Update 04/06/2015
LAYOUT The layout period has now been changed to the 1990's. This is the time when the nationalised British Railways was divided up into a number of private companies to run trains and the state-owned Railtrack to manage the rail network.
SHOP A shipment of models, stock from a now-closed shop, has been purchased. The models are mainly Hornby and Bachmann plus some Dapol. Many of the models are now longer available and all are being sold at reduced prices.
Update 29/04/2015
LAYOUT It is planned to change the layout period to the 1990's towards the end of May. Work on the layout is to be concentrated on scenery over the Winter period.
SHOP A further new shipment of model road vehicles has arrived from UK, mostly from the Oxford range in 1/76 scale. Please refer to the listing on our Shop page.
CHEESE Work has been carried out to upgrade the cheeseroom following our last audit. The porch has been extended to provide better storage and improved facilities for shoe-changing. New stainless steel benches have been installed. The sink in the milking shed has been moved to provide space for a shoe-changing area at that door.
COWS Holly and Patsy have been inseminated and scanned pregnant. Both are due on 17th October. Holly has been dried off as her milk volume had diminished considerably. We are still milking Dizzy, Patsy and Isobel. Lorna, Isobel's last calf, has been sold and will live as a house-cow locally.
Update 19/12/2014
LAYOUT The period depicted by the Middleton layout has been changed to the 1980's. This will remain in use until well into 2015. The 1980's was the period when British Railways was split into business sectors prior to privatisation. Naturally each sector wanted a distinctive livery for its trains and a variety of striking colour schemes was the result. Faster trains such as the Intercity 125 were developed and freight trains moved more towards bulk traffic and containers.
SHOP A new shipment of model road vehicles has arrived from UK. This includes a number of model Land-Rovers in the Oxford range. We also have a good selection of showman's engines in the Corgi range. See our "Shop"page for a full listing of diecast models.
Update 19/11/2014
CHEESE Cwmglyn Farmhouse cheese has just won a "Super Gold" award at the World's largest cheese contest - the World Cheese Awards in London. This means that our cheese was judged one of the best 62 cheeses in the contest, from nearly 3000 entries. The winning cheese was made from Dizzy and Patsy's milk to our normal process.
Update 6/10/2014
COWS Isobel gave us a heifer calf on 28th September. We have named her "Lorna". She is a robust and determined animal. Feeding her with a hand-held bottle was proving hard work (due to the force she was using!) and so to-day she has migrated to
a fence-mounted "milk-bar" feeder. Much easier.
Lily is now six-months old and has joined the big girls herd.
She is settling in with the cows very nicely.
Update 11/06/2014
CHEESE We are pleased to announce that our cheese was chosen for the official reception and also Prince George's playgroup
during the recent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
LAYOUT The time period of the layout has now been changed to the 1960's. This is a natural development of the 1950's
with additional diesel locos and withdrawal of some older steam locos and rolling stock.
COWS Holly's calf Lily is now three months old and is gradually being weaned. She recently submitted stoically to
removal of her horn buds and is shaping up well. We are planning to keep her for the Cwmglyn herd.
FARM Recent storms have caused a few toppled trees, but nothing like the damage seen in other parts of the country. One of
our new signs on the highway was blown flat after being up for just 10 days (since re-erected)!
Update 21/01/2014
EARTHQUAKE UPDATE - Please note that we are open as normal following the recent 6.2 earthquake. We had no property damage and
the train display has been restored. Virtually every train was derailed by the quake and replacing all the models on the
track took around three hours. Some damage to the shop stock took place, but that has now been put right. The following pictures
give some idea of the disruption to the layout immediately after the quake:
Update 12/01/2014
Please note that our signs on SH2 are still damaged or missing due to wind damage. We hope to order new signs shortly. Our business
can now be identified and located on Google Maps.
COWS Holly has finally produced a lovely heifer calf called Lucy. Biddy originally calculated her due date incorrectly a month
out! Lucy was born overnight and on waking on Thursday 9th we found she was already on her feet. Now safely housed in the calf
shed, warm and dry. We had some problems getting her to feed, but she has now got the hang of it (like her mother!).
Update 8/12/2013
CHEESE We entered one of our traditional farmhouse cheeses for the annual World Cheese Awards recently held in Birmingham UK.
We were very pleased when the cheese was awarded a silver medal in its class! A good reward for all the hassles involved
in getting the cheese to the contest....
SHOP We have just received a new shipment of diecast model vehicles. We will shortly be listing these on the SHOP page.
