The Bournemouth West Model Railway Group / Now known as The South Coast Model Railway Development Group / TSCMRDG

[dirtyden]

As a member of the team, I would like to ask if any SR experts have detailed knowledge of the consist and

names/nos of the Bournemouth Belle during 1960 to 61. Obviously this an important train during our sequence and we wish to model this accurately

 

 

 

 

[ed 66 plant]

Dirty Den,

                  Replying with what info. I have rather than offering expert opinion I have the following for 1961----

Brake 162 

Car 106

Car 61

Car 6

Car 58

Onyx

Sappho

Rosemary

Evadne

Car 97

Brake 63

 

All 8 wheel by this time other than cars  6,61 and 97, 12 wheel

 

regards,Ed

[ed 66 plant]

correction---61 was 8 wheel and 6 was withdrawn May 1961.

Car 107 also featured in 1961

There were of course many more 12 wheel cars running earlier, say to 1959/60.

[DLT]

When the layout was dismantled to build the transport trollies I took a few pics from rail level of the approaches to the station.image.jpeg

 

image.jpeg

 

This project just gets better and better!

[Roger Sunderland]

correction---61 was 8 wheel and 6 was withdrawn May 1961.

Car 107 also featured in 1961

There were of course many more 12 wheel cars running earlier, say to 1959/60.

Thanks very much for this ed66plant. At the moment (and lack of funds is a hinderence!) we have no 12 wheelers. I understand these were withdrawn in the early 60's, and you've indicated this in your post. We wish to model a typical weekday service so could be less than 12 cars, out of holiday times.

 

Any further thoughts on make up, bearing in mind the above?

[Ceptic]

Thanks very much for this ed66plant. At the moment (and lack of funds is a hinderence!) we have no 12 wheelers. I understand these were withdrawn in the early 60's, and you've indicated this in your post. We wish to model a typical weekday service so could be less than 12 cars, out of holiday times.

 

Any further thoughts on make up, bearing in mind the above?

 

Hi Roger,

 

I've e-mailed you what records I have, relating to the 'Belle's early '60's make up. 

 

As 'ed 66 plant' says, prior to 1961, the 'Belle' comprised, mainly, of 12 wheeled cars.  On my list, the June.'59 'Belle' formation consisted of all cars, bar one, being 12 wheeled.

 

:- '41' / '98' / 'ROSALIND' / 'SUNBEAM' / 'HIBERNIA' / 'TOPAZ' * / '96' / '17' / '45' / '294' / '47' / '95'.

 

        * 'TOPAZ' being the only 8 wheeled car in the formation.

 

Unfortunately, I haven't any records relating to 1960. Maybe someone else can fill in the gaps.

 

All the best,

Frank.

[Chris Knight]

Just a reminder that the layout makes its initial exhibition appearance at the Swindon Steam Festival on Sept. 9th/10th. Full details of the other layouts attending are on the Exhibition

thread,together with admission prices etc.

[PaulRhB]

Just a reminder that the layout makes its initial exhibition appearance at the Swindon Steam Festival on Sept. 9th/10th. Full details of the other layouts attending are on the Exhibition

thread,together with admission prices etc.

After all these years of GW you finally saw the light Chris

Unfortunately I'll be away playing with US stuff that weekend but I look forward to seeing it soon.

(Paul from the Wimborne club)

[Roger Sunderland]

Not sure he's seen the light entirely Paul, still wittering on about green engines with shiny chimneys. Even managed to sneak in a Hall or two on the York service!

[PaulRhB]

Not sure he's seen the light entirely Paul, still wittering on about green engines with shiny chimneys. Even managed to sneak in a Hall or two on the York service!

One small step for man . . .

[Chris Knight]

One small step for man . . .

Never fear, I shall continue to show all unbelievers the light as we make our annual pilgrimage to the shrine that is Swindon. One day the light will dawn.............

[bike2steam]

I admire the devotion to your faith Chris, just follow the North Star to your shrine.   

[Chris Knight]

I admire the devotion to your faith Chris, just follow the North Star to your shrine.   

I will lead,hopefully others will follow Paul - a Saint is rising from the dead at Didcot and the King is already in residence !

[PaulRhB]

I will lead,hopefully others will follow Paul - a Saint is rising from the dead at Didcot and the King is already in residence !

Ah so that makes Steve and you the Knights of Temple Meads?

 

I'll stop now . .

 

Probably

[Roger Sunderland]

It's truly amazing just how many things need to be done prior to the layouts first outing at Swindon in 3 weeks time. But we are almost there now. One of the tasks has been to bring the loco fleet up to scratch, involving a lot of tweaking and detailing. Just thought I'd share a couple of pics of locos. The weathering is the work of the "Master" Mr Steve Knight.

 

[CarriageShed]

I'm looking forward to Swindon...

[Ceptic]

Some previously unseen and some fresh pics. for your perusal.

 

 

Featuring the buildings details', soon to be, mostly, hidden from view, once the platform canopies are in situ.

 

Seen here, left to right, is the 'Enquiry Office' (across the end), followed by the 'Station Master's Office' with the 'Clerk's Office' on the far side, facing the station approach. The 'Tea / Refreshment Rooms' occupy the remainder of the ground floor.

The original 1874 station was, apart from the 'Refreshment Rooms' being across the station's approach road, opposite, made up of two separate, major buildings facing a single tracked platform with a run-round loop. This large building being the 'Station Master's House' and featured ground floor offices and living quarters including Kitchen, Larder Pantry etc. with  Scullery / Wash house, W.C. Outhouses and Yards added at each end.

Whether the SM's position befitted a live-in Housekeeper / Maid, isn't shown, but the upper floor once comprised of eight bedrooms. Maybe some were used for Staff dormitories.

 

In 1889, the station was enlarged and 'Improved' by connecting the above to the 1874 station building, shown below*, extending the buildings / platforms / canopies westwards, expanding the number of platforms, two to the north and, initially, one on the south, followed shortly afterwards by two more, These two were originally known as the 'Excursion' platforms. Strange as it seems, none were now provided with run-round loops.

 

This shows the 1889 building, (centre left) connecting the two 1874 buildings.  

The building with the Spire, to the right, is the two storey portion of the original 1874 station building*. The adjoining single storey portion was also part of this. 

Firstly, left to right, we have the 'Ticket Office' occupying half of the connecting building's full width. The remaining half, with the large window and double doors is, again, half of the 'Booking Hall' (By'eck, this is getting harder to describe, by the minute).

Moving on to the two storey portion of the 1874 building. Again, alterations have taken place over the years. The ground floor is now, as modelled in accordance to the 1962 ground plan, occupied by the remaining half of the 'Booking Hall'. Alongside is W.H.Smith's shuttered store room.

 

* Shown here is the whole of the 1874 building. The extent of which is marked by the traverse gabled roof which now covers the 'Ladies Room'.

 

Adjoining this is the 1889 extension. From left to right, which, in 1962, was made up of the 'Waiting Room', 'Porters' Room', 'Inspector's Office', ending with the 'Gentlemen's Room'.

 

Working around to the south side with this view of the east facing 'Enquiries Office'.

 

This time right to left :- 'Enquiries Office', 'Station Master's Office',  'Refreshment Rooms' Staff entrance. There used to be a trap-door access to the cellar in the pavement below the two r/h windows here, but this is not shown on the 1962 plan.

 

The roadside view of the 'Ticket Office' and the majority of the 1874 station with their shared 'Booking Hall'. This used to be the venue of Bournemouth and Poole Model Railway Club's annual exhibition back in the days when the station was a going concern.

 

Again, right to left :- The 'Staff Room' lies behind the recessed wall with the two windows (and two doors, one sealed, seen in the previous pic.) followed by the 'Ladies Room', 'Waiting Room', 'Porters' Room', 'Inspector's Office' and 'Gentlemen's W.C.'

 

As an aside, Previously referred to as 'Soldier courses', I've been taught / shown the differences in the elaborate Gothic style arches found over the doors and windows of this station (and other Westbourne buildings). It all depends on the arch's geometry. The two-centred variations range from the shallowest being 'Pointed Segmental' through to the most acute, known as 'Lancet'. The arches here, over the 'standard' doors and windows are either 'Drop' or 'Equilateral'.

 

A couple of views of the 'Pump House'. The 'Tank House's and, thus, the locos' water supply having to be pumped 'up the hill' from Bournemouth East / Central.

 

More recent pics to follow.

 

All the best,

Frank.

Edited August 21, 2017 by Ceptic

[ed 66 plant]

Some previously unseen and some fresh pics. for your perusal.

 

P1010246 - Copy.JPG

 

unnamed model (1) - Copy.jpg

Featuring the buildings details', soon to be, mostly, hidden from view, once the platform canopies are in situ.

 

P1010339 - Copy.JPG

Seen here, left to right, is the 'Enquiry Office' (across the end), followed by the 'Station Master's Office' with the 'Clerk's Office' on the far side, facing the station approach. The 'Tea / Refreshment Rooms' occupy the remainder of the ground floor.

The original 1874 station was, apart from the 'Refreshment Rooms' being across the station's approach road, opposite, made up of two separate, major buildings facing a single tracked platform with a run-round loop. This large building being the 'Station Master's House' and featured ground floor offices and living quarters including Kitchen, Larder Pantry etc. with  Scullery / Wash house, W.C. Outhouses and Yards added at each end.

Whether the SM's position befitted a live-in Housekeeper / Maid, isn't shown, but the upper floor once comprised of eight bedrooms. Maybe some were used for Staff dormitories.

 

In 1889, the station was enlarged and 'Improved' by connecting the above to the 1874 station building, shown below*, extending the buildings / platforms / canopies westwards, expanding the number of platforms, two to the north and, initially, one on the south, followed shortly afterwards by two more, These two were originally known as the 'Excursion' platforms. Strange as it seems, none were now provided with run-round loops.

 

P1010337 - Copy.JPG

This shows the 1889 building, (centre left) connecting the two 1874 buildings.  

The building with the Spire, to the right, is the two storey portion of the original 1874 station building*. The adjoining single storey portion was also part of this. 

Firstly, left to right, we have the 'Ticket Office' occupying half of the connecting building's full width. The remaining half, with the large window and double doors is, again, half of the 'Booking Hall' (By'eck, this is getting harder to describe, by the minute).

Moving on to the two storey portion of the 1874 building. Again, alterations have taken place over the years. The ground floor is now, as modelled in accordance to the 1962 ground plan, occupied by the remaining half of the 'Booking Hall'. Alongside is W.H.Smith's shuttered store room.

 

P1010579 - Copy.JPG

* Shown here is the whole of the 1874 building. The extent of which is marked by the traverse gabled roof which now covers the 'Ladies Room'.

 

P1010338 - Copy.JPG

Adjoining this is the 1889 extension. From left to right, which, in 1962, was made up of the 'Waiting Room', 'Porters' Room', 'Inspector's Office', ending with the 'Gentlemen's Room'.

 

P1010344 - Copy.JPG

Working around to the south side with this view of the east facing 'Enquiries Office'.

 

P1010340 - Copy.JPG

This time right to left :- 'Enquiries Office', 'Station Master's Office',  'Refreshment Rooms' Staff entrance. There used to be a trap-door access to the cellar in the pavement below the two r/h windows here, but this is not shown on the 1962 plan.

 

P1010342 - Copy.JPG

The roadside view of the 'Ticket Office' and the majority of the 1874 station with their shared 'Booking Hall'. This used to be the venue of Bournemouth and Poole Model Railway Club's annual exhibition back in the days when the station was a going concern.

 

P1010345 - Copy.JPG

Again, right to left :- The 'Staff Room' lies behind the recessed wall with the two windows (and two doors, one sealed, seen in the previous pic.) followed by the 'Ladies Room', 'Waiting Room', 'Porters' Room', 'Inspector's Office' and 'Gentlemen's W.C.'

 

As an aside, Previously referred to as 'Soldier courses', I've been taught / shown the differences in the elaborate Gothic style arches found over the doors and windows of this station (and other Westbourne buildings). It all depends on the arch's geometry. The two-centred variations range from the shallowest being 'Pointed Segmental' through to the most acute, known as 'Lancet'. The arches here, over the 'standard' doors and windows are either 'Drop' or 'Equilateral'.

 

P1010347 - Copy.JPG

P1010348 - Copy.JPG

A couple of views of the 'Pump House'. The 'Tank House's and, thus, the locos' water supply having to be pumped 'up the hill' from Bournemouth East / Central.

 

More recent pics to follow.

 

All the best,

Frank.

Thank you very much Frank--I would love to meet up with you at Swindon, Sat 9/9 and thank you personally for the great help you offer freely to others.

Best regards,

Ed

[CarriageShed]

Some previously unseen and some fresh pics. for your perusal.

 

P1010347 - Copy.JPG

A couple of views of the 'Pump House'. The 'Tank House's and, thus, the locos' water supply having to be pumped 'up the hill' from Bournemouth East / Central.

 

More recent pics to follow.

 

All the best,

Frank.

I've got to build at least some of this for a compressed N Gauge version, so thank you for the details that I haven't been able to find in 1:1 gauge material. Do you know if the pump house had windows in the far side wall? It's this side that will be facing outwards on my version, so it would be very helpful to know.

 

Keep up the good work.

Peter

[Ceptic]

And now, the second course. This time with canopies.

 

The freshly painted ones are awaiting the odd tidying up and weathering. The 'Excursion' platforms' (1 & 2) having been previously 'sorted'.

 

This is where the Group's electronic wizardry dept. comes into play,.....DCC remote coupling and un-coupling using Kadees.

 

With Flash.

 

Without Flash.

 

 

 

The platforms are slowly, becoming populated.

 

One of the SR Exmouth Junc. Concrete Works pattern yard lamp with brackets for telegraph wires. 

 

The latest properties flanking the tracks.

 

All the best,

Frank.

Edited August 24, 2017 by Ceptic

[Andy Y]

Wonderful; really coming together now, well done to Roger and the team!

[Barry Ten]

Brilliant stuff, definitely one to look forward to on the circuit.

[DLT]

Terrific, can't wait to see it.

Dave.

[Bibby Line]

Excellent model of a real station.

 

Very well done. Platforms looking great.

 

Brings back memories of steam in the Bournemouth stations.

 

Eddie

[Ceptic]

I've got to build at least some of this for a compressed N Gauge version, so thank you for the details that I haven't been able to find in 1:1 gauge material. Do you know if the pump house had windows in the far side wall? It's this side that will be facing outwards on my version, so it would be very helpful to know.

 

Keep up the good work.

Peter

 

Hi Peter.

 

Thanks for your interest.

 

As you have discovered, 'up' front (or rear) photos of the 'Pump House' are very thin on the ground,  if they exist at all.

It's proved difficult enough with the 'Signal Box'.

 

This stems from the fact that the 'Pump House' was one of those ancillary buildings that didn't attract a lot of interest. One reason being that it was over-looked / suffered restricted view from the rear, by groups of surrounding properties, as seen in this early aerial shot.

What can be seen here, looks to be hidden by a tree.

 

Even the aerial photos taken during the station's demolition still show the building / site obscured by vegetation.

 

What are needed here are aerial shots of the quality featured within the 'Britain from Above' website, particularly of the period in question. The aerial shots collection, taken by 'Aerofilms Ltd.' are now held by  'BfA' and were used to prepare the BTC track / ground plans of important locations

There's quite a few BfA aerial photos featuring the Central station and it's surrounds, but none of the West station,   so far.

We live in hope.

 

All the best,

Frank..