Noswaith dda, everyone. Probably the last blog for March, and it looks like there is a glimmer of hope that the pandemic has peaked - at least, in the UK. Hopefully we can have a Chufferduffers meeting next Month.

Some good news - the Cardigan layout has now found a home at Cardigan Castle. Last weekend Emyr and Pat transferred the layout from Emyr's garage to the Castle house and set it up. All that is needed now is to put up the skirting curtain and check the layout for connectivity.

We also believe that our Boncath layout has now found a new home. Not sure of the location, but I believe it may be somewhere in Hermon. Next weekend should see it's move from Login.

 

The castle featured in the last blog was Carew, built in the Norman period around 11 - 1200, on the site of an iron age fort. It was extended during the 16th Century to afford more luxurious accommodation. 

 

We will stay in Pembrokeshire for this blogs offering:

 

 

This is a harder one, as it is not normally open to the public.

Moving on to more pertinent stuff - after all, this is supposed to be about the Chuffers and their activities.

Here in Pentrecagal, I have done a little bit of work for the long neglected 7mm narrow gauge layout, currently stored away next to Pats MG in a lock-up in Cilgerran. A corner of the track is planned to run under a hillside, so I have constructed a built-up area that will have houses on it. So far just the retaining wall and roadway, with street lights and a small Georgian terrace:

Pete has sent some more picture of the scenics on his Lynton and Barnstaple layout, illustrating how well the modelling merges with the photographic background.

Even before static grass is applied, the weathering is looking good.

 Further back on the layout the traction engine and caravan are effectively blocking the field entrance until the farmer can get there to put up a gateway:

Viewed from a distance of just four foot, it is once again apparent how well the scenery merges in.

Just goes to show that less is more. So many layouts are spoilt by people trying to put too much into the background. Peter really seems to be getting this spot on. It is just a pity that its a fixed layout, and can't be taken to exhibitions!

On the other side of the coin, one which might well take to the road is Pats Heritage railway and Classic car show layout which now has a name!

Welcome to 'Bayview' !!

The signboard comes courtesy of Pat's son Daniel and his 3D printer.

(Note the naughty boys climbing on the wall behind...)

 

Hand-painted signage has also now been erected by volunteer members of the heritage railway society at the entrance to the rail yard:

 

 

 

and also by the hotel entrance, welcoming punters to the classic car exhibition - 

We'll finish this rather short blog with an overall view of Bayview, and then a quick video clip of the preserved train running through the station:

That's all for this one folks - Cheerio,

Shaun.