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The Art of Modelling Welsh Narrow Gauge Railways - George Williamson.

 

This was a splendid talk about the modelling of Welsh narrow gauge railways. In the first half there was a thorough and fascinating introduction to the subject, followed after the break by a practical demonstration of scenic modelling. George provided interesting background to his interest in narrow gauge, in particular his very strong links with the Talyllyn Railway including volunteering and footplate.duties. The presentation was structured into the following sections: What is narrow gauge?, Scales and gauges, Modelling techniques, Notable layouts, The human side and The future of narrow gauge.

 

The rationale for narrow gauge railways was explained in terms of ease of building and lower operating costs, especially in areas where terrain made it difficult to build standard gauge. The contrast between standard and narrow gauge was effectively provided by a comparison of a Quarry Hunslet and Black 5.

 

Within the narrow gauge world, variation in scale and gauge was discussed ranging from the 15inch Romney Hythe to the 3 foot of the Isle of Man Railway. Differing scales had Implications for modelling techniques. The loading gauge of the Welsh Highland Railway in the vicinity of Rhyd Ddu, for example, is very different from that of the Ffestiniog Railway with its tight clearances.

 

The importance of modelling narrow gauge accurately and with attention to detail was highlighted, for example, even with Welsh slate there are wide variations in colour from the blue purple of Penrhyn to the classic grey of Bryn Eglwys. With regard to the success of the Nant Gwernol model, the railway is dwarfed there by the surrounding landscape and realistically modelling the foliage is crucial. George used a drone to scan the site and highlighted how Autumn is a particularly difficult season to model. Materials from a variety of suppliers were used including WW Scenics and Modelu with leaf scatter even imported from Spain. Attention to detail was crucial such as accurate grouping of locomotives, using appropriate train lengths and looking carefully at platform heights and styles.

 

Examples of notable models of narrow gauge lines were highlighted:

Gryndene Halt (Sussex Downs Group), Scaca Fell (Tom Foster) Melin Dolryhyd (Stuart Taylor), County Gate (John de Frayssinet), The Yard (Martin Coombs) and Corrish (George Williamson). There is good coverage of these models online.

 

George commented how narrow gauge modellers are well supported by a variety of societies including the16mm, 7mm and 5.5mm associations plus the 009 Society. Large and small suppliers support the hobby including Rapido, Bachmann, Peco, Kato, Westcliff Works and Brooks 3D. Looking towards the future, the availability of resin printers are a great advantage for narrow gauge modelling, reducing the need for scratch building.

 

The second part of the evening was George providing a practical demonstration of scenic work using a diorama which included sections of railway and road set on a hillside. There was much useful discussion about producing trees, foliage, vegetation and rock faces which have realism. Photographs provide clearest insight into the techniques used but some of the points covered included:

 

· Starting the diorama with a black base coat

· Track, ballast and sleepers need careful weathering including using black wash enamel

· Hairspray is an effective alternative to adhesive

· Different colours of leaf scatter add realism (Green Stuff World)

· Spray across the diorama, not directly down

· Using poly fibre for trees, vegetation, undergrowth, etc.

· How to make individual species such as larch and blackthorn

· The importance of using earth brown

· The use of a black wash to weather engines

· The value of trying out new things, some of which work and some which do not.

 

For more in depth information about the techniques described by George, it is best to consult his range of excellent YouTube programmes such as Modelling Woodland Scenics and Trees. Thank you George for such an excellent and inspiring evening about narrow gauge railway modelling.

 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvzR9HnXhsaq6yr0d4IjLPJtal4kY_Ilz&si=QwPbStEgMFfpjYHc