Layouts
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Ribblehead
(T: scale 0.67mm/ft, track gauge 3mm)
T scale is the smallest commercially available scale, with models which are just 1/450 the size of the real thing. This makes it admirably suited for displaying large structures like the famous Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle & Carlisle line. Originally built by the Midland Railway between 1869 and 1876 as a double track main line, the viaduct has 24 arches, the highest of which is 32m above the ground below. The layout shows a section over 1 1/4 miles long with its modern, single track, formation, and represents the period since 2010.
We are grateful to its owner for agreeing to exhibit this layout at very short notice, following the withdrawal of Aston Magna due to water damage during storage.
Blakey Rigg
(S: scale 1/64in/ft, track gauge 0.884in, 22.45mm)
Blakey Rigg (or ridge) was between Rosedale and Farndale and was the site of Blakey Junction high up on the North Yorkshire Moors on the Rosedale Branch of the North Eastern Railway. The branch reached the tops via an incline and was built to transport the considerable quantities of ironstone mined there and move it down for smelting in Teesside into iron and steel. The busy junction saw branches going off to the East and West sides of Rosedale plus another branch into Farndale. On my layout in S Scale, it is assumed that the Farndale branch brought in both ironstone and potash. Together with the Rosedale Ironstone, the Junction was a busy, but isolated and windswept, place.
The layout was featured in the December 2021 Railway Modeller and the August 2022 British Railway Modelling.
Photos © Phil Parker/BRM
Boston Frodsham
(P4: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 18.83mm)
Boston Frodsham is a P4 gauge layout set in 1975-1985 (ish) and is inspired by the swing bridge at the entrance to Boston Docks in Lincolnshire and the wharf at Frodsham in Cheshire.
Operation of the layout assumes that trains approach the docks via a branch line off the main line (all off scene) and enter one of three reception/departure sidings which are partially modelled on the layout. As main line locos are too heavy to cross the swing bridge they uncouple and move off to the stabling point. The 03 & 08 shunters then move the wagons, a few at a time, over the swing bridge and into the dockside area, returning with other wagons for dispatch. Ultimately the main line loco runs around to enable it to depart with the outgoing train.
Trackwork uses Exactoscale rail and chairs on ply sleepers. Operation is via a Lenz DCC system and all the locos are fitted with sound decoders. Points are activated by Tortoise slow motion motors controlled from a lever frame which has been built from a Scalefour Society kit. All buildings are scratchbuilt and based on those found in the Boston and Frodsham area, of particular note is the octagonal control building for the swing bridge. A working replica of the somersault signal found adjacent to the swing bridge is Included as is a working flashing navigation beacon.
The motive power includes several modified and detailed Bachmann Hornby and Lima locos fitted with replacement sprung bogies, and a class 03 and 08 shunter permanently coupled together. The 03 incorporates a detailed Bachmann body on a High Level Kits chassis and is powered. The 08 is a modified and detailed Bachmann model with the motor and gears removed to make room for a sound decoder and decent speaker. Rolling stock consists of a variety of modified RTR and kit built wagons all fitted with sprung chassis.
The layout was featured in Model Railway Journal 282.
Photos © M Knowles
Dienw
(OO9: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 9mm)
The year is 1943 and Britain is at war. Under wartime emergency conditions all station names have been removed, to cause the maximum amount of confusion to the enemy paratroopers, (who were expected to drop from the skies at any moment disguised as nuns) and also, passengers, officials and the line’s management.
Somewhere in North Wales, (I’m sorry we can’t tell you where, there’s a war on you know!) there is a line-fach (small railway) doing it’s best to help the war effort against the enemy (the Germans, not the English for once.)
The line has received a major boost in traffic from the new mysterious military building, rumoured to have something to do with explosives. All the locals know for sure is that it receives many trains of military supplies.
This little junction on its main line, with the branch line going off to Llan(censored) has had its peacetime quiet shattered by wartime mayhem. Idris the dragon, roused from his age-old slumbers by this activity, stands guard ready to deal with any Messerschmidt or Heinkel that strays this way.
