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Ropley - Keeping up with the times?

TomE

Entry posted by TomE

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One of the problems in modelling the contemporary scene, and in particular prototype locations, is that over the past few years the railway infrastructure in the UK has changed beyond all recognition in many places within a relatively short period of time. Old infrastructure is realigned, removed or new constructed meaning the modeller is often forced to pick one moment in time to recreate through which they can then run their less period restricted stock.

 

Whilst Ropley was in the planning stages, this wasn't really a problem I considered, and indeed it wasn't an issue I even associated with Heritage railways at all. In my mind I fully expected the yard to look largely the same in 5, 6, even 10 years from now as it did when I was taking photos a few months back. However, my belief that change does not come to the preserved railway as quickly as the mainline has been proven somewhat naive! 

 

The Mid Hants Railway has now become home to the former GNR footbridge recently removed from Kings Cross Station as part of its redevelopment. Reading the recent updates on the MHR's regularly updated news/blog, its now clear this is being installed slap bang through the middle of the section I happen to be modelling!

 

The picture below shows the excavation work and foundations for the restored footbridge, along with the new, rather short, down home signal which has been installed as part of a re-signalling scheme to allow bi-directional running through the station. The work for both of these has only been carried out over the past week or so and means that the recently installed embankment is already out of date! 

 

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/Images/News/Loco/741-5.jpg

 

To give you some idea of how this relates to the layout, the bridge will eventually run along the front of the the mock up carriage & boiler workshop shown below:

 

f1d70c91.jpg

 

So, this now leaves me with the question of whether I try to keep up with the changing times at Ropley, or do I pick that one moment in time and stick to it. 

 

I guess only time will tell!

 

Tom. 

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SNCF stephen

Because your layout is still in development then you have the ability to also move with the times. When your layout eventually gets 'finished' you will need to consider whether you would want it to be representative of the prototype at that time or of a time a few months ago?

 

Also, do you like the idea of having a footbridge in this location? Do you think it would add to the layouts interest?

 

Stephen

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richbrummitt

Neither is wrong. Both are right. Perhaps mock it up and see whether you like it on the layout. If it doesn't add anything then leave it off.

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TomE
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Gents, thanks for your comments.

 

As Stephen points out, since the layout is still in the construction phase, it is easier for me to intergrate changes in the real world than it would be if I were further along and so I think once the installation of the real footbridge is complete, I will make a decision as to whether to incorporate it into the layout.

 

Cheers,

 

Tom.

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bcnPete
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Tom, hi

 

Interesting discussion this...I wrote you a reply first thing after you posted it...but for some reason, my iPhone does not let me add comments to blogs anymore...only layout threads etc :(

 

Anyway...this is what it said:

 

That's obviously a personal decision for you Tom...no doubt you are weighing up the pros and cons.

 

If its of any help to you, I usually tend to pick a strict time period and use this as a basis of research from the architecture to the rolling stock. Outside of this, you can always run the odd quirky train formation / happy hour requests at exhibitions etc, but at least your layout is rooted in one time frame and has integrity. Its also perhaps a lot to do with memories...trying to capture something as you remember it.

 

It would be difficult perhaps to keep up to date with every move the prototype makes...but its your layout...your call.

 

Not sure if that helps...or muddies the water for you ;)

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TomE
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Hi Pete.

 

Interesting! I can add comments using my iPhone, as I am with this one, but not my iPad!

 

You have highlighed one issue with modeling 'post footbridge' and that's the *techinical* limitation of not being able to run anything 'pre footbridge'. However, modellers license is a wonderful thing, especially as I have a 5MT on order!!

 

Cheers,

 

Tom.

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Will J

I'd vote for putting the bridge in.... I'm in a similar situation with Victoria Bridge, which will be modelled very much im a 'modern image' frame of mind- put simply, I will go there, take a picture, go home and try to get the model to match the photo!

 

This will date the bridge quite specifically in terms of the colour of the ironwork, as well as modifications to the abutment areas post the 2007 flood damage. That said, if I want a 1960s coal train on it.....

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