Hobson Central

[Chris Turnbull]

There are many fine layouts on RMWeb in a wide variety of scales and gauges but Gauge 1 seems rather under-represented.  

 

It was a year ago that the East Anglia Group of G1MRA heard the devastating news of the loss of our premises where we kept our exhibition layout "Anglia Roads" and held our regular meetings,  Thanks to the hard work of many members, not least our indefatigable chairman, six months later we were up-and-running with a new layout, "Hobson Central". 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8C9SL9pBcY

 

There is still much to do but as this is now of a modelling nature it seemed an appropriate time to start a new topic showcasing what we do.  In the meantime here's a link to the G1MRA website and details of our group.

 

https://www.g1mra.com/local-groups/east-anglia-group/

 

More to come if you are interested.

 

Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

This is the station area on Hobson Central with a bit of work going on at the far end to realign some of the track to provide a smoother run through the station throat, something that only became obvious after substantial test running.  Many comments were received along the lines of "Why don't we ...", some good, some less so.  The tracks at this end of the platforms have already had similar work carried out on them which has meant that the right-hand platform will have to be rebuilt.  Fortunately the platform builder is also one of those suggesting these track alterations (and helping to carry out the work) so there were no ructions. 

 

 

Once the final arrangement has been decided ballasting can take place.  This is just such a section with a rather nice bridge that was donated to the group and that fits nicely over this section of the tracks.  The outer two tracks are loops whilst the three centre tracks are the main running lines.

 

 

The sun streams in through the skylights which makes a very pleasant environment in what we call the "track hall" - but it does play havoc with photography.  Some of the group's stock can be seen in the sidings; a short raft of private-owner wagons, a rake of Gresley teaks and another rake of BR Mk1s.  Some members prefer to bring their own stock to match their locomotive(s) but it can be easier if stock is readily available.  Gauge 1 can be heavy and unwieldy!  Note the steps over the tracks for the less nimble members.

 

 

Chris Turnbull

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull
Edited to correct poor grammar!

[Chris Turnbull]

Here's the platforms under construction. nothing unusual but good, solid construction quite a bit larger than the norm on RMWeb.

 

 

And here's the platform undergoing clearance tests:

 

 

These tracks are not wired, this Brush Type 2 being battery powered and radio-controlled.

 

Chris Turnbull

(Photos by Nick Barlow)

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull
Edited to credit photos

[Chris Turnbull]

Whilst the layout itself is being built to reflect British practice the East Anglia Group's members have models of many different railways around the world some of which are considerably larger than we are used to in this country.  This variety is one of the delights of Gauge 1 but the track must be capable of taking them without danger of collision with similar trains travelling on the other tracks or striking lineside structures.  Here's one example being tested to check the 12 feet radius curves are not too sharp.

 

 

Fortunately the test was successful so it was allowed to run under steam.

 

 

Chris Turnbull

(Photos by Nick Barlow)

 

 

 

   

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

One of the great pleasures of Gauge One is the social aspect of its members.  On Saturday 18th May the East Anglia Group held an American Day when we invited any of our members and those of neighbouring groups who had American prototypes to come along and run them.  An excellent day was had by all which bodes well for future such events.

 

Here we see two electrically powered models, an Aristocraft Mallet with matching passenger cars and a Burlington Zephyr.

 

 

 

And here are two Aster Union Pacific Big Boys and an Accucraft Norfolk and Western J class which is being prepared for a run by its owner.

 

 

Next time, back to British outline.

 

Chris Turnbull

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

Yesterday we had our end of the month run so I took the opportunity to take a few shots before the crowds arrived. 

 

Gauge One is often associated with elderly gentlemen chasing an out-of-control steam locomotive.  Whilst this epithet is, perhaps, well deserved it is less true today than it used to be.  Radio control is far more common than it once was and there are more electrically-powered and live steam locos controlled thus.

