The world is full of enticing railroads to ride. One day I hope my son and I will share:

When modelling the prototype, we distort reality to meet the constraints of our environment.

On the South Pacific lines we try out unconventional or innovative materials, while using traditional approaches where reliability might otherwise be at risk.

steel framing

In 2007 I entered a Model Railroader track planning competiton with The Exhibitor’s Layout. It was avariant of the thinking behind Port Bonifacio. It didn't rate.

If some of this seems a bit blunt, sorry, but it is better to make this stuff clear and avoid any misunderstandings.

To answer some of the most common questions:

Roles of people visiting/using the layouts, with rules and levels of certification for each role.

If some of this seems a bit blunt, sorry, but it is better to make this stuff clear and avoid any future misunderstandings.

1. We do it my way. My money, my house, my vision. That said, I intend to be consultative, but once I’ve heard ideas and opinions, it’s my call.
2. Safety first. Leave mains voltages to me. Use eye protection. Power and paint tools are for approved users only. Drink in moderation.
3. Everything is at your own risk.

1. All crew must have fun – it’s compulsory
2. All crew deserve respect: opinions will be solicited and heard, opportunities shared, courtesy shown.
3. We all have to learn some time. We will all help each other learn, so everyone gets a go at some point if they want to. (Just try not to learn on some highly visible scenic detail or a craftsman structure kit or a collectors’ piece carriage, OK?)

Principles behind especially the HO Port Bonifacio layout, in descending order of importance:

Reliable
This is the foundation principle. SPL needs to work flawlessly, or as close as we can get. “Like a Swiss watch”. Operating is no fun if things go wrong, nor is just showing off our work to visitors. I have no patience for things that don’t work. Personally, getting things smooth does not give me great pleasure for its own sake, but failing to do so destroys the pleasure I get from the next four principles:

Usable