LAYOUT We are just about to change the layout period to the 1950's - mostly steam trains plus some early diesels and electrics.
This is the Big Change and will take a couple of days to complete. The layout will remain set in this period until well into
2014.
COWS We are currently waiting for Holly to produce her calf - due on 11th December. The calf shed has been cleaned and
refurbished ready and it just remains for Holly to do her stuff.
Update 28/09/2013
Please note that our signs on SH2 have been damaged in the recent storm. The sign facing Southbound traffic is still in place
but slightly damaged. The sign facing Northbound traffic has blown away completely and a temporary sign has been provided.
Visitors arriving from the South on SH2 should turn left at the crossroads following the Anzac bridge (into South Road No. 2)
Update 26/08/2013
CHEESE Our cheese is going up in the world and is now on the menu at Logan Brown's and The White House in Wellington.
Feedback is very positive. Isobel's first cheese is now mature and has proved to be delicious.
LAYOUT The time period of the layout has now been changed to the 1990's. This was the period when private companies
took over running trains in Britain. The colourful liveries of the new companies are striking, as are the sleek modern trains.
COWS Our last two calves, Kevin and Katie have now gone to good homes locally to be proper bull and dairy cow respectively.
Dizzy and Holly are to be scanned this week to (hopefully) confirm their pregnancies - due December/January.
FARM As the saying goes "Spring is sprung and the grass is ris ..." The cows are now out of their Winter quarters and
grazing the paddocks, with a little hay assist. Isobel continues to milk well and has settled down to her new routine.
Update 08/05/2013
LAYOUT The time period of the layout has now been changed to the 1980's. This was the period when British Railways
was setting up separate business units prior to privatisation. Each new business naturally had to have its own
colour scheme so we now see a rather brighter scene than the 1970's.
SHOP A new shipment of diecast vehicles has arrived and additions are listed on the SHOP page. Some unusual new items, including
motorcycle/sidecar combinations and three-wheeled vans. We also have the new Humbrol weathering powders.
COWS We have had two happy events lately. Patsy gave us a fine strapping bull calf which we have called Kevin (this is
the year for names starting with K). Isobelle produced her first calf - a pretty heifer we have named Katie. Both calves are
now installed in their comfortable shed and are consuming milk in the approved fashion. Introducing Isobel to the joys
of being milked has had its moments, but she is now getting the hang of the new routine.
FARM Like everybody else we have been coping with the drought conditions. A little recent rainfall has resulted in some
limited grass growth and more rain is falling as I type this update. In the meantime the "girls" are being sustained
with hay from our winter stocks.
Update 09/12/2012
LAYOUT The time period of the layout has now been changed to the 1970's. This features the British Rail "corporate image" livery,
with blue locos and blue + grey carriage colours. Freightliner container trains add colour and air-braked freight stock is
starting to be introduced. The electric locos are now the later 25KV AC types (classes 81 to 87).
We have now started operating the layout daily for the summer season and this will continue until Sunday 10th February.
Update 10/10/2012
LAYOUT A number of displays and operating features have been added for the new season. In the "Smaller Scales" display we now have a demonstration (operated by visitors) of T scale, the smallest commercial modelling scale. In this the rails are only 3mm apart
and the train is smaller than a little finger! We also intend to add a working display in Z scale for comparison.
We have added a welding effect in Fred's Garage and the interior of Belgrave Road signal box can now be illuminated to show the
signalman and fittings. A new display of a narrow-gauge railway is being prepared to go below the harbour tramway - again this will be visitor-operated when installed.
FARM We have additions to our herd at Cwmglyn. Dizzy presented us with twin heifers which we have named Jade (the firstborn)
and Jasmine. They are both beautiful and doing very well, although Jasmine is slightly larger and more advanced. Holly
sadly delivered a still-born bull calf with the vet's assistance. She is now recovered and has been introduced to the joys of being milked with the "big girls". So far (fingers crossed) she is behaving well in the shed and milking well. At long last the grass is starting to
grow and all the trees are coming into leaf. Soon we hope the winter mud will just be a memory.
CHEESE Biddy entered two cheeses for the World Jersey Cheese Awards recently held on the island of Jersey. She was pleased to
hear that the cheeses won two awards, a silver for a garlic-flavoured cheese and a bronze for a plain cheese. Regretably the only
material prizes are medals, yet to be received!
Update 02/07/2012
LAYOUT - The time period of the layout has been changed to the 1960's - that is a mixture of steam and diesel locos and an
addition of more modern types of wagon with the withdrawal of much unbraked stock.