This model was built by members of the Warrington Model Railway Club. Much of our time has been spent trying to capture the little details of 1940’s Britain. The line is, of course, fictitious although some items of rolling stock may be identifiable. These have been transferred from their usual homes to assist with the war effort. (Well, that’s our excuse anyway!)
Photos © Steve Nixon
Glasshouse Loan
(O: scale 7mm/ft, track gauge 32mm)
Glasshouse Loan takes its name from the modern day Glasshouse Loan in Alloa which was built on the formation of the former NBR Alloa Harbour line which branched off immediately to the west of Alloa station and served the NBR goods station, Alloa docks and the original Alloa Ferry station. The last remnants of this line closed in 1978.
The location is entirely fictitious and depicts a brewery warehouse and loading dock adjacent to a representation of one of the area’s many bonded warehouses. Traffic which will appear will be vans and open wagons for loading at the brewery, molasses tanks on their way to Menstrie and occasional military traffic from Stirling which has been included in the Alloa trip working which serves Glasshouse Loan. The area also has its own local pilot locomotive which is occasionally used to move wagons from the loading dock into the two sidings. Using modellers licence we have kept the railways of Alloa open into the late 1980’s.
For more information about the model, visit https://www.facebook.com/glasshouseloan
Photos © Craig Watson
Glenties
(OOn3: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 12mm
Glenties was the final station on the Finn Valley branch of the 3ft gauge Irish narrow gauge line 24 miles west of Stranorlar. It served sparsely populated country from 1895 to 1952. The model is built on Peco 12mm track with scratchbuilt buildings. Traffic is mostly by railcars, with loco hauled excursions and freight. Stock was kit-built by Ian Hallworth in the 1990s for his layout Ballyfoyle.
Photo © Alastair Knox
Grange Lane
(O: scale 7mm/ft, track gauge 32mm)
As with all the layouts we have built, Grange Lane started with the purchase of a particular locomotive – in this case a Dapol 08. Having previously built small/microlayouts, the challenge was to see what we could fit into a ‘compact’ O gauge layout. Obviously main line trains are out of the question, so we have come up with the concept of a small yard on the edge of an industrial area, served by trip freights from the nearby marshalling yard. The track plan is based on the well documented principle of an ‘Inglenook’ but with the addition of a station platform and run-round loop for operation interest.
The scene presented is of a yard in the 1970’s that is nearing the end of its useful life, the weeds are taking over, but traffic is still handled for the large engineering works that forms the backdrop. The semi-disused station platform still handles a small amount of smaller consignments from nearby industry, but this too is shortly to disappear and the former through route it sits on has closed beyond the level crossing. The crossing still has to be operational as it is on the end of the platform loop.
Trackwork is hand built from C&L components apart from the Peco double-slip in the centre which is a great space saver. The large factory complex along the rear is made from components from the Skytrex range. All locos are DCC sound fitted, and driven by a MERG DCC system. O gauge is receiving much more trade support, but most of the small goods stock are Parkside/Slaters kits, and are heavily weathered to suit their role. Some even have real rust!
Photo © Steve Saxby
Bluebell Cutting
(N: scale 2mm/ft, track gauge 9mm)
Bluebell Cutting is a modern image layout featuring a double track mainline which passes over a canal, and has a regular flow of trains both passenger and freight.
Having travelled about with other people’s model railway layouts and also the club layout within the Alsager Railway Association, I was coerced into building a layout for myself. With this being my first attempt I wanted to keep things simple, so that if anything went wrong it would be easier to fix. By keeping it as 2 plain tracks on the front it allows for a regular flow of trains.
The track used is Peco Code 80 and the base boards are made from 3/8” ply and 3”x1” PSE timber.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.
This layout is a very late replacement for Hartley Poole Too, whose owner is also a member of the Alsager Railway Association, but who has been admitted to hospital.
