Crewchester Railway
Year Taken:1980   (Dismantled)
(This layout was dismantled in December 1981)

This programme is about the original clockwork layout which was started in 1961 and lasted for 20 years. Four track throughout, with two branch lines, it represented a fictional LNER/LMS system of the nineteen-thirties with some glaring anachronisms! With over 50 locomotives, 100 items of bogie stock and countless freight wagons, this railway demanded at least five experienced operators to run a timetable. (Note that the new two-rail layout which replaced this one can be seen in Set 36)

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Midland and Southern Counties Joint Railway
Year Taken:1980   (Dismantled)
(John died in 1979; the layout was dismantled in 1980)

Few men in the field of model railways endeared themselves to fellow enthusiasts more than the late John Hart. Although, by today’s standards, this layout left much to be desired, it was audacious in conception, was a shining example of a system which worked, and was maintained with thoroughness and care. The M&SCJR comprised a self-contained and permanent indoor section, an additional extensive garden section and a superb, portable exhibition extension. It was virtually a working museum of model railways, spanning almost a century of history.A great number of modellers today owe much to John’s products (e.g. the RM motor), and more still to his willingness to help those who lacked his professional skills. John died before this Guild Slide Collection was started, but fortunately I was able to photograph his layout in its entirety before it was dismantled.The M&SCJR is very much a part of Gauge ‘O’ history and this programme, which includes recordings of John’s voice, is highly recommended to all who take an interest in the evolution of our hobby.

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North Eastern Joint Railway
Year Taken:1986

The original programme on this layout, made in 1980, was withdrawn as it just did not do justice to this very extensive garden railway. Like Crewchester, this layout clearly reflects the influence of John Hart,whom Martin knew well.As with John Hart’s railway, and many others,Martin encourages young people to join in and operate the line which uses the stud-collection system.A strong Great Central atmosphere pervades this layout on which are to be seen some really fine models of locomotives and rolling stock.

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Denruth and Alldale
Year Taken:1980   (Dismantled)

Of all the programmes in this collection, this is the one which ought to be seen by every member of the Guild, for it is an incredible record of a layout anyone could be proud of – let alone a man who had lost his sight in middle-age, and spent 24 hours every week on a dialysis machine.Although some of us lent a hand where we could, it was always Don who was in command as the layout developed, and the results were astonishing – and very moving.When Don died in 1980 the Guild subscribed to a memorial fund which provided two talking books for the blind. Don’s layout reflected his keen interest in North Wales and the LNWR line between Chester and Bangor (he had graduated in science at Bangor University). Don had collected a very fine selection of locomotives and rolling stock, most of them professionally built for him, and when one sees the programme it is hard to believe that this layout was the work of a blind man.

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Craven and Ravenstone
Year Taken:1987

This simple, but beautiful garden layout contains some picturesque and highly individual scenery, including a river-estuary port. LMS/LNER in character, the line runs from one shed, along the garden, through another shed, and back.This programme, originally made in 1980 has now been brought right up-to-date.

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North-Eastern System
Year Taken:1985   (Dismantled)

As Medical Officer to the North Sea Fishing Fleet, plus other unusual appointments, this quiet man led anything but a quiet life. His North-Eastern layout was the result of careful research and meticulous workmanship, and was possibly the finest ‘museum’ of NER lore in existence. First made in 1980, this programme was added to in 1985.The piece-de-resistance is a totally convincing quayside scene.

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Midland and South-Eastern Railway
Year Taken:1980

This amazing octogenarian, Vic Martin, has created what must be a completely unique, Gauge ‘O’ system, comprising 3500 feet of track and over 90 trains, all operating to the timetable in force out of St. Pancras during the 1930’s.Vic’s wife, Louie (now no longer with us), was the daughter of the S. & T. manager at St. Pancras.An amazing model railway!