 

Here's three very nice locos all battery powered and radio controlled.  Firstly a class 66.  Admittedly the train is not appropriate but to save much carting around of heavy stock we share each other's at these group meetings.  We are a very tolerant lot!

 

 

And here's a brace of class 37s.

 

 

And here's a very nice 2-BIL

 

 

And just to show there was some live steam here's a lovely Jubilee with some fine LMS coaches

 

 

Chris Turnbull

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

Wednesday is our working day, or at least until early afternoon when we usually have a bit of a run.

 

This Wednesday we concentrated on getting more of the ballasting done and it is now starting to look most effective.  A tedious but essential chore.

 

 

One of those present had just purchased a rather nice radio-controlled live steam Britannia and he was understandably keen to give it a test run once work had finished.  It performed admirably and he went home a happy man.

 

 

Yes, I know a rake of Gresley teaks is not an authentic train for 70004 with "Golden Arrow" insignia but it was just a test run and the teaks were the easiest rake to couple to.  I'm also not too sure about my efforts to paint the cess.  A bit more thought required!

 

Chris Turnbull

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

Gauge One is  a very sociable scale as I have said before.  One of the reasons for this is that not everyone has room for a layout of their own, nor can many afford the eye-watering prices of some of the locomotives and rolling stock and membership of a local group is one answer to this.  On Saturday 8th June the East Anglia Group invited members of the South East Group to our premises to enjoy our hospitality and have a run on our new track.  Although it is most pleasant to run on a fine outdoor track on a balmy summer's day the weather on the 8th June was anything but.  It was dire but that did not affect us indoors - we just kept running all day long, very pleased that we could do that.  It would have been a washout otherwise!  

 

Here we see a fine Midland Compound speeding through the now-completed platforms

 

 

Smoke everywhere!  Steam is raised on a coal-fired Duchess

 

 

A brace of GER tram locomotives pass the Duchess which is now ready to set off.

 

 

Here is the Duchess speeding under the bridge on the inner steam track.

 

 

An LMS Jubilee shows its paces on the outer steam track.  Depending on the ratio of steam and electrically-powered models, this track can double as an electric track.

 

 

It wasn't all British outline.  One visitor brought along a rather nice radio-controlled live steam Southern Pacific class M6 2-6-0.  The prototype is currently under restoration on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad.  The loco is hauling the club's three Pennsy passenger cars which is not a prototypical load but they were the only stock available that had buckeye couplings.  This demonstrates another problem with Gauge One - the room needed to transport not only a locomotive but also stock.  You would need a lorry to transport a typical US train, not to mention the time involved in unloading and unpacking and then doing the reverse at the end of the day!

 

 

Nor was it all steam.  Here's a lovely Watford three-car set in the loop on the outer steam / inner electric track.

 

 

Chris Turnbull

 

 

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull

[TerrySVR]

Fabulous pictures of what will be a stunning layout very nice.

 

[Chris Turnbull]

Thank you for your comments and support.

 

The idea is to turn this layout into something more than just a test track.  At the moment we are busy fettling some of the track and pointwork, work which does not lend itself to interesting photography.  Only when everyone is happy with the track can ballasting proceed.  Even then we have had to slew one short length of track where a kink became obvious only after it had been ballasted.  As with track fettling, ballast is not very photogenic, one section looking much like another.  Nevertheless, I will do my best to keep you posted on modelling developments and social events.

 

If anyone is interested in seeing the layout or even joining the East Anglia Group please feel free to PM me.

 

Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

I have just uploaded some video footage of our American Day on 18th May.  This is the first time I have done this so please bear with me.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUJ3mzkHM9c&feature=youtu.be

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfptkwMr4Q8&feature=youtu.be

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXMsDY96qss&feature=youtu.be

 

Chris Turnbull

 

[Chris Turnbull]

Its nearly a month since I last updated you on Hobson Central so as last Wednesday was the second Wednesday in the month and therefore one of our regular running sessions I thought it a good opportunity to take some photos.

