Sidmouth in P4

[10sidmouth]

So how does one start to describe a layout under the heading 'New Topic' when it has been seen by a large number of people at various Shows for the last 4 to 5 years? It has also appeared in MRJ (Issue 243) and in two other illustrious publications.

The layout was also awarded the Railway Modeller Cup for 2017, the Bachmann Trophy in 2018 at the NEC and the Sir William McAlpine Award also at the NEC. Well, as much as I would like to continue with the list of successes , I frankly admit there have been a number of brickbats too, some deserved, some very harsh and dismissive,  particularly in the early days when operation was not as good as it should have been. Having then only had very limited ability to erect any part of the layout for pre-Show test purposes, it became painfully obvious that it would not improve quickly until it could be run more or less as a whole. A house move allowed me the opportunity to build a longer shed that accommodates all but the fiddle yard, some 5.5 metres. Following a programme of (what turned out to be) minor improvements to the track and to the front and rear bogies of the various 2-6-2 tanks, that I use, the incidence of derailment virtually disappeared. The bogies are sprung and are checked thoroughly before each Show to ensure the springing is engaged. I found that, as these engines sit in boxes for some weeks between shows, the springing can jam. I have also added sprung arms that ensure more weight of the engine is exerted on the top of the bogie. I discovered a slightly misaligned coach bogie too. In P4 these small discrepancies matter. Perhaps it would be wise to finish at this point and leave another couple of photos in my wake. Layout photos by Barry Norman for the MRJ.

Richard

 

[chris p bacon]

It's a superb layout and well worth catching at a show. 

 

I hear the stock boxes are very good quality too... 

[SouthernRegionSteam]

Despite the lengthy list of appearances both at exhibitions and in railway magazines, somehow the WoR virtual show was the first time I'd seen the layout (I did write a paragraph about the layout on my external blog, if you're interested). Needless to say I'm in awe. There's so much exceptional modelling going on here. Of course, I'm naturally biased by the theme, but the execution is superb. The buildings in particular are really "something else!"; it's a layout I'd definitely love to see one day. You very much deserve all the accolades that you've received.

[JohnR]

Having been a devotee of all things East Devon, all I can say is that this layout is absolutely marvellous. I've only ever seen it on video, so cant comment on the running, but what I have seen certainly works. 

 

I could sit for hours and study it, Richard. 

[10sidmouth]

Gentlemen,

Thank you very much indeed for your very kind comments.

I would like it known too that the stock boxes are first class and have themselves been much admired.

Richard

[phixer64]

One of the finest layouts I've seen,

 

Regards Jeff

Edited July 8, 2020 by phixer64
Add the pics

[mswjr]

I have only seen it on YOU TUBE, I watched it for age's really nice. I can not wait to see it in the flesh.

[StephenB]

You’ll enjoy seeing it in the flesh.

Stephen

[10sidmouth]

Next show is Basingstoke, March 2021. Fingers crossed it takes place.

Richard

[10sidmouth]

Many thanks phixer 64 for your excellent photos.

 

The following are pics of recent additions to the motive power available. Both Bulleid Light Pacifics in original form are built from PDK kits. The rebuilt Bulleids were too heavy for the branch and never appeared. The only evidence I have of 'spam cans' visiting Sidmouth was an excursion from Plymouth hauled by 34104 Bere Alston, an engine I also have. I have seen it written that 34011 Tavistock was seen hauling a freight. No evidence for 34069 Hawkinge though. She was a 72A Exmouth Jct engine so not beyond the realms of possibility. Anyway, it is my railway.

Third picture is also a PDK kit - this will be my third BR Std 3 Tank. The kit is not one to be undertaken by a novice to this hobby, I would say, particularly in P4 as the valve gear clearances are so tight. The chassis is designed for 00 only, as you might expect, so needs some careful modification.

[10sidmouth]

 Tavistock will follow shortly

 

Richard

 

 

[10sidmouth]

[ColinW]

Have to say I do like seeing this at exhibition's.  One of my favourite views is from the end looking directly over the station and up the line.  Gives a great view of the layout.

 

Colin

[PeteN92]

Hi Richard your layout of Sidmouth is excellent, I hope to one day see it in the flesh.

 

Where did you source your concrete post SR iron  fencing from as well as your SR 4 Wire fencing?  I'm looking to get hold of some for my Ilfracombe Layout?

 

Cheers

 

Pete

[D9020 Nimbus]

Fortunate to see this at Derby—2019 I think? A wonderful layout which I really enjoyed—a highlight of the show for me.

[10sidmouth]

Apologies for the slow response. The concrete posts are from Ratio, so not wholly correct. I believe that some enterprising soul is producing an authentic version in brass. As soon as I know who, I will will post it on here. The 'wire' is very fine (0.1mm) nylon thread

[10sidmouth]

Here is the completed BR Std 3 2-6-2. She joins her sisters 82010 and 82019 on the layout. 

 

Fireman just checking his injector prior to departure for Sidmouth Jct.

 

[10sidmouth]

Latest addition. A third Martin Finney M7. Painted and lined by Ian Rathbone

[John Besley]

On 07/08/2020 at 15:28, 10sidmouth said:

Here is the completed BR Std 3 2-6-2. She joins her sisters 82010 and 82019 on the layout. 

 

Fireman just checking his injector prior to departure for Sidmouth Jct.

 

 

Of Note 82019 was the oldest Std 3 in service in 1967, she was at Exmouth Jct for around 10 years and the last in traffic finishing her days at Nine Elms on the last Saturday of SR steam, travelling to Salisbury with a Std 4 tank for withdrawal 

[John Besley]

When did the loco shed get taken over by Sidmouth Engineering?... one of my friends from Ottery St Mary worked there after he left school in 1974

[10sidmouth]

Many apologies for not replying to your question. I read somewhere that the company was founded in the early/mid 1950s, so I guess their tenure of the former engine shed (closed in the 1930s) dated from then. I was told that there were light and heavy machine shops in the building and that SE refurbished components from tanks and armoured vehicles for the MOD. Perhaps your friend could throw more light on this subject?

[10sidmouth]

Spoiler alert!

 

Sidmouth appears (if only briefly) in the guise of East Bay in Episode 4 of ITV's 'The Larkins' on October 31st. 8.00pm