As a result of many requests I've reinstated the layout pages on this site, despite my reservations as to the relevance of a project that came to a halt last Christmas. But it seems that many still find a large, half-started, DCC-controlled modern layout interesting, so who am I to argue?
Feeling guilty about re-deploying these unchanged pages, I spent some time last night digging through old photographs, trying to find anything that showed any of my old layouts. It was a fruitless search, but I did find a couple of related shots that I've included here. Jasper (and his sister, Jenny) was remarkably adept at running up the loft ladder and loved to explore the layout, wreaking havoc as he went.
I have no idea what this layout is - I simply don't remember it. I thought at first it might be a corner of my old P4 layout, but that was double track throughout, and zooming into the photo reveals OO wheelsets as opposed to 18.83mm. So the track must be SMP, something I do remember buying for evaluation. I know I built a test track on a plank back then (I've still got the board and the marks left by the track are clearly visible) but I don't recall doing anything more substantial with curves involved - I didn't like copperclad pointwork and so abandoned the project very quickly.
My best guess is that the photos show a more elaborate test track (possibly a large oval) that didn't last long enough to lodge itself in my memory. This would account for the single track (not something I've ever favoured) and the odd-ball collection of rolling stock. Perhaps I was seeing how Lamer pastry-cutter wheels got on with the low-profile track?
Confused? Well you're not the one going senile at 45.
Things have been quiet over at Nigel Burkin's site for a while now, owing to his move north to start a new life as a midge farmer. It seems like he's getting settled in, though, (he's now stopped ringing the British Transport Police to report the theft of the third rail from his new local line) and has updated his OMWB page. But what's that teeny-weeny loco in that photo? Hmmmm, perhaps I got the wrong idea about those midges...
Currently On My Stereo: Bill Nelson - Quit Dreaming And Get On The Beam