Russell at Dawson Creek

It was lovely to meet Claire who commissioned Dawson Creek yesterday. To see her enthusiasm for the layout, feel her connection to history and hear how the commission process has been so rewarding was a real tonic for me - all to often it is just warm words on emails exchanged and a model goes home via Royal Mail… Before the layout departed I filmed the usual video and have taken plenty of photographs. These will be shared in the coming week or so, but today here are a couple of Russell…Russell was the signature locomotive from East Works, placing the layout in post-war Purbeck. I have wondered about building Ridge - seeing this wide open estuary landscape develop reminded me very much of its similar setting and plan…It is funny - how schemes and doodles loop… and how the vision of Welsh favourite on holiday reminds me of clay lines on Purbeck. Connections through time, through narrow rails and my imagination. I really loved building this layout and I can’t wait to share more soon.…