BACKGROUND

After a sustained flirtation with EM (London Road LNWR and Stocksfield Junction NER) this layout is a return to 00. This, to some, will be seen as a regression to a compromised scale. The reversion to 00 was the result of two considerations. First was the rather unsociable nature of EM as reciprocal running became more important to me. Second and more importantly was the quantum improvements in RTR models and my desire to return to 1950s modelling. I knew it would be totally unrealistic for me to build one A4 in EM ,let alone the five that I now have in 00.The layout was built on the boards of Stocksfield and this to a large extent dictated the style of model that was possible.

THE MODEL

The layout depicts a passing station on the ECML somewhere north of Newcastle at a point where the up lines are reduced to two and down line is increased to three and this forms a down loop in the station. A bay platform off the up main completes the passenger facilities. There are goods facilities accessed of the down loop and for a small station a rather grand good shed is provided. The track is SMP with points built in situ from code 75 rail and copperclad sleeper strip. The electrics are very simple with a separate controllers for up, down and goods yard.

LOCOMOTIVES AND ROLLING STOCK
 
Locomotives are a mixture of RTR and kit built.

Among the kit built locos are:

Little Engines Kits - A6, A7, A8, J11 plus O4/8 and T1

Dave Alexander Kits - J21, J25, G5 andQ6

DJH Kit - D20

 

Passenger stock includes many kit built examples from D&S, Comet and Mallard.
Examples are:

• Thompson Composite repainted in BR experimental plum and spilt milk livery
 

Comet kits:

• Thompson Restaurant Car
• Gresley 51' 6" Full Brake