 

 

 

Here's one end of the station throat with a selection of trains at the platforms.  The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that the ballasting has moved on apace and is looking good.  Platforms are also complete and discussions are now underway on the buildings to be provided.  The blackboard in the background is the running roster divided into into half-hour slots throughout the day.  Select a time to suit you and off you go.  If there are any failures or you wish to swap slots we talk to each other.  This is very old-school but is most effective.

 

 

A very nice 45xx rounds the curve having just passed under the footbridge over the track.

 

 

A GW Hall stands at the platform with the group's rake of Gresley teaks.  This must be an inter-regional working!  

 

 

Finally, a BR Standard Class 4 tank rounds the same curve in the opposite direction.  Yes, they are Pennsylvania RR clerestory coaches in the siding behind.

 

Chris Turnbull

 

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

My good friend and fellow East Anglia Group member, Nick Barlow, has sent me some of his photos for me to share with you.  Please forgive the lack of detail in some of the captions as I'm not too sure exactly what some of the models are.

 

 

A Class 47 powers along one one side of Hobson Central.

 

 

The same loco rests in what is intended to be a gas steaming bay.  This was newly laid and notices to that effect are not yet in evidence.  In any case there were no gas-fired locos around that day so it did not matter.

 

 

The Group's DMU rounds the curve from the station.

 

 

And here 60163 rounds the same curve in the opposite direction.  Yes. I know there's still a lot of scenic work to do but we are getting there albeit slowly!

 

 

A reprobate services his 9F after a run.

 

 

60033 "Seagull".  This was one of but three A4s I saw in revenue-earning service storming through St Neots shortly before Kings Cross shed closed.  The next time I went to St Neots it had been dieselised.

 

 

As I've said before, we are very broad church in the East Anglia Group.  Here's something I have never seen and am unlikely to.

 

Chris Turnbull

 

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

It is a while since I last posted any photos on this layout so here are a few I took at our meeting yesterday.

 

 

This is the station area with a footbridge and buildings now insitu.  I am told that these are based on those at Gleneagles.

 

 

A view from the other direction.  The latticework on the footbridge was 3D printed.

 

 

An ROD 2-8-0 drifts through with a freight.  The strong and low winter sunlight gives some great steam effects but makes photography very difficult.

 

 

Plenty of action in this shot.

 

 

A 4F is prepared for its next run.  Shame about the pump handle!  This will be removed before the run commences.  The temperature in the track hall yesterday was on the chilly side but we do have a heated clubroom area next door to which we adjourn for a warm from time to time.

 

Chris Turnbull

 

 

 

[lezz01]

It all looks splendid Chris. There's nothing quite like G1 is there?! 

Regards Lez. 

[Chris Turnbull]

Last March we closed our premises in line with the lockdown, re-opening on 4th July since when we have had many meetings.  These are, of course, limited to a maximum of six attendees who must pre-book and this is working very well indeed.  Measures are in place to ensure compliance with government guidelines and yours truly learnt how to write a risk assessment!  And not just running, working parties have been busy improving or replacing the temporary scenery albeit at a slower pace than usual.

 

Here's a few photos I took on Saturday 17th October which shows the progress made so far.

 

 

A new loco shed and improved scenery have made a great difference to this corner.  A bit of re-ballasting is now required to finish it off.  There's even a signal albeit non-working.

 

 

On the other side of the layout the new scenery is progressing along the back wall.

 

 

And this is the rear of the layout with the bridge repositioned to break up this long straight section.  Eventually the whole of the back wall will be properly scenicked.

 

 

A fine live steam Battle of Britain, 34051 I think, speeds around the curve and shows the limits of my camera.  Perhaps I should invest in a better one!

 

Chris Turnbull

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

Last week four of us pre-booked a day at our clubroom for yesterday (2nd November), the rest of the week being fully booked.  As it turned out this will be the last time for at least a month so I thought a few photos might be in order.

