kernowtim Posted April 21, 2017 Share Posted April 21, 2017 We are all forgetting about charwelton new town that was being built in the sixties!! Leaving Milton Keynes a small village near Bletchley 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stivesnick Posted April 22, 2017 Share Posted April 22, 2017 I am totally enjoying this topic - the idea of taking an existing layout and updating by 20 years is something I would love to do . Here are my own thoughts on the, that you are free to adopt or ignore as you wish, especially as not familiar with the layout. 1. Passenger services would have ended as a result of Dr Beeching - but line kept open for freight. 2. By the 1980s some track rationalisation would have taken place - the station goods loops and some sidings would have gone. In some cases on the prototype, the track remained in situ, but the points were replaced by sections of plain track. After 20 years these would be suitably overgrown. 3. From other posts, I gather there is a branch line. Keep it open for stone/ waste as mentioned. Assume any level crossings on the branch are trainman worked so need a brake van on any freight. 4. By the 1980's stations and some lines were being reopened to passengers again. For example Oxford-Bicester Town and Kettering-Corby re-opened in 1987. So DMU local service - minimum work done on station for re-opening - new signs, lights and waiting shelter and restore platform edge for 2-3 coaches. The rest of the platform is fenced off and overgrown. 5. The mid 1980's was a period of Section 8 grants for freight facilities so could be excuse for wagonload trip working to the station - perhaps a modern shed to contrast with original goods shed. So lots of modelling opportunities here without stretching rule 1 too far - have fun! Nick 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveC46026 Posted April 22, 2017 Share Posted April 22, 2017 I am totally enjoying this topic - the idea of taking an existing layout and updating by 20 years is something I would love to do . Here are my own thoughts on the, that you are free to adopt or ignore as you wish, especially as not familiar with the layout. 1. Passenger services would have ended as a result of Dr Beeching - but line kept open for freight. 2. By the 1980s some track rationalisation would have taken place - the station goods loops and some sidings would have gone. In some cases on the prototype, the track remained in situ, but the points were replaced by sections of plain track. After 20 years these would be suitably overgrown. 3. From other posts, I gather there is a branch line. Keep it open for stone/ waste as mentioned. Assume any level crossings on the branch are trainman worked so need a brake van on any freight. 4. By the 1980's stations and some lines were being reopened to passengers again. For example Oxford-Bicester Town and Kettering-Corby re-opened in 1987. So DMU local service - minimum work done on station for re-opening - new signs, lights and waiting shelter and restore platform edge for 2-3 coaches. The rest of the platform is fenced off and overgrown. 5. The mid 1980's was a period of Section 8 grants for freight facilities so could be excuse for wagonload trip working to the station - perhaps a modern shed to contrast with original goods shed. So lots of modelling opportunities here without stretching rule 1 too far - have fun! Nick Hi Nick Updating an existing layout had long been on my radar too so when the opportunity came along with this then we had to do it! Although being 35 1/2 foot long it's no small undertaking particularly as we are converting to DCC for our already extensive collection of sound chipped locos! Just a few thoughts on your valid points! 1) passenger services may well has ceased on the line but had the line remained open the I'm sure plenty of Summer Saturday passengers would have traversed the line! What's not to love about a rake of MK1 or Mk2 with a pair of 31's, a boilered peak or a Tinsley 37 at the head! 2) track rationalisation may have taken place however strategic locations would have kept loops for laybyes or pathing problems- in thinking of the loops at Broadholme north of Belper. 3) The Branch if it had remained open doesn't actually cross any roads and was a short spur to a quarry! The quarry would have closed but we are assuming it was a dump fir spent ballast! This would also see several of the sidings remaining open! Had it gone over crossings brake vans front and rear possibly! I remember the MGR's on the Debby branch with crews front one tear for the multitude of crossings! 