FARM - with the onset of wintry weather the cows have been spending more time in their cosy "herd home". The paddocks are now
so wet that the animals would cause major damage if allowed to graze normally. Biddy and I have a disagreement over the name for
our latest cow. She was originally named Angie, but Biddy prefers Patsy! Unfortunately the animal seems happy with Angie so
I am resisting the renaming...
Update 02/05/2012
LAYOUT - The time period of the layout remains in the 1950's, However we hope to change to the 1960's in late June.
SHOP - A further shipment of diecast vehicles has arrived - see the updated list on our Shop page. We have added a number of
N scale trucks in 1:148 (N scale) from B-T Models - these are very nice models. We have started to stock Bilteezi building
sheets in N scale (only $3 each). Also in N scale the Townscene backscenes.
FARM - We have another cow, on trial from neighbours, but likely to be permanent. She has been named Angie and is a dark-
coloured Jersey. Having come from a normal herd Angie found our more personal setup rather strange, but she has now adapted well
and is giving wonderfully creamy milk. Regretably we had to euthanase Sally, as her arthritis was becoming very painful for her.
Update 19/12/2011
LAYOUT - The time period of the layout has now been changed to the 1950's, so we have dusted off all the steam locos and
old cars. It is anticipated that this period will remain in use until at least April 2012.
SHOP - A new shipment of diecast vehicles has arrived - see the updated list on our Shop page. The new Oxford Diecast N scale
trams are particularly attractive.
FARM - We have a new cow, on permanent loan from neighbours. Her pedigree name is Aura Disney, but we call her Dizzy. Our
rising two-year old, Ivy, has gone in exchange to be a proper herd cow! We will not have any Dizzy cheese for sale until
February 2012 due to the need to mature the cheese.
Update 04/10/2011
CHEESE - We now have copies of our DVD on Making Farmhouse Cheese available for sale. Priced at NZ$40 with postage of $4.50 if required.
A downloadable Handbook giving further information for small cheesemakers has been added to the "cheese" page.
Update 04/09/2011
SHOP - We have just received our first shipment of wagon kits from Parkside Dundas. A full listing of these useful kits
has been added to our shop page. We have concentrated on kits for wagons which are not currently available ready-to-run.
We have also received further Superquick kits, so that we now stock the complete range.
FARM - Cwmglyn Farm has grown by 4 acres! We have just completed the purchase of an additional 4 acres of land adjoining our
property to the North. This includes a small hill from which panoramic views of the district can be obtained. Part of this hill
is badly eroding and will be planted in trees, but the remainder includes useful extra grazing which Molly and Holly are
currently sampling. The total farm is now 4.5 Ha or around 11.5 acres - a much more viable small property.
LAYOUT - The period of the layout has just been changed to the 1990's. This is the most modern decade that we present and covers
the first years of the privatised British Railways. It is intended to change the layout back to the 50's before Christmas and
to retain that period over the Summer.
CHEESE - We have recently presented our cheese at the Made in Wairarapa show in Masterton. A bit of a cheek as our cheese isn't actually
made in the Wairarapa district, but in the Tararua District. Our stall was busy all weekend and all comments were positive.
Update 11/07/2011
SHOP - We have just received a shipment of diecast vehicles. Mostly Oxford 1:76 models including the Rover and BMC car transporters.
Also the Shelvoke and Drewery dustcart and pre-war Austin taxi, both of which were out of stock. The new additions have been added to
the list of diecast models on our Shop page.
Update 13/06/2011
SHOP - We have just received a shipment of buildings kits, including Superquick, Bilteezi (oldies, but still useful)
other building kits and backscenes. We hope to list these on the Shop page shortly.
Update 05/05/2011
CHEESE - We hope to get the cheesemaking DVD into production soon.
FARM - We are close to purchasing an additional 4 acres of grazing land adjacent to our current
property. This will include the hill at the back of our property from which a superb
panoramic view of the district can be obtained.
SHOP - We have just received a new shipment of diecast vehicles. Please see updated list on
our Shop page. We hope to add all Superquick kits and some other building kits and backscenes to our
range shortly.
RAILWAY - The time period of the layout is now the 1980's - BR Business sector colour schemes.
Update 13/04/2011
CHEESE - Biddy submitted two cheeses to the recent Jersey Cheese competition held in Hamilton
and won second and third places in the hard cheese category.