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Woodcote preservation Line
Year Taken:1980

This garden railway was built by Malcolm when he was quite new to Gauge ‘O’ and shows just what can be done! The line makes use of some most unusual models, as well as more conventional designs. (See also Set 98 (1988))

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Black Park
Year Taken:1980

For many years Pat was Membership Secretary of the Guild, and many members will know him by name if not personally. Many more will have visited successive layouts at Pat’s home, and this programme was made on a layout which has since been dismantled. Freight trains of over 40 vehicles as well as twelve-car express passenger trains were seen here; and a speciality was night-time running, with fascinating lighting effects.

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Leadon Valley Line
Year Taken:1980

Army life, with its attendant nomadic existence, has presented problems in developing this batterydriven layout, but Terry has overcome many of the difficulties. Largely proprietary stock, outdoor, and with a section in a shed, this modest-sized line is easily managed by one person.

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Scarborough to Rosedale
Year Taken:1980   (Dismantled)

The sheer infectious enthusiasm of this Yorkshireman living in Lancashire added zest to a most interesting garden railway. Mainly LNER/LMS, the line ran around a back ground, combining clockwork and electric propulsion. In the making of this programme Jack took us around his line assisted by a youthful neighbour.

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Bourne Bank and Wye Valley Line
Year Taken:1985

The original programme, made in 1980, has been scrapped and this completely new programme substituted. Using stud-contact, this LMS/GWR layout is housed in a large loft and is full of that indefinable quality, atmosphere. Much attention to detail reveals a man who observed the railways closely during the days of steam.

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Halcyon State Railway


Replaced by Set 121

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Models by Geoff Pember
Year Taken:1981

Geoff. Pember, standing as he does among the very elite of the Gauge ‘O’ modelling fraternity shows us some of the exquisite models he has built, including engines, signals and rolling stock. He is modelling of a high order indeed.

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Hampton Wick High Street
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

In this enchanting digression from model railways, Ray Tustin showed us a beautiful reproduction of a street he knew well as a young man - Hampton Wick high Street, not far from Kingston Bridge, in Surrey. Every picture is packed with nostalgia, especially for those who knew London during the twenties and thirties, for every type of road transport is shown - trams, buses, vans, etc. Buildings were correct to the last detail, and the highlight of the programme was a fine circus-train. All handdone, scratch-built, with never a transfer in sight, this was a little masterpiece of delight!

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Southern Railway Layout
Year Taken:1985

This is pure, undiluted Southern, prescribed urgently for those with SR deprivation syndrome. Stephen Hughes, a retired GP, has built in his loft an extensive layout on which runs a fine selection of all sorts of SR trains. Stud-contact, with some fine scenery, this programme is greatly enhanced by Dr. Hughes’ engaging commentary.The constant demand for this set, originally made in 1981, coupled with suggestions from borrowers, encouraged me to return to the layout in 1985 and, with the generous help of my host, many further slides were added.

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Windale Branch
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

Mike’s premature death shocked many of his friends in the Guild. Fortunately this record of his new indoor layout was completed and remains as a memorial to a popular Guild member. Mainly GER, Mike’s imaginary lines lay in and around The Wash, itself filled in! the main interest was timetable working from London and the Midlands. Although much of the scenic detail planned by Mike was never completed, the line was fully operational.

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Drayton Branch
Year Taken:1981

The M&GN and LNER are both represented on this layout which is contained in a garden shed. Operation takes precedence over scenic effects but, all the same, a distinct flavour of M&GN pervades the layout. The making of this programme was delayed until John had completed his fine Britannia Pacific locomotive.

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Fursdon and Tauntonian
Year Taken:1981

Here we have two for the price of one! The indefatigable, energetic Doug. shows us both his layouts; Fursdon, the one in his own home, and Tauntonian, the vast exhibition layout which he built. On both systems are displayed the most delicate workmanship, and there is a strong GWR influence on both lines.

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London, Earlswood and Highalt
Year Taken:1981

Tony was diffident about his layout being worthy of a place in the collection, but there is much of interest in it. Inherited from his father,Tony has developed the line which runs through the basement of his home.Vintage models, such as Walker-Fenn engines appear in this programme.

