I managed to get my cakebox challenge published in BRM this month! I didn’t win but it was never about winning really. I just wanted to get a bit of work in a magazine, and since my layout is miles from completion I’ve managed to achieve my small feature! 🥳

This shot shows just how small the cakebox dioramas are!

team crane build almost complete. I love these tanks and I have put this build off a few times as my skill level just didn't seem good enough to finish the project. Let's face it, it's not like I can buy another if it went wrong.

Not many people will have seen one of these bad boys! I would class this as a super rare model in this form. This is a Doxford crane tank by Backwoods miniatures but converted into 009 gauge. I have seen a few of these models built in the intended P4 gauge, but never in 009. The prototypes were standard gauge but I wanted one for my 009 foundry/harbour layout. It has outside frames and cranks with an 0-4-0 wheel arrangement but instead of using the correct valve gear I used Roco HOe valve gears as the wheel base was good.

Just a bit of tidying up then lining and paint.

Star of the diorama was the crane tank, adapted to 009 from the Backwoods Miniatures kit.

BRM cake box challenge. Almost finished if I haven't already missed the deadline. Obviously based on the Doxford ship yard engine sheds, but in a narrow gauge setting. It has taken me sometime to get the locomotive built, as it was a particularly difficult build.

Lined and weathered. Just the cab and driver to go. Quite happy with this so far! It has @narrowplanet name plates that I had made up a few years ago. 'Trecrobben' is the Cornish name for 'Trencrom' which is a Stone Age hill fort that over looks Hayle harbour, were my layout is based.