In praise of the odd-ball

16mm layout
Originally uploaded by Phil_Parker.

At our show I find myself chatting to the operator of a 16mm layout.

The larger narrow gauges aren’t often represented at indoor shows. Most people consider that they are suitable for the garden only. I think this photo shows that properly done, you can use the size to make an attractive model.

The layout itself is pretty basic. On a 4ft square board there is a single circuit that forma figure of eight looping over itself. The train trundles around, disappears from view in a tunnel and re-appears at a higher level, spiralling down to start again. A loop and single siding allow a little bit of operation but not much. Basically this is a watch the trains go by model. The builder obviously enjoys making mine locomotives as he has a couple of spares over the bare minimum required.

Scenery is slate, either in cliff of rubble form. There is a hut and a basic bridge but not a lot else. Despite this I liked the model. It’s a good example of something created by a modeller who likes modelling. He likes the process of putting things together and pitching his skill against a dream.

I wonder what other people think of it. Many will be happy to walk away from the show with some new Hornby or Bachmann product that they will place in a cupboard to be used “one day”. Some will go home enthused clutching purchases and planning to “do” the train set. Many won’t see anything in this little model. It’s too remote from what they want to make. The idea of building absolutely everything is alien. Surely they will argue, you have to buy something.

Worse are those who think it is stupid to build a model you want when you could just buy a new “thing”. They will complain that this isn’t what they want to see at an exhibition, why can’t there be a layout made entirely of bought items ? The argument runs, “We must show the beginners what they can do without any skill”. Skill in this instance being considered a mysterious power that only the high priests of the hobby possess.

To this last group I say, “What about me ?”. I posses the magical power of “skill”. Not nearly as much as I would like but some. I want to see models that inspire me. I want to go to a show and see a model and think, “I would like to make that.” With the emphasis on “make” and not “own”.

As a hobby we need odd-ball layouts that take us away from the main line and into interesting byways. It’s like a diet – if all you ate was McBurgers you wouldn’t die but like would be terribly bland. This might not be a hobby marked by heady excitement but at least we deserve some variety.