Straight thinking

Seasoned ‘O’ gauge modeller Alan Thompson fancied a break from larger layouts, and set himself a challenge of creating a highly detailed 7mm scale scene in less than 5ft.

With a large room to fill, Cliff Thomas created a wonderful tribute to the preserved narrow gauge railways of Wales, as well as the dramatic scenery in which they operate.

After a chance encounter with a laser-cut depot kit, Paul Gosden set about building a fictional contemporary engineering facility, where green technology is embraced.

How much of your layout is make-believe? CHRIS LEIGH isn't a slave to prototype fidelity, as he explains.

Networking opportunity

Having built a small diorama, George Dent tests a new ballast product aimed at the contemporary Scottish scene, and offers a range of application tips.