FARM - Our three heifer calves Ivy, Iris and Isobel, are now 8 months old and looking very good. Holly (Sally's last calf)
is now 20 months old and has joined the "big girls" herd! Emily has been scanned and is confirmed as pregnant.
SHOP - A listing of all our diecast vehicles has been added to the Shop page. The new Corgi Ruston
RB19 face shovels and the Coles Argus mobile crane are now in stock. A full listing of
Metcalfe card building kits has also been added to the Shop page.
RAILWAY - The time period of the layout will shortly be changed to the 1980's - BR Business
sector colour schemes. A reminder to visitors that the railway will be operating afternoons (2-4:30) during the
Easter school holidys, in addition to our usual opening hours.
Update 18/10/2010
CHEESE - We are currently working on an instructional DVD on cheesemaking. The filming has been done professionally
and an evaluation copy has been edited. The DVD will be sold via our website and will also be available from our shop.
If you would be interested in purchasing this DVD (pricing still to be decided) please send us an e-mail
and we'll let you know when it is published.
FARM - Emily has had her calf - a lively heifer we have called Ivy. She is clearly her mother's daughter
and shows the same single-minded devotion to her goals (drinking milk at present). Molly surprised
us by having twin calves - a bull and a heifer. The calving was quite a drama as Molly got herself cast in
the process and we had to call in help to roll her back on her feet! The heifer calf (Iris) will almost
certainly prove to be infertile (the normal case with mixed-sex twins) and so will be raised with the pot
in mind. We have swopped the bull calf for another Jersey heifer called Isobel, so we now have three heifer
calves to feed. They are all doing well and growing at a frightening speed....
SHOP - We have decided to stock Peco Code 75 00/H0 track and have the first items available now -
short and medium points, rail joiners and metre lengths of flexible track. We now have new Atlas and
Woodland Scenics items in stock. Our suppliers have decided to discontinue all 00 Thomas railway items.
RAILWAY - The time-period of the layout has been changed to the 1960's - mixed steam and diesel locos in action.
We will probably continue with this period over the Summer holidays.
Update 23/6/2010
FARM - Sally and Emily have both been confirmed as pregnant - calves expected early August.
We are still milking Sally and have ordered a cover for her to keep her warm over the Winter.
We now have a large official sign to our place on SH2 reading "Model Railway & Farmhouse Cheese".
SHOP - A new shipment of diecast road vehicles has just been delivered. Models are from Oxford
Diecast (00 and N scales), Base Toys (00 scale) and Classix (00 scale). We also have a new range
from Carama of construction machines in 1:87 (H0 scale). These are very well detailed models
for adult collectors - so far we have a backhoe excavator (like a JCB), log loader and hydraulic
excavator. We have the first few colours in the Humbrol acrylic paint range, however Hornby are
slow in supplying this range and further colours will not be available until later this year.
Some Bachmann back-orders are now arriving.
RAILWAY - We are coming to the end of the 1950's period and will probably change to the 1960's
in August. This is mainly a matter of removing some of the older steam locos and adding more
diesel locos
Update 29/4/2010
CHEESE - We are currently making progress with our application to NZFSA to make and sell raw
(unpasteurised) cheese. We are the first cheesemakers to apply for this in NZ and so are acting as
guinea pigs in developing the appropriate regulations.
FARM - Sally's calf, Holly, is growing fast and is now beginning to look more like a cow than a calf.
We are trying to train her to come to see visitors by arming the visitors with appropriate cow
titbits. So far silverbeet seems to work best! Both Molly and Emily are expected to calve in mid-August
RAILWAY - The layout era has just been changed to the 1950's (mostly steam locos with a few early diesels and electrics)
Work is continuing on the Middleton industrial area scenery. Another project is to convert as many of the modern narrow
tension-lock couplings to the older wide-loop type. The reason is to reduce incompatability between the two types.
Any donations of old-type couplings would be greatly appreciated.
SHOP - We are now stocking Wills and Ratio products. Due to the insolvency of one of our main suppliers we are currently
unable to obtain supplies of Jordan, Auhagen, Atlas or Bachmann Thomas models. Also the diecast
cars and trucks from Classic Metal Works. We still have some of these ranges in stock.
Supplies of Bachmann and Graham Farish are currently restricted due to delivery problems from China.
We have had models on order for some months, but supplies only trickle in. We will be shortly be placing another order
for diecast vehicles, which will include some pre-war cars in 1/76 scale. We also hope to be able to stock the Humbrol
acrylic paint range of authentic railway colours.
