Mosslanda: Defiance - deliberate steps forwards…

There are stages in layout construction where I have to make a list and push through the steps required to find myself able to enjoy the process once more…

Moving from cardboard mock up to plastic rendition has taken five years on Defiance’s big brother - it is no surprise that this step is one that is to some degree, a necessary evil. I will enjoy what follows - for now, deliberate steps forward ensure focus is retained.

I enjoy photographing my work throughout the creative process. Whilst rewarding in its own right it gives me an opportunity to reflect on composition and progress as well as share the results with good friends. I sent them over to Chris…

I love how Defiance is as much the very essence of Beaverbrook’s character and also a new thing of its own origins.

It is fascinating because before Chris mentioned this I had not seen the connection between these two very different layouts. Beaverbrook, my long term HO switching layout is presented in a cameo form but stretches the description at over 7ft wide! Here, Defiance in N is the purest of distillation of the same idea… up close roadside running with low relief structures. Operation and rail-fanning are optimised…

I marvel at how your approach to photographing the models overcomes a challenge of N: getting down to track level and into the scene instead of over it.

I am grateful to Chris for more than friendship. His insightful and kind encouragement has been a strong catalyst in recent years and his lifelong passion for N scale is a tonic that we both enjoy sharing, discussing and day dreaming with on regular occasion. This reflection, about my approach means a great deal to me - and indeed, Defiance is my first attempt to bring Paxton Road to an American setting. With the weekend busy with entertaining the masses at Uckfield progress will now be paused until next week, but rest assured, there will be more soon…

Support my work

I love writing and creating material for the blog. If you enjoy what you read and engage with I would be appreciative of any donation, large or small, to help me keep it advert and restriction free. Alternatively, feel free to buy me a coffee, where regular memberships start from just £1.