Nick,
No I didn't think about modelling Ely in the pre-electrification phase. But I need to explain that statement more carefully........
When I joined the Ely and District Model Railway Club just less than 5 years ago I had only ever model outdoors in G scale. Some of the club members were building a fictitious N scale layout set "somewhere in the West Country" which was 20 foot long called Westgate Park. After about 3 visits I asked if I could join that group realising the potential that N scale offered with the sort of vistas that I was used to in G scale.
However I thought Westgate Park was "old school" - robust baseboards that you could drive a Landrover over without damaging them which were also so heavy that two fit men were needed to move them about. But, in my eyes, having used and constructed battery powered, radio controlled locos in G scale with sound, lights and uncouplers, worst of all it was still analogue controlled. I could readily appreciate the reason for this because the stock owned by the members were analogue and fitting decoders was/is an expensive proposition.
A year later and I knew that I wanted to build my own exhibition layout but extending my boundaries by going down the DCC route. I had spent many happy hours dining in the Cutter Inn on the quayside in Ely happily watching the present day train movements and I had my Eureka moment when I decided to model the current Ely Station.
So Nick that's why it's modern day. The question now is do I consider putting the overhead catenary in, I am very, very tempted.
Terry
