I have been 'out of commission' for some time, mainly due to work and trying to get two 7.25 inch gauge 'Terriers' completed, but I just wanted to congratulate all the founder members of this site for producing such a constructive undertaking. It is so nice today to see members giving their spare time freely on these historical projects. Because that is what they are - the careful research that goes into these routes makes them just as valuable as the photographic records. 'A moment in time' is captured in four dimensions!
I am still progressing in my amateurish way with the Vale of Glamorgan Railway from Barry to Bridgend where it joins the main South Wales Railway and is still in use, and the Cowbridge Railway from Pleasant Harbour (East Aberthaw) to the main line at Llantrisant. These Welsh valley lines make excellent projects and really do serve as historic records, as the collieries are now long gone.
What I love about this site is that although my attempts are amateurish compared with you serious modellers, if I have had any problems, I have either found the answers somewhere on the site, or there has always been someone who is prepared to give personal help; and in a world where time has become so precious I really appreciate the fact that there are still those generous enough to spare time to the lowliest individual.
I work as a cleaner on the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh when I have time, and it was so good to see that it was being modelled, and so expertly that I though I was there when I positioned myself in the engine shed! I could not believe how fast the route was being modelled. It has taken me years to get as far as I have, but nevertheless it has been very educational and interesting, using Google Earth as the main tool for planning the routes.
I thank you all for your generosity and especially those like 'Nobkins' and others who have provided videos which are so helpful to understanding construction techniques and getting objects into the simulator.
Please keep up the good work!
Terrier 0-6-0