rope runner
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Hi All,
I've procrastinated long enough about starting a topic for my current layout build. Given the current circumstances of self-isolation etc I thought now might be a good time for me to get my act together...
"Ironstone" - East Midlands rural industrial quarry railway in 4mm
The layout will be based around the iron ore mines and systems of the East Midlands prevalent in the first half of the 1900s.
I'm hoping to use this topic to update on layout progress, stock and prototype information on this seldom-modeled industry.
First, a little background...
Ironstone mineral railways were first established around the late 1800’s as the mechanization of the quarry/mining industry was stepped up in response to the industrial revolution and the ever increasing domestic need for iron and steel. This further increased during both world wars before falling into rapid decline during the the late 1960's. The quarrying of domestic ore used in the manufacture of steel came to an abrupt halt in 1980 due to the closure of Corby Steelworks, Northants.
Priors Hall Quarry, Corby. This photograph taken during the late 1970's featuring rebuilt Charles Roberts BSC internal use ore wagons of 31 ton capacity. The Excavator is an electric 110RB Ruston Bucyrus Face Shovel.
The recording, observation and ultimately preservation of elements of these mineral railways in the later years of their operation was driven by the often idyllic scenes of smart, clean locomotives with short rakes of wagons working hard in a picturesque rural setting. This was of course fairly atypical of industrial locomotive operations.
15'' Andrew Barclay STAINBY works number 2313 of 1951 hauls a long rake of empty 26 and 27 ton tipplers on the Buckminster system, South Lincs. in the mid 1960s. Note the typical leafy surroundings and basic infrastructure.
For the enthusiast’s there was significant interest drawn from the sheer variety of locomotives, manufacturers and operational approaches between each system. Often sites were isolated from each other with only a small exchange sidings serving a mineral-only branch or the mainline. There was often a small running shed and rudimentary facilities for operations and the locomotives often stayed put in the locations they were first delivered to. There are exceptions (some extreme) to all of the above, but for the most part it is a fair summation.
Locomotives were often named with local or industry associations, adding to the interest. Andrew Barclay 2306 of 1951 "Denton" worked at Woolsthorpe Quarries in Leicestershire, before later moving to Harlaxton in South Lincolnshire.
The running shed at Woolsthorpe Quarries was typical of that at small to medium sized operations. This shed is now happily preserved at Rocks by Rail, Rutland. Note the copse of trees and close proximity of pasture
As already alluded to, there is a significant amount of material available out there related to the Ironstone quarry industry if you are prepared to do a little ‘digging’. Pun intended.
The Layout
The model depicts a generic running shed and weighbridge and is presumed to be set at a small junction between two "pits" (quarries), BR exchange sidings and calcine clamps (more on this later). The trackwork is 00 gauge SMP with additional parts from C&L Finescale and Exactoscale. The layout is designed to be exhibited, with off-scene operation and walkabout DC controller. Adjustable height will be achieved through builders trestles and adequate lighting via a pelmet.
When designing the track plan for this layout there was one thought first and foremost – I would not fall into the trap of too much track on one board. To my mind there is an immeasurable difference between a model railway and a model OF a railway, if that makes sense. This meant that the track would be minimal and therefore hand building turnouts was a viable prospect, albeit not one which was particularly interesting to me. For added interest a gauntlet track weighbridge would feature. Not only for the fact that it is prototypical and I had a scale drawing to hand, but I have never seen an operational one modelled before.
The various fittings, buildings and scenic elements are to be based on prototype drawings and/or photographs. Ironstone quarry railways had their own subtle touches which differed from collieries, cement works etc and it is key to the character of the layout that these are captured. I am hoping to touch on each of these as the build progresses.
Rolling Stock
Much of the stock is kit built or much modified RTR working from prototype photographs. Ebay is a good source for such images, but largely most of the inspiration comes from the fantastic "Ironstone Quarries of the Midlands" series written by the late Eric Tonks.
Locomotives on the layout are mostly "catalogue" designs by the typical UK manufacturers (Avonside, Manning Wardle, Hunslets etc) but most feature additional modifications made during their working lives. There a couple of prototypical oddballs to be covered too. Several of the locos modeled are preserved, but most not in their original/industrial configuration.