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Derby Museum Layout
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)
By kind permission of the Principal Keeper

Built between 1948 and 1951, this well-known Midland layout was opened in 1951, Festival of Britain Year, and was intended to last 25 years. In 1981, after 30 years, it as still going strong, although threatened with closure and possible rebuilding elsewhere. Alan Doig, who has been closely associated with the layout since his boyhood, together with another colleague, Tim Flint, gave up a day of their holiday to operate the layout for my benefit. Every engine and piece of rolling stock was brought out and run for my camera, so, although frightening difficulties existed for the photographer, a very complete record of the line was made just before closure was actually announced. Every facility was offered to us by Mr Hughes, by whose permission this programme was created.

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East Midlands Division
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

The day this programme was made the garden was a mass of colour, and the (mainly LNER) layout which ran through it was skillfully blended into the scheme. Displaying some very fine models, this programme has won acclaim from every member who has borrowed the set. For domestic and health reasons the layout no longer exists, but it should nevertheless inspire anyone wishing to build a garden railway.

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Matlock Model Railway Museum
Year Taken:1981

Another superb, professionally built, exhibition layout which has a question mark over its future.The dioramas presented are quite breathtaking in their beauty and authenticity, being superb representations of typical Midland territory. Perhaps one of the most amazing feats of model railway engineering is the reproduction of the two great viaducts at Millersdale, strongly featured in this programme.

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Vintage Tinplate
Year Taken:1981

A specialist branch of the Gauge ‘O’ scene, but of absorbing and fascinating interest to anyone concerned with the history and development of the hobby.This vast collection of tinplate trains and accessories must be one of the finest in existence. Julien’s love of his subject comes over clearly in the commentary.

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Wallsea
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

Once known to many visitors to exhibitions all over the country, this LNER layout will be a familiar sight. Barrie, complete with woolly hat, has become a popular ‘character’ in the hobby/ and he brings to his model railway both an expert knowledge of engines, after a lifetime of working on them, and no little skill as a modellers.The result is something very special. In this set we see his original Wallsea, now dismantled and replaced by a bigger and better layout. But do try to see this programme before seeing the new one (Set 68), for the new ‘Wallsea Main’ owes much to this earlier offering.

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Bigston
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

No collection of Gauge ‘O’ layouts would be complete without this famous railway, and in this set Geoff. Himself took us round his layout - both indoor and outdoor. LNER with Great Eastern overtones, we are reminded of Liverpool Street in the days of steam.A prominent feature of this line is a long train of North London 4-wheeled coaches, complete with NL tank locomotives.

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Kirtley
Year Taken:1993

Running round a very colourful setting, Don Neale's beautiful garden railway. The line runs from a indoor section round the garden and back to the storage sidings located in the large garden shed. The railway represents the LMS located in the Lake District and a feature of the line is the justifiably famous viaduct spanning the lawn. Don's relaxed commentry enhances this interesting programme.

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Pinehaven and Rosshampton
Year Taken:1981

President of the Guild during its 21st year, Derek is a well-known figure and his layout could well be described as ‘multum in parvo’, for it is housed in a spare bedroom. Mainly clockwork, with some electric power, this Southern Railway line includes some fine examples of Derek’s considerable modelling skills.

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Gainsborough Model Railway
Year Taken:1987
Part 1 - 49 slides, 27 mins - Part 2 - 43 slides, 21 mins

Possibly one of the most ambitious concepts ever attempted in Gauge ‘O’, this gigantic layout covers the entire area of a disused school, and was largely the brain-child of George Hinchcliffe.The theme is the King’s Cross to Leeds main line, with truly staggering models of King’s Cross and, in the recent additions, Leeds stations. Originally made in 1981, this programme has been completely revised but still incorporates many of the original pictures.

