Layout building fun, "daring" moments and ballast in BRM

When I spotted the Hornby Family Fun Project at its launch last year, I knew that there was an interesting Phil Project in the box.

My plan was to take the basic model to the next level using more advanced scenic techniques than those in the instructions. After a bit of badgering, Hornby sent me a box of goodies and over the Christmas period, I got stuck in.

The result is everything I'd hoped for. It's still a train set, but a really pretty train set, Everything I've done could be applied to an existing FFP too, so if you've finished yours, I've provided a few ideas to keep the fun going.

Celebrating Hornby's 100th birthday, my contribution includes this:

Yes, it's the guts of a Turbo Car. Originally called "Hornby's Maddest Moments", the more sensible heads in the office decided that my review of the companies more innovative products over the years should be "Hornby's Most Daring Moments". Never mind, the point is that Hornby do surprise us with off-the-wall ideas and that's what I love about them. It's alsoi where I spend my money. Guess who's got a Rocket set on order?

My camera has been out again, this time snapping the extension to Campbell's Quarry. Adding a shed gives John space to display his growing collection of locomotives. Personally, I don't understand having more locos than your layout needs...

Finally, I'm a wizard on our DVD.

Not really, I'm just wielding a paintbrush to show you how to ballast track. Someone asked me to do this at a show, so here we are. Everyone needs to ballast track after all.

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