Bedford Hitchin Branch

[passedcleaner]

The overwhelming generosity of many routebuilders in this community continues to amaze me. I'd pay for this route, no second thoughts

Seb

[NiallGray]

It's not my era when it comes to MSTS, but I have to compliment you on the fantastic work you've done on scenery placement.

Far better than anything I could ever do.

Keep up the good work, I'm sure this route will be very popular.

[doodah]

Hiya, just wondered if you had another progress report for us, please?

[charles9malcolm]

Hi all,

To be honest progress has been slow of late and there isn't much to report. Mostly I have been making buildings and other statics which is hugely time consuming and has become a bit of a chore. Here are some of my efforts:

Bedford Engine shed and the shell that remains.



Bedford Good shed, still in good nic



I have now completed scenery placement pretty much all the way from Bedford St Johns to the outskirts of Hitchin. Here's a few shots of the location on the route which haven't been seen before.

Along the ECML, the branch curves off to the left.


Level crossing and Mill at Ickleford - Thanks go to Phil Baines for the brilliant allotments.


Bedford bound train coasting along side the ECML


A trip goods crossing the Bletchley-Cambridge line at Bedford.


I don't know when it will be finished; it will be done when it’s done!

Cheers All!

[slipperman12]

Hi Charles,
It's looking very good! I love the shot passing the allotments - very rural.

Regards,
Ged

[dee4141]

Brilliant work,Charles.

[charles9malcolm]

I forgot to mention...Activities!

I've started jotting down some ideas and obtaining stock from authors who are happy to their models redistributed in an Activity Pack. I'm planning about a dozen in all. Given the speed of progress with the route it’s very likely the route will be released first and the Activity Pack will follow later.

Charles

[douglee]

Hi Charles,

Given the speed of progress with the route it’s very likely the route will be released first and the Activity Pack will follow later.

MY personal opinion only.

Release a Limited Stock and Activity Pack with the route to encourage activity writers from the start. Then possibly add a more comprehensive pack later. This method should prevent a rash of activities using all and any stock from writers existing Trainsets. As well as allowing route users to "Play" straight away.

Your ideas may well be different.

Good luck
Doug

[charles9malcolm]

Hmm, I see you point Doug. I guess a basic activity pack is worth doing for release at the same time as the route. Especially when you consider the quality of other route/activity releases at the moment (Highworth and Kingsbridge for example).

[rfletcher72]

Really looking forward to this route - it certainly looks the bees knees

[douglee]

Hi Charles,

Especially when you consider the quality of other route/activity releases at the moment (Highworth and Kingsbridge for example).

Thank you for considering my opinion.
Yes, and when you consider how long we 'willingly' waited for Highworth. I don't think you have much to worry about regarding release date.

Best make it right first.

Good luck
Doug

[barrybryce01475]

Looks lovely!

[charles9malcolm]

A few screenshots from Hitchin Station and TMD. I know the stock isn't historically accurate, but you can see how it’s coming together.

Charles

[dee4141]

Brilliant work Charles, this route just gets better.

[douglee]

Hi Charles,
With detail like this, Who needs a Model Railway?

Fantistic!

Good luck
Doug