The Bigbee Line Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 I don't need another layout, but have trackwork and boards that can be laid out as an Inglenook type layout. A large part of my life was spent at Dover, starting with contact as a guard when based at Ashford, then as Supervisor, Inspector and Manager. Shift work at Dover with the shunting and trainferry operation was a privilege, that you don't realise at the time. The set of sidings in front of the transit shed were mainly used for wagons off the boat waiting customs clearance. So when the boat was shunted, there was always a game to minimise shunting, local knowledge gave you a good idea what would clear quickly. One of the 2 pilots would gather any clearances and traffic under bond to trip to Dover Town , bringing back the next lot of shipping..... The Transit shed did examinatons, a speciality was a 'turnout and tally' where the whole wagon load was handballed onto the platform under the watchful eye of a Customs Officer, then reloaded back into the same wagon. Hot work... There were also examinations by MAFF officers, I've seen them halve a whole sack of Spanish Onions to check there was not stowaways inside.. Happy days. Anyway a project of simplification and memories.... Do not expect rapid progress, this is for the long haul. Here is the start of a plan.... This is the view from above the linkspan... 10 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
D6775 Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 Will watch this with interest. You'll need a few of Buzz Models IWA's! Hopefully get some transfers sorted at some point. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bigbee Line Posted August 9, 2020 Author Share Posted August 9, 2020 The Transit Shed was also used to unload the odd UK vehicle, An SPA in Railfreight paint site outside the shed having just unloaded the 2 fork trucks.... The platform when almost to a point with handrails on one side... Here is a load of Chivas Regal in the middle of a 'turnout and tally',,, Finally for tonight 09013 waiting for the boat. In the background is the TOPS office... 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bigbee Line Posted August 9, 2020 Author Share Posted August 9, 2020 (edited) Here are a couple of vans from the VAG Volkswagen, Audi Group components train, being checked by the customs... Edited August 10, 2020 by The Bigbee Line 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwr Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 Great idea. Lots of interesting wagons too Paul R 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baggies1961 Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 Will watch with interest, is the SPA wagon available as a kit at all? Regards Julian. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baggies1961 Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 Just seen the PRMP kit on line. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
47606odin Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 Ooh, this looks like a good one to follow. I shall enjoy this one, only ever got down the link span once as an apprentice, standing in the middle with a pair of 33’s thrashing out was awesome Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium ELTEL Posted August 10, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 10, 2020 As others have said, and I look forward to it’s progress. Will it be home based or a exhibition Layout ? Happy Modelling & Stay Safe Terry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Robertson Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 (edited) Interesting to see and some great prototype photos. Building my own version in n gauge currently which I've set up a blog for here to follow progress called 'Seahaven'. Based on the admiralty pier / Nord-pas-de-Calais Service rather than the old Southern Railway Train Ferry Dock and imagined as still operating in competition / co-operation with the channel tunnel . Will be great to swap ideas and watch your progress Edited September 4, 2020 by Paul Robertson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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