Thinking big

Further to the comments from the previous post. I think what I was trying to say somewhere in there (I can thank my chosen profession for a crap short term memory I think) is something along the lines of the following;

When we chose to build a layout we tend to pick an area that we would like to model based on the types of train running, the location or area itself, or because of a family attachment to the area (or a mix of all 3). Therefor to model that particular area we then choose scenes that indicate where it is in the country (west coast bush, rolling hills, plains etc). The problem for me then becomes that by altering other things to do with the area it then becomes not quite correct as a model. Maybe its a problem that I have, or maybe I just get tired of smart arsed comments from other people which really hose me off for some odd reason (odd because I'm normally thicker skinned than that).

Taking one of the examples from yesterday. I really like the Greymouth waterfront, but I don't like how a layout would turn out with the main station. then there's the Cobden bridge which means that you could model the railway up to Rapahoe/Rewanui (which has pitfalls of its own being such a famous site). (Actually, I think I might have just cracked a way of doing this, so I'll have a bit of a rethink on the whole thing)

Likewise the Southland branchlines. I like the triangular layout of the Invercargil/Gorre/Lumsden arrangement, with short branchlines off every leg, plus the line up to Kingston. however to model something like this would be a massive undertaking and require a large area.

Another Area I had considered was the Wellington suburban area. if modelled in 1954/55 you could have the electrics with the last vestige of steam still running. at that time every second station had a yard, then there would be the added attraction of the run up to summit which would mean that you would then have to model Cross Creek as well. throw in the J'ville line and of course Paikakariki (which is a great end station from either direction).

This is starting to think quite big isn't it....