Hi Chris
I too have fond memories of the Mini Clubman as my Father had a couple in the seventies which we used as the family car. Many camping holidays spent in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. The pictures of your model reminds me of many a visit to some railway or industrial site where we spent many a time investigating the surroundings!
The last one he had was Blaze Red(?).
Lovely layout
All the best
Julian
Hi Julian,
My dad used to have a blue Clubman, according to his stories and recollections and it was one of his first cars. He progressed onto a Ford Mexico at some point in the 80s before 'it was nicked in Wigan one night and used as part of a robbery'. The police found it afterwards but he couldn't take it back as it was tainted. To be honest, he hasn't had much luck with his cars over the years.
Your father's Blaze Red Mini Clubman must have looked brilliant back in the day?!
In terms of the layout, I haven't done much this past week with it due to other commitments that crop up in life but I have been busy with some weathering of wagons, locos and buildings to be used on the layout.
I needed a building for the front of the layout which would suit the period. I spotted one of these Bachmann huts which took my eye and it looks right at home here. I added some dirty washes and weathering to it as it needed toning down and, after some additional grass and yard muck around it over the coming days, it should look pretty good. There seems to be something appealing and industrial about those windows, their frames, the slanted roof and the general angular structure of the building. The kind of 'quick, no frills or nonsense' designs for little buildings like this to store general tools and yard tat. Over time I'll add the usual fine detailing to scenes like this - one part of the hobby that I very much enjoy!
A water tower now sits in between two of the sidings on the left hand side of the layout. This was always intended and, again, is starting to look at home. Some additional weathering is required on the tank sides where smoke stains would build up from stationary locomotives underneath whilst the crew are taking their break in the hut nearby. This I shall do over time as well and is on the list.
I spent some time last week developing my thoughts and ideas for the back scene replacement and how to develop the frames around the layout and the eventual lighting as well. All enjoyable stuff and continuing with the learning curve.
Chris
preservedbritishsteamlocomotives.com
