Rushcliffe - Cameo layout tour OO gauge...

Rushcliffe is my latest 'cameo' shelf layout in 1/76 scale, 00 gauge. Just 1.2 x 0.3m with two fiddle yards, it is 3m in overall length. Join me in this video as we see trains shuffling around the scenic section and I describe the project and some of the signature elements that form the composition.
If you would like to commission your own layout design (and or build) then get in touch via my website: www.jameshilton...
More about the original design for Rushcliffe on my website here:
paxton-road.bl...

[@barneyleadhead2596]

Beautiful layout James and very evocative of the time when rationalisation still left gently decaying remains of a greater rail network rather than it being swept away wholesale without trace. The Peco bullhead track is quite impressive and shows how far RTR track has come when it has a look that at one time was only achievable by going the handmade route; I personally think that from your chosen viewing angle you couldn't tell if it was 16.5, 18.2 or 18.83mm gauge. Certainly the considered ballasting and details such as point rodding elevate the permanent way beyond it's RTR roots. Scale couplings look the part but offer their own challenges in operation, but having said that I'd probably live with the compromises on such a realistic scene. I have some North American HO scale and like you enjoy the look and operation of Kadee couplers but have yet to fit any to my UK or European outline stock. Trust the client will have many hours of enjoyment with this slice of personal history 🙂

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Barney, very kind and thoughtful observations. Glad you enjoyed the video, and yes, I am sure the customer will enjoy the layout for many years to come.

[@samuelives20]

Such a lovely layout; you can sense the story. So much to see. I'm sure your client will love it

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Sam - that is very kind. It's a strip backed sort of layout, another of my 'blank canvas' but with more than a hint of 70s rationalisation.

[@sleepyrider]

By coincicidence I found myself within a mile or so of here today so popped over for a quick look. Atrocious weather, but you've captured the atmosphere really well - even in the present day, it's a surprisingly desolate spot

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Wonderful, thank you, it’s good to know - I’ve only been around the area once a long time ago so was channelling old memories and more recent photographs.

[@chrisclegg7156]

Nice Layout, love the detail .

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Chris, that's very kind.

[@michaelhead2655]

James I have been following you for sometime ,are you going to publish a book regarding how your bases are constructed allowing the the fiddle stick or fiddle yard to emerge from the base of a basic 4ft x1ft construction. Yes being in my 70's I only use Imperial measurements.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Hello Michael, that is great, thank you and good to hear from you. I’m afraid I have no plans to do a ‘how to’ book, it is no more complicated than basic carpentry all achieved with PVA glue and a jigsaw. I do on occasion mix my units too, but tend to work in cm with the cameos as they usually work off IKEA stuff which is metric!

[@michaelhead2655]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Thanks for taking the time to reply. I am amazed by skill and wished I only had a part of your ability.

[@thepacerman]

i do like this, i want to make a layout like it now lol

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Glad to have inspired! Go for it! Good luck.

[@stevebrown6665]

Love it very inspiring 😊

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you Steve

[@chorlton4]

Lovely layout in scenic and composition terms, but the Peco Bullhead (?) track looks wrong somehow...its maybe as you have 1/76 models running on1/87 track gauge may have something to do with it

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Thank you for the kind words. In these shelf layout compositions I am inclined to disagree - the layout is viewed from eye level, side on in normal circumstances so the 'narrow gauge' of the track is less obvious - and the fidelity of the bullhead rail, perfect for the era of this layout, really visually lifts the track work.

[@steveNCB7754]

Very interesting, so taking notes. Have you ever investigated solutions to address the 'bouncing' exhibited by model rolling stock, when being propelled or shunted? Reviews often lionise models for their free-running capabilities, but especially on a Cameo or shunting layout, I think all that bouncing back and forth on the coupling, or shooting off after a failed coupling attempt, looks faintly ridiculous. Certainly not prototypical.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Steve - if it were my own, I'd probably be going with Kadee. Frankly totally unrealistic but so are tension locks - the benefit is relative ease of uncoupling, the ability to lift on and off the layout (no hooks and latches) and the massive reduction in slack, as you describe. I was thinking that for my 'one day' Industrial OO scheme I'd use Kadee with the pin cut off between wagons and 3 links on the loco connections.

[@user-pq2ed6yj4s]

Do you build O gauge layouts? I feel that O gauge is ideal for shunting when there is some weight in the wagons. It is a question of space though. It has to be big enough to be interesting to operate without being too large.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Bearing in mind my favourite layout in N was built in half the space, I’d say for O you’d need around 6ft minimum in length. Mind it always depends on what you want to achieve, what story you’re telling, what elements you enjoy of the craft and how much £££ and space you have. Layout design process is from £180, you can get in touch via my website if interested.

[@user-pq2ed6yj4s]

@@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways Is that six foot for the scenic section plus three foot for the fiddle yard? That is not too large for my space.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

It all depends on what you want. Design something that fits your space rather than what you want that doesn’t. This is all explored in my first book ‘small layout design handbook’ published by Wild Swan.