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The layout set up at an exhibition in its current state.
21' x 9' altogether.
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We start our scenic tour of the railway at the Open Day module - Timpdon Sheds.
As explained in the Photo History section, there are now only two storage tracks. However the low relief buildings at the back are a lot more detailed. In one of the upstairs windows is a man working on a drawing board designing a steam loco. It's a pity no one has ever noticed!
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The green factory gates are made from balsa wood, with a padlock made from a brass.
The skyline is made up from pitcures built up and layered on cardboard (decoupage?).
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The front corner of the module has an elevated section with standard gauge track. This affords a good vantage point of the sheds, popular with photographers.
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From the end of the platform we get a good view down between the locos towards the engine sheds.
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Of course it's an Open Day and the public are encouraged to wander around (it's a good excuse to get out all the stock and put it on display).
They're putting out the bunting at Timpdon Sheds (and hopefully not looking in the bedroom window at the Station Master's daughter...).
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As we leave this module under the pedestrian footbridge, one of several photographers flashes away as trains pass.
(Timpdon Electronics PhotoFlash).
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Through the scenic break, the trains emerge onto the beach section.
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Although there are not any animated features on this module, it is one of my favourites. Phil Sixsmith built the semi-detached houses and I think they're superb.
The blue seaside fencing is made from dolls house spindles (1:12th scale) whilst on the opposite side of the track the black railings on top of the wall are Britains Zoo fencing panels cut down.
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When the railway was extended with this module, we had problems trying to make it flow into the old existing one with the swing bridge.
In the end, the back of Angie's Fancy Goods shop was modelled and we try to forget that in real life, the shop would only be about 6 feet wide!
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The trains emerge onto the beach section at the side of the shop.
This view, not normally seen by the public, is taken from the sandy beach, looking up at the track.
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The Bridge Inn.
Phil Sixsmith, a black belt in Coral Draw, has managed to put Chris and his son Callum outside the model pub.
The table is an insert from a pizza takeaway box. The stool is a real one!
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Next door to the pub is Angie's Fancy Goods.
The toy shop window used up a fair bit of junk from my old OO/HO days.
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Down on the beach, mum is busy working her way through the picnic.
The donkey is patiently waiting for the tide to go out.
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Opposite the pub is RNLI Timpdon's Lifeboat Station.
Despite many people telling us at shows that the lifeboat is in back to front, we are assured by the people who really know that this is correct. So there!
The boathouse itself was made from wood and Asda sandwich packets - the corrugations are just perfect.
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Yes! The Swing Bridge actually works.
The lights flash, the sirens warn people and the barrier comes down. Slowly the bridge swings across to let boat traffic pass and the process is then reversed.
An automatic process using Geoff Garside's electronic know-how and Dave Wilding's mechanical engineering skills.
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The swing bridge take us to the historic Slate Wharf.
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A much wider view, looking away from the beach section.
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The slate sheds are still un-restored.
The Gravity Train can normally be found in a siding here, waiting for a push.
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Stott's Boating & Angling Supplies is another great model by Phil Sixsmith.
It's a pity more people don't notice the fine detail - even down to money on the service counter inside.
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Across the tracks another photographer flashes at passing trains, and a man can often be seen to stick his head up from a manhole, in front of the Custom House.
The barbecue has since been moved to outside the Custom House, in front of the blocked up window.
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The infamous hole in the road!
Press the button to see why the pipe needs to be repaired!
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Sice the end was rebuilt, we're a bit short of photo's.
The thing to watch out for though, is the working level crossing gates and the working roundabout. Massey Motors is also something we're particularly proud of.
Watch this space for more photo's.
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