Seen here at Cranford Quarries, Kettering, W G Bagnall CRANFORD No.2 works number 2668 of 1942 is an example of a class specifically designed for Ironstone Quarry Railways (6 locos built in total). Once again, this locomotive is happily preserved at Cottesmore.
It is hoped that in the fullness of time a handful of locomotives and applicable internal use wagons from a few quarry systems can be amassed such that the layout can be operated as a particular location at exhibitions and operated differently the following day etc. There is many mineral wagons to be included of course, details to be posted for how these are to be tackled from RTR and kits.
I hope you enjoy this topic and I would encourage participation, particularly concerning prototype information or operation.
Paul A.
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The latest batch of 14mm driving wheels from Markits have steel tyres, I gather they are slowly being phased in and new batches of all driving wheels (and full sets of pony/driving wheels) will feature steel tyres.
Paul A.
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My arm could be twisted for one in 00 gauge, definitely.
The crossheads would need to be included though as the ones on the Hattons model look nothing like the typical slender Barclay pattern ones.
Paul A.
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23 hours ago, truffy said:
I think 1800 might be ideal for my village war memorial. Given that my modelling is in 4mm, I'm thinking that 7mm for the statue might be about right.
Thoughts?
Far too big IMO. Most are life-size or a slight size larger.
Paul A.
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Thanks David.
No, there isn't a kit currently available for the half Janus I'm afraid.Paul A.
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Hi All,
After putting this one off for long enough now I've finally gotten around to building the chassis for the half janus today. Etches prepared from my own etch artwork by PPD.
Hopefully a coat of paint when the weather improves, hopefully in 2020...
Paul A.
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Ex-Round Oak Sentinel type RR 10202/64 (above photograph) is ex-Oxfordshire Ironstone Company BARABEL and now happily preserved on the Nene Valley Railway as yard shunter at Wansford. There's three more from the OIC fleet up the road at Cottesmore in Rutland: RR10201/64 BETTY ,10204/65 JEAN and 10207/65 GRAHAM - they are frequently in operation on open days. Also preserved and overhauled is 10165/63 JOAN on the East Somerset.
That's five industrial locos preserved out of an operational fleet of thirteen, which is quite remarkable in itself...
Paul A.
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It completely depends on the industry you're modelling I would say
Paul A.
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Gordon,
I have a 7mm unbuilt Impetus kit for this class of loco - If there are any elements I can measure from this to aid your model research feel free to PM me.
Paul A.
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Hi Jonathan,
Any progress with this layout?
It's unusual to model a prototypical quarry scene so I am watching with interest.
Paul A.
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Can anyone confirm if the buffer heads on the Hornby W4 are the same diameter as those on the B2 class model?
Paul A.
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I'm hoping the 13 ton hopper has been progressed in a meaningful way since the rendering shown at Warley 2018, the catalogue photograph is of this test model again. It had pretty much been taken this far before Peco took ownership of Parkside, so it would be nice to finally get it over the line.
Paul A.
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A work in progress in 00 gauge
And yours truly on the real thing for good measure
Paul A.
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20 hours ago, Jack Benson said:
Who supplied this, please? I need one for my Peckett update.
Hi Jack, this is from DMR products - J27 Dome. It will take some work to adjust it to the curvature of the tank.Paul A.
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Not necessarily, plenty of prototypes showing both practices. Several of the locos working for Dorman Long in Teeside never had a lowered footplate but did feature substantially cut down cabs and tank fittings.
Paul A.
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15 pages of conjecture and nobody seems to notice or pass comment on this: There is not one new or newly re-tooled wagon of any kind for 2020
For me that's a huge miss.
Paul A.
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My vote would be the smaller 12" HL/RSH 0-4-0. It would compliment its bigger cousins nicely and over a hundred of the class were built....
Paul A.
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1 hour ago, Shed82CB said:
the firebox it HUGE, i wonder how they preformed historically
Probably exceptionally as is evidenced by the longevity many of the MW locos, with Kitson notably producing many locomotives to identical design after they had taken over the goodwill.Paul A.
