0-16.5/NG7 Inglenook layout built for the Peco Rail200 Competition
It’s late September and the summer crowds have gone leaving behind just the enthusiasts and those prepared for the unpredictable weather this time of year. The little railway is kept busy ferrying visitors up the valley to the falls though and there’s still the upcoming Heritage Weekend to prepare for. Despite the forecast the Stowridge family are optimistically planning a walk up to the quarry at the other end of the line; it’s their day off from volunteering yet they still can’t stay away. The local seagulls are keeping a watchful eye out for any potential snacks but also on Eric the Pendre cat who has made his way down to the Wharf to keep an eye on things. And then there’s a thin clergyman scribbling in his notebook something about ideas for a book…
The layout was built for the Peco Rail200 competition, specifically the standalone category and is based on Tywyn Wharf station on the Talyllyn Railway in North Wales. Space constraints necessitated a simple track plan and so an Inglenook Sidings plan was squeezed in. The layout can be operated in this format as a shunting puzzle but also can run as a terminus-fiddle yard layout mimicking the current operation of the preserved Talyllyn. A small cassette fiddle yard is attached for operating and storage.
Despite the small space available, it still squeezes in some of the features of the prototype such as a standard gauge interchange on the wharf edge, a servicing area, a representation of the wharf road bridge, and a small terminus station. Rolling stock is a varied mix from lines including the Talyllyn, Corris, Ffestiniog, Welsh Highland, Glyn Valley, Dinorwic Quarries, as well as some freelance items. Operation is DCC with all stock fitted with stayalives for improved running particularly at the slow speeds used for shunting.
Following the competition’s completion the layout is being modified cosmetically to have a proscenium arch, backscene, and lighting installed to improve presentation at shows.
- The layout (including fiddle yard) is 1.35m in length and 0.4m in width.
- A sturdy table is required to stand the layout on for viewing. A tablecloth is provided. Chairs for operators (and viewers) would be ideal.
- Orientation is to be end-on, the scenic section is viewable from 3 sides.
- Normal mains electric supply required for power and lighting.
- The whole set-up of layout, stock, and extra bits fits in a small hatchback; just the table needs to be provided.
Based in South Wales but open to any invitations.