Carterton

Carterton

The Prototype

18 miles west of Oxford lays the small town of Carterton. Founded in 1894 and previously renown for high-quality tomatoes produced by the small holders of the village, it has now grown into a town serving the largest RAF station in the United Kingdom. Despite its relatively modern history, most people are surprised to know that Carterton used to boast its own railways station.  Once a halt on the Fairford Branch, Carterton sadly lost its station when all passenger services were withdrawn in 1962, and the branch was finally lifted in 1970s. 

The Model

The model shows Carterton as it existed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. A reminder that the Great Western Railway and later the Western Region of British Railways was about moving people, and wasn’t all chocolate box scenes.  An echo of its wartime past when troops disembarked for RAF Brize Norton and RAF Broadwell, many sadly never returned. Whilst no where near the most attractive station on the Fairford Branch, it shows that just about any location can be modelled. The layout has proven to be a piece of history, with many people remembering their times travelling by train when Carterton was connected to the railway.

Modelled in OO, and measuring 14 ft long by 2ft wide (4271mm x 610mm), with fiddle yards either end of a 6ft scenic section.  The layout is operated from the front, allowing the layout to sit close to a wall, making the model extremely flexible to position at exhibitions.

Exhibiting

The layout is transported by van, and transported in 4ft x 2ft boards.  The layout can be moved through a standard doorway using a foldable sack trolley. Setting up of the layout takes 1 hour and disassembly approximately the same duration. The layout is supported on its own legs.  Barriers are preferable. Power to the layout is via four plugs, however the layout can be powered from a singular extension lead.  The layout operates via DCC without sound.

Expenses: To be agreed and is based upon the location of the exhibition.  The layout is moved by van.

Insurance: £2500

Range: Prepared to exhibit anywhere in the country.  The layout is based near Oxford.

Number of operators: Between 2-4 operators depending on availability and duration of exhibition.

Contact: clchewter@hotmail.com 

RMWeb Link:  https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/163973-carterton/#comment-4406904