the existing hills, rather than vice versa. Also, careful placement of the buildings and
roads helps to provide a realistic setting without over-crowding.
This was built on and off over a period of some 2 years,
with many standard buildings from the major manufacturers although most adapted
and improved. The landscape being built
in my favourite method of polystyrene as a base, but this time plasterboard
joint filler was used as a covering.
This can be bought in large 10 Kg bags, and is easy to work with when
wet, and produces a lovely smooth finish when sanded. The only downside is the dust, and a vacuum
cleaner in one hand, sandpaper in the other and a good face mask is definitely
recommended. My neighbours definitely
think I am mad, they listen to my vacuuming in the garage for hours on end only
for me to emerge covered in white dust looking like a snowman!
