Older Inspirational Layouts

[MarshLane]

Evening all,

Given the extent that Buckingham has been mentioned on here, this seemed the logical place to post some pictures!  Through a mutual friend, I was very pleased to accept an invitation to not only go and see Buckingham, but also have a running evening.  For a 70-year-old plus layout, I have to say it is a pleasure and privilege to operate and @t-b-g, @Laurie2mil and myself had a very enjoyable few hours attempting to run the timetable.  I can see why Tony has such pride in owning the layout - it is an historic and superb example of a model railway done right, everything is there for a reason, the electronics (while maybe temperamental at times) are ahead of their years, and its also jolly good fun!

 

Tony, was happy for some images to be taken, and equally happy for them to be posted in the public domain, so thanks to him for that.  I took quite a few, so may show some more in time if people want to see them (although Buckingham is well documented anyway!) but hopefully it gives people a glimpse in to a wonderful model world.  My thanks to Tony for the invite, and yes I'd love to come back!

 

Rich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[New Haven Neil]

...and doesn't it still look great!

 

Buckingham remains possibly my greatest inspiration, and was probably what made me start this thread.  I'd love to have that sort of operational layout that is more than just one station.  Space doesn't allow unfortunately, especially since I joined the dark side of 7mm scale.

 

Tony did some time previously extend an invitation, but logistics are difficult, living on a rock in the Irish Sea as we do - annoyingly I won't be too far from him this weekend, but our time in the UK is fully spoken for, blast!

[dunwurken]

1 hour ago, MarshLane said:

 

@t-b-g, @Laurie2mil

Rich

That last photo of the goods passing the junction.  I think the engine driver and signalman are in for  a rollicking; the train is signalled for the branch but the has taken the main line. I thought Buckingham had interlocking but am obviously wrong or was it just tempremental electronics?

[t-b-g]

18 minutes ago, dunwurken said:

Rich

That last photo of the goods passing the junction.  I think the engine driver and signalman are in for  a rollicking; the train is signalled for the branch but the has taken the main line. I thought Buckingham had interlocking but am obviously wrong or was it just tempremental electronics?

 

There are quite a few jobs still outstanding to complete the restoration of Buckingham to tip top condition. The signalling at Grandborough Junction is one of them. There are only a few signals there that work properly, although the ones which switch the power to or from the Buckingham controller for through working are all working electrically.

 

There never was any interlocking in the frame.

[t-b-g]

1 hour ago, MarshLane said:

Evening all,

Given the extent that Buckingham has been mentioned on here, this seemed the logical place to post some pictures!  Through a mutual friend, I was very pleased to accept an invitation to not only go and see Buckingham, but also have a running evening.  For a 70-year-old plus layout, I have to say it is a pleasure and privilege to operate and @t-b-g, @Laurie2mil and myself had a very enjoyable few hours attempting to run the timetable.  I can see why Tony has such pride in owning the layout - it is an historic and superb example of a model railway done right, everything is there for a reason, the electronics (while maybe temperamental at times) are ahead of their years, and its also jolly good fun!

 

Tony, was happy for some images to be taken, and equally happy for them to be posted in the public domain, so thanks to him for that.  I took quite a few, so may show some more in time if people want to see them (although Buckingham is well documented anyway!) but hopefully it gives people a glimpse in to a wonderful model world.  My thanks to Tony for the invite, and yes I'd love to come back!

 

Rich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the kind words and you have some lovely photos there Rich. It is always interesting when people point cameras at the layout and there still seem to be new angles and views to be had.

 

 

[MarshLane]

59 minutes ago, dunwurken said:

Rich

That last photo of the goods passing the junction.  I think the engine driver and signalman are in for  a rollicking; the train is signalled for the branch but the has taken the main line. I thought Buckingham had interlocking but am obviously wrong or was it just tempremental electronics?

Tony has given the official answer .. the unofficial version is that Grandborough Junction is so named because its grand - a bit like Brigadoon tho - not everyone sees the third junction, to which this signal is reflecting .... the branch to Leighton Buzzard is currently on Engineers Possession due to an earth fault on the branch so is locked out of use! :)

 

I must admit, I only noticed it when downloading the images this afternoon - fortunately I wasn't the one that set the route .. was I @Laurie2mil 😂

 

1 hour ago, New Haven Neil said:

...and doesn't it still look great!

Doesn't it just.  It really is inspirational and has given food for thought .. which with me is never a good thing!!!

 

[MarshLane]

42 minutes ago, t-b-g said:

 

There are quite a few jobs still outstanding to complete the restoration of Buckingham to tip top condition. The signalling at Grandborough Junction is one of them. There are only a few signals there that work properly, although the ones which switch the power to or from the Buckingham controller for through working are all working electrically.

 

There never was any interlocking in the frame.

I forgot to ask Tony, but I presume from the feel of the levers that the signalling and pointwork on Buckingham is all rod operated - there's no electrics? 

