Parkside was my first ‘proper’ layout. It took me quite a while to make and it was always very much trial and error. I had been detailing and repainting diesel locomotives for some time, but it was not until we moved to a slightly larger home that work was started on the baseboards. I really struggled to get to grips with the electrics although the scenic and making buildings came very easily to me. At this time any thoughts of exhibiting were at least 10 years away.

We had Parkside East for 15 years but after this length of time it was showing its age and the decision was taken to scrap it and retrieve as much as possible for another layout.

This layout has appeared in RAILWAY MODELLER. (January 2000 I believe)