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On 25/10/2019 at 14:05, 1whitemoor said:
The sleepers you've photographed are ex-Ministry Of Supply obtained from Corby steelworks upon closure. I can't say I've seen these in any colliery images but they were certainly used at cement works and quarries.
Paul A.
I've had some of these 3D printed in resin as scenic items for my layout, not sure they would be suitable for use with C&L chairs due to the material. Excuse the poor quality photograph.
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How much do they need to be opened out by? It may be time to invest in some small reamers, which are thoroughly useful.
Paul A. -
On 05/11/2019 at 18:57, Corbs said:
Hi Paul,
Please would you be able to tell me the wheel spacing for this loco?
EDIT - I found the driving wheel diameter for 'Carnarvon' which is 4ft 0in
Hi CorbsWheelbase is 12' with 5'9'' from front to centre and 6'3'' from centre to rear.
The wheels were definitely 3' 6'' on all the locos whether MW, Kitson or RSH built.
Kind regards Paul A.
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57 minutes ago, Corbs said:
Ah great thanks Nigel. I am guessing that the 48150s did not have this?
The HE50550 class certainly doesn't, though it did feature a lamp bracket in the same place. The difference being that this class had large rectangular sliding windows allowing access either side.Paul A.
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1 hour ago, mike morley said:
Seen at Rocks by Rail, Rutland, a couple of months ago.
The sleepers clearly bear little resemblance to those used on "standard" track.
I've not been there recently, but certainly until not too long ago the Foxfield Railway had what I guess must have been ex-NCB track, which also had comparatively short sleepers with sloped ends and edges.
The plan over the winter as I understand it is to completely re-lay the mainline and cut out the dipped joints where appropriate.The sleepers you've photographed are ex-Ministry Of Supply obtained from Corby steelworks upon closure. I can't say I've seen these in any colliery images but they were certainly used at cement works and quarries. They are on Ambis Engineering's "to do" list in 4mm scale.
There are two patterns of these - one for flat bottom rail as you've linked and one for bullhead as shown below:
Paul A.
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The latest Hornby models have the wrong driving wheels as the centre driving wheel should have an offset balance weight. This was correct on the Dapol and earlier Hornby models of the same tooling. You have been warned..
Paul A.
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"Ironstone" - East Midlands rural quarry railway
in UK Standard Gauge Industrial Modelling
Posted · Edited by rope runner
Photos re-added
Hi Sandhole,
Yes - electric as were most of excavators of this size, certainly by this period. There are drawings available in the Lincoln's excavators series of books by Peter Robinson. The chassis will have been new-build, the 110RB being a newer model of the already proven 100RB. The example at Corby pictured above has a raised cab which was an optional extra from Ruston Bucyrus.
Hi Alastair,
Point operation is via Tortoise motors via DPDT switches, already sorted.
Yes, quite! Not picked up by spellcheck or obvious reasons. Duly amended.
Wagon inspection platform
One feature which every system appeared to have was a raised platform for inspecting wagon contents.
Wooden inspection platform at Priors Hall, Corby. Late 70's
These varied in height and construction method but were typified by a raised platform above the height of wagons in order for staff to check their contents prior to loading. The aim of this being to remove any foreign objects from empty wagons that may damage the crusher or cause untoward effects in the manufacturing process. More often that not these were located between the weighbridge and the exchange sidings, the above image being an exception to that...
The Oxfordshire Ironstone Company at Wroxton had a covered version providing some protection from the weather. This was a necessity owing to their high output, the line to the exchange sidings being double tracked accordingly.
The quarries operated by the Stanton Iron Company North of the river Welland had understandably more basic facilities. As my layout depicts a smaller system, it is from one of these which I take my prototype for modelling:
Ex-Woolsthorpe quarries inspection platform preserved at Cottesmore. A near-identical one was at nearby Harlaxton Quarries in South Lincs.
The model is constructed from brass strip using measurements from the preserved example, however differs in that the angle strip is inside the frame, as per the scrapped example at Harlaxton. The deck is made from etched diamond checker plate from Scale Link with a brass signal ladder to complete. The figure is from the Dart Castings range.
The base will be weathered to match the surrounding ground clutter when appropriate.
Paul A.