Windmill Terminal
Paul Rolley’s masterclass in using simple techniques to create something that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
Paul Rolley describes ‘Windmill Terminal’ as a “very simple layout”, but I’m not buying it… How can a model railway that’s as beautifully realised as this be considered simple? And yet, as Paul reveals his method, I’m forced to backtrack - his modesty is well founded. The model represents the chemical plant in Barry, South Wales, and is arguably one of the most realistic modern image layouts you’re likely to see. It’s also proof that realism doesn’t have to involve pinpoint accuracy and complicated modelling methods.
COPYCAT MODELLER
Paul is adamant that if you’re striving for model making simplicity, the best place to start is by building a prototypical location: “It’s easier to model a real place,” he says. “You can go out and take hundreds of photographs - you just can’t beat first-hand experience and your own photographic reference.” And if you choose to model a building or location that’s nearby, you have the opportunity of visiting whenever you need to check something. Luckily for Paul, he passes the chemical plant on his way to work, so sourcing images and maintaining the inspiration was never a problem. Even the panoramic back-scene is a photograph of the real backdrop. “It was taken on a Sunday morning,” says Paul. “I took about 20 photographs, each overlapping by about 20% so as not to miss anything out.” If you’re wondering what vantage point he used to capture such imagery, Paul clambered atop his van. In the interests of safety, Model Rail advises you not to do that!
LOW STOCK
The realistic nature of the layout does mean that Paul’s choice of stock is limited if he is to run the layout prototypically. “As per the real location, the whole
I MADE NO ATTEMPT WHATSOVER TO CREATE A REALISTIC CHEMICAL PLANT. THE LAYOUT’S OBJECTIVE IS TO RETAIN A VIEWER’S ATTENTION FOR THREE TO FOUR MINUTES
layout operates on the premise that only one train runs per day, and it’s a container train,” explains Paul. “Because of this, some people may find it slightly lacking in terms of action.” But thanks to the explosion of micro layouts on the exhibition circuit, layouts which feature only one or two forms of motive power are now commonplace, and besides, ‘Windmill Terminal’s’ charm is in its scenery, which includes that stunning chemical plant centrepiece. The container train itself is either a Class 66 or Class 60 in EWS livery. As shown in the photographs, the
layout used to accommodate a shunting locomotive, either a Sentinel 0-4-0DM, ‘09’ or ‘08’. However, the real terminal has since tasked the main line locomotive with shunting duties, and Paul has followed suit.
ODDBALL
Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed a small Trackmobile railcar mover. It’s an ‘HO’ Broadway Limited model, with a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway emblem. At one time, a Trackmobile unit did operate at the chemical plant, and Paul still uses it today to add variety. “It’s DCC fitted,” says Paul. “But it’s too small for me to install a ‘stay alive’ unit inside, so it has to shunt at speed when clearing the crossing.” Paul has faithfully recreated ‘66’ 66050 EWS Energy, and was lucky enough to get within feet of the prototype to source imagery. He explains: “For the train to reach the container terminal, it has to cross several public highways, so the locomotive runs right across the streets - something you often see in America. Because of this, I was able to shoot and snap some excellent video and photography.”