I've got a raod with a row of half relief terrace houses in front of my backscene, road bridge at each end "disguise" the track vanishing rather than a tunnel.

Any chance of them all going for a short holiday?

"Continuing with our plans", Lady Penelope begins, her voice filled with excitement, "I have a few more ideas for us to keep in mind that could create magical moments for Giles and Eli.

"Firstly, a snowy walk. Imagine them strolling through the castle grounds blanketed in fresh snow. The soft crunch of their boots on the snow, the gentle glow of the moonlight, and the quiet serenity of the night could provide a perfect setting for a heart-to-heart conversation."

"That sounds delightful, Penny", Lord Trevelver agrees, picturing the moonlit scene. That's easy enough to organise."

"Next, Christmas Caroling. They could join the rest of the castle inhabitants for our traditional Christmas Eve Carol Service in Saint Petroc's chapel. The shared joy of singing timeless Christmas tunes could bring them closer."

"A wonderful tradition, indeed", Huw adds, his voice filled with nostalgia.

"Then, a gift exchange. A secret gift exchange could be arranged where Giles and Eli end up being giving each other a present. The thought and care put into choosing the perfect gift for each other could reveal their feelings for each other."

"An excellent idea, Penny", Lord Trevelver responds, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Furthermore, cooking together."

"Indeed, Lady Penelope", Huw responds, his voice filled with anticipation. "The idea of cooking together is an excellent one. They could spend time in the castle kitchen, baking Christmas delights or even helping to prepare a festive meal. The act of creating something tasty together could indeed strengthen their bond."

He pauses for a moment, then continues, "I will discuss this with Gwendolyn; as the Castle's Housekeeper, my wife is quite at home in the kitchen and has a knack for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I'm sure she would be more than willing to assist Giles and Eli in their culinary adventure. This could indeed be a wonderful opportunity for them to bond over shared tasks and the joy of creating something delicious together." His voice, filled with warmth and certainty, echoes softly in the room, a testament to their shared anticipation of the plan's unfolding.

"To avoid any complications, Huw, please ask Gwendolyn to get Madern Pennec's agreement first. You know how touchy chef can be!"

"Definitely, Lady Penelope", Huw responds, nodding in agreement. "Gwendolyn will indeed need to coordinate with our esteemed chef. Madern Pennec's culinary expertise and understanding of the kitchen's workings will be invaluable in this endeavor. I'm sure he would be more than willing to assist Giles and Eli in their culinary adventure, perhaps even imparting a few of his secret seasonal Breton recipes, especially to a fellow Breton. This could indeed be a wonderful opportunity for them to bond over shared tasks and the joy of creating something delicious together." His voice, filled with warmth and certainty, echoes softly in the room, a testament to their shared anticipation of the plan's unfolding.

"Thank you, Huw. Please also convey my thanks to your wife and Madern. Now, to watching the sunrise. Giles and Eli could watch the sunrise together from the Owl Tower, sipping on hot cocoa and wrapped in warm blankets. The beauty of the moment could spark deeper feelings."

"A truly magical moment, Penny", Lord Trevelver acknowledges, his voice filled with admiration.

"And finally, ice skating. An afternoon spent ice skating on the frozen pond in the castle grounds could lead to many shared laughs and tender moments."

"That sounds like a lot of fun", Huw responds, his voice filled with excitement.

"Indeed, these moments could create a magical Christmas for Giles and Eli", Lady Penelope concludes, her voice filled with hope.

"Let's make this a Christmas to remember." Her husband's words echo in the room, a promise of the enchanting festivities to come.

"But as always, Charles", Lady Penelope continues, her tone serious yet gentle. We will respect their choices and their pace. We'll offer our support and understanding, as we have always done. After all, matters of the heart cannot be rushed. They must unfold in their own time, in their own way."

"You're right, Penny", Lord Trevelver agrees, his voice filled with understanding. "We can only do our best and provide our support."

"Yes, indeed, my dear," Lady Penelope concludes, her voice filled with wisdom. "As we sit here finalising our plans, I am reminded of how important it is to understand that, with wisdom and grace, we must allow love to develop naturally." Her words echo in the room, a testament to their shared understanding and respect for the delicate nature of love.

I agree, if the landscape allows cuttings e.g. @Nbodger layout 'Hillsden' but my plan and size of layout doesn't let me do that. What really bugs me is the number of show layouts I see with trains just disappearing through a hole in the backscene with little or no attempt to disguise it

Yes that's my point mick, just have a cutting with trees on both sides, that's what I have done on my high level track on the right side, the lower track I have a station based on the old Heywood station.
Chris H.

