I first saw the Chamatiago & Southern at the Liverpool exhibition in October 1998. when it was located very close to the Dutton Bay. I was immediately impressed with this beautiful little layout, which packed more railroading into its 2 x 1 metres than many would have thought possible. I was very pleased when, knowing the Steve was moving into On3, I discovered that the layout had been purchased by Mario Rapinett, and moved quite close to my home.

Let's listen to Mario's description:

What a brilliant layout, with its rugged slopes, deep gorges, high trestle bridges and a steep road leading into the town.

No I am not bragging, as the layout was originally constructed by Steve Pettit who resides in N.S.W.

I was fortunate enough to purchase the masterpiece, when he decided to model in On3.

The Early Days. 1998

The CHAMATIAGO & SOUTHERN is a freelance representation of the 3 foot railroads that struggled through the Colorado Rockies. It features Scratch built bridges, kit bashed rolling stock and structures. Track is Railcraft code 70 with Shinohara turnouts. All rockwork is precast plaster formed in moulds, then coloured to represent South Western Colorado. There are over 150 hand made trees on the layout using wire and rope.
Steve Pettit

Today. 2001

During the last 12 months, there has been a slight transformation of the layout. A new backdrop was added and additional small buildings placed where I could find some room. George Sellios once remarked that he thought many good layouts looked like ghost towns as they only had a few people placed here and there. I decided to bring the town alive with people, cars, trucks, animals and general junk items. I had to be careful not to overdo it. I have removed the odd item when I get some feedback from people at exhibitions. I always listen to what people have to say or suggestions they may have to improve the layout.

Add-on modules are currently being constructed, which comprise of a switching layout, based on Laurie Green's "Old Ophir", 600mm high trestle bridge module and scenery that extends to the floor.

There are plans to have a large area to depict a harbour scene using Fine Scale Minature Kits.

For further information on the layout refer to "Narrow Gauge Downunder" Winter/Spring 1999, or the Jan/Feb 2002 issue of "Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette".