I have been modelling in O gauge for over 20 years and have always wanted to replicate that roundy roundy effect that drew me to the hobby in my earlier years when I modelled OO. This led to Dad and I building Calvercar Town, which had a couple of outing including Warley 2016 where it won the ‘Hornby Modern Image Trophy’. The only issue with the layout was its size, weight and the fact that I was the youngest operator (Muscle) at 43, 15 years the junior of my closest colleague. So what to do. I tried making it fit into the space I have at home but this never really works so back to the drawing board.

The new layout was born out of a discussion in a Brewers Fair involving Dave Lowery and I with only a few pints of beer, a pen and a napkin to start the planning process. “Well what do you want then” asked Dave to which I gave a simple response “A mainline station, 7 coach passenger trains passing longer freight trains, a country station, diesel depot, nuclear flask plant and a reverse curve” “Oh and enough space to store 20 full length trains”, Simple!!!!

After a few more pints of creativeness, a two deck layout concept was born.

Lockdown occurred and I set to work creating what you see today, I hope you enjoy a little piece of what I intend to be a patchwork quilt of memories I have of watching the real railway with my Dad!!