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Bromford and High Peak
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)
Part 1 - 78 slides, 40 mins - Part 2 - 38 slides, 25 mins

Built in a large ‘shed’, this layout represented the very highest standards of achievement in railway modelling, where names like Beeson, Miller and Vic Green were found among the builders of the locomotives and rolling stock. Track, buildings and stock were all of a standard which very few of us could ever hope to achieve but can, and do, admire.The late Hugh Joslin is our guide: sadly missed, we are now so fortunate that it was he who provided our expert commentary. Shortly after the 1981 visit the railway was moved to a new venue; and in 1989 Part 2 was added to bring the story up-to-date.

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Sherwood Section of the LMS
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

Surely, with well over sixty years of Sherwood, Norman must have been the uncrowned king of clockwork! Too well known to need detailed description here, one should just follow Norman round his big, purpose-built garden building, as he described, in his deceptively young and vital voice, all that we see.

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This Gauge '0'


Replaced by set 100

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Grown Men Playing Trains
Year Taken:1982

This programme was made in response to a request for something which may be put on for a nontechnical audience who, though mildly interested in our hobby, would not be interested in, nor even understand the technical jargon so familiar to those who practice the hobby. I have tried to show those things which lead us to build and operate models railways, and how we set about it.

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Wingham Branch
Year Taken:1988
Part 1 - 1982 - 41 slides, 40 mins - Part 2 - 1988 - 29 slides, 20 mins

A very fine LNER layout, both indoor and garden, with a strong Great Eastern flavour, and including an attractive light railway. Two-rail, with many examples of Deryck’s great skill and workmanship. Considerable improvement and development on this line warranted a second visit to show the railway as it is today; hence Part 2.

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New Crewchester
Year Taken:1981

Crewchester is the unique position of being in my own back garden : I am therefore able to amend, prune or add to this programme as and when necessary. In view of this it is impossible to quote firm statistics about the timing or number of slides.The programme will never be allowed to exceed one hour in length and will cover every part of this extensive, two-rail, 12v LNER/LMS system.

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Isle of Skye Light Railway
Year Taken:1988

There never was a railway on Skye, although there could well have been, for plans were made to build one. Nigel has used this concept for the site of his narrow-gauge line between Kyleakin, Sligachan and Portree, using the principle of 12mm scale models on 7mm track. Originally visited in 1982, the line was visited in 1988 to make this much larger, new programme.

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Gayton Warfe
Year Taken:1982

Here is a fine example of a complete Gauge ‘O’ layout in a spare bedroom, yet without the crowded effects so often felt in such circumstances. Robin has built an imaginary branch terminus on the Lancashire coast, where his LMS trains run to timetable.We are shown how some very presentable rolling stock has been made at comparatively low cost. (See also Set 90).

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Blakehampton
Year Taken:1983   (Dismantled)

A Guild President who led from the front, Mike built an attractive, mainly GWR layout in extended garden sheds. The layout is full of carefully worked detail, and many of the engines are Mike’s own handiwork. Owing to a move the layout no longer exists, although it is being rebuilt at the new address.

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Lutton
Year Taken:1983   (Dismantled)

Here was another ‘spare bedroom’ system, where the principal feature was the very complete signalling and strict timetable running, with LMS as the pattern. The layout shown in this set was subsequently dismantled and later re-established at a new address. (See also Set 102).

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Garden Railway
Year Taken:1983   (Dismantled)

I doubt if there was ever a garden railway in such a superb setting. A railway as well constructed as this was, when placed against such a backdrop, created a magnificent spectacle. LMS, with some hairraising civil engineering, this layout provided me with some of the best pictures I have ever taken on a model railway.The layout is now dismantled and a new one has been built. (See also Set 83).

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West Lancs Gauge '0' Group
Year Taken:1983   (Dismantled)

A three-year rebuilding project was postponed so that I could go to Liverpool to photograph this layout before dismantling began.Whilst it is mainly GWR, many other companies are represented on this huge club layout. A fine mirror-image of Abergele station catches the eye, and is supported by a wealth of detailed and carefully-observed railway effects. (See also Set 128).

