South Hants Model Railway Club 2011 November Exhibition

The SHMRC 2011 November exhibition was held on Saturday 26^th November 2011 at
The Admiral Lord Nelson School, Portsmouth, PO3 5XT

LAYOUTS
 Ogden Fold - Stoke-by-Nayland - Whatlington - Gravel Bottom - West Tilgate - Portchullin - Lynton Road - Waton - Skimbleshanks Mill - Brighton East - Tintagel Road - Widley & St George (Thomas)

TRADERS
Kevin Robertson Books - Ron Lines - The Model Shop - Coastal DCC - Model Railway Developments - Wheels of Southsea - Page Components - Wessex Wagons - Masterpiece Falcon Figures - Exactoscale - AAR Models

DEMONSTRATORS
Ron Neal - Peter Squibb - Roy Hickman - Elliott Cowton - Bernard J. White - Tony Sullivan

By the South Hants MRC

Ogden Fold is a 'might have been' layout based on proposals put forward by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, which promulgated a line from Rishworth near Huddersfield in Yorkshire towards Littleborough, thereby reducing the distance from Yorkshire to Lancashire.

Had the line been built, it would have joined the Oldham Loop Line at a triangular junction giving two routes to Manchester. We also considered that a station at the south end of the tunnel was desirable and we thought that a suitable area for this station would be the hamlet of Ogden that would quickly develop. Hence Ogden Fold was established. The layout is set in the period 1910 to 1920.

  By David Hawkins

In 1867, five years after its formation, the Great Eastern Railway opened a 35 mile cross country route from Colchester in Essex to Stowmarket in Suffolk. The purpose was twofold - to serve the mainly agricultural community and villages en route and to provide a direct route from the Colchester main line to Stowmarket and thence to Norwich but avoiding Ipswich. Shortly afterwards a ten mile branch was opened from a point just north of the Suffolk village of Stoke by Nayland to the Market town of Sudbury. Railway architecture was in what was to become known as the Great Eastern's '1865' style.

Initially trains ran between Colchester and Norwich, via Stowmarket and also from Colchester to Sudbury. However traffic on the branch was sparse and from shortly after the Second World War the few Sudbury trains terminated at Stoke. Initially these were push-pull trains but were subsequently replaced by diesel multiple units and railbuses.

The line was never as successful as was hoped and lived a quiet existence for 100 years until closure in 1967, following publication of the Beeching report. It did however prove to be a useful avoiding line, taking pressure of the Colchester to Norwich mainline at busy times. Stoke by Nayland station itself was kept busy by the presence of a granary and a dairy In reality none of this happened. Stoke by Nayland remains a pretty village of some 700 inhabitants in the heart of Constable Country but never had the pleasure of being served by the railway.

Ron will be demonstrating etched kit construction and will have examples of his work on his stand. Please prevent him from completing any more, by asking him how he does it.

Peter will be demonstrating signal construction at which he has an enviable reputation, please ask about his work and methods. Peter's book 'A Scratchbuilder's guide to Semaphore Signal Construction' is on sale in the hall.

Roy will be giving a display of scenic modelling to enhance most layouts, particularly 00 and N gauge. He will be demonstrating how to make trees and other scenic items from everyday materials, where possible giving you the opportunity to try your hand, even the youngsters up to 90 plus can have a goat making a tree or window box etc. so be prepared to spend a while.

Elliott will be demonstrating the building of wagon kits - at least one of which will be needed for an MRTV programme on Guards Vans. Please slow him down by asking how he does it.

By Peter Bossom

Whatlington is the next station down the line from Hoath Hill Halt and the single line section ends here. Trains for the Sub Wealden Gypsum Company works at Hoath Hill can reverse direction and other trains pass as required. A lone coal merchant occupies part of the back siding in a small goods yard that sees occasional other traffic.

Engineers make frequent use of the empty sidings to store their wagons.

