Double header…

Above my bench sits a box containing a tiny slice of Scotland. Barely two feet long, its tiny walls protect a familiar yet un-recognised scene, somewhere that feels as if we know it yet leaving us with both a nagging doubt and yet comfortable warmth…

For who wouldn’t want to visit Lochdubh in any form, any era, anywhere? Whilst it may be based on a curious blend of childhood nostalgia, first hand travels and whimsical imagination it feels wonderful. To arrive at the end of the line and the feeling as we step off the train, recharged from the scenic delights on our journey and welcomed with open arms by the highland port encircled by mountains. Its sheltered harbour a gateway to destinations beyond, accessible only by boat. Travel, adventure and mindful connection. Away from iPads, iPhones and reality, in the care of books and film cameras, best of all at one with ourselves, with nature and with the railway.

Even in miniature, in a static model populated by toy trains those feelings, however fleeting can be found for the odd moment, a glance up from work, a pause on my way past or caught longer with a deliberate act, to step out of reality and into ourselves. For if the model railway has one purpose then surely it is escape, a place to shake off the stress and worry of our human lives - and as a pure distillation of that pleasure Lochdubh delivers. Static by design but transportive by nature, welcome to my imagination.

Until next time, more soon…

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