Planning Ahead….

[Patrick Davey]

I’ve been doing something dangerous - thinking  

So I currently have two active layouts, both fictional and both GNR-based: Brookhall Mill & Clogherhead.  BHM is now nearing the end of its service because I am well and truly in the DCC fold and would need to adjust the wiring on BHM to make it fully DCC compatible.  CHD was my first foray into the world of DCC and I’m still very much enjoying the layout, and my next IRM arrivals will fit in nicely - Park Royals and a Hunslet in original livery. 

Brookhall Mill (2020-22)

Clogherhead (2023-24)

As I have hinted before, I would like to do a re-run of my previous Capecastle diorama, which was dismantled to make way for BHM, and the wheel is about to turn full circle because I have decided to retire BHM to make space for a revived Capecastle.  Then, next year, CHD will be retired to make space for a brand new project.

Unfortunately, I do not have space for multiple projects to be operational at the same time.

Capecastle Diorama (2019)

Here’s the proposed timeline:

July 2025: BHM will relocated from the ‘railway room’ to an outbuilding (not used during the summer) where I will have a few final running sessions prior to retirement.  This will create space in the railway room for work to begin on Capecastle 2 (CC2).  

August 2025: CC2 should be completed, and might even make it out onto the exhibition circuit during late 2025 and into 2026….. look out for the new thread about the CC2 project, which will see me exploring new horizons!  CHD will most likely remain housebound, as the main baseboard is probably too heavy now to move.  That’s a pity, because I think it might be well received at exhibitions.   I will also begin the conversion of my remaining DC motive power to DCC, so it can all run on CHD.

September 2025 - June 2026: CC2 & CHD will be enjoyed!

July 2026: CHD will be retired to create space for a brand new and much more ambitious GNR(I) project, ‘Killylea’. This will be a departure from my usual ‘shunting’-type projects as it will be a continuous run layout and very definitely intended for the exhibition circuit.  By that stage, all my GNR motive power should be DCC-enabled, so I will have plenty of very suitable stock to run.  But more about that in the future!

***

Meanwhile, Mr. Weaver will be enjoying his well-earned retirement in Blackstaff Cottage. 

Blackstaff Cottage (2025)

Edited Sunday at 15:30 by Patrick Davey

[Mol_PMB]

That's an impressive and ambition programme!

I keep thinking I need to stop detailing wagons and start building baseboards and track.

[Northroader]

Sorry to see Brookhall Mill go, I think it appealed to me for its compact nature, and also you captured a very GNR look to the scene. Also admire your confidence of setting a timetable for your modelling, and on your capable output it looks quite achievable. NCC narrow gauge here we come!

[Patrick Davey]

Pleased to report that BHM has been successfully relocated to the outbuilding, and remains fully operational

[Metrovik]

Nice to know I got to see it before it's retirement....