When it suits, modellers rewrite history and / or geography to create plausible settings and this model is no different. Whatlington - with an 'h' - does exist, near Battle in East Sussex, but in order to create a station and make it a plausible 'might have been' the village has become a small country town and distances to the surrounding villages etc. have been increased by 'just a few miles'.

3mm is a minority interest but there is a surprising amount of support available to those who choose to work in this scale. The Three Millimetre Society provides a range of products for its members plus there are a number of other small suppliers who offer kits, bits and 'scratch aids'. It is also possible to make use of items from both 2 and 4mm scales to help complete models.

Supplier of BA and metric nuts, bolts, washers, taps and dies, switches, wire, LEDs, grain of wheat bulbs, solder 70° - 188°, soldering irons. A large range of small hand tools for modellers, hardware, 'O' gauge kits from Parkside Dundas and other 'O' gauge accessories.

 Wessex Wagons specialise in commissioning Limited Edition 00 wagons from the South and West of England. All our models are based on original research and come complete with a Limited Edition certificate. The range is constantly changing, with frequent new releases. Look out for the unusual models on display: Private Owner open wagons with coal, bricks, and stone, vans carrying beer and munitions. All in authentic colour-schemes.

Authentic and Tailored Limited Edition Wagons For the discerning collector and enthusiast

Model Railway Developments uses new methods and technologies to provide better models which are easier to build, and build well. The range is for 4mm scale components (00, EM and P4), and for 7mm scale narrow gauge wagons and includes:

• Kits for the Ratio GWR Iron Mink to modernise it to post 1928 condition. Jigs for fitting rain strips to the roofs of GWR vans.
• Etched wagon under frame system, including brakegear to give a sprung suspension and a 'contained rubber' spring system which is virtually invisible.
• Sprung buffers for wagons and coaches.
• Basic bogies, with swing link suspension for bogies from 7ft. to 10ft wheel base.
• The coach underframe system which can be used with proprietary and kit built coaches, or as part of a scratch built special.
• Cast wagon axle boxes.
• 7mm scale narrow gauge kits.

The Victorian Collection - 4mm scale cast figures and animals

By Brian Wilson

This 0, 16.5NG + standard gauge micro layout is not based on any particular place, the track plan came from a micro layout on the web. I already had a base board that fitted the bill.

Starting at the bottom, standard gauge wagons are shunted under the hopper to collect the gravel. Moving up a level, the gravel is delivered by narrow gauge hopper trucks that self empty. gravel is extracted some distance from the rail head. On this level there is a small work shop which takes care of maintenance, the large building is a cider factory.

By the Crawley Model Railway Society.

The layout depicts a junction station and goods yard somewhere on the LSWR main line with a secondary line leading off to the north to connect with cross-country routes. Set in the late 1950s to early 1960s it allows us to run stock from the steam/diesel transition era with cross country trains from other regions.

Construction started in April 2005 after the sale of our previous N gauge layout "Escott". Baseboards are of twin ply and softwood framework with plywood tops. The sub frame is designed for quick assembly/disassembly using softwood frames with plywood fascias for the panelling and softwood legs on levellers. The panels simply slot onto the legs using "bed joiners".

Track is all Peco code 55 laid on 1/8" cork. The point work is operated by TortoiseTM slow action point motors which also switch the frog polarity and provide position feedback to the control panel.

Control is by 3 Kent Panel Controllers hand held units, two for the main running lines, and one for the goods yard.

Couplings are at the discretion of the members for fixed rakes, but for shunting purposes we use DG/B&B couplings which have a delayed action feature. Peco solenoids are used to remotely operate the couplings.

Buildings are mostly scratchbuilt with a couple of modified kits. The scenery is built up with polystyrene carved to shape and covered in plaster bandage and then covered with plaster slurry mixed with brown paint. Greenery is largely from the Woodlands Scenics range using a variety of shades and textures.

