Above 5    There is not room for the loco coal stage by the engine shed in the middle of the run-round loop.  Placing it at the end of the model gives more shunting opportunities - and more shunting problems!  (The poor standard of trees 20 years ago is sadly noticeable but that's how "quick trees" were done then.)

3Left        This view along the length of the entire model shows just how compact this layout was.
indentIn the forground is the quarry with its narrow gauge track issuing from a tunnel.
  Under the hill on the right was a "traverser" which had three tracks and thus could hold 3 trains.  These were a diesel railcar (which could come and go several times without turning), a passenger train (for variety and so guests could get used to the controls) and the dreaded Pick Up Goods!

indentThis was an exhibition layout which I used in the early days for  distant one-day shows since I could just pop it on the back seat and go!

indent"What would it cost to have something similar?"  Well, at today's prices you are probably talking of around £2,500 for a model which uses many hand-made items even though some are "quickies" such as the cottage shown here in the background.  As usual the real cost depends mainly upon how long it takes to build it for you.

Another option is to set a precise budget and we'll tell you what we can provide for that money!

     Above 5  Even the railcar can be used to add operational interest by adding a van or cattle wagon for its first visit and using it to take out (say) a parcels van on its last.  A 14xx and "Auto" coach would be just as effective and probably prettier!

  3 Left   This black and white view of the quarry shows that even a quickly done "impression" of a quarry scene can look realistic!    (In fact, the use of a grainy, black and white image is the most effective aid to "realism" since we are used to seeing grainy black and white photographs of real steam railways.   Photographing the model in daylight and in front of real skyline helps more than a bit, too!)