News from your model shop - 19 March 2023

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The main focus or theme for a layout can have a significant effect on how the layout is planned and subsequently evolves.  Sometimes the landscape can be built around the track arrangement for the layout, whereas in other cases the local landscape can be instrumental in determining how the layout of the track will develop.  One example of the latter will be an 'Industrial' based theme such as a Colliery or Dockside.  Here the track configuration will inevitably blend with the local surroundings and the associated scene elements can have a determining factor on the development of the layout.  Industrial-based scenarios also have very specific scene elements that are integral to 'The look and feel' of a layout and in many cases may actively integrate with the operation of locomotives and rolling stock.  However the theme is developed, Industrial-based scenarios are inevitably very busy and have a wide variety of elements and significant visual impact.

Model manufacturers produce a significant variety of 'Industrial' based items in either ready-made or kit-based formats.  In many cases, the kits are often impressive buildings in and of themselves but can really bring a scene to life when integrated into a suitable layout.  The 'Grain Silos' and 'Electricity Substation' are typical examples of themed-based kits that add significant impact to a layout, whereas the 'Locomotive Depot' kit can be actively planned into the track configuration and offers a structure that the Locomotives operating on the layout can directly integrate with.  These three items are produced by Gaugemaster in kit form as part of their 'Fordhampton' range in OO/HO Gauge.



The 'Large Coaling Store' by Vollmer and the 'Loco Lifting Hoist' by Ratio are both good examples of Heavy Industry based kits that can directly integrate into the running of the layout.  The 'Lumber yard Span & Company' by Auhagen is also a good example of a separate Industry that may well rely on existing rail links in addition to road haulage for its business.  As such, its location in close proximity to the rail network means that it is a good option for a OO/HO Gauge modeller to integrate into an Industrial layout.



Having large Industrial infrastructure can be visually impressive for any layout but it will inevitably truly come to life when suitable figures or cameo sets are integrated into the scene.  Some figures can be highly specific, whereas others are versatile enough to use in a wide variety of scenarios.  The 'Mast Climber' and 'Workshop Equipment'  sets by Busch are good examples of the latter and are also indicative of the wide variety of figure and cameo sets available that can help populate a layout.  Equally versatile is the 'Workers in Protective Clothing' set by Preiser.  The six workers in this set would be equally at home in a wide variety of scenarios including any of the kits we have already seen so far.  These three sets are all available for modellers in OO/HO Gauge.



Heavy Industry themes can also easily be developed in N Gauge, which also has a large and varied selection of suitable kits for the N Gauge Modeller to choose from.  the 'Locomotive Coaling Tower' and 'Locomotive Servicing Depot' kits are both produced by Ratio.  Both are compact and visually impressive and will be good choices to enhance an Industrial theme.  As with many other manufacturers, Ratio actively seeks to support modellers across a range of Gauges and as such both these items, or near equivalents are also available in OO/HO Gauge.  Metcalfe has long been a name associated with detailed and high-quality card kits.  The Company covers an impressive range of subjects to suit all layouts and their 'Small Factory' would lend itself well to a wide variety of N Gauge Industrial settings.



Bringing our N Gauge Industrial layout to life is no problem as there is a wide and varied selection of supporting Figures and Cameo sets to choose from.  The 'Welder and Accessories' and 'Railway Construction Group' Figure Sets by Woodland Scenics and Noch respectively would both lend themselves well to a wide selection of Industrial themes.  Although many Industrial Zones are in close proximity to Urban centres, this is not the case with all Heavy Industries.  The 'Log Wagon and Horses' is an intriguing and visually appealing Figure Set that would be well suited to a Rural Scenario such as Forestry or Logging based activities.



A Heavy Industry themed layout can be a highly rewarding concept to develop and a visually stunning project to view.  For many modellers, the great selling point, in this case, is that many of the supportive scene elements are integral to the theme of the layout and as such can be directly incorporated into the running of the layout.  Many of the kits involved have sufficient appeal and interest value as items in their own right.  When they are incorporated into a suitable layout they add significant visual impact and can complement other similar scene elements in developing the overall theme.  Whether as a standalone project or as part of a suitable layout, why not consider a Heavy Industry scenario for your next project?

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