LAYOUTS & TRADERS INVITED TO EXHIBITION ON SAT 17 MAT 2025
FRAMPLINGTON “00” gauge Nick Goward – Suffolk
Framplington was built by George Woodcock, John Norton and Richard Coleman. It is based on the long gone terminus at Framlingham in Suffolk which was at the end of a short branch from Wickham Market on the East Suffolk line about fifteen miles north of Ipswich. The line closed to passengers in the 1950s and freight services continued until 1965 when the line closed.
In our world we have kept the passenger services going until the end which is one of the reasons for the name change. These passenger services are handled by Derby Lightweight and Cravens class 105 DMUs. Freight traffic consists of coal, oil, grain and fertilizer along with general goods traffic. It had been a surprisingly busy station but by 1965 the freight flows were beginning to fall off, not surprisingly, due to the imminent closure of the branch. The station was a large building for such a remote location but this was not unusual. The yard was also a large affair with a fair number of sidings. There was a large goods shed and a granary building from which grain was dispatched to various destinations across the country. The signal box is still in use. The old steam shed also still exists but is derelict and long abandoned as is the old cattle dock.
The name Framplington comes from a Guardian magazine spoof on April 1st 2017. We hope you will enjoy our small tribute to another almost forgotten piece of railway history. Surprisingly most of the yard and buildings lasted until very recently but have now been replaced by houses leaving only the station building remaining. The layout featured in the September 2020 edition of Railway Modeller
TIGLEY YARD 0 Gauge David Evans Cambs
The village of Tigley lies between Totnes and Plymouth on the Western Region close to the foothills of Dartmoor. It is assumed that the village expanded in the late 19th century and was of sufficient size for the Great Western Railway to warrant building a station on the main line.
A small goods depot, close to the village, lies at the end of a short spur and wagons are tripped to the yard from the station area. The yard survived the Beeching cuts in the 1960’s and is still in existence in the early 1970’s, before the TOPS numbering system came into use. This is the period depicted by the layout.
RUFFLES ROAD — 00 GAUGE
Ruffles road is a 1980s/1990s era model railway exhibition show layout based on an urban London scene. The station at ruffles road accommodates passenger and parcel workings as well as being opposite a busy goods yard, making the layout ideal for any diesel locomotive enthusiast. The layout is operated by a dcc system and all locomotives are fitted with state-of-the-art dcc sound.
EAST LYNN S SCALE (1:64 scale; 3/16” to 1’) Simon Dunkerley Leicestershire
Great Eastern Railway, circa 1900
East Lynn is located somewhere along the north Norfolk Coast, and is the terminus of two lines. It takes as its primary inspiration the station on the Great Eastern Railway (GER) branch to Wells-next-the-Sea, and has buildings inspired by Kings Lynn (the station building and hotel) and Snettisham (goods shed) as well as standard GER prototypes (e.g. the signal cabin). The major route over the swing bridge sees a regular service of passenger and goods trains with a variety of locomotives whereas the branch tends to see less variety: the passenger service works in and out with the same loco and coaches, and the daily branch goods is served from East Lynn by a tank engine which spends some of its time on station pilot work, shunting carriages and wagons as required. An attempt is made to show the typical workings which might have occurred during a day in the late Victorian era, when railways were the primary means of transport and communication for all but short distances.
The layout is to a scale of 1:64, known as S scale, which was is relatively unknown but has been around for longer than all of the other scales below 0 gauge! The first model identified to this scale was produced in Chicago in 1893 (and was live steam, too!) and the first British outline model was made in 1896. The oldest model still in existence was made in 1919, and was probably the first model consciously made with what would now be thought of as a “finescale” approach, where the builder decided that everything would be made to within a specific tolerance of the prototype dimensions (in his case, no more than 1” scale variation was allowed). S scale is more popular in the USA where there are even some ready to run models available, and in Canada (some kits have been produced) and in New Zealand and Australia where there are some kits produced for 3’6” gauge prototypes, and which use H0 gauge track. But even in these countries it is a minority interest. In the UK, the scale is supported by the S Scale Model Railway Society, which is the oldest specialist scale society, being founded in 1946. The SSMRS provides a range of basic components to support modelling in what is regarded as the “scratchbuilder’s scale” and members are making increased use of 3D printing to support themselves and each other.
The layout was started in 1993, and made regular appearances at exhibitions for almost a quarter of a century following its first appearance a few years later. Being made to a non-commercial scale, nearly everything has been hand made by the late Trevor Nunn, with use of a few key components provided by the S Scale Model Railway Society. This does take more time than purchasing ready-made items and assembling kits, but it produces a more individual and satisfying layout.
NEW WALMINGTON PIER -“009” Tramway Dave Carson Suffolk
https://carson255.wixsite.com/website
Set in Edwardian times the layout depicts a small pier tramway with a working carousel at the Pier Head. A Southend Pier 1890 “Toastrack” Car provides the passenger service.
