Creating Cameo Layouts...

I am honoured to have been asked by Simon Castens to play a part in the reprint of Iain's last book 'Creating Cameo Layouts'. Originally published in 2016 and with some substantial extra content to include it seemed a fantastic opportunity to revisit the original material and complete a re-design of the whole book...

The intention has been to create something that feels 'traditional' Wild Swan whilst also updated, refreshed and with a cleaner layout style. I have enjoyed revisiting my collection of Wild Swan modelling titles to take inspiration from Paul Karau's earlier works - I hope readers won't notice - that is the sign I've done a good job...

I've tried to make the most of Iain's own work and illustrations, reproducing these as large as the layout would allow. Simon and I have replaced images of poor quality with better copies or examples of similar content. It is very much still Iain's work, but hopefully presented in a way that feels reflective of the impact the original book had, and we hope, will continue to have in future.

I have had to break out the pen and paper for the coupling section - here Iain had illustrated some of the couplings, but not all - so in an attempt to make this important section more comprehensive and understandable I've aped Iain's style with a few additions to plug the gaps.

We have enjoyed extending beyond the 'Portfolio' chapter too, because whilst this was full of lovely schemes it did just seem to 'end' in the middle of nowhere. Now the book continues, with a chapter by Simon on the Cameo competition - followed by photographs of a number of the entries, presented in alphabetical order.

Iain's good friend, Mick, opens the revised book with a reflection on their friendship and Iain, the human being - and ends the book with a chapter on the layout they were building together accompanied by some of Iain's last drawings and sketches. Simon and I have also included a chapter on Longwood Edge, a large cameo featured heavily in the original book, but unfinished, that Iain was building for Don Leeper (IIRC). After Don's death this is now in new and safe hands - it is nice to be able to include photos of this lovely layout, which puts a full-stop on the original design sketches shared earlier in the book.

These samples are just that - low resolution examples of what to expect but layout and contents may still change - as, I must say, may the cover. This is my current favourite, nods to the original but with a more contemporary feel, however it ends up looking it's extended 160 page contents will we hope, appeal to readers old and new and serve as a fitting tribute to Iain - and the countless layouts inspired by his work.

The book will be launched at Larkrail in July, and by some rather obvious coincidence I will also be at the show with Coalbridge Street, an example of one of my own cameo layouts, that even plays host to an East Suffolk boxcar, inspired by Iain's North American exploits. I hope to see many of you there - fear not, for those who can't make it, Simon (and myself) will ensure we share news of when and where you can buy a copy. In the meantime, as I said in opening, I am honoured to have been given this opportunity - and proud of what I have achieved. My own small part, small tribute, to a man who continues to influence my own work.

Until next time, more soon...

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