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Arthurian Challenge – Sir Lamiel’s 777 Quest

A Scale7 Micro Layout Challenge


Scala Septem Sancti Graalis

Sir Lamiel was just a bit-part in the annals of Arthurian Legend; he didn’t even get his own Quest. A Cardiff-born knight, little is written of his back story. Many of you will know of him as Urie King Arthur class, Sir Lamiel, No.777. Hence he is the mascot of our own modest Scale7 Micro Layout Challenge.

Should you choose to accept it, the “777 Quest” is simple:

“To build a micro layout (or diorama) featuring track to Scale7 standards, with a scenic area of not more than 7 square feet, with a minimum of 7 feet of track”

We have deliberately not called this a competition; the real prize is the pride in completing a layout of your devising. There are some wonderful S7 layouts on the circuit (Love Lane comes to mind), however we do not all have the space to take on such projects. The hope is that this challenge will appeal to both seasoned builders and those yet to venture into building their own layout.

We will arrange for layouts to have an opportunity to be displayed, with the goal of displaying “Work in Progress” in autumn 2026 and “Completed” layouts in Autumn 2027 at venue or venues to be confirmed (arrangements depend on how many accept the noble quest!).

Given that this is not the first ever such challenge, normally we would now delve into the rules and get lost in the weeds. So, we have instead…

The 777 Quest “Code of Modelling”

I shall:

  1. Believe in S7 track standards.
  2. Respect fellow modellers’ efforts and value participation over perfection.
  3. Build a model that suits me, prototype or pure invention.

I shall endeavour to:

  1. Update fellow modellers on my progress through the S7 Newsletter
  2. Introduce an Arthurian reference into my model
  3. Be friendly to exhibition managers, fitting on a foldable hall table - good, creating a 28’x3” layout - less so!
  4. Take my finished (or WIP) layout to local shows and show what can be achieved in S7 on a small canvas.

Here are some FAQs, hopefully to help!

Q) What is included in the 7sq ft area limit?

A) Purely the scenic section, it excludes Fiddle Yards for example.

Q) Do I have to build everything from scratch?

A) No! You can use RTR stock, RTR track.

Q) What are the deadlines?

A) The ultimate goal is to show work in progress layouts at a show in Sept 2026. Followed in Sep 2027 with “finished” layouts.

Q) Does it matter how it is controlled?

A) No! You can use DCC, DC, BPRC even Clockwork. Obviously excluding Dioramas

Q) Can I get friends to help?

A) Absolutely, you can use it as a social event. We just need one name for communication.

Q) How do I/we enrol?

A) Send an email expressing interest to Turn on Javascript!

Q) If I have further questions who do I talk to?

A) Ask Turn on Javascript!

The committee will be supporting the challenge with a number of us taking part. Steve Neill has already started! See article in Spring Newsletter!

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