By Mark Tatlow

Portchullin in, Scotland, is a real place and is right next to the Kyle Line as it runs along the edge of Loch Carron. But Portchullin consists only of a couple of houses now; however, historically there was a larger community there and the line could also have served a series of small villages inland from the loch. It does not take too much history rewriting to make Portchullin sufficiently important to merit a station. All I have done is move another station, Stromeferry which is in reality only a mile away, sufficiently far to justify a separate station at Portchullin, to serve these communities - the excuse for a layout is born!

So that's the rationale for Portchullin, an imaginary station but very much based on the real examples on the line - I hope it will "feel" like the former Highland Railway's route to the west and that many of you can recognise some of your youth in it!

The EMGS stand will be manned by Roger Sawyer and Ewan Crossweller who will be on hand to discuss the society and also demonstrate various aspects of fine scale modelling. (See advertisement later in brochure.) 

The Scalefour Society caters for the needs of railway modellers working to the scale of 4mm to the foot (1:76.2) the most popular of the British model railway scales. It promotes and encourages the use of efficient modelling techniques and finescale standards among all 4mm modellers, but with particular emphasis on the use of dead scale track to a gauge of 18.83mm and wheels as close to true scale as is practical.

By Duncan Croser

The fictional Swimbridge & Lynton Railway was, like many lines, a triumph of optimism over reality. Funding ran out before Lynton was reached leaving a short route from Swimbridge to Arlington (named Lynton Rd), which was soon sold on to the GWR.

The railway connections caused the market at Arlington to grow rapidly. On market days a rake of elderly coaches and additional freight services supplement the passenger railmotor. Today is a market day during the summer of 1924 and Lynton Road will be bustling. Locomotives not normally seen on the branch will appear. Hence the train spotters enthusiasm.

By Dave Renshaw

Waton is a medium sized layout constructed in 2mm scale, N gauge, and was winner of the RMWeb (www.rmweb.co.uk) 2010 layout building challenge. The layout is loosely based on Water Orton which is a favourite trainspotters haunt to the East of Birmingham.

The period modelled is 2010 and the stock and architecture reflect this with a mixture of modern and decaying older buildings. The scenic section comprises a through station at the heart of the junction of four routes. The trackplan is that of a once elaborate station that has been severely "rationalised" leading to many interesting train movements.

Ron-Lines have on the stand a selection of good quality Model Railways for sale and part exchange. We also carry a range of switches and other electrical components for your model railway. We are very interested in purchasing your surplus model railway items or collections for cash, please enquire on our stand.

Coastal DCC is run by Railway Modellers, we have 5 years experience in using DCC with our exhibition layouts and can answer many of the myths that have grown up around DCC.

We stock equipment by Lenz TCS Digitrax Zimo and ESU/Loksound. We offer impartial advice to help you choose the right system.

Masterpiece have been producing quality detailed character figures for over 15 years in both 4mm and 7mm scales. The emphasis has been for cab crews in both scales with some specialist figures associated with model railways. We now produce cab crews that are specifically designed to fit the latest super detailed locos from Hornby and Bachman, such as, Schools, T9, King Arthur, Q1, West Country, 3MT, 4MT, 5MT and A4 classes. For the 7mm/ON30 hobbyists there is a new range of figures, which are for the North American or late Victorian period. For this autumn a new range of 0 and 00 seated passengers are being prepared for those who model in the 1960's era, all the figures are made in lead free pewter and most are available ready hand painted.

By Mrs Alison Barker

Welcome to Skimbleshanks Mill, a fictitious industrial backwater somewhere in a forgotten corner of post-war England. Let me show you round. From left to right, you can see the narrow gauge railway taking varied (and unspecified) goods to and from the Warehouse, squeezing between the Lady Boss's House and the Triangle House behind our little Engine Shed. Materials are delivered to the Mill and Factory from the high-level tramway, and tipped by conveyor belt. You might even find Skimbleshanks (T. S. Eliot's famous Railway Cat) lurking in one of the alleys.... 

