Deepdean

The closing date for the competition is approaching. To give the maximum time for modelling, the competition will close at midnight on Sunday 6 January 2019. Please will all who have entered the competition ensure that by that time they have a single entry on this section of the RMWeb which contains the photographs that they wish to have considered as their 'competition entry'. Although the judges are likely to look through all the parts of this forum, the job of choosing the winners will be simplified if you provide the web equivalent of the 'model in the showcase' as seen at exhibitions.

 

To date there are:

1. people who have opened an entry on this forum and have registered with the LNWR Society. Thank you, your entry has been logged and you will be entered in the draw for   a  Gerald Broom print,

2. people who have opened an entry on this forum but have not registered. Unless you register, you are missing the chance to win the print,

3. people who have opened an entry on this forum, but have not yet shown a model. You have just over a week!

4. people who have registered but have not opened an entry to show their models or contacted me to arrange for them to be displayed.

 

The registration email address is 

lnwr-competition@lnwrs.org.uk

 

Hi, ref point 4. I have registered, (Roade Cutting & Station). In doing so I assumed that if the entry was considered worthy we would be invited to display it accordingly at Stafford. Have I missed something?

Description – This model has been produced by Roade Local History Society. It has been constructed in celebration of the 180th Anniversary of the completion of Roade Cutting in Northamptonshire, enabling the opening of the London and Birmingham Railway on September 17th 1838, the worlds first intercity trunk line. It has been built by society members, aided local residents and artisans, with the active involvement of staff and students of the Elizabeth Woodville Schools at Roade and Deanshanger. This community inspired project is the first time any of the participants have ventured into detailed modelling.

 

This representative model depicts the cutting and village’s post 1838 evolution, and incorporates buildings and structures which were resultant of the growth of the railways as part of the industrial revolution, these being central to the social and economic impacts which resulted in the growth and development of our community throughout the LNWR, LMS and BR periods.

 

It is modelled in N gauge, measuring 14’ X 3’. A true scale representation would have required a length in excess of 47’, which was deemed impractical. The reduced length does not compromise the topographical transitions of the geological landform. In addition, ‘scenic cameos' incorporated within the model have been reproduced from period photographs, national newspaper archive material, and diary extracts compiled by local railwaymen and residents.

 

Foremost amongst these is the depiction of the landing and take-off at Roade of pioneer aviator Claude Graham-White in 1910. This was in connection with a Daily Mail challenge for aviators to undertake a London-Manchester flight in under 24 hours, which was set a number of years earlier, with a £10,000 prize. This event, which was ably supported by the LNWR, was to grip the Nations interest. Although of minor significance at that time, this incidence was to result in a World-First for our village - the first ever recorded night-time take off and navigation.

 

Regrettably, the passage of time reduces the number of both residents and enthusiasts who have memories of our villages railway heritage, and its active connection to the network. It is sincerely hoped that this model will give a visible insight to future generations of our local railway heritage. To compliment the project, a significant amount of research into the subject matter has been undertaken by the Society, whose intention it is to publish in due course.

 

The model was unveiled to the public on September 8th at our Cuttings 180th Anniversary Exhibition, by The RT Hon. Andrea Leadsom MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons. And, a self confessed rail enthusiast! www.andrealeadsom.com/news/20180912/roade-cutting

 

This event was part of the National Heritage Open Days celebrations 2018.

 

In addition, over the past two years our Society have endeavoured to have the magnificence of Roade Cutting recognised as a National Transport Heritage Site. We were most fortunate that this accolade was awarded to coincide with our celebrations. Our exhibition was attended by Mr Stewart Wilkinson, Chairman of The Transport Trust, who unveiled a prestigious Red Wheel, which is now mounted on bridge 208. (And incorporated on the model)

www.transporttrust.com/heritage-sites/heritage-detail/roade-railway-cutting-northampton?lr=1

 

Further information is available on the Roade Local History Society website.

www.roadehistorysociety.org.uk/