Photos © Andy York/BR
Hogsmead on Sodor
(OO: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 16.5mm)
Help Thomas and some of the other engines run Sir Topham-Hat’s railway. You take control of many items, like the windmill, the tiger moth biplane, the lights in the castle, cottages, station buildings and lighthouse, and cranky the crane. Don’t forget the special branch line of Daisy and Toby, and keep your ears open for Sodor Brass Band and the seagulls.
When you’ve finished, you can let the children have a go!
Photos © RM Tony Wright, Hornby Jonathan Newton
Hogwarts at Christmas
(N: scale 2mm/ft, track gauge 9mm)
The magic of Harry Potter and Hogwarts School as Christmas draws near. This layout has been rebuilt and refurbished this year, and this will be its debut at a public exhibition.
The weather has been suitably seasonal with a deep covering of snow, this has not however deterred the staff and students from venturing out and they can all be spotted somewhere on the layout.
The layout is due to appear in Railway Modeller during autumn 2024. More information about the layout can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/530936500845021
Photos © C Hesketh
Horton Green
(OO: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 16.5mm)
This layout will be making its public debut at our exhibition.
Horton Green is a ‘traditional chocolate box’ branch line terminus somewhere in south Devon. It features a small terminus station with a run round loop that can accommodate 3 carriages hauled by substantial engine loco (such as a Standard Class 4MT or a GWR Manor or Hall).
The station has a small engine shed with coaling stage and water tower. A local coal and coke merchant has a premises to the front of the engine shed facilities, whilst at the other end of the layout a goods shed, cattle dock, and local timber merchant business complete the goods yard scene.
The scenic break, just behind the goods yard (a tunnel) leads to a basic, but functional fiddle yard (a temporary solution as the layout is to be extended into a new scenic section, ready in 2025). The layout features the ubiquitous Ratio/Peco kits which are painted and weathered using artist oil paints, and weathering powders from the Humbrol range. The main station buildings and signal box are from the Bachmann Scenecraft range, and have been repainted to represent them in GWR colours. The working signal is a Dapol model.
Three ‘operating sequences’ are planned to present to visitors. Passenger and goods services will be featured in 1934 (Great Western Green Livery), 1952, BR Black Early Crest, and 1961, which will feature some diesel/DMU traction as well as Standard Class locomotives.
The scenic box features LED strip lighting which illuminate the model well. Ambient sounds can be heard from the two front speakers mounted inside the box to the left and right of the frame.
Photos © M Haynes
Legomas
(L scale – about 10mmm/1ft, track gauge 37.5mm)
Legomas makes a welcome return in response to its popularity with the public last year.
We have had an addiction for Lego since we were tiny and during the Covid lockdowns Lego was an incredible escape, starting from Christmas houses, and growing and growing! I was even bought the Lego Titanic for my 50th birthday, but at at over 6 foot long it is too big to include at exhibitions.
We then merged our Lego fascination with our other passions of model railways and Christmas – LEGOMAS was born!
We were told by anybody who saw our collection that we should exhibit it. Already we have brought a smile to hundreds of children’s faces and also many, many parents, grandparents and even just adult train enthusiasts. It’s been hard work, but exceptionally rewarding.
Photos © Leigh MRS
Limoges
(sm-32: scale 19mm/ft, track gauge 32mm)
This layout will be making its public debut at our exhibition.
Limoges is set in the occupied French region of Limousin France during the autumn of 1944. The small layout focuses on the centre of Limoges with the German forces occupying the town square with its Town Hall, hotel, shops and car garage all under the control of the invading forces.
During the years before the second world war Limoges was a quiet market town with its own 2 foot narrow gauge railway which transported coal, food and local folk from the nearby towns. Unfortunately at this time the railway is being used to transport troops, weapons and POWs.
The layout runs on 32mm gauge track (O gauge) and is scaled to 19mm to the foot. The main tank is produced by a company called Heng-Long and has been suitably painted by Matt. The locos are all scratch built running on old Lima and Atlas O gauge chassis from the 1980s. All have been fitted with new cd drive motors this allowing them to be fitted and run by Hornby TTS sound decoders. Most of the rolling stock is made from wooden Phil Sharples kits.