 

One of the first things to do is clean the two steam tracks although you might wonder why this is necessary when no electricity is involved.  The answer is that with an indoor layout the track gets very greasy and a good clean with white spirit is a wise move.  Whilst cleaning you can make a check that the points are set to the main line - it wouldn't be the first time that a train has shot into a siding or, even worse, onto the opposite running track!  To assist us to check we have painted the point levers white one side to show when they are correctly set.

 

 

I also noticed that some rather nice point levers have appeared. 

 

 

I took along a couple of locos to run, a Black 5 made from a Barrett kit and an Aster/Accucraft 9F, both of which ran very well.  Here's the Black 5 gliding round the curve at the near end of the clubroom with a rake of LMS coaches about to cross the lift-out section.  Yes, I know this is not prototypically correct but lugging boxes of gauge one-sized stock around is no joke.  I could have coupled to one of our rakes of BR coaches but this rake was convenient.  This is a hobby and is supposed to be enjoyable.    

 

 

The lift-out section was installed when we built the layout to assist the less agile amongst us to gain access to the centre - we have a couple of nonagenarians in our ranks.  However, the one person we thought might appreciate ease of access goes over the steps we also built like a mountain goat and the lift-out section is rarely used if at all.  Unfortunately, in the unheated environment of our clubroom the wood expands and contracts with the seasons and has given us problems with derailments.  Since it was not used we decided to realign the track and insert fishplates which means that some ballast repair is required.  A job for next year I think.

 

I also took along my 9F which is seen here rounding the curve at the far end of the layout with one of our rakes of BR "Blood and Custard" coaches.  Prototypically better but perhaps a clash with the later crest on the tender.  Am I bothered?  Not really.  I had a good run and that's the main thing.  

 

 

The chairs under the boards are those we removed to allow "social distancing" and, along with all the other clutter, make a bit of an eyesore.  A member's better half (we have a few) kindly made some rather fetching curtains which are in the process of being installed and should make a considerable difference when complete.  Here's the first couple.

 

 

One of the joys (?) of Gauge One is getting to know a new locomotive; like people they all have their idiosyncrasies.  Here's my good friend, Robert Anderson, with his brand-new Accucraft Adams Radial tank with which he had a good run once he had mastered the black art of gas firing with which he was unfamiliar.

 

 

This will probably be the last post for at least a month but, don't despair, I shall resume as soon as I am able.

 

Chris Turnbull

 

Edited April 24, 2022 by Chris Turnbull

[sir douglas]

4 hours ago, Chris Turnbull said:

 

 

 

 

lovely little set of levers

[Chris Turnbull]

My good friend Nick Barlow has sent me some of his photos that he took at the beginning of December before the the latest lockdown started.  As always with Nick they are splendid photos so, in order to keep the flame of Gauge One well and truly alight, here's a selection for your Christmas Day enjoyment.  It also gives me an excuse to keep out of the way whilst my better half prepares the Christmas dinner for the rest of the family.   

Here's some of the lock area and bridge.  Scenic work to the wall behind will resume when lockdown is eased and we are, once again, allowed to hold meetings in our clubroom.

 

 

 

And here's some of my 9F sweeping round the curve at the far end of the layout.

 

 

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

As from Monday 17th May we were allowed back into our clubroom and the committee wasted no time.  We made a pretence of having a committee meeting first but really it was all about playing trains. 

 

 

Here's my Black 5 gliding past some of the splendid new scenery that has been made during lockdown.

 

 

A magnificent warehouse that I am told has been based on an L&Y prototype.

 

 

A bit further along there is this cluster of buildings.  Note the gasholder cleverly built around a timber roof support.

 

 

And here's a cooling tower somewhat reduced from its true scale size, also disguising a roof support along with a much improved bridge.

