O gauge for O gauge

 First update of 2026,  can't believe it's 2026 !   

How about a garden railway in O gauge,  in O gauge !  The Station Master of Windrush Junction thought it'd be a great idea to start a model railway club,  as he doesn't have enough to do with railways.  The Windrush Gauge O Group (WGOG) has been formed,  even Colonel Stephens himself was at the opening meet.  

I did my best at estimating 7mm/foot,  aided by the computer for printing out lined drawings of LNER coaches and the Flying Scotsman (what else, nothing but class), colored with pencil.  It's nice to have 4472,  if only in mini miniature form, on the layout.  It brings back happy memories of visiting a friend's garden railway many years ago.  The concerning aspect was, I was beginning to enjoy making an entire layout with trains out of paper, in a single afternoon.  Time to get back to the large stuff I think, before this goes too far.  I was starting to imagine making Bath Green Park & the entire S&DJR, in this, um, size.

Some Water, just.

 Only a very minor bit of progress,  but it is exciting in a very small way.  The first few drops (?) of water have been added to the railway, in the form of a couple puddles by the engine shed, along with a splash of water by the drain for the water column.  Only very minor detail, but it's funny how even the smallest of details can add to a scene.   

Tristan was able to catch a close up photograph of GWR Pannier #7711 emerging from the tunnel with an up goods,  the fireman glaring back.

A new Shed

 After a bit of a disappearance,  I'm back and with a new shed.  A small lamp / storage shed to be installed next to the signal box.  A nice little resin kit by Skytrex,  very reasonable,  quick to assemble.  Just needs a coat of paint and blending into the scene.  

A second photo, showing a lot of steam action around the other slightly larger shed !  All for now.

BB Signal Box #1

It's been way too long since the last post.  Work,  gardening,  and loss of motivation (for a brief spell) all contributed.  The motivation came back right away when I was finally able to run a couple trains for half an hour and there it was.  So onto a new project,  the signal box for Boxer Bay.  I had a Peco kit given to me and decided to use it,  as the size seemed suitably small for a light railway terminus.  The interior kit available from Peco seemed quite expensive,  especially when factoring in postage to the US.  Sticking to a strict budget in these days of high prices, I decided to make up some rudimentary interior with nothing more then some bits of scrap wood and paint.  I figured once the roof is on and windows glazed, "it'll be good enough", to my eyesight.  The camera might say otherwise.  A couple railway photos tossed in just for good measure.   Cheers.

Moving the Goods

 No progress to report, a depressing week for many reasons.  It was quite a tonic to just sit, shunt some wagons, and watch the trains pass by, while sipping a drink & some jazz on the Hi-Fi.  It is good to have a hobby to retreat into at times.  The magical world of an O scale model railway is what works for me.  What works for you ?   

A GWR 45xx brings in the goods to Windrush Junction,  while Manning Wardle Niki departs Boxer Bay with the branch goods.  Both lovely models by Dapol & Minerva.

1934 Airline Saloon

A little diversion took me into building a classic Motorkits 1934 SS1 Airline Saloon white metal car kit.  The inspiration for this little deviation was a happy memory of seeing a similar car at our local vintage sports car shop.  I should point out that seeing such cars on the Oregon coast is quite rare to say the least !  The model built up nicely with little trouble, always nice to see Made in England.  I feel the paint finish came out okay for a model railway, it's a little more glossy then the photos let on.  Now back to trains !

Art imitating

 Art imitating art imitating life !   Not that my little railway in any way could be considered art, but I couldn't resist assembling that phrase.  The painter Michael Barnes,  a longtime family friend who paints some lovely landscapes,  has been added to the railway using the superb Phoenix / S&D Models metal casting #OF 122.  Painted with Tamiya acrylics.  I'm no expert at painting figures,  but I do enjoy the challenge.

The easel has a resized re-printed image of the same scene and colorized with very light colour pencil application.  The image doesn't come across as clear in the photos as it does in real life.  All for now,  have a nice week everyone.

Sunday Snaps + Village Market

The village market is slowly being developed,  some market stalls,  baskets of apples and potatoes have been made up.  Lots still to do.   Also played around with my photographic equipment & digital dark room. Great fun as always.  Hoping to get a lot more done on the railway this coming Winter season.

Boat slipway & new figures

 This project came about by way of an abandoned On30 layout.  Originally a loco shed,  this building sat 3/4 built for years.  No idea what to do with it was forthcoming,  and I almost took it apart to save the material.  Until my eyes rested on an old photo of the Lifeboat station at Burnham-On-Sea,  right next to the S&D station.  Light flickered,  I thought it would make a fair representation of a boat slipway / workshop,  and besides,  why not ?  There was just enough room to add a boat ramp into the dock.   Just like Burnham,  it is rail connected,  to launch a boat on a small carrier wagon (it will be when I've built it !)

Just finished up a couple figures.  One is "Libby Bucket"  (pronounced bouquet),  actively peddling her flowers to anyone passing by the high street.  The other is little "Mable",  posting a letter to her Aunt,  hoping to get to visit her in London someday.

Summer Hiatus

 Call it a Summer hiatus,  but things have been quiet on the BBR.  Mostly due to a demanding work schedule,  and garden chores that have to be done.  However, little details are always being added,  and even the smallest of detail helps bring the miniature world of Boxer Bay to life.  The latest little project has a special meaning to me, the village "steam clock".  Childhood memories of vacations to BC Canada,  and Vancouver,  I would enjoy watching the Gastown clock "whistle" 2 o'clock,  and it would soon be time to visit Railway World & chat with Arthur.  One very strong influence as to why I developed an interest in British Railways, & railways in general.

An Austin + High Street Details

  A recent addition is an IXO  Austin Seven "Dunlop"  van,  making a delivery to Alain's garage.  A few more details added to the High Street of Boxer Bay,  street lamps,  and a Postal Pillar Box.  A selection of "snaps".

Details Details

Details make such a difference in O.  Even little things like watering buckets to bird baths,  complete with a dirty bird !  Time hasn't been available to me for larger projects.  However in limited time of 10 to 15 minutes,  little details can be added to help bring the overall scene to life.

Tunnel work

Some scenic work has taken place on one of the tunnel mouths,  nearest Windrush Junction.  Still experimenting with different materials.  This time it's dried lichen & shredded sponge "flocking".