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I was inspired by David Grant-Wilkes photo in this month’s The 009 Society News to attempt a similar conversion of my Eggerbahn diesel shunter into a steam vertical-boilered model. I was given the model, and after replacement of the motor with a Tramfabriek one and DCC chipping it is a lovely runner, but a diesel is way out of period for my 1920s-set layout. Whereas a vertical-boilered loco looks just the part. Chimney is a cut-down O gauge house chimney, the water tank is a

Picked up this brake van from the Society sales stand at the last 009 Society get-together in Rainhill. A quick repaint and a nice addition to the PW stock.

A little extra job, to motorise the two yard cranes to avoid the need for a Hand of God. A 12V motor is activated by a DPDT momentary (On)-Off-(On) switch to reverse polarity and change direction. Video from underneath in the comments.

First day completed successfully at Macclesfield Model Railway Group show. Come see us tomorrow if you can!

Pleased to launch a website dedicated to this layout: a bit of background about the real location, some modelling stuff, and lots of new photos of the model. Do please check it out! https://josephattard32.wixsite.com/tamerton-foliot-rail

(10 March 2026) Some bad loads! (Rather nice loads, in fact, but that’s who made them. Bad Loads. Thanks to Brian Davis.)

(28 February 2026) A skirt is essential for shows, but I’ve designed Tamerton Foliot for a higher viewing position than my existing N gauge layout Macclesfield Hibel Road Model Railway . So a new skirt was needed. Turns out I’m a dab hand with a sewing machine. Who knew? (And please don’t tell the wife!)

(17 February 2026) Finished a bunch of wagon kits from various suppliers. Looking closely at the photos, I need to tone down the rust streaks on the permanent way stock.

(14 February 2026) The last two steps completed: finished the telegraph wires, and fitted a Wifi controller. Not much to do now before the layout’s first showing at Macclesfield in April. Maybe I should start another layout?

(7 February 2026) I thought the layout was almost finished, but the Permanent Way Department don’t seem to agree!

(2 February 2026) The TFLR Directors were worried that they would lose passengers to the new bus service. That hasn’t happened as it’s uphill all the way to Crownhill, and the passengers often have to get out to help push. Thornycroft Thurgood, kit from Three Peaks Models

(30 January 2026) I wanted to include wires in the telegraph poles. That was fun! One board done, one to go.

(28 January 2026) The long-suffering passengers are please to finally see a train arrive with some coaches. (I’m less pleased that my nicely painted passengers are hardly visible, but that’s modelling!) Dundas Models Festiniog kits, a brake 3rd and a 1st/3rd composite.

(23 January 2026) Needed some “seagulls” for the harbour. But are they a recognisable species?

(23 December 2025) Some of the local wildlife admiring the latest arrival in Tamerton Foliot. As suits a layout set on the bank of the Tamar, they are choughs. Or should that be “chough choughs”?

(21 December 2025) “I think I need some tools for the workshop”. Hmm. I maybe went a bit overboard with details nobody can see… 3D prints from Mudmagnet Models

(8 December 2025) A bit of experimentation with the fishing line and mooring ropes using EZ Line under no tension. Seems OK.

(4 December 2025) Finished a couple of repair shop cameos: boats and bikes

(18 November 2025) Delighted to confirm that the layout's first showing is confirmed as the Macclesfield Model Railway Group show 11-12 April 2026. A couple of photos below; many more can be seen on my website

(11 November 2025) Some road transport…