WHAPLODE 0 Gauge Thomas Hoy
Whaplode sets out to prove that you don’t need a lot of space to create a decent layout that works in ‘O’ gauge. The layout is 7ft long and 18 in deep. All the track is from Peco, apart from the three way point which was picked up on an bring and buy stand and was scratch built. It is not an accurate model of Whaplode station but it is very loosely based on it in the 1940s.
The layout is DCC and most of the locomotives have sound decoders fitted. The layout is operated by a Raspberry Pi to control the points via a Lenz DCC system, we can also drive the locomotives with our phones. The motive power is kit built and painted by me, along with the rolling stock. All the buildings are either scratch built or from kits. It also has a working yard crane which adds additional visual interest.
ZEEDIJK HO Dutch railways Phil Colton, Suffolk
Nederlandse Spoorwegen provide the passenger services so there are a number of blue and yellow trains. However, there are a number of private operators moving freight and there are therefore several interesting liveries. Because freight comes from all over Europe the wagons can be from any country making for some colourful freight trains. The buildings are nearly all built from Dutch kits and are made from plastic, resin or laser-cut card. The station at the left hand end is called Zeedijk, because that is the name of the road which crosses the railway at the level crossing. The station does not exist in real life but I thought it would add to the scene and provide a little more interest both visually and to the train movements. The building is particularly interesting as it is ideal for a small country station and was>designed by the same designer who built the larger Culemborg Station which is the next one up the line.At the right hand end of the layout the railway has risen up to cross the River Maas on a large bridge of which you can see the beginnings
PITSFORD YARD 0 gauge David Fennell Suffolk
The layout is based upon practice in the US state of Vermont in the mid 1970’s and represents a fictional switching yard serving two factories. Diesel locomotives arrive & depart with a variety of cars, including box cars, gondolas and tank cars. There is also a disused ‘ice station’, which used to supply blocks of ice for boxcars transporting milk in the days before refrigeration. Viewers might also spot some unwelcome guests! Operation is by DCC and all of the main line locos have sound.
GRACETOWN BANK – GOODS “00” Graham Moorfoot
Gracetown Bank Goods Depot, is situated in a fictional north west town. Theyard is a British Railway facility to serve local cotton and woollen mills and light industry. It also serves as a transhipment point for deliveries via rail to the town. It is connected to the national rail system by a branch between the mills. There is an extension to this branch through the yard to a steel fabrication works where a variety of steel structures are made and sent via rail nationwide. Steel is brought into the works and the finished products sent out by rail.
A mix of goods and raw materials are received and dispatched for local industry. A variety of locomotives are used, including British Railways steam and diesel. The steel fabrication works have there own diesel locomotives.
A rope hauled incline takes wagons from the yard to an upper level where there are more industries. The layout is ‘OO’ scale made using Peco code 100 track and is DCC control.
ABBEY STREET S SCALE (1:64 scale; 3/16” to 1’) Jas Millham Essex
https://www.cdmrc.co.uk/pages/members-layouts/abbey-street.php
Like Colchester St Botolph’s/Colchester Town station, Abbey Street is a small station nearer to a town centre than the main station and linked to it by a shuttle service. It is an urban setting in East Anglia in the BR(E) late 1950’s early 60’s,
The yard only handles goods, but coal empties from the coal yard further out of town have to come here to run round.
PORTHALLOW N gauge Nick Debben Cambs
Porthallow is an imaginary town in Cornwall at the end of a branch line that has followed the river from the mainline junction down to the coast. The station is on the edge of the town, on a restricted site between the river & adjacent higher ground. Since the line was opened hotels have been built adjacent to the station to cater for the growing tourist trade. Beyond the station the line continues to the docks where minerals are unloaded on the ships for export. The docks also handle fish & some wagons are added to passenger trains.
WHAPLODE VINTAGE TRAIN GROUP “00” gauge
Whaplode Vintage Train Group are a group of local enthusiasts associated with the Hornby Railway Collectors Group.
The groups Hornby Dublo 3 rail layout features products produced by the Meccano factory in Liverpool from 1938 – 1964. A selection of Hornby locomotives , rolling stock, buildings & associated items are also displayed.
TASHVALE 2mm to 1ft, 1:148 N gauge Ely & District Model Railway Club.
Tash Vale is a simple table top layout using a mix of Peco Setrack and Streamline trackwork almost entirely built by Mark Brockman. The design has been adapted from the Peco Setrack planbook. It is hoped it will inspire young and old alike to have a go yourself. The baseboard has been built in the traditional way and dressed with off the shelf kits and other products. The majority of the bridges have been scratch built to suit their particular location.
Children can drive a train.
Ely & District Model Railway Club. https://elymrc.org.uk/
Our own Club stand – here you can find out about club membership and buy second- hand stock & books etc.