4) completely agree no argument and already in hand! 5) Charwelton is a small village and short of the odd punnet of strawberries I don't imagine much being transported in or out by rail! It's really good fun creating a forward history for a real place that had its rail services cut 20 years or so before our chosen period. Everything is therefore hyprrthetical but we want to create a realistic model that's sympathetic to the original and we appreciate everybody's thoughts! Regards Dave 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodenhead Posted April 22, 2017 Share Posted April 22, 2017 I am currently in Charwelton, the removal of the station is so complete you don't even notice where the bridge was over the line. If you are modelling 80s then think Network Southeast and also that Northampton was becoming a commuter town for London. With that in mind, why couldn't Charwelton find a new lease of life as a park and ride to Marylebone Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagrizz Posted April 22, 2017 Share Posted April 22, 2017 I am currently in Charwelton, the removal of the station is so complete you don't even notice where the bridge was over the line. If you are modelling 80s then think Network Southeast and also that Northampton was becoming a commuter town for London. With that in mind, why couldn't Charwelton find a new lease of life as a park and ride to Marylebone Daventry has grown substantially from the 1960's onwards, so you could justify a train service for Daventry residents commuting to London and elsewhere. Graham 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveC46026 Posted April 23, 2017 Share Posted April 23, 2017 Just had an email and paperwork for exhibition No2! Looks like Charwelton is going on tour! Best get the T-Shirts printed and a headboard for the van!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveC46026 Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 So as it's been a wee while since a post I thought I'd post a few words as to the current state of play. So scenically (as far as the vegetation goes anyway!) the first two boards are done and before we assemble the whole layout for the first time on June 4th we're starting to look at trackside furniture and fittings. The outer points at least will be fitted with point machines. Inner points nah remain Mechanical as will the signals. This means cable troughing, signal wire runs and point machines. Currently we have Peco point machines but these may be replaced by the finer and smaller Colin Craig casts. Also in the to do list are drainage covers in the cutting along with redundant bullhead rail lengths, sleeps and chairs. Catch you all soon 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob D2 Posted May 13, 2017 Share Posted May 13, 2017 Looking good ! Used to drive through there in my way from my parents back home to where I lived in daventry Always amazed me there was such a big railway network around there Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium gc4946 Posted May 14, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 14, 2017 Although I never saw this layout in the flesh, I think it's still worth a refresh. I suggest the (model) 1980s alterations - at least for the station buildings - be reversible if anyone wants to run it pre-1966. Looking at the images it appears the bridge and staircase are built as one unit. If you decide the station has closed, the entrance can be bricked up and a fence added at platform level to block access to the stairs. If you decide Charwelton stayed open, then corporate image BR signs can be added. In all cases, the bases for the waiting room and lavatories on the platform would then be covered up with inserts modelled with the impression of freshly-laid tarmac, looking as if they were demolished. If Charwelton stayed open, these special inserts can have fencing attached to mark off the publicly accessible platform area. A contemporary waiting shelter, lamps and station notices can be planted on these special inserts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
43110andyb Posted June 1, 2017 Author Share Posted June 1, 2017 Well only two days to go until we attempt to erect the whole layout for the first time over the weekend! It will be a measure of where we are and what we need to do before its first outing. Hopefully lots of updates and photos to come from this weekend so watch this space. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeighties Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 Hiya. Apologies if it has already been said, but where is the layout first appearing? Would really like to view this :-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
43110andyb Posted June 2, 2017 Author Share Posted June 2, 2017 We will post the 2019 shows when we have confirmation of invites as we don't want to post any duff gen. Seems a long while off yet but I'm sure when we get a plan of works sorted over the weekend we might be glad we have a bit of time to play with! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
caradoc Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 Good luck with this fascinating project. It occurs to me that if the line had remained open, a key traffic would have been the MGR coal trains from the East Midlands to Didcot Power station, using the link from the GC to Banbury (which would also serve for passenger trains to the South Coast, of course). 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
