- Untitled Micro Layout -
- by Gwion Rhys Davies -
Back at the start of 2020 I was planning a micro layout that could be easily stored in a pair 22L Really Useful Storage boxes. Unfortunately those plans ended up going out of the window.
The latest layout plan drawn up in AnyRail.
Fast forward to 2021 and things have started to quieten down giving me the opportunity to revisit the project. I’ve already made a start on the first half and am just waiting on a replacement set of points before continuing.
17/02/21 - While I wait for the remaining track, I’ve been slowly assembling some of the structures for the layout with the latest addition being a small Wills Kits signal box with an additional scratch built base. I spent far too much time working on this but am very satisfied with the result, with only a couple of extra details to add at a later date.
21/02/21 - After seeing a model of Ratio’s coaling stage, I decide to have a go at making one from scratch using the same construction method as I had with the signal box base.
19/07/21 - After a long hiatus I started looking at the stock I wanted to display on the layout. As a typical GWR fanboy I found myself spoiled by choice with the extensive number of western region models. Panniers, autotanks, rail cars along with numerous south wales wagons all feature part of my ever growing collection with more models to come again.
In an effort to further improve my skills, I started practicing the art of weathering, to give my models a more authentic look. I initially found the idea of dirtying pristeen models quite terrifying, the last thing you want to do is ruin a £100-200 model!
However through gradual practice, starting with cheap wagons and then working my way up my confidence has grown substantially. I’m still not quite ready to work on my more expensive models but I’m pleased with my efforts so far.
09/08/21 - Over the weekend I decided to pick up a new skill and learn how to use Fusion 360, a CAD (Computer Aided Design) program by Autodesk. I had previously used Google’s Sketchup which was ok for basic modelling, it is nowhere near as sophisticated as Fusion 360. I came across an amazing playlist of tutorials on YouTube by Carl White at “3D Drawing for Model Railways” a comprehensive set of tutorials, perfect for learning to design for model railways.
By lesson 23 I was ready to take a crack at making a wagon from a drawing I found on The Great Western Archive of a GWR Linoleum 10 ton wagon. A rather unique wagon for the Great Western with its rounded raised ends. A day of designing and printing and I am thrilled with the result! Unless closely examined you could be convinced it was a “ready to run” model, a huge win for resin 3D printing.
