We worked in S scale (1:64 or 3/16" to the foot) which meant that we were able to use standard 16.5mm track for New Zealand's 3'6" gauge. Further a wide range of kits for locos and stock were available in this scale and we were able to take advantage of the dozens of scale drawings published by the New Zealand Model Railway Guild for track items and buildings.

 We set out to produce a layout which typified the New Zealand scene but needless to say our efforts were peppered by many mistakes and inaccuracies. The main problem was that we tried to incorporate too many features and gave ourselves a crowded layout and an operating nightmare. ( An English New Zealand layout!) Each of the features was interesting in itself but in reality one would need a room the size of a village hall to portray them accurately bearing in mind the vast open spaces that surround most New Zealand townships. We did make some alterations over the years however we were never really happy with it. Nevertheless we had great enjoyment constructing the layout and exhibiting it but two years ago we decided to retire it after the exhibition at Alexander Palace. It has now been modified beyond recognition and permanently installed in to Ian's workshop.

 To begin with, we were greatly relieved. Neither of us is getting any younger and we were finding it very exhausting humping the layout in and out of exhibition halls even with the sterling help that we got from our friends. Further, it needed a Transit size van to transport it. Fortunately the company for which I work has such vans and I can borrow them but as I am now in my seventies, I don't know how much longer I will continue to work and be able to take advantage of this facility.

 Needless to say, we gradually realised that we were missing the hubbub of the exhibition circuit. It is one thing to visit exhibitions as a punter but it is something quite different to be part of them and actively involved. Secondly we have been asked frequently when a new layout would materialise and be available for exhibitions. We have been doing some modeling demonstrations at several local exhibitions when various items of New Zealand buildings and stock were used to show the methods we have been using. Therefore, after much talk and soul searching we have decided that we will give it another go. 

 However things would have to be different this time. It would have to be much lighter so that two old men could handle it and capable of being transported in two cars to avoid the necessity of a van. It would have to be a simple track layout and DCC control.

 A year or two ago we saw an article in the New Zealand Model Railway Journal about a model of the Amberley limeworks which is situated alongside the South Island main trunk in the north of the South Island. This was before any suggestion of a new layout, but we thought it might be a good project for a diorama. With the help of our friends in New Zealand we obtained photographs and drawings and were on the verge of commencing construction. However as the idea of a new layout began to gel, we changed tack and wondered if the limeworks could be the main feature of the layout.

Further, we thought that it would be more interesting for the public and advantageous to ourselves if we had a through passing station. This would mean more movements, longer trains, little shunting and less operating problems. Therefore you will see from the plan that apart from the lime works we have a small (flag stop) station building, a goods shed and two railway staff houses. It also has the large open spaces so typical of the areas around small remote wayside stations, especially the area of the Canterbury Plains were Amberley limeworks was situated.

 One board has been constructed and work has commenced on the limeworks building. We will write a further article about the layout as time goes by but we are making no predictions about when the layout will be completed.

Watch this space.