Rich

[t-b-g]

1 hour ago, MarshLane said:

I forgot to ask Tony, but I presume from the feel of the levers that the signalling and pointwork on Buckingham is all rod operated - there's no electrics? 

Rich

 

It is all mechanical operation except for the point motors (Fulgurex) which work the fiddle yard points.

 

Originally the signals (and some points) were worked by home wound solenoid coils. They proved to be not 100% reliable and there are some charred remains still under the baseboards in a few places. When I first saw the layout it was fitted with a fire extinguisher mounted on the fiddle yard legs.

 

The points are operated by rods and either fretted out wooden cranks or home made metal ones. The rods are 1/16th inch steel, very likely old bicycle spokes. The signals are mostly linked to the frame with a waxed cord and the signals have a return spring.

 

To give a hint of what it all looks like underneath, this is a shot of the main Buckingham board. I am glad that it is fairly reliable and I don't have to delve into that lot to fix things too often.

 

 

Idit to add that some signals are worked by a Bowden cable, possible made from bicycle brake gear.

Edited September 15, 2022 by t-b-g
To add content

[Martync]

Without in any way wishing to denigrate Buckingham, for which I have the greatest respect (and have spent a fortune collecting all of PD's articles) I'd like to fly the flag for Southwell Central built by John Sutton. 

This is a layout that seems to have developed over the years in many ways like Buckingham - articles from MRJ #8 to the last edition of Finescale Railway Modelling Review -and seems to me to be the epitome of the model railway.  OK, the scale/track ratio isn't what the finescale fraternity might like, but I think it is an absolute delight.  It looks like a real railway, and the standard of modelling is the "uniform standard" that Peter Denny championed.  I did actually dabble in 3mm many years ago, but my problem was the lack of ability to build locomotives.  I remember John's articles in "Mixed Traffic" which seemed to make it so simple....not for me unfortunately!!  I hope the layout and its owner are still going strong!!

Martyn

Edited November 24, 2022 by Martync
spelling

[t-b-g]

28 minutes ago, Martync said:

Without in any way wishing to denigrate Buckingham, for which I have the greatest respect (and have spent a fortune collecting all of PD's articles) I'd like to fly the flag for Southwell Central built by John Sutton. 

This is a layout that seems to have developed over the years in many ways like Buckingham - articles from MRJ #8 to the last edition of Finescale Railway Modelling Review -and seems to me to be the epitome of the model railway.  OK, the scale/track ratio isn't what the finescale fraternity might like, but I think it is an absolute delight.  It looks like a real railway, and the standard of modelling is the "uniform standard" that Peter Denny championed.  I did actually dabble in 3mm many years ago, but my problem was the lack of ability to build locomotives.  I remember John's articles in "Mixed Traffic" which seemed to make it so simple....not for me unfortunately!!  I hope the layout and its owner are still going strong!!

Martyn

 

It is quite possible to praise one layout without it reflecting negatively on another and I would agree with you 100% Southwell Central is a superb and very inspirational layout.

 

I can't say that I know John well but he has been here to see Buckingham and even spent a short time helping with a little bit of repair and restoration work around 10 years ago. I have seen a few of his locos close up too. As you say, the standard of construction and especially the subtlety of his painting and weathering more than makes up for any lack of finesse in the track and wheels.

 

His modelling is very much in the Denny tradition of being an "all rounder" and in making things for yourself. I recall John citing Peter Denny as an influence in one of his articles.

 

I haven't heard what he is up to recently but as far as I know he and his layout are still very much around. 

[Donw]

On 15/09/2022 at 19:15, New Haven Neil said:

...and doesn't it still look great!

 

Buckingham remains possibly my greatest inspiration, and was probably what made me start this thread.  I'd love to have that sort of operational layout that is more than just one station.  Space doesn't allow unfortunately, especially since I joined the dark side of 7mm scale.

 

Tony did some time previously extend an invitation, but logistics are difficult, living on a rock in the Irish Sea as we do - annoyingly I won't be too far from him this weekend, but our time in the UK is fully spoken for, blast!

 

I know the feeling. We are once again living on an island in the south   and less inclined to cross the water.

 

Don 

[D-A-T]

10 hours ago, Donw said:

 

I know the feeling. We are once again living on an island in the south   and less inclined to cross the water.

 

Don 

If by “island in the south” you mean the Isle of Wight I’ve often thought that it would make the ideal ‘operational’ layout inspiration. Self contained system, varying timetables (from the light to intense), small to medium sized stations, interesting rolling stock and great scenery. The only downside would be the limited variety of locomotives. Given a Lottery win and a Barn I’d be very tempted 😀

[Jol Wilkinson]

3 hours ago, D-A-T said:

If by “island in the south” you mean the Isle of Wight I’ve often thought that it would make the ideal ‘operational’ layout inspiration. Self contained system, varying timetables (from the light to intense), small to medium sized stations, interesting rolling stock and great scenery. The only downside would be the limited variety of locomotives. Given a Lottery win and a Barn I’d be very tempted 😀

Could be Canvey Island or the Isle of Sheppey. You have to go into Essex or Kent to get away from them, which may be a disincentive. 

