Mosslanda: Denton Road - Unapologetically nostalgic…
Denton Road, strangely familiar. Wherever you think you might be, you are, for this layout isn’t about scale modelling or recreating the prototype, it’s about a feeling, a warm memory, nostalgia perhaps…
‘Had I not seen it, I would not believe it was 2mm’.
I don’t really believe this (!) nor do I think it’s purely about ‘scale’ or skill. I think its character. These tiny models do betray their physical size. There are coarse details, hairs on the models, oversized bricks and featureless faces… yes, it’s N. But somehow, the fact it’s N makes it even more wonderful - like the miniaturisation itself has added a layer of childlike excitement. Delight even, in finding ourselves through this miniature cameo layout, remembering or reminiscing about standing on similar platforms, how they felt, smelt… the texture of that patterned non-slip tarmac, the sound of the electric ticking, counting time as the diesel stole the show…
The layout? it’s still not quite finished. I feel it needs grunging up a bit where the diesels tick over and the ballast on the older bullhead track especially is far too clean… probably some litter too… I was thinking of an advertising hoarding but I fear that would date things too much… restraint is the key. Something easy to forget and difficult to row back. I will endeavour to make these small adjustments over the holiday. For now, enjoy these photos as much as I did, posing them. Until next time, more soon…
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Hi James
ReplyDeleteWell yes it is difficult to imagine these are N-scale, especially at first or second glance. However, as I think you are saying, it is more important the memories they bring and the impression they give.
To me these layouts remind me of “boxes” a friend made for our daughters, showing in 3D, the clutter of their bedroom looked, and as we still have them a link to that past. The cameos are in my mind even better as they evoke a place and time but with movement and the possibility of changing the “actors” or just contemplating the scene.
I think I have said this before but whereas I know these are northern scenes, they speak to me of the electrified ex- Great Eastern services from Herford or Chingford into London Liverpool Street running in a continuous it seemed viaduct from Bethnal Green across the arches and roof tops of Victorian East London. I also like the way the arches and bridges suggest something else. One particularly reminds me of my trips under the arches on the railway to visit our reserve vehicle collection housed for the LT Museum in the old Ash Grove Bus garage.
Best regards
Alan
Thank you Alan, great to hear from you. You have distilled the message here today nicely, I’m glad they put you in mind of those lovely memory boxes you have too… but of course, our trains become the actors as you say and provide visual interest and movement. Wonderful stuff!
DeleteA liitle time machine.....
ReplyDeleteThank you - I agree, wonderful.
DeleteMan, that's so good. For me, it's the little details that go the extra metres to capture the atmosphere. Like the information board in the background. It instantly takes me back to that time.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the fact it is N Gauge is almost unbelievable........
Thank you David, they are arranged quite deliberately - so you can see them clustered together… as you say they tell a story, place us there…
Delete