Catcott Burtle

Builder: Chris Nevard Issue it appeared in: MR125 December 2008 Chosen by: Nick Brodrick, Editor, Steam Railway

This diminutive yet spacious creation of a Somerset branch line can only be the work of an artist. Perhaps even a genius. It captures a gentle pace of life. Big skies and ‘flat’ terrain are immediately recognisable, punctuated by a subtle use of Southern Railway concrete and Somerset & Dorset paraphernalia that gives the layout a strong sense of belonging. You can almost hear the rustle of leaves in the wind and the call of curlews. Colour, texture and depth of field are all critical elements to the success of ‘Catcott’. And being an accomplished photographer, Chris knows how to shape the landscape to create a harmonious scene, which then makes for effective pictures. It’s like a 3D Ivo Peters photograph – I can think of no higher praise than that.