First steps in railway modelling

I had a very simple layout as a child, but abandoned it for girls and rock'n'roll. Following marriage and children, I have taken an increasing interest in railways and related matters. Holidays have normally allowed a trip on one of the preserved railways we have in the UK. In 2007 I was able to take a railtour behind 6024 "Edward I" and this year I travelled with my son, Edward, to the Severn Valley Railway behind "Bittern". We have a further trip planned for December - again behind 6024.

For Christmas 2006, my wife bought our three sons a basic "Thomas" trainset box from Hornby. I spent 2007 and half of 2008 prevaricating about what to do and collecting together a baseboard and all the other bits of a Hornby trackmat layout.

After the summer holidays, I decided that it was possible to spend the rest of time planning and that it was best to start work. I put together the baseboard and in October began to lay the track. It is a slow process, but an enjoyable one. I have also started some modelling in order to create the scenery for the layout. I am working on some Metcalfe card kit terraced houses.

In the next installment I will write about joining the local model railway club and our trip on the Bluebell Line last weekend.