Model Railway Forum

The layout started life as a small L shaped American switching layout some thirty odd years ago. A house move allowed the layout to increase in size to 13 feet by 18 inches that tapers down to 15 inches wide. About three years ago I stopped modeling the American scene and sold all my locomotives stock and structures.
As a pensioner on a budget I was forced to use the existing baseboard and track layout but with a few modifications. By then Covid forced further restraints so I had to use what scenic products I had in stock.
I have always been attracted to the branch line scene and much preferred small engines rather than large express types. I have also found the freight side of operations more interesting so the passenger traffic is more of a secondary consideration. The model itself is now a small terminus of a secondary branch line.
As I’ve got older I enjoy operating more that any other aspect of the hobby.
I also wanted to cover the transition period as I’m old enough to remember it.
I also like the early blue period so this give me an opportunity to run a variety of different locomotives both steam and diesel. I have since my trainspotting days had a soft spot for things Great Western.
The location of the layout is in the Clee Hill area although I have never found it on the map of the area.
Here are a couple of photographs of the model and if there is interest I will post some more.





Peter M

Looks good Peter. Incidentally I sold all my OO stuff 3 years ago and changed to O gauge. I used the same baseboard but the only things I could reuse are the controller and back scene.

A GWR 5600 class tank is seen on the road next to the small engine shed which is the excellent Metcalafe card kit. I used these kits as I lack both the skill and patience to scratch build my own buildings. The kits look good if the raw edges of the card are touched up with suitable water colour paints.
She is then seen topping up her tank with water before setting off with a small parcels train.
The water crane was bought for a couple of pounds as it was incomplete from a local toy shop. It was re-painted and the leather bag made from masking tape.
She is then seen leaving the bay platform at Broadoak and heading towards the main line.







Peter M

Nice work Peter. I have not got my platforms and scenic work even started yet.

Looking good Peter, I especially like the water crane bag.

I agree that Metcalfe kits are a good way to start making buildings.
I started that way and once I'd got a bit more confidence I used their brickpaper sheets to build a freelance loco shed and goods shed to fit specific spaces.

The scene in this picture is the early fifties as the little Collet 0-4-2 no 4869 is still wearing her shirt button logo on her tank sides.
The model itself is the old Hornby version which having removed the rubber traction tyres runs surprisingly well, being both quiet and smooth running.
The autocoach was given to me by an old friend who no longer modelled the British scene. The colour is slightly too dark but as it cost nothing I shouldn’t complain.
She is seen in the bay at Broadoak, and then about to pass the large grain silo in the yard as she heads towards the main line connection.







Peter M

At this point I think a selection of shots from left to right showing the whole layout will give a better idea of what it is all about.
Small engines and trains are the most commonly seen with occasional larger larger locos and trains visiting. I find shuffling a few wagons around the layout very enjoyable and relaxing.
Still very much a work in progress, albeit very slowly.









Peter M

The 57xx class of tank engine were found all over the Great Western system as many hundreds of them were built. No 3711 a Bachmann example and one of my favourite loco types is seen at Broadoak yard with a train of mineral wagons. She has just collected the wagons from one the quarries further up the branch line. Loads are brought down by a small tank engine due to the gradients and curvature of the track to the quarries. Several loads are then made up into a bigger train and a larger loco, usually a 43xx mogul takes them to the intersection with the main line.







Peter M

Pannier no 3711 is seen here on several different occasions. This is the Bachmann version which I have weathered to give it a work stained look. I don’t have an air brush so the weathering is done by brush using acrylics and emulsion paint well watered down.
I just like panniers, Oh and prairies too. Both are a must on any Western branch line.

Peter M

Very impressive Peter.
The weathering looks good, as do the buildings etc.