New thoughts

While working on the wiring for Rospeath Lane I've been reflecting on what to do about Boscarne Junction. It has been a longstanding desire to construct a model of this junction, hence, all the information I've gathered over the years.

My thoughts started when I made the decision to scrap the idea of developing Heath End, and reorganise the Man Cave. In the reorganising I've created space for Rospeath Lane, Fiddlers Wharf, with the scenic boards of Trethedy Wharf, on display. So I started to wonder if there will be room for Boscarne Junction in the Man Cave?

The last plan for Boscarne Junction appeared at SolRail 2023. Though I really liked the scenic potential of this plan, the baseboard would be even more cumbersome than Rospeath Lane's. Especially in transporting to a show.

I'm approaching my 70th decade and I believe van hire will become more difficult. This would probably lead to the previous tack plan becoming a static model. Then because of some baseboards being difficult to manhandle along with the space it would take up in the Railway Room, it would be extremely difficult to erect Rospeath Lane prior to any show invites.

My previous plan for Boscarne Junction

So:

• Could it be designed to be an exhibition layout?
• What would the minimum number of operators required at an exhibition?
• Would it be possible to fit the layout in a car?
• Working to these constrains could I still create a reasonable representation of the junction?
• Could the baseboards be more manageable?
• Could a better design create more space to erect Rospeath Lane prior to a show without dismantling all or part of Boscarne Junction?. 
• Should I consider that eternal itch to build a late 1930s GWR banch line terminus rather then build Boscarne Junction?

While mulling over the above thoughts, I mentioned to Bob How that because of the reorganisation of the space I had, it was likely that I'd be satisfying an itch to build a GWR branch line terminus rather than Boscarne Junction. This would enable me to have all layouts, Rospeath Lane, Fiddlers Wharf in an operational state and a good section of Tredethy Wharf on display while building the BLT. He expressed disappointment and commented that many people have built GWR BLTs to a high standard. I replied it was only an idea and I'd give it more thought in a years time once Rospeath Lane was nearing completion.

His comment resonated with me, as I too would be disappointed not building Boscarne Junction. As Bob said, seeing GWR, SR and ex LSWR locos and stock all mixed on the same layout is enticing and one of the main reasons why I became interested in the junction. It would also be a shame if all the information I've gathered on Boscarne Junction along with The Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway would not be put to good use.

I believe the bare minimum number of operators required would be 2, so for a show four operators in two teams (at a push maybe three operators working in rotation). The split would be something like;

• One on the Wadebridge cassette board and running trains through the layout
• The second at the Bodmin end looking after both cassette boards.

The Jubilee Challenge has made me think in more detail about the cost to exhibition managers of inviting layouts. So instead of hiring a van which would still require a car for the additional operators, could a new design allow four operators along with the layout to be transported to shows in two cars?

Those are the criteria and the start of some meandering thoughts while I progress Rospeath Lane.