The board is constructed on insulated foam with wooden boards attached to it for strength. The buildings are constructed from foam board and brick paper with parts designed and 3D printed by ourselves. All track is Peco SM-32 flexitrack and standard set track point, the point is controlled by a DCC concepts point motor. All of which is controlled by a NCE power pro DCC system.
More pictures of Limoges will be found on the D-Day80 page of this website.
Photos © Matt Stevens
Lockerbie
(OO: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 16.5mm)
Lockerbie is situated on the West Coast Main Line and is a two-platform station with the main building being of Tudor Style, built by William Tite around 1847. Lockerbie has changed quite a bit since then, no longer the busy junction with two signal boxes, a branch line and covered bay platforms or the engine shed, which was situated behind the south bound loop. The two loops, one northbound and one southbound, which runs behind the platform, are still there as are the sidings to the south of the main road bridge.
The original idea for this layout of Lockerbie was conceived in 2020 and it has been built by James Cochrane and Andrew Campbell of the Glasgow and West of Scotland MRC. The decision was taken to model the period between 2000 and 2014. This allows us to run a prototypical broad range of modern image trains. Lockerbie can be fully computer controlled but can also be switched between computer and manual control.
As an exact model of a prototype station, most things have had to be scratch built and the main station building is one of those. Built by Archie Brown, it was measured with a laser measure for its exact dimensions. These were then passed on so Archie could start work on constructing the building.
Lockerbie was featured in Railway Modeller in 2023
Photos © J Cochrane
Lynnbach
(OO9: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 9mm)
Lynnbach came about as the result of acquiring a “spares or repairs” Helijan Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Manning Wardle tank loco, followed soon after by some Peco L&B coaches. What started off as a test track, soon developed into a completely freelance OO9 layout, though with a Welsh atmosphere. The loco stud is large and varied, and the buildings are inspired by many different places. The station building, for example, is a 3D printed model from Narrow Minded Railworks which is based on Minfford on the Ffestiniog Railway, whilst the terraced houses, pub and shop were inspired by the buildings on Ebenezer Steps in Bridgenorth and were scratchbuilt.
The layout featured in the April 2024 edition of Railway Modeller, and more information about it can be found at www.youtube.com/@Elvinley
Photos © I Arkley
Modbury
(2FS: scale 0mm/ft, track gauge 9.42mm)
Modbury is a 2mm finescale layout representing a Great Western “might have been” through station as it could have appeared in the Edwardian period, c.1906. The track is built to represent Brunel’s Baulk Road. It has been constructed using HO PCB sleeper strip using rail and gauges from the 2mm Association.
The locos are all scratchbuilt, and the rest of the stock is either scratch or kit built (some from kits of my own design). Trains typical of the period shuttle back and forth across the scene, stopping, passing and shunting within the station environs.
The signals are built from MSE etches mounted on home milled posts, and are driven by servos. The turnouts are all memory wire operated. The sections of the layout are controlled by the signals, meaning that trains can only move if the relevant route and signals have been set. Each signal uses 2 relays – one to provide power to the section in rear and one for the section in advance of the relevant signal. The relay wiring allows the signal to be restored to danger but still provide power to the section in advance of the signal.
Buildings are all scratchbuilt from plasticard, and are principally based on South Devon prototypes on the Moretonhampstead branch. The exception being the signal box, which comes from Bodmin General.
Progress on the layout can be followed on my RMWeb thread within the 2mm Finescale section or on my own website www.modbury2fs.co.uk.
The layout was featured in Model Railway Journal 288
Photos © Ian Smith
Newcroft
(O: scale 7mm/ft, track gauge 32mm)
Newcroft is a fictitious through station based in the on L&Y territory on a line between Manchester and Preston. The layout is set in the years of 1995-1997 and sees a variety of local DMU stopping trains and loco hauled club trains.
