Rethink on layout transportation

Well... less than 12 weeks before the layout’s next outing and I've decided to dismantle the two end boards. This task has been on the "to do" list since returning from Scaleforum 2018 when it came back with a few trees damaged due to problems fitting the layout in my car. For the short trip to the subsequent Immingham show I was able to borrow a neighbour’s trailer. Not wishing to push my luck with the neighbour, I've decided it's about time I adapted the layout to be able to transport all of Tredethy Wharf safely in the car.

My plan is to complete two layout transportation objectives before the Caistor Show in October.

1. I need to reduce the space needed to transport the end boards which will then create the space required for all of the layout to fit in my car much easier.
2. Build a transport box for each scenic section. One box should be strong enough to stand on (more about why later).

Stage one of the reconstruction is to take off the scenic break ends of the end/fiddle boards. These will be reused and adapted so they can be bolted on to the boards and still act as supports for the lighting pellet.

New "Man Cave"

In a previous post I alluded to a building project that will have an affect on my modelling hobbies. This was the building of an extension between the house and garage (Man Cave) creating a small study and a passageway through to the garage. This project also included stealing a good seven foot off the length of my "Man Cave" for a downstairs shower room and toilet. Even though I've lost space I now have direct access to the "Cave" from the house.

• No more venturing outside in the dark and cold winter evenings.
• No more worrying about security while opening the door that gave access from the street. This door is now firmly bolted.
• No more having to boost the temperature with an electric fan heater during the cooler evenings as it now has a radiator running off the house central heating.

All in all, losing seven foot off the length of the room along with having access direct from the house has enabled me to create a more cosy welcoming space in which to while away the evenings. The only down side is that, due to the reduced space, it would seem my proposed Grogley Junction project is now "dead in the water".

I'm still getting use to the new room and sorting through all the stuff I've collected over the years but it's coming together nicely.