south_tyne

When considering modelling Colonel Stephens type light railways in the early years of the 20th century, did many own their own wagons? If so, did they buy new or acquire secondhand cast offs? If not, did mainline wagons simply run from the national network to the minor line? Or would it probably be a mix of the two? As always there is probably no easy answer but if creating your own small independent light railway then what is the most likely scenario? Thanks in advance for any thoughts or input! David

Hi Johnster, Thanks for your reply that is really useful and interesting. I must admit the pitprop idea hadn't crossed my mind and is a great idea for an extra traffic flow. The baths context is interesting too; further possibilities to add to operational interest and variety. Thanks again! David

Looking great John! Just down the road from me so will be following with interest! The weathering of your stock is superb! David

The more I look at this the more I like it! It's certainly highly ambitious but is exactly my mind of thing. I think we have lost much of the creativity and fun in 21st century modelling.... certainly hope early pioneers (such as Ahern) had to be resourceful due toavailable materials and resources but hey also had great imagination. A 'system' layout, running from A to B is truly the pinnacle for me. Operating like a real railway, with a purpose is the dream scenario. Certainly beats the minimal shunting plank that most of us are stuck with (or in my case cannot even achieve!!) nowadays. Love a bit of Colonel Stephen's atmosphere and the 4-wheelers and tramway coaches will no doubt be a delight. Will the line have its own livered wagons or utilise mainline and private owner stock? I always like the idea of the former (again living a bit of ingenuity and creativity!). I've always had a dream of doing something similar, modelling a whole independent light railway. A couple of locos, three or four 4-coaches and a couple of dozen wagons, with a layout running from one terminus to another ... one day!! I am going to really enjoy following this - inspiring ideas!! PS - love that plan!

It's all about capaturing he character of the place though and you are clearly achieving that. It is more important than a slavish adherence to the prototype. Really impressed by how it is developing. David

Eyemouth is a great prototype - simple trackplan but full of character. Perfect for 7mm scale. Use of NER locos is obviously a positive too! It's a lovely and interesting place too, well worth a visit for those who have never been - easy stop off between Berwick and Edinburgh. I think this is going to be high on my list of 'ones to follow'. Cheers and thanks for sharing, David

Paul - enjoying following your progress, as I do with all your layouts. Your productivity puts most of us to shame. I do find the Rosedale railways a fascinating prototype; the bleak, windswept, remoteness of it all is so appealing! Fantastic modelling as ever and I look forward to seeing the results in real life in due course. Cheers and keep the updates coming. David

Chris, Enjoyed seeing the glimpse of Cwm Bach in the RM. Lovely photographs of a great layout. Liked the industrial locos - Hudswell Clarke and Peckett - in particular. David

Hi Les. This is coming on really well. I've admired Hawthorn Dene in the past and this looking just as good! Can't beat a bit of NE region action shows what can be achieved in n gauge in a relatively small space. I love the railways in this area - I've always been a big fan of the Richmond branch and love the atmospheric shots of J94s down at Croft Coal Depot. Keep up the good work! David

Cheers Mark that's really useful. I presume this is 4mm scale? It doesn't seem to specify (unless I am being daft!)

Completely agree with that! Rule one applies and if you look hard enough you can almost always find a prototype to justify your ideas.

This looks like it will be a fascinating project. Right up my street in atmosphere and feel. There are a lot of us Madder Valley and Ahern fans in these here parts so you are like to get lots of interest. Fantastic plan and idea. Will be following your project with great interest

Interesting and very true! Sometimes we just need to be brave and dive in. I've had about 5 years away from the hobby in a practical sense and whilst I've glanced at the odd magazine etc over that time I haven't done any real modelling. However a period of ill health has made me re-address a lot of things and i really want to get back to railway modelling. I need to find something to 'pick that lock' though as you suggest. Keep the updates coming, I am really enjoying following! I think the canal cameo looks a great idea by the way. David

Where exactly is that? (If you don't mind me asking!)

Yes that northerly wind can be chilling in North Norfolk....

It's wonderfully creative and a completely different way of approaching things! Planning is he aspect of the hobby I almost like the best (says he who procrastinates and never finished a layout!!) PS - agree with the Peckett comment - perfect setting

You and me both! It's one way of attracting tourist trade

What a fantastic plan! Really interesting and original design that should offer lots of operating potential. Your use of computer design is also excellent, helps to bring plans to life. I'll keep on following your progress. David

Thanks for that link, I'll have a look. The migration of folk northwards to work in the Durham coalfield is fascinating. My family came north from the Diss area, obviously for work, away from agricultural poverty to work down the pits. One hard life to another ultimately, better pay, but dangerous. Ironically part of my family have now returned there, to the Acle area, before spreading across Norfolk and Suffolk and I also had a couple of years working in Ipswich. Funny old world isn't.

Oh yes it's eye opening when you cross that boundary to the dark side of East Anglia!

Oh you've never lived until you have experienced a Saturday night in Lowestoft... in my period living in sunny Suffolk I was a regular visitor for fun and debauchery

Hi Edwardian - just spent a fascinating hour or so reading this thread! I love Norfolk as a lot of my family roots are there and I have lots of relatives still scattered across East Anglia. Also a big fan of light railways so this ticks all the boxes for me. It's a relatively rarely modelled period a well which always makes things interesting. Most of all, the whole discussion is highly entertaining, eclectic and different which is great. It has kept me entertained and I have learned a great deal.... I cannot believe I hadn't stumbled across CA before but will be sure to keep checking up now... it's all about he journey not necessarily the destination Keep up the fascinating work! David

Mike if I was half the 'jack of all trades' you are I would be content. I love the atmosphere and setting you create, it is wonderful. I'm just starting out in 7mm scale and have been given a copy of the Gauge O Guild's 'Layouts to Inspire' book and I am pouring over the wonderful photographs of Primrose Hill and Reely Grate. As the title intends (!!) it is inspirational stuff for those of us with limited space and I would love to attempt something similar in due course, although it will be nowhere near the standard of your work. Thank you again and all the best! David

Mike, A belated message to say I really enjoyed seeing the layout at the Tanfield Railway a few weeks ago. It is a great use of such a small space and very inspiring to us with limited room. As always the standard of your modelling is so high, particularly liked the weahering of your wagons! Looks like there is plenty of 'play' value in the layout too. I've been thinking about trying a similar pointless layout - firstly to save space and secondly to reduce costs of the points! The sector plate/traverser setup seems to work really well on your layout. Cheers, David

Thanks Gordon that's really useful. I will have a proper look at his website and give Tim a ring. David