Our own space...

I am lucky for although my space isn't expansive, it is 'all mine', in the house and reasonably warm, and for that I can fill it with the things of which I am interested...

Five layouts in this photo from Bear Creek, Kinross, Pont-y-dulais (left top to bottom) to Beaverbrook (right). Under the bench is Canal Street Wharf in a box. In the cupboard under the stairs lives Creech Grange, Mollington Road and Creech Barn!

However, many of us have to share our hobby with a wider family which can mean we're either pushed out into the cold (literally in a shed or garage) or perhaps don't even feel like we can undertake physical modelling at all, instead focusing on collecting items for that retirement layout? However, through my own exploration of small layouts, initially in boxes, and more recently displayed on the wall as cameos I think I have a few reflections that are worth sharing, perhaps encouraging you to find a home for your hobby amongst the family?

If you don't start now, will you ever? Don't wait for the kids to leave home or retirement to start that dream layout, instead, consider how a smaller project now may teach you and your loved ones a new skill to help with that 'one day' project. How can you shape a project to fit your available time, your skills and your interests? What can you learn from the process and who else could be involved?

"I don't have the space" If we look around our homes we have plenty of free wall space, perhaps not floor space, but wall space. A cameo scene need only be 20-25cm deep, and in it's self contained footprint it can be displayed atop a book case, or on a bookshelf, or even a floating bookshelf as I have done above. Create a presentable case around the scene and it will be more amenable to household authority be that your partner, friends or parents. That case should also include your lighting and power supplies so that when you want to operate it's just a flick of a switch.

Make it accessible. A layout that is hidden away, or in a cold spot, or requires hours to setup will not be used. My small cameo layouts (left above) are used frequently, even if just to test a locomotive out. They're instantly available, I leave the stock on them so it's just a switch and I'm running trains. Even taking just 5 minutes out of your day and getting lost in shunting can be a real tonic and a way to switch off from a busy life. 

Small layouts can be wonderful projects, somewhere to display our models, practice new skills and enjoy a short operating session. They require careful planning, to choreograph a prototype to fit and ensure the visual balance will be a success. I do offer a layout design service, where I will work with you to identify and refine a prototype to match your available space, resulting in detailed track plans and illustrations. If you're interested please get in touch using the menu on the home page (the three horizontal lines on the top left should drop down a contact form) or using Facebook or one of the forum messaging systems. In the meantime, I hope this encourages you to consider your own small layout, considering the points I've shared above. More soon...