OLD OAKFIELD STATION

As an individual with dexterity issues due to an accident and losing tendons in my hand, I always drop things through weak grip and need to really consider the right tools for the job. I would like to add some thoughts and encouragement to others in a similar predicament. My view is to challenge and adapt myself along with my inner learning curve. I would point out that this focus has taken time to evolve – and continues to update itself – to a point where confidence and success are more or less an expected outcome, but most things take a lengthy amount of time.

Resin buildings have come a long way but as the proprietary manufacturers are now offering early period rolling stock, it became necessary to create an early country station with an architectural Gothic influence. This allowed some creative licence and the model is reflected in a private line originally serving a large Gothic country ‘pile’, being eventually absorbed into the Midland Railway.

While my need was period-driven, it can be seen that almost any resin building can be adapted using creativity and patience. Taking onboard a vision of the finished model starting with a few sketches helps to reinforce a possible 'build map'. I tend to think in 3D all the way, from the ground to the roof. It was obvious that putting some proprietary products to the saw would be an easier and a more economical way forward. Some old photographs were used as a guide and simple sketches were made to assess the general cost. Broken resin buildings are readily available at low cost, and with careful surgery, the station building took shape. Additional parts such as the roof, chimney stacks, chimneys, vents and castellations were added using adapted detailing accessories.