That’s 2025 almost behind us. (Thank goodness: What a year.)
As I look back on it, I have to admit I made a lot of progress on my various hobby interests – including, of course, my two layouts.
My 7mm scale Great Western Railway layout – Bydemill – went from barely started to substantially complete. I still have a couple of minor projects I want to tackle – some more equipment to build, a few little details to paint and place, and some minor upgrades to what I’ve done so far. But it’s 99 percent finished – closer than I’ve ever been to that mythic state within the hobby.
Bydemill certainly qualifies as an achievable layout. It remains a joy to operate: It’s interesting and runs well. Best of all, it has introduced me to some wonderful new friends in the hobby, and strengthened older friendships.
I also made great progress in 2025 on my Niagara St Catharines & Toronto Railway layout – significantly expanding it beyond the car barn scene. Track is in place, wired, and running – and I’ve started adding terrain around the roadbed to keep trains on the layout if/when they leave the tracks.
I’ll admit I’ve been stalled on it, a bit – mostly due to the scope of the project. I really need to add more landforms, so I can start paving streets. To do that, I must first install a backdrop (I have ideas for that) and then lighting (ditto). It’s all doable: It’s just a lot of work.
And I have a third and final phase of benchwork to build for it. I had been waffling on this – in part because I was unsure how I was going to light it – but recently I’ve figured out a way forward. So, I expect to make significant progress in the coming year. We shall see.
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I hope your hobby brings you joy and comfort in 2026. Best wishes for a productive and satisfying year.
The Model Railway Show 