I have always had an interest in pre-Grouping railways. They were very individual and consequently had great variety in styles; hence why I was building earlier types of locomotives and rolling stock, which subsequently led to the layout being as it is. A main criterion was to avoid the typical country branch line terminus type of layout of which there are hundreds to choose from on the exhibition circuit. I have numerous books containing many photographs of early goods yards and canal depots, which were cramped and cluttered, just the sort of atmosphere I was hoping to create on this very small baseboard. I also like the idea of a layout being enclosed within its own space with lighting incorporated as if looking into a theatre set.
Space has always been at a premium, as many modellers would know, but in the last few years, I have been lucky enough to have a spare bedroom to use as a modelling workshop. This
