EM Gauge (18.2 mm) 4mm / 1 ft Scale
Meon is a fictitious layout of what might have been a L&SWR branch terminus in South Hampshire. The history of the line is based on the 1861 Parliamentary proposal for a Petersfield and Botley Railway which was to commence at a junction at Botley on the L&SWR Bishopstoke (Eastleigh) to Gosport Line to Petersfield via Bishops Waltham, Meonstoke and East Meon. It is assumed that the line was progressed only as far as the Meon Valley before funds ran out resulting in a Countryside Terminus.
Later a connection to an Army Camp was added, this was most busy during the time of the Great War.
All buildings and the stock are modelled on actual prototypes that could be found on the LSWR in the period after the Great War.
The layout was started in 1983 as a smaller replacement for the club's larger East Meon layout with a view to being able to attend more exhibitions with less to carry. However, with the addition of the lighting units, the scenic extensions around the station end and the ever increasing stock boxes we now seem to take as much as did for the bigger layout.
The layout is run to a schedule to show movements and stock in a logical sequence. This ensures the Main Operator and the Fiddle Yard Operators are synchronised and prevents a repetitive presentation.
Last updated: 29 September, 2005