Quote from: lil chris on Today at 02:09:35 PMWhy are us railway modellers paranoid about having  curves at each end of our layouts, covering them with tunnels etc. so pleased now I only have tunnels at one end of my layout.
Chris H.

Those of us who model 'roundy roundy' layouts have to have their trains coming from 'Somewhere' and going to 'Elsewhere' and are generally limited for space so we hide each end

I have just watched a couple of railway videos ie "The very best of UK steam trains on the mainline in 2023/ part 1 and part 2. Very good too!. So many of the shots are the locos coming round corners at the beginning of the shot. Why are us railway modellers paranoid about having  curves at each end of our layouts, covering them with tunnels etc. so pleased now I only have tunnels at one end of my layout.
Chris H.

Quote from: woodbury22uk on Today at 07:36:06 AMTom is in the middle of a house move I think. I am still unpacking from my last move in 1996 so understand there maybe a gap in website articles.

Yes I definitely remember him saying he was moving house, so presumably that takes priority over N gauge for now. No doubt he will be back for the Farish announcement next month

Tom is in the middle of a house move I think. I am still unpacking from my last move in 1996 so understand there maybe a gap in website articles.

"Then there's the enchanting prospect of a torchlit sleigh ride for two, Huw", Lady Penelope continues, her large brown eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Let's arrange it for a moonlit night when the castle grounds are blanketed in a fresh layer of snow, each flake a unique masterpiece. They'll huddle under thick furs, their breaths visible in the frosty air, creating small clouds that disappear as quickly as they form. The horses, their breath misting in the cold, will pull them through the silent woods beyond the castle, their hooves crunching in the snow. I'll whisper to the snowflakes, urging them to weave a love story in the air."

"That sounds quite magical, Lady Penelope," Huw responds, his voice filled with admiration for her imaginative plan.

"You'll have everything ready, Huw?"

"Certainly, Lady Penelope", Huw responds, his voice echoing the warmth of the room. "The sleigh you're referring to is a vintage piece, a beautiful testament to the castle's rich history. It's been meticulously maintained over the years, its polished mahogany surface gleaming under the soft glow of the lanterns. The padded velvet seats are as comfortable as ever, promising a cosy ride through the snowy landscape."

"Very good, Huw."

"The sleigh is currently housed in the old carriage house, a stone's throw away from the castle courtyard. It's nestled amidst other carriages and vintage vehicles, each with its own story to tell. The carriage house, though not frequently visited, is well-kept, ensuring the preservation of these historical pieces."

"And its condition, Huw?"

"As for the condition of the sleigh, rest assured, Lord Trevelver, it's in excellent shape. The runners are smooth and well-oiled, promising a swift, silent glide over the snow. The reins, too, are sturdy, ready to guide the horses through the castle grounds."

"Very good, Huw."

"In preparation for the torchlit sleigh ride, I'll ensure that the sleigh is brought out, cleaned, and prepared. The furs will be aired, the pine twig torches made ready in their holders, and the head gamekeeper will check the path for the ride for any obstacles. Jonas Cares knows every inch of the castle grounds. I'll speak with the stable hands to have the horses ready as well."

"Excellent, Huw. Jonas knows the grounds as well as you and Gwendolyn know this castle. As always, you have thought of everything."

"Thank you, Lady Trevelver. I believe the sleigh ride under the moonlit sky will indeed be a magical experience for Giles and Eli. The castle grounds, blanketed in snow, will provide a breathtaking backdrop for their ride. And who knows, the magic of the ride might just be the catalyst for the spark we're hoping to kindle between them." His voice, filled with anticipation and hope, fades into the crackling of the log fire, leaving behind a sense of excitement for the magical moments to come.

"And, finally, the castle Clock Tower," Lady Penelope continues, her voice echoing in the room. "At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, you and I will lead them to the top, Charles. The ancient gears will turn, counting down the seconds, their rhythmic ticking a reminder of the fleeting nature of time. They'll stand, side by side, on the balcony, overlooking the snow-kissed landscape bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. As the castle clock strikes midnight, marking the beginning of the New Year, they could share a special moment, making wishes and setting intentions for the year ahead. We'll ask them to raise their glasses of champagne, toasting to new beginnings and forever afters."

"That's an excellent suggestion, Penny", Lord Trevelver agrees, his voice filled with pride. I believe Giles and Eli will appreciate these thoughtful gestures. It's all in the spirit of love and new beginnings."

"Yes, Charles", Lady Penelope responds, her voice filled with hope. "Let's hope that the magic of Christmas, along with the warmth and familiarity of their friendship, will kindle that final vital spark between Giles and Eli. I believe they are made for each other, and I hope that this Christmas, they might finally see that too."

"That's a beautiful sentiment, my dear", Lord Trevelver acknowledges, his voice filled with the deepest affection.