Paxton Road in N - An overview of a cameo

[@markgriffiths6638]

Wounderful little cameo

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, that’s very kind. It’s simple but I’ve really enjoyed it.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

I've been putting off making a start on another layout despite having a 2FS starter kit to play with. Now I've seen your layout I've got to do something. Absolutely fantastic work. Love the simplicity and feel of space and depth you've created in such a restricted area.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks James

[@rafaelvoncina6036]

Desaturating colour was a very smart move! And I must mention that wonderful oak tree. Well worth the time spent making it. Thank you for sharing.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you, I do love this cameo. I’ve planned it’s replacement already though, as it has proven the concept now and I’d like to try adding a little more play value, as well as model a different scene.

[@TheSpitfiregoggles]

This has come out beautifully, James! Its got a similar atmosphere to a number of out-of-the-way places I remember 30 or 40 years ago. Oh, that lorry is amazing too, vehicles have sometimes been one of the things scream "N gauge" but this as good as anything in a lager scale. I've intermittently modelled in N since about 1980 but I think that recent developments in running quality, range and fidelity of RTR equipment have made it far more attractive. I'm slowly gathering "bits" for what may turn out to be a late 1980s/early 1990s project in N. Some of the recent RTR wagons are little gems and get the creativity flowing all by themselves. I may actually start really small with a diorama on one of Scale Scenes' tiny boards, it'll be more practical in the context of an impending move than a full on layout. Cheers, Simon

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Sounds brilliant Simon, and I expect you’d be well served by one of those small boards as an introductory exercise… good luck, the water is lovely…

[@timstrainvideos142]

very nice layout

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you

[@lukenoble3319]

I knew that this layout was small... but not that small! Fantastic modeling as usual :)

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Luke that’s very kind, thank you. Hopefully still recognisably a James Hilton layout despite it’s smaller size.

[@richardgreening8164]

Really interesting, I always felt N gauge was too small, but then I get that a small layout is possible in such a small space. I also guess that you could create this in any scale. Even right up to 7/8ths if you have the space. Mind is thinking

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

I think cameo layouts work better in the smaller scales, but it is food for thought. I don’t think N is too small, that’s not specific enough perhaps? Too small for what? I used to think it was too small to be realistic - I’m pleased to have proven my own misconceptions wrong in this case!

[@chorlton4]

What materials did you use for construction James?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Hi there, happy to help - can you confirm which element? The cameo box is MDF, the structures are plastic, those at the back make use of paper textures, those at the front use embossed material. The ground texture on the road, which is mounting card, is Humbrol gloss 5 paint and then dusted with talc whilst it's wet to give a wonderful texture - vacuum and brush off when it's dry. The ground texture is largely using Gordon Gravett's techniques outlined in his scenery books.

[@tomc_official]

Hey James - I noticed you’ve curved the backscene around the 90° corners - is the backscene mounted on anything before curving? Or is it sufficiently supported by the box? Thanks!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Good question, it’s just self supporting inside the box. it’s not actually fitted as such, just a bit of Prit-stick on the top back edge in case I ever need to remove it, it’s slotted into a gap inside the box between the back board and base.

[@tomc_official]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Thanks - I’m building an N gauge diorama based of Loch Achanalt bridge. It’s just on a small shelf/baseboard, but I’m now inspired by you to create a housing for it to turn it into a cameo.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

It will certainly help control viewing angles and allow well lit presentation. My two books might be of interest with ideas on presentation and what you’re trying to achieve, both now available from good bookshops and the publisher via www.titfield.co.uk

[@tomc_official]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways I ordered it yesterday! 👌🏻

[@davebarnett4262]

Amazing - this was at Doncaster the other week wasn't it? Think I spent as much time watching this than any other layout there!

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thanks Dave, yes I was at Doncaster. It isn’t really designed as an exhibition layout but I enjoyed sharing it with the public.

[@boxryde382]

Is there a link to your book?

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

It has sold out at the publishers but you can still find it at a few specialist retailers.