43110andyb Posted June 2, 2017 Author Share Posted June 2, 2017 Good luck with this fascinating project. It occurs to me that if the line had remained open, a key traffic would have been the MGR coal trains from the East Midlands to Didcot Power station, using the link from the GC to Banbury (which would also serve for passenger trains to the South Coast, of course). We do have an idea to run the Newcastle - Poole service on our route as we have found out that it was timetabled this way before the closure of the line. Also we had better get collecting MGR stock!!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Northmoor Posted June 2, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 2, 2017 I look forward to seeing this on the exhibition circuit, excellent and inspiring work. I've often dreamed of (having the space to build) a model of Woodford Halse circa 1985, based on an important what-if: That the Channel Tunnel project HADN'T been stopped in 1975. The main freight route to the North would have been via Tonbridge - Redhill avoider - Guildford - Reading - Oxford - Woodford Halse - Rugby - Leicester (Midland, via a flying junction with the line from Nuneaton). Woodford would have remained open for the surviving skeleton passenger service from Marylebone, and the rationalised yards would have been where electric traction handed over to diesel to continue North. Just a dream of mine, one day I'll have the shed (sorry, aircraft hangar) large enough to do it in OO....... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
43110andyb Posted June 3, 2017 Author Share Posted June 3, 2017 It's up! 1 hour 10mins and no problems, testament to its builders we had no issues at all. Next job get it working! 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 43110andyb Posted June 3, 2017 Author Popular Post Share Posted June 3, 2017 A couple of pics from today..... 45 043 on the Newcastle - Poole (apologies to passengers for the lack of ETH loco availability). 20 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vulcan product fan Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 lovin the peak action the layout looks excellent mate . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim76 Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 I look forward to seeing this on the exhibition circuit, excellent and inspiring work. I've often dreamed of (having the space to build) a model of Woodford Halse circa 1985, based on an important what-if: That the Channel Tunnel project HADN'T been stopped in 1975. The main freight route to the North would have been via Tonbridge - Redhill avoider - Guildford - Reading - Oxford - Woodford Halse - Rugby - Leicester (Midland, via a flying junction with the line from Nuneaton). Woodford would have remained open for the surviving skeleton passenger service from Marylebone, and the rationalised yards would have been where electric traction handed over to diesel to continue North. South surely? Wasn't there once a plan for the MS&W 1500v DC electrification to be extended to Woodford? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
43110andyb Posted June 4, 2017 Author Share Posted June 4, 2017 (edited) Video not working so edited to remove. Sorry Edited June 4, 2017 by 43110andyb Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
43110andyb Posted June 4, 2017 Author Share Posted June 4, 2017 (edited) Is the link above working for anyone? It won't play on my own iPad. -If it isn't apologies! Edited- video removed. Edited June 4, 2017 by 43110andyb Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Northmoor Posted June 4, 2017 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 4, 2017 South surely? Wasn't there once a plan for the MS&W 1500v DC electrification to be extended to Woodford? T'would make sense, however...... I would have thought it unlikely that by 1975 DC electrification would have been extended rather than using the (by then European standard) 25kV ac from the South. Getting off the point, but it's conceivable the GW mainline would have been electrified in the 70s if Reading - Didcot - Oxford was already wired, or at least Reading - Paddington for all suburban services. Then Oxford - Birmingham as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ess1uk Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 A couple of pics from today..... 45 043 on the Newcastle - Poole (apologies to passengers for the lack of ETH loco availability). image.jpegimage.jpeg Great work Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mr.S.corn78 Posted June 6, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 6, 2017 (edited) HI all, So after a very successful weekend of testing, here are a couple of videos so you can see what we hopefully achieve. If the above works i will post up a couple more in the next few days Cheers Edited June 6, 2017 by Mr.S.corn78 16 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mr.S.corn78 Posted June 8, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 8, 2017 More testing was undertaken during the day and the last one to run was this 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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