[t-b-g]

4 minutes ago, Jol Wilkinson said:

Could be Canvey Island or the Isle of Sheppey. You have to go into Essex or Kent to get away from them, which may be a disincentive. 

 

3 hours ago, D-A-T said:

If by “island in the south” you mean the Isle of Wight I’ve often thought that it would make the ideal ‘operational’ layout inspiration. Self contained system, varying timetables (from the light to intense), small to medium sized stations, interesting rolling stock and great scenery. The only downside would be the limited variety of locomotives. Given a Lottery win and a Barn I’d be very tempted 😀

 

The clue is there under "location".

 

I am going to put my X in the box marked "Isle of Wight"

[D-A-T]

12 minutes ago, t-b-g said:

 

 

The clue is there under "location".

 

I am going to put my X in the box marked "Isle of Wight"

Don’t you hate smartarses! 🤣

Never occurred to me to check location.

Edited November 25, 2022 by D-A-T

[BWsTrains]

23 hours ago, Donw said:

 

I know the feeling. We are once again living on an island in the south   and less inclined to cross the water.

 

Don 

 

Likewise here and with plenty of good company, but with considerably further to travel.

[bécasse]

13 hours ago, D-A-T said:

If by “island in the south” you mean the Isle of Wight I’ve often thought that it would make the ideal ‘operational’ layout inspiration. Self contained system, varying timetables (from the light to intense), small to medium sized stations, interesting rolling stock and great scenery. The only downside would be the limited variety of locomotives. Given a Lottery win and a Barn I’d be very tempted 😀

It has been done, and, quite remarkably, almost a century ago using clockwork O gauge. Alastair MacLeod (aka Uncle Mac), when he was Assistant, Isle of Wight, built a "layout" replicating the Island's railways and used it plan an improved timetable capable of carrying more people. It "proved" that the track between Brading and Sandown needed to be doubled and a new passing loop (and resultant station) built at Havenstreet to get the most efficient timetable - and both were done.

[New Haven Neil]

We have our version of course, but it is of standard (Manx) gauge, not like you broad gauge types 😉

Also two (well three if you include the mountain) unconnected systems, but at both the ends weren't far from each other, still are in Douglas.  The downfall here would be the lack of traffic diversity.

 

In the meantime I continue to dream of Buckingham style operation.

[Donw]

What about the horse tram is that still running?

 

The problem with the Island railways is the very limited loco stock.

 

Don

[RJS1977]

16 hours ago, D-A-T said:

If by “island in the south” you mean the Isle of Wight I’ve often thought that it would make the ideal ‘operational’ layout inspiration. Self contained system, varying timetables (from the light to intense), small to medium sized stations, interesting rolling stock and great scenery. The only downside would be the limited variety of locomotives. Given a Lottery win and a Barn I’d be very tempted 😀

 

Or maybe it could be built as a modular system much like the Manchester club's Isle of Man system half a century ago.

(I know some members of the Alton club have already built several IoW stations).

[Martync]

Returning to the topic of Southwell Central, I have the following articles covering this layout:

MRJ's 8, 147, 173, 179

Finescale Railway Modelling Review 3

Railmodel Digest 2

Are there any others??  I know it has been widely covered in the 3mm Soc magazine

Thanks for any information.

Martyn

[New Haven Neil]

On 25/11/2022 at 22:47, Donw said:

What about the horse tram is that still running?

 

The problem with the Island railways is the very limited loco stock.

 

Don

 

The horse trams ran at the end of the season, but only half the length of the prom.  The Government stole the rest of the money for something else.  Political, sorry!  My wife's office is in the back of the horse tram depot - works for fleet services.

 

I actually don't much like the Beyer-Peacocks, despite being a 'steam guy'. (Ex-driver at Groudle Glen too until stopped due to injury elsewhere).  I find the MER more interesting, it certainly is a more scenic ride.  

 

 

[Willie Whizz]

I seem to recall that some decades ago (!!) there was a OO layout plan in Railway Modeller that attempted to give a representation of the IoW System as a whole, or at least most’ of it. Tight radii and short platforms, but it did from memory look, on the plan, rather like an Underground-style map of the real thing. 

[CKPR]

4 hours ago, Willie Whizz said:

I seem to recall that some decades ago (!!) there was a OO layout plan in Railway Modeller that attempted to give a representation of the IoW System as a whole, or at least most’ of it. Tight radii and short platforms, but it did from memory look, on the plan, rather like an Underground-style map of the real thing. 

IIRC it was by Stanley C Jenkins and was featured in RM c.1977-78.

[PaulRhB]

1 hour ago, CKPR said:

IIRC it was by Stanley C Jenkins and was featured in RM c.1977-78.

Jan 1978 RM