Blog

The Macclesfield Gasworks dominated the skyline to the south of Hibel Road, so even though it will only be on the backdrop of my layout,...

Posting pictures of progress as I built my Hibel Road layout has led to more information about the site coming my way. I am grateful to...

Taking the backdrop off for some scenic work gave me a chance to take pictures from the "west" of scenes I wouldn't normally be able to....

Adding a skirt makes the layout look all finished. (Like a Victorian lady, one isn't allowed to see her legs.) As I've also added extra...

I had the opportunity to photograph a usually-inaccessible corner around Hibel Road bridge and the entrance to the Up platform when I...

Wanted some permanent way wagons, but none of the available kits/RTR suited LMR in the 1940s/50s. So kit-bashed some N Gauge Society...

I am indebted to James Cookson for giving me some old plans of the railway through Macclesfield. The first 3 are marked "LMS" but...

From LMS Engine Sheds Vol 4 by Hawkins & Reeves

A corner of the former Maccesfield Joint Committee (N Staffs/GCR) goods yard known as 'Exchange Sidings' on the line to Bollington and...

Dapol Gresley Corridor 3rd, repainted in teak and renumbered for early BR. I bought this for my excursion set in factory teak intending...

A trio of coaches for an excursion set, 3D printed by Shapeways (designed Rue d'Etropal), with added details. Gresley bogies from the N...

Finished to D.245 as pigeon vans from N Gauge Society kits, for a pigeon train special to add some variety to the stock. In the...

I liked the sound-fitted 4F so much I bought another and renumbered the first. 44068 (Stoke engine) renumbered and weathered by me, 43892...

Scratch built, embossed plasticard over foamboard. The lamp hut is an etched brass kit from Severn Models. And now, ready for...

Completed the station buildings behind the Up platform on the LNWR end of Hibel Road. Embossed plasticard over foamboard, or over...

Assorted Severn Models kits of lineside huts

3D prints from Ntastic, except the Thorneycroft which is a Dornaplas kit. L to R: Commer Express, 2 Hillman Minxes, Commer Superpoise,...

I found a photo of ex-GCR N5 9333 beside Macc Central signal box dated 1948. The loco would have run along the Bollington line from...

Latest addition to the roster, the new Farish sound-fitted 4F, weathered by me. Will be used to haul sand from Congleton, so I've...

Two Union Mills (N gauge) locos detailed, renumbered and weathered. First time I've tried decal rivets: fiddly but effective, especially...