Backstories
Years ago, several in general, most layouts were freelance and openly so. Some may have followed a specific company (Buckingham Great Central – springs to mind) others were truly freelance- (Stronalachar- Craig and Mertonford and Aire Valley) to name but three!
One thing these all had in common was that they all had backstories. A reason why their “prototype” was built. Some were quite elaborate and others less so. Some complete works of fiction, others tinkering with history or geography (both on occasion). This approach gave life to the model.
The ones I preferred covered the community, I know one US modelling group which had set out many articles from its town’s local newspaper.
In a hope of making some of you think, and provide possible amusement to others, I have made a start on the recent(?) history (?) of the Mertonford and Pine Tree Railway, and railroad. The first part is a journey on the same, which gives a general view of the operation and a little insight to the “origins” of the operation…. The model concerned does not have to be a loft empire, Giles Barnabe has added an article on his exhibition layout.
As an exercise in deepening involvement in the layouts around us, may I suggest a step away from the purely constructional and add a little fiction, or a lot as seems fit? If you have a contribution do send it into Alan- our webmaster, via the link on the front of the Newsletter.
Andrew Knights”
One thing these all had in common was that they all had backstories. A reason why their “prototype” was built. Some were quite elaborate and others less so. Some complete works of fiction, others tinkering with history or geography (both on occasion). This approach gave life to the model.
The ones I preferred covered the community, I know one US modelling group which had set out many articles from its town’s local newspaper.
In a hope of making some of you think, and provide possible amusement to others, I have made a start on the recent(?) history (?) of the Mertonford and Pine Tree Railway, and railroad. The first part is a journey on the same, which gives a general view of the operation and a little insight to the “origins” of the operation…. The model concerned does not have to be a loft empire, Giles Barnabe has added an article on his exhibition layout.
As an exercise in deepening involvement in the layouts around us, may I suggest a step away from the purely constructional and add a little fiction, or a lot as seems fit? If you have a contribution do send it into Alan- our webmaster, via the link on the front of the Newsletter.
Andrew Knights”