All Posts

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…

(30 October 2025) This week’s project to add details to building interiors certainly taxed my eyesight. Brass etched parts from Severn Models

(26 October 2025) Some signs to make the layout look nearly finished. An excellent nameboard from JAF Graphics, an information panel (in a nice big font; it’s impossible to read the panels on many exhibition layouts as they try to say too much in a small space), and a postcard of the real Tamerton Foliot donated by my sister.

(19 October 2025) My layout sits on trestles, but for smaller one-day shows I will use tables instead to fit everything into one car. Many tables have lips, so I’ve spent the morning fitting small adjustable feet under each board. The small details matter!

(2 October 2025) Some rolling stock additions, awaiting Greenwich couplings. L to R: Peco box van. Saw this in L&SWR livery on the 009 Society sales stand at Rainhill and had to have it. I’ve picked out a few details and lightly weathered it, and replaced the wheels. Cattle van, 009 Society kit. Heavily weathered and limed. EggerBahn box van, a gift from a friend. Stripped and repainted in Tamerton Foliot Light Railway livery.