After a few more experiments, it turns out to be very easy to convert this free data to a 3d printable terrain model, as well as to cutout diagrams for foam sheets representing selected contours for scenery construction. 

One challenge With a layout like Blea Moor is getting the very well-known  terrain just right.  Contour maps are the obvious source of data, but there is a UK government website with free-to-download 1m and 2m resolution aerial LIDAR (laser-radar) data covering much of the UK. 

The picture shows the north end of the Ribblehead viaduct approaching Blea Moor, plotted in Excel. 

This has potential, so more to come!

https://environment.data.gov.uk/ds/survey/index.jsp#/survey

The baseboards for Blea Moor have now been built, as an arc of 4 boards following the 1-mile radius curve of the track in this area.  Viewing is from the outside of the curve, with an outside length of 6.5m or 21.5 feet.

Most of the trains on Sarum Bridge were 3D printed models, bought from Shapeways.com from other modeller's designs, and have served their purpose well.  The buildings on that layout are just simple printed paper designs wrapped around wooden shapes, with styrene L-girders and strips to provide some essential roof detail, and are not really satisfactory. 

It was plain that any future modelling efforts would require extensive use of 3D printing, and to my own designs....

I have been planning to start building a new exhibition layout for over a year now, but have found it very hard to decide what to model. 

I eventually settled on the Blea Moor to Ribblehead section of the famous Settle and Carlisle line, done to about 90% of true scale.

This website and my model-making have been largely inactive for the last three years.  Since I now have several new projects under way, it is time to bring the site back to life. The home page has been restructured as a blog, and I hope to post something of interest every one or two weeks, obviously depending on what has been happening.  

The main topics to be covered in the forseeable future are:
- a new T gauge exhibition layout (Blea Moor and Ribblehead),
- more experiments in working linear motor roads and accessories,
- my first stumbling steps into 3D printing.

For now, reader comments are enabled on all posts.  Let's see what happens.