Cwmdu 3’x2’

This layout was an itch that just had to be scratched. It had been floating around in my head for a couple of years before I actually got round to building it. The idea of Cwmdu is that you cannot see the entire layout from one view point which is achieved by clever composition and forced perspective. Subtle lighting and a smoke unit help complete the illusion.

Cwmdu has been exhibited at many shows all over the country and was featured in the February 2000 Railway Modeller.

All photos by Len Weal, PECO Studios

In the background of this shot you can see the miners digging away. By using smaller figures and narrowing the tunnel, the illusion of perspective is created.

A mine loco takes its train of wagons to the lift. The loco is a Nonneminstre kit on a Tenshodo motor bogie.
Repairing the old stables (made from heavily weathered Balsa wood), Figures are by Pheonix. The grain of wheat bulbs are wired to the track feed giving a nice dim glare. Weathered rose bush stems are used to represent the old timbers.