I came across these three examples of Inglenook layouts. All three are OO scale and standard gauge. What stood out for me was how well finished they all are. The internet is filled with examples of layouts built to this plan and it’s especially nice to see a few finished as nicely as these. In no order, here’s the links to the three that inspired this blog post:
Colin Peake’s, OO scale
http://forum.mtimag.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=292&sid=0d753c49e9ffd9dde0401dc48327bbbc
I found this on the Model Trains Interactive page and it’s been built by Colin Peake. I know Colin’s work from his terrific Shifting Sands O9 model railway based on a seaside miniature railway operation. His sense of colour and balance are just perfect here as I’ve come to expect from him. This layout has been built entirely using common “off the shelf” items but it looks terrific and really showcases just how strong a role composition and colour play in the overall finish model. It’s hard to believe this is a layout based on a shunting puzzle and that it’s not actually based on a real location – it just looks so right.
Neptune Road, OO scale
http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blog/366/entry-5960-neptune-road-micro-inglenook/
This one comes from the RMWeb.co.uk forums. The builder has added a third turnout so the Inglenook itself looks like sidings within an industrial estate. Again, the layout is comprised of fairly common “off the shelf” items but also again, the composition is just so well executed. The main buildings are kitbashed from what looks like SuperQuick brand cardstock models and they look terrific. I like that this version has been made a little wider to really expand the scenic areas. In the close-up photos this really shows off well and it’s easy to see how much this could look like a real location and we’re (model) railfanning. Well done and worth coming back to.
SNCF, HO scale
http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/26972-fiddle-yards-visible-or-hidden/
Again from the RMWeb.co.uk forums and you’ll need to scroll down the thread to post number nine. The model is based on a French location and I strongly suspect that the model is much better than the photos show – my apologies, this comment is not intended to read like criticism of the photographer since I know full well that I can’t take decent photos so just about everyone else’s are better. Back the layout. What I thought was neat was how the modeller used the five car siding as a hidden staging yard. All trains would originate on this length of track. The switching lead is a station and the two three-car sidings become a goods yard. The overall scene is divided visually and I like the approach. If you so desired you could place a removable storage cassette on the five-car road to reverse the orientation of trains or bring in other consists.
I’ll be coming back to these three to draw inspiration from for my layout. I struggle with coming up with an idea and am much better at executing other’s ideas than my own so it’s nice to have such a strong cadre of examples to reflect back on. Looking at the time, I really need to get started on supper. What’s on the menu? I’m going to do a pan fried, herbed cod and serve that with roasted potato wedges and whatever else I come up with. As for a soundtrack, I’m going to drop Diana Krall’s Live in Paris in the stereo and perhaps enjoy a glass of Newman Estates red from the yesterday’s market trip. Take care.
Categories: How I think
Prince Street 
Interesting designs that if not ‘the one’ for your layout, provide inspiration in ways neither you nor their builders have yet envisioned, Chris! Personally, I noticed their little details like the Land Rover. The European layouts have an advantage, with those tiny ‘wagons’ or ‘trucks’.
I’m an editor, not a writer. I’m an eraser, not a sketcher. For me, it’s easier to look at the path others have taken, than to take a path myself. Yet the Internet provides so many examples for us to look at, than the few track-planning magazines we used to have. And, worldwide!
Had Diet Pepsis and a five-decker sandwich while my wife enjoyed a Philly cheese on a bun at downtown Kingston’s Copper Penny restaurant mid-afternoon. Soundtrack? Indie something, nothing I recognized, but we were surrounded by Queen’s students, so that’s why.
Thanks for sharing these links,
Eric
I like that term: “editor”. I do consider myself creative but am well aware that left to my own devices I’m not very good at establishing a grand vision. Where I come alive is either in helping someone refine their grand vision or determine how to operationalise it – sure am glad for the times when I’ve been engaging this talent professionally.
Those lunch plans sound great. Might be hard to go wrong with any place titled the Copper Penny.
The breadth of the internet is equal parts blessing and curse for layout planning. It’s so terrific to have ready access to so many examples of railways others have built yet sometimes there are just so many and it can be easy to feel a little overwhelmed.
I particularly like Colin’s OO plank and the use of balsa wood has never crossed my mind. Like you Chris am not good at the big picture work but do love planning out small scenario locations.
Balsa as benchwork is new to me too. This might be worth some further experimentation as a material.
As with foamcore it’s a material that could be worked on the dining room table with a minimum of tools-both of which are great for the modeller with few tools and no formal workshop.
Being wood you would also be less limited in choices of paints and glues compared to foam products. I’m thinking in terms of CA type glues and how they attack foam.
I totally agree, baseboards for the table top, non carpenter, no workshop warriors. I am going to investigate further on Friday down at the local DIY shed.
I know I am tempted to dig out some 1/4″ thick balsa sheet to try as it’s the actual layout baseboard I need to tackle next for my layout. Looking forward to hearing how you make out.