By Dave Smith

This is the debut exhibition for Brighton East as a layout under construction.

The Period is loosely around 1998 - 2000 stretching to 2002 where 3rd rail sets prevail on passenger services.

The setting:
 My son is a medical student in Brighton and discovered the old Kemp Town branch, as a possible setting for a layout. What if it had retained some passenger service (this actually ceased in the 1933) and had never been shut (it closed to goods traffic in 1971), been electrified and then had a second tunnel bored to allow direct access to Lewes? This is not a prototypical rendition, the space was not available to do that, but it hopefully gives a flavour of the small space restricted terminus that was Kemp Town.

Control is by NCE DCC, with point control using radio control servos. Couplings are Kadee using electromagnet uncouplers.

The layout is fully operational, with the scenics well underway. The buildings will all be based on prototypes near to the old Kemp Town station site, with the main structure being based on the Barry Building at Sussex General Hospital.

By Ian Wilkins

Tintagel Road is an attempt to recreate the atmosphere of the North Cornwall line during the 1930s. Built by the London & South Western Railway, the North Cornwall line was completed in stages, commencing in1987, and finally reaching Padstow in 1899.

Camelford station forms the basis for the model, which in reality served Tintagel, four miles distant. Track and building plans, available from the Southern Railways Group and the South Western Circle, together with photographs were used in the construction. The incorporation of some additional sidings required the change of name, hence 'Tintagel Road'.

The layout is operated to a sequence timetable based on the Southern Railway version for the period 1930 -39 and contains a mixture of local trains, trains containing through coaches from Waterloo as well as local pickup freights.

Baseboards have been constructed from plywood framing with chipboard tops. Track is by SMP (now Marcway) with SMP and copper clad based point work. The operating signals are constructed from the MSE range of parts. The buildings are constructed from embossed or scribed plastic sheet on balsa frames, the scenery consisting of plaster bandage over card/wood formers with various scatter materials applied on top.

Large turntables form the fiddle yards. These are rotated at intervals during the timetable sequence to turn the stock thereby minimising the need to handle and avoiding damage to the fine detail.

Wheels of Southsea is a retail supplier of die-cast models in all scales. Plastic kits, Transport related books, DVD's, Postcards etc.

We can obtain most modellers requirements.

We also value and buy old models & collectables.

A display of photographs and other information about the South Hants Model Railway Club who host this exhibition.

Come and find yourself a bargain!

Bernie will be showing his paintings of various railway topics and 'might-have-beens'. Raffle tickets will be on sale to win one of his original prints.

The Portsmouth and Southsea Model Railway Centre: OO and N gauge Model Railways - New and Second Hand.

Tony will be hand building track and pointwork using Exactoscale components.

The Exactoscale range of quality components continues to expand. We now include wagon chassis conversions, coach and wagon wheels, brake gear, sprung buffer units, scale couplings, gear boxes, driving wheels, loco suspensions and a wide range of track components in 4 and 7 mm scales.

Diecast Models from Basetoy, Cararama, Corgi and Oxford. Building Kits from Metcalfe, Prototype and Superquick. Jarvis Scenics, Trees, Scenic Materials and Walling. Second hand models, cars, lorries, buses and coaches.

Kevin is a specialist retailer in all books relating to transport, railways and railway modelling. He will have on sale an extensive collection of railway books, covering a range of prototype subjects and modelling topics, for you to browse through and purchase. There is usually a selection of special show bargains available at much reduced prices, so come and buy early before they disappear! Kevin also publishes in his own right under the Noodle imprint, including the flagship publication title "The Southern Way".

By the South Hants MRC

This is our 'Thomas the Tank Engine' layout where the young at heart and the not so young, can get some hands on experience at driving the trains. One of the locomotives has an on board camera so you can get a driver's eye view of the passing scenery.