Penpont Dries: An N gauge micro…
At just 24x15x6cm Penpont Dries is the smallest ‘grown up’ layout I’ve ever built. Designed for complete portability, last week and realised now in 3D…
The dries are scratch-built in styrene to fit the layout exactly, inspired by many, rather than a slave to any prototype. Various Slaters materials used - and a few details left to add… even in this ‘raw’ state the composition sings to me and is beginning to ooze character - whilst not pictured, the 08 destined for the project is now painted with wasp stripes applied - so ticking along nicely too… all the time accepting that this is somewhat of a distraction, but a warm and fuzzy one. Until next time, more soon…
A few more details to add to the structure and I’ll be onto painting and scenery! It has not only been rewarding, proving an idea - in this case the completely portable battery powered model railway - but also a distraction from both life and my waning mojo…
I have played with it a couple of times over the weekend and despite its limited scope you can happily spend 10 minutes shunting - a perfect length of time for a mindful practice - the model runs slowly, you can get lost at eye level in a miniature world of your own creation… then pack it all up in the box and take it with you!
On the back of the dries are the sockets and controls for operation. 12v battery power from a phone power bank and 12v step up adaptor - which works really well in this use… the 5 pin controller socket (so I can use the same controller across the different layouts) and then a 2.1mm plug and socket for the fiddle stick.
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Oh I like this very much. Sometimes some mindful shunting is all that’s required to keep the modelling juices flowing. I’m not sure what holds me back from modelling some days - a perfectionist fear of getting it wrong? Sometimes you just need to watch the wheels rolling and wait for the mojo to return
ReplyDeleteThank you and yes, you’re certainly right about watching the wheels roll. It’s quite a peaceful place to find yourself, both literally and figuratively speaking.
DeleteWait a moment... That takes up less area than your latest book...
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, any of them in fact!
DeleteFascinating idea on pushing the limit of how small an operational layout can be without becoming a gimmick.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe - hope so! I’ll do a video showing how it runs when it’s all complete
DeleteThat is utterly brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteIt definitely has the Wenfordbridge atmosphere James. Particularly the second photo. Great stuff. Looking forward to seeing 08113 when she appears. Apparently 08113 was the poor relation on the line, not the drivers favourite as she wasn't considered as powerful as the other two 08's based at St Blazey (I've read somewhere that the other two were both dual braked and more useful for trips to Ponts Mill and Par harbour, as well as shunting St Blazey yard). I've got several articles cut out of magazines which feature trips taken by enthusiasts in the 70's and early 80's up the branch to Wenfordbridge which make great reading. The Cornwall Railway Society website is also a gold mine of info. This little layout has properly fired me up! Take care.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom, wonderful extra background info, yes 113 was vac only, went to South Wales iirc after St Blazey, then sold to Powell Duffryn. TBH I just fancied doing one with hinged doors…
DeleteFantastic little box layout james.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin, great to see you back here! Hope you’re well,
DeletePleased to be back James. Your an inspiration to us all.
ReplyDelete