As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been involved in the construction of a 14.2mm fine scale layout in my local club-the Launceston and District MRC. Over 25 years ago they made a start, under the auspices of Iain Rice on a layout based on the ex Furness Railway in Cumbria. The idea was to demonstrate the appeal of 3mm scale. Unfortunately with the loss of the clubrooms the layout was dismantled but all the buildings and the majority of the track work was retained together with all the stock that was under construction. A few years ago the club moved into new, but smaller, premises, at which point I joined. It was decided to resurrect the 3mm layout but in a smaller form. The plan was drawn by Iain Rice and is shown below;

We have been able to use the station buildings, goods shed, signal box and the steamer office from the previous layout. The location is based on the map drawn by Arthur Ransome in his well known book ‘Swallows and Amazons’. The buildings are from stations along the Coniston Branch of the Furness Railway. The engine shed which is under construction will be that which was found at Coniston.
All the track work has been laid and tested and a start has been made on the scenery. Here is an artists impression of what is planned

The pictures below shows the state that we have currently reached.


Progress is slow, as is often the case in clubs. Too much talking and drinking tea!!
Maybe it will be ready for the 50th anniversary of the 3mm society in 2015