In addition to the passenger trains there is also a variety of freight trains from both Manchester and Preston docks, which serve local independent businesses.
The stock is all DCC sound fitted and weathered to represent the fleets in mid to late 90s condition. Most are ready to run models, but all modified to suit with a support of kit built items in the rolling stock.
Photos © Ryan, Todmorden Independent Modellers
Newvaddon Parkway
(N: scale 2mm/ft, track gauge 9mm)
Newvaddon Parkway: is a fictional layout set somewhere in Cornwall in the diesel electric era between 1995 – 2024, and the stock reflects the change from the BR blue era to the present day.
The station is set two miles south of the growing town of Tolvaddon, near to the A30, which is being upgraded. With rapid growth of housing and shops in the area, Newvaddon Parkway is expected to become very busy indeed. It has two branch lines – one heading west via a flyover to the coastal town of Falryn (a combination of Falmouth and Penryn), while another heads to the north coast town of Portwell (Portreath). Both of these branches see some freight in addition to the passenger service.
The layout draws inspiration from Newport (Wales), Totnes and elements of different branch lines and depot facilities.
The layout has appeared in Model Rail, Hornby Magazine and BRM.
Photos © Trevor Jones / Hornby Magazine
Norman Colliery
(O: scale 7mm/ft, track gauge 32mm)
Norman Colliery was born out of a need to have somewhere to shunt wagons about with my growing collection of early design diesel shunters.
The premise is that the colliery is at the end of its life with the lower screens closed down and only the top screens in use. The only problem is that feeder road to the upper screens has been closed by subsidence so a link line had to be made to the lower line.
The engines are all kit built from various manufacturers except one 03 from Brassworks. The wagons are all kits, mainly Parkside Dundas with a couple of Slaters and Piercy.
The colliery buildings are all scratchbuilt from foamboard with brick and stonework from Slaters and window frames from Highland castings. The track is all Peco, the point motors are from Conrad.
The layout is DC controlled with a Morley Vanguard.
The layout appeared in the Aug 2023 Railway Modeller and in Hornby Magazine this year.
Photos © Jonathan Newton /Hornby Magazine
Oulton TMD
(OO: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 16.5mm)
Oulton TMD (Traction and Maintenance Depot), is a fictitious location set in the midlands, utilising locos and rolling stock that typically ran from the early nineties until 1997 – the changeover period from British Rail sectorisation to privatisation.
The layout started life in 2005 and originally consisted of a Railfreight Distribution maintenance shed, with refuelling point and loco stabling point. In 2009 a station area and freight sidings were added, followed by an oil terminal and virtual quarry (ballast yard) in 2010. In 2012, “Kibblestone” cement works was incorporated into the layout and finally in 2017 Kibblestone station and goods yard was added. In early 2018 rebranding of the TMD took place, with a change from Railfreight Distribution to Rail Express Systems.
Now, along with the RES locos, engineering trains and stock vans that provide interest in the depot, various passenger trains and larger freight trains can be seen operating as well. All this, along with sound fitted locos, hopefully help captures the sights and sounds of a modern railway scene. Locos and stock are all “ready to run”, their liveries range from BR large logo blue, up to Railfreight triple grey, Transrail and Loadhaul, with most classes of locos making an appearance. To add interest the occasional steam special can be seen (and heard!).
Track is a mixture of Peco code 100 and code 75 Finescale, with the buildings being both kit and scratch built. The layout has working lights and signals and is controlled using the Lenz DCC system.
