Vietnam Narrow Gauge 1968

[Brian Elder]

What if the French used their ww1 narrow gauge stock in Vietnam during the 20s-50s, when they turned tail and the Americans moved in, they take over this narrow gauge line to win hearts and minds of locals who could use the railway to transport tobacco and rice and an easily maintained railway in South Vietnam, in a place called Nha Trang. Baldwin 2-6-2 and 2-6-0 locos, with Wickham armoured car for safety and a diesel railcar for passengers.

The 74cm x 60cm layout is called Nam '68. It has two halves, one with the town/city of Nha Trang, with sidewalk cafes, Honda repair shops, tobacco shops facing a small platform for the local passenger service.
There is access to a team track for goods etc and a small engine shed to do minor repairs to all running stock, as well as refuel them. On the other half of the layout the US base Camp is at the edge of the jungle between rice fields and the wetlands.
They have entrenched defences but are about to come under attack as the Tet Offensive kicks off on the 31st Jan 1968. NVA an VC troops are sneaking up on edge of base.

[Brian Elder]

Nha Trang - Honda repair shop. Will add motorbikes and people, signs, litter, posters street lamps, poles with cables etc, embed track into roads and turn area into a snapshot of the railway just on the edge of town.

[Robin Webster]

I like the whole idea of the layout. Hope to see more photos in the future.
Robin.

[Graeme Dunbar]

Yes, it looked good in the ScOONs Zoom call and I look forward to following its progress there.

[clayliner]

You're already generating a lot of atmosphere, Brian - all that street hustle and bustle most of us are only familiar with from all those Vietnam war movies. Looking forward to seeing it take shape.

David.

[Brian Elder]

Thanks for your kind comments, I'm surprised, as a relative newcomer to all things railway, especially narrow gauge, many firsts for me, at how well received this lil layout is. I am really enjoying watching the movies and documentaries surrounding this time, looking for ways to incorporate small scenes and cameos within this layout.
The jungle diorama will be tricky, but WWS fortunately have such a scenic kit, which will be used.
There is a Part 1 video on my YT channel, The Angels Share Model Railways, if you wish to get a more comprehensive look at what's going on.

[Brian Elder]

more progress on the scenery, finding the jungle part difficult to look convincing, adding more details as I go.

[Peter Boulter]

The jungle scenery looks pretty convincing to me, but I do wonder if perhaps the track is a bit too neat and clean. A bit of grass in the ballast might be appropriate. But other than that I think it's coming on really well.

[Brian Elder]

The jungle scenery looks pretty convincing to me, but I do wonder if perhaps the track is a bit too neat and clean. A bit of grass in the ballast might be appropriate. But other than that I think it's coming on really well.

Yes, I was thinking something like that, maybe pop some 2mm static in that space. Thanks Peter, will post update on that asap.

[Ian McAulay]

Hi Brian

It's really come on since you showed it to the ScOONs group - looking good!

Ian

[Brian Elder]

Hi Brian

It's really come on since you showed it to the ScOONs group - looking good!

Ian

Thanks Ian, I'm enjoying working on it. Fortunately there are a couple of Vietnam Army Vets in one of the Facebook groups I'm on, he sent some cool pics for reference. It's starting to come together, nice to see ideas develop and grow.

[John Galbraith]

Brian, looking really good