 

Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

Today the East Anglia Group held its usual Second Wednesday in the Month meeting.  Being a club layout the emphasis is very much on running so even with three running tracks some form of organisation is required and this is provided by the running board.  If you want to run a loco (and not everyone does) you pick a slot and fill in your details. 

 

 

Here is today's running board fairly early on in the morning.  It was a lot fuller later.  You can see me there at 10.45 on the Outer Steam circuit which can also be used for electric locos if required.

 

If running a live steam loco the next port of call is the steaming bay and that for meths-fired locos is shown below.  There are other bays for gas and coal as butane gas does not mix well with the naked flames of meths and hot coals will melt plastic sleepers.   

 

 

Here we see some members concentrating on raising steam.  They were enjoying themselves I promise!

 

Not all locos are live steam, however.  An increasing number are electric and nor are they steam outline.  Here's a very nice class 67.

 

 

And please don't think that the electric track is wired at 12v DC - it isn't.  No tracks are wired.  All electrically powered locos are battery-powered and operated by radio control. 

 

 

Here's another lovely loco - a class 08 and wagon.  These locomotives give a much cheaper entry into Gauge One which no doubt explains their increasing popularity.

All this fun takes place on two rooms, the Track Hall and the adjacent Club Room.  We are nothing if not imaginative in our choice of names!   Here's one half of the Track Hall.  

 

 

We keep this area well-ventilated even before the Covid pandemic and in winter this can get a bit chilly.  A warm cosy environment is provided by the Club Room - and here it is:

 

 

The library is to the left with a sink, hot and cold running water, kettle and microwave at the far end.  Carpet on the floor, television to the right showing a railway DVD and some chunky electrical heaters either side for cold winter days.

 

I had taken along two locos to run but in the event I only ran one - the Black 5 noted on the running board.  My first run was mediocre, I don't know what was wrong but it sometimes goes like that for no reason.  Not wishing to give up too easily I booked another slot in the afternoon and had a splendid run.  Just the thing to send you home in a good mood.  And here she is gliding along the back straight on the inner steam track.

 

 

If any of you live in East Anglia and think you might like to come along to see what it is all about please PM me.  We have club running sessions on the second Wednesday and last Sunday in the month with working parties on the other Wednesdays often finishing with a play, sorry, run.  Members can gain access at any time and often arrange small impersonal meetings with a few friends at other times.  It is not unusual to have the club in use two or three times each week.

 

Chris Turnbull 

Edited April 12, 2022 by Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

It's about time I posted a few more photos of the G1MRA East Anglia Group's activities.  Today was our last-Sunday-in-the-month run so here's a selection taken today, 24th April.

 

 

A general view of the Track Hall as we call it.  The station area now has an improved track layout and is in the process of being upgraded with new platforms and station buildings.  As soon as they are installed photos will be posted!  

 

 

I took along two locos to run, a 9F and a Black 5.  Here's the 9f rounding the curve at one end of the layout.

 

 

And here are my two locos cooling off in the steaming bays after their runs.

 

 

Of course it wasn't just my stuff.  Here's Steve Silcock's very nice 4707 just about to pass under the walkway over the layout.

 

Chris Turnbull  

[Chris Turnbull]

Here's a link to some footage of a recent meeting:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hc0Bqtg1ck

 

Chris Turnbull

[Chris Turnbull]

And here's some footage of our exhibition layout, Anglia Roads:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx-Ys5NjYZo

 

Chris Turnbull

 

[Chris Turnbull]

The East Anglia Group of G1MRA has recently produced a webpage extolling the delights of Gauge One in general and our group in particular.  It even features yours truly showing how to raise steam on my meths-fired Southern Pacific GS1 4-8-4.  Here's a link; see what you think.   

 

https://eastangliagauge1.blogspot.com/

 

Some of you may notice that the station area is still pretty bare and is still waiting for the new station buildings.  I am assured that the installation of these is imminent.  As soon a they appear I shall take some photos and post them here. 

 

Chris Turnbull