Oulton MPD has appeared in Railway Modeller, BRM and Hornby Magazine. For more information about the layout please visit www.facebook.com/oultontmd
Photos © Hornby Magazine
Overlord
(OO: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 16.5mm)
Based loosely on Southampton and Portsmouth dockyards, the layout attempts to depict the hectic quayside activities to be found at many of the Southern ports of England in the days surrounding the invasion of Normandy. Much of the variety and confusion of the moment are displayed as tanks await loading and mechanised infantry columns search for their embarkation point. There are specialist vehicles such as bridge layers, rocket launchers, mine clearers and amphibious tanks needed to ensure the success of the landings. Landing ships of various shapes and sizes, together with the vital support of escorting destroyers, launches and torpedo boats, prepare to put to sea. Overhead, gliders make their way south, watched over by the W.A.Fs on the anti-aircraft guns and barrage balloon. And finally, there are the tea-ladies of the NAAFI, providing a continuous supply of drinks to the nervous troops.
Although the layout has been exhibited for a number of years, we are still adding to it. For those who may have seen it before, new this time are sections of the Mulberry Harbour, the floating port towed across the Channel to provide the supplies and support for the Allies to secure and advance from the hard-won beachhead through France, Belgium, Holland and ultimately over the Rhine.
More information about Overlord will be found on the D-Day80 page of this website, and at the Overlord Layout Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069664021568
The layout has appeared in Model Rail and BRM.
Photos © Chris Nevard
Parsley Hay Junction
(OO: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 16.5mm)
This layout will be making its first public appearance at this exhibition, and will be a “work in progress”. The photographs were taken in February 2024, during construction, and will be updated as newer ones become available.
The layout is an accurate representation of the real Parsley Hay Junction in 1942/3, except that the 24m of required space has been compacted into the 5m available. Construction was started in December 2023, but much of the track, scenic materials and stock have been carried over from my previous layouts, High Peak Ordnance Depot and Lulworth Camp Military Railway.
At Parsley Hay the double track line south from Buxton divides with one ex LNWR line south to Ashbourne and the other being the remnants of the Cromford and High Peak Railway to Cromford. The tight curves and gradients limit C&HPR traffic to small locomotives pulling only 3 or 4 wagons. These wagons are marshalled into larger trains at Parsley Hay hence the presence of a yard and station in the middle of nowhere. Mainline traffic also suffers from gradients as the line peaks at 950ft above sea level at the north end of Parsley Hay yard meaning traffic rarely exceeds 25 wagon trains.
The line uses an assortment of LMS heavy goods locomotives (G2, O4 and Austerities) on the mainline and small engines on the C&HPR (Kitson 0F, North London 2F etc). The temporary vehicle depot has a crushed lime road system fitted with guide wires for the Faller Car System. The layout is controlled by DCC (Roco Z21) with all signals working, many locos are sound fitted and all buildings are fitted with lights. The latter will not be used at Manchester since the layout will be in WW2 blackout mode.
More information about Parsley Hay Junction will be found on the D-Day80 page of this website.
Photos © N Attwood
Rainy City (trams)
(OO: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 16.5mm)
Rainy City is a slice of Manchester in the 1920s, it isn’t a specific location more a selection of elements which fit the area. In the period. Manchester was at the centre of a network of interlinked systems with a huge amount of cross network running. You could take a tram from the docks in Liverpool and, via several changes, make your way to the hills of Lancashire. This allows for prototypical running of vehicles from surrounding areas.
The track is hand laid with the grooved track simulated by a continuous check rail. All the rolling stock are made from kits, scratch building and 3D printing.
Photos © D Maltman
St Etienne-en-Caux
(OO9: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 9mm)
For this exhibition the layout will be making its debut in a specially modified version to represent the celebrations in St Etienne on May 8th 1955, the 10 anniversary of VE day.
St-Etienne-en-Caux is at the heart of the Tramways de Caux, a 60cm gauge roadside tramway system set in the Pays de Caux in eastern Normandy. The model, though freelance, is based on a number of northern France narrow gauge railways, in particular the Chemins de Fer du Calvados, the CF Froissy-Cappy-Dompierre, the Tramways de Pithviers à Toury and the CF de la Baie de Somme. The model is normally set in the late 1950s, when internal combustion was beginning to supplant steam power.
