Kelso Creek is the latest in a number of micro-layouts I have built over the years and the first in Gn15 (1:24th). The accepted size of a micro is 4 sq. ft. or less and Kelso Creek is only the size of two A4 sheets of paper placed end to end.

Photographs © Terry Allen

This was built originally to attend the Wealden Groups A3 size layout Exhibition in 2003 but unfortunately I could not get there.

The layout represents a small - some say very small - part of a quarry with track on three levels and includes a working incline, a working tipper and small workshop area. The incline forms the back of the layout and gives the layout height as well as some perceived depth! The track is Peco O-16.5mm narrow gauge track on the incline and Peco code 75 standard OO/HO track on the rest of the layout where the sleepers can be hidden.

The point on the middle level is a medium radius one to allow room for the workshop on the lower level, as a prototypical point just would not have worked!! The lower point is a small Y point and is ideal for the sharp curves needed.

Scenic detail is also important in this scale as everything is so much larger than OO or even O. A lot still has to be done but the rock face and dressed stone came from a Doll’s House Manufacturer, the corrugated iron on the building came from Deltek Hobbies and the small details due to be fitted soon come from a wide variety of dealers in 1:24th model cars.

Locos and rolling stock are mainly Sidelines with the odd scratchbuilt one or two Peco 0-16.5 mm wagons, Gnomy tippers fitted with Sidelines chassis and Fleischmann “Magic Train” tippers.

Kelso Creek - just two sheets of A4 paper

Figures are from a variety of sources including Supply Line Minatures, Fujimi, Italeri, Chimneyville and Flintstones(!-Ed) and are often found in model car shops under Accessories.

Vehicles are 1:24th die-cast or plastic and come from a wide variety sources including Motor Max, Ertl, Revell and Tamiya.

For such a small layout, a lot still has to be done. The small scenic details and cameos need to be added and the whole lot needs to be weathered.