GREAT EASTERN RAILWAY SOCIETY
The Society was formed in 1973 in order to promote a widespread interest in the Great Eastern Railway, (GER), its predecessors and its successors, such as the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER), British Railways (BR), Network Rail and the current privatised Train Operating Companies (TOCs) operating in the East Anglia area. To encourage and co-ordinate research into its history, and to provide a permanent record of the results. This is being achieved by building upon the knowledge of the known GER experts, and by locating and studying all surviving records of the railway. In so doing, the Society has established a high reputation amongst railway enthusiasts, historians, museums and professional railwaymen for the quality and accuracy of its publications, its expertise and activities.
However, you don’t have to be an expert to join the GERS – details of the benefits of joining the Society can be found on their website or at the exhibition.
THE O GAUGE GUILD
https://www.gaugeoguild.com/general/introduction.aspx
The Guild exists to further all forms of railway modelling in 7mm scale or O gauge track.
With 5,500 members, including over 500 outside the UK, the Guild is a focus for O gauge modellers to meet, share and enjoy their mutual interest.
DEMONSTRATIONS
Derek Buck Wagon building
Our club president will be giving a demonstration of scratch building and kit bashing of rolling stock. If you want to know how to do it sit down and ask. They do like to chat and don’t bite. (often!)
Tony Wright-Loco/Carriage building Techniques in 4mm Scale and Loco Clinic
Well-known modeller Tony Wright will be showing off some of the best locomotive and rolling stock building in the hobby, principally involving soldering techniques. He will once again help visitors with his loco clinic and repair any ‘Dodgy’ mechanisms if he can for a donation to charity.
Gary Welsh from Model Behavior
Demonstrating weathering of locos & rolling stock
Outside
Royston & District Model Engineering live miniature steam train rides
COASTAL DCC 01473 403764
http://www.coastaldcc.co.uk/index.php
Coastal DCC is run by Railway Modellers for Railway Modellers. We are actively involved in exhibiting our layouts, demonstrate and organising exhibitions around the country. We are dedicated to giving you the Railway Modeller the very best DCC advice. We aim to supply you with the best DCC equipment to suit your unique needs
Are you a member of a modellers club? -if you are we would be delighted to give you an evening talk on DCC, show you some of the systems that are available, the pitfalls and hopefully dispel some of the myths.
H & A MODELS
01933 355531 http://www.hamodels.net/
We stock a comprehensive range of plastic coach & wagon kits in O, OO, OO9 and N Gauge, from suppliers such as Parkside Dundas, Ian Kirk, Coopercraft, Rodney Stenning, Mailcoach and Cambrian. We also carry ‘OO’ gauge wagon decals (Please contact us for availability) and a range of Precision paints relevant to the kits we sell. We visit a variety of exhibitions – please browse our website to see our full range and where we will be next.
BOB PEARMAN BOOKS
Thespecialist for music and transportation. Thousands of books currently in stock videos and magazines too!
We are pleased to offer a huge selection of music books, rock and pop books, record collecting books, rock biography books, guitar books, guitar tutor books, guitar tution videos, guitar amplification books, guitar building books, guitar history books, tram books, bus books, rail books, railway books, rail videos, railway videos, transportation books, electrical books and general books.
GREAT EASTERN MODELS 1199 Plumstead Road, Norwich Norfolk NR1 4AB
http://www.greateasternmodels.co.uk/ 01603 398163
Specialising in OO and N gauge modelling, Great Eastern Models offers a comprehensive range of ready to run locomotives, rolling stock, scale building, scenic products and accessories. Large stocks of both new and second hand railways for sale and model railway collections always wanted for part exchange or cash.
Pre-orders can be taken for any models due to be released. Friendly family-run store selling at internet prices. All the service – none of the hassle.
RAILWAY MEMORIES Colchester John Margerum 01206 841801 Margerumsdepot@aol.com
The Railway Memories stand provides a large selection of DVDs, T Shirts and greetings cards covering the British, European and North American rail scene. All material has been produced from John’s extensive photographic collection gathered during his many travels at home and abroad.
LAYOUTS 4 U : 01354 652302
https://www.layouts4u.net/ https://www.hobbytools4u.co.uk/
Extensive range of OO Gauge Lights, O and N Gauge lights
Working streetlights / yard lamps / signals / lampposts / building lights / coach lighting and many unusual illuminated accessories Plus unique hand-made scenery items.
We are also suppliers of high quality hobby and craft tools for all your modelmaking needs!
THE RAILWAY MEMORABILIA SHOP
https://www.railway-memorabilia-shop.co.uk/railway-memorabilia-shop
The Railway Memorabilia Shop is run by an Ex Network Rail signalman and his wife, who are both Railway enthusiasts and have been for many years. We also fund raise for The Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive trust and you will see me around the Heritage railways.
We sell Railway Fob Watches From The LNER GWR and Southern Regions, Cuff links and many wonderful items Including the Family Of Railway Bears, Jigsaw Puzzles, Badges Key Rings and Fobs Metal Plaques and Signs Both Large and Small.
JAMES GREEN – RAILWAY ARTIST
James Green is one of the UK’s leading railway artists and a full member of the Guild of Railway Artists.
High quality signed and numbered prints of his award winning paintings will available to purchase today