The railway uses a variety of locomotives, including the original tramway bi-cabins (locomotives with cabs at both ends), Decauville Mallets, ex WW1 locomotives (English, French and German), and machines built by French and Belgian manufactureres such as Blanc-Misseron, Haine St Pierre, Couillet and La Meuse. The models on the layour are a mixture on kitbuilt, scratchbuilt and modified ready-to-run. For this exhibition they will be joined by an American Sherman tank, various other military vehicles of the period and lots of flags and bunting!. Please feel free to ask any questions, or just have a natter.
Photos © C Insley
Staly Vegas
(N: scale 2mm/ft, track gauge 9mm)
Staly Vegas was created in order to disprove the theory that long trains cannot operate in small spaces.
The setting is the industrial West Riding and the period in time is that of the Beatles and George Best. A cluster of mill chimneys form the main presentation; these not only provide a look reminiscent of a Lowry painting but form some all important views blocks. In order to create the necessary illusion of space some perspective modelling has been used, especially where the buildings meet the back scene. This is all in conjunction with a very tight colour palette which is based on the somewhat polluted atmosphere of the chosen period – don’t breathe in too deeply!
The trains that run are of the slow and ponderous variety as Staly Vegas is not an appropriate place for the crack express. An additional authenticity is that there is little in the way of variety; In fact, if you linger long enough you will realise that the trains simply go round, and round……and round……and round……
Photos © Unknown
Nazareth Portland Cement
(American N: scale 1/160, track gauge: 9mm)
We are very grateful that the owner of this layout agreed to exhibit it at extremely short notice, following the withdraw of Stodmarsh caused by a family bereavement.
Constructed over a period of 12 months, the layout is based on the cement manufacturing industry of North East Pennsylvania in the USA.
It is very light, built upon ply framed extruded foam baseboards and features a high proportion of original, scratchbuilt structures based upon those found in the industry. The time frame is early 1970s and features accurately modelled railroad equipment of the time and region.
Photos © Phil Baggley
Templecombe Lower
(OO: scale 4mm/ft, track gauge 16.5mm)
The Somerset and Dorset line from Bath to Bournemouth crossed the Waterloo to Exeter main line at Templecombe. The two routes were connected by a north to west spur line along which most S&D trains had to reverse, hauled by a pilot loco, to access the station and interchange sidings. The layout Templecombe Lower shows (with some “modeller’s licence”) the great variety of workings that happened around the S&D junctions and engine shed in that line’s final decade before closure in 1966, including complex real timetabled sequences. It features locomotives and rolling stock from three regions and BR Standards that 
ran on the S&D. Buildings, signals and even tablet catcher apparatus and telegraph poles are scratch built based on the originals!
The layout appeared in Great British Model Railway in August 2022 and is due to appear in Railway Modeller later this year.
Photos © Chris Nevard, Tim Chapman
Whiteoak Light Railway
(On16.5: scale 7mm/ft, track gauge 16.5mm)
The Whiteoak Light Railway was a narrow gauge line serving the backwaters of Kent. The scene here represents the railway’s namesake town, Whiteoak, which hosts several industrial units and a passenger station, edging onto a dockyard on the Thames estuary.
The railway’s existence is owed to both freight and passenger traffic. Transportation of the many goods manufactured in the industrial units at Whiteoak is the main bread and butter of the line, with the products of the town being taken off to many other locations within Kent and beyond. Passenger trains include typical commuter trains, as well as prestigious boat trains.
Of course, all of the above is entirely fictional, but represents the industry that would have been served by narrow gauge lines in parts of the country where standard gauge lines would be either too costly to construct or not financially viable to keep running.
The layout was originally constructed by Martin Coombes, and recently purchased by Allen Law and Nyall Rudge to continue to display Martin’s stunning work. All of the buildings are scratch built, using a combination of components from various sources. The boat is a modified shop bought item. Rolling stock is a combination of kits and scratch builds running on ready to run 00 gauge or kit built chassis.
The layout is due to appear in Hornby Magazine during 2024.
Photos © M Campbell