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Diggle and Westport
Year Taken:1983

It is difficult to describe this extensive layout without resorting to superlatives. Housed in three purpose-built sheds, the line runs round a large garden. It exudes LNWR atmosphere, with some North Staffs thrown in for good measure. It lacks the clinical tidiness of Arthur Dewar’s Highland Railway; the super-detailed fastidiousness of the Bromford and High Peak; or the breath-taking vistas of Don Neale’s garden railway; yet the overall effect is truly magnificent. There is so much detail, a wealth of highly sophisticated signalling and interlocking, and such a high standard of timetable operation that the visitor comes away stunned by its realism - and usually returns for more. (See also Set 131).

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Lancashire and Derbyshire and East Coast Joint Railway
Year Taken:1983   (Dismantled)
Also by Wally Mayhew

There is but a handful of modellers who seem to get just about as close to perfection as it is possible to achieve, and these two gentlemen must be numbered among that exclusive band.The railway was, to put it mildly, extensive; and both it, and the trains which ran upon it - to say nothing of the scenery - were all to the very highest standards.As would be expected on such a joint line, many companies were represented, and many unusual types were modelled. The programme was made before signalling was installed but this does nothing to detract from the superb overall effect. Michael Ivor-Jones sadly died in April 1993.

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Black Canyon
Year Taken:1984

This layout, often seen at exhibitions, makes a refreshing change from the usual LMS, LNER, SR or GWR systems, and it was the first programme to break away from British prototypes. The North American scene is well depicted here in miniature, and Mike’s commentary - as would be expected from such a prolific writer on railway subjects - is well-informed and enlightening.

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Lune Valley Line
Year Taken:1984

This was the first programme entirely made by a generous donation to the Guild Collection. It will be of interest to anyone wishing to build a viaduct in their garden, provided they can understand the extremely expert technical language. At the time of making the programme no trains were yet running and perhaps David can be persuaded to let us have further details once track is laid.

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Canham Junction
Year Taken:1992

This two-rail, indoor layout represents a branch line running from the LNER main line to a small town. Some quite beautiful and delicate modelling, combined with lever improvisation with materials, demonstrates that is is not necessary to be a millionaire to build in Gauge ‘O’. John’s commentary is highly individual and adds much to the appeal of the pictures.

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Waterfoot and Cart Valley
Year Taken:1984

If it is Scottish, and runs on rails, you can be sure Nigel has built it in 7mm scale! Not content with erecting one layout, Nigel has built three (or more).This one is permanently in the loft of his home. The general character of the line suggests north of the border and includes a fantastic amount of detail, not only on the main lines in standard gauge but also on a section of the Machrihanish narrow gauge line. (See also Set 65).

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Sheddington
Year Taken:1984

This layout was inspired by Don Neale’s beautiful garden railway, and John has integrated his railway into the slopes of his own garden.Although now living in Scotland, John is a Northampton-shire man so it is not surprising to find LMS trains running here. The layout contains a quite superb double junction with moveable diamond crossings, and should appeal very much to railway enthusiasts who are also keen gardeners.

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Wallneuk by the Renfrewshire MRC
Year Taken:1984
Commentary also by George Davidson

Wallneuk station, the focal point of the club’s Gauge ‘O’ layout, is based on Paisley Gilmour Street and is a fine example of corporate planning and building. Housed in spacious and well-kept premises owned by the club, this very big layout has so much detail to study that two visits were necessary to make this programme. Not only is there a large and complex main line and branch, but a road system with working models of trams built by Nigel Macmillan.The layout encompasses nearly a century of transport, all well-researched, and shows what can be done given good organisation and enthusiasm.

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Slow train to Ravensmore
Year Taken:1986

Quite often friends, relations, or visitors express an enquiring interest in this hobby of ours, yet have no real knowledge of, or interest in the technical side. I am often asked if the Guild collection includes a programme which would appeal to such people, and that is exactly why pure entertainment which, it is hoped, will appeal to the casually-interested - and perhaps to the enthusiast alike! (See also Set 34).

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Millport and Selfield
Year Taken:1984

Once again I could call this programme "Only just in time", for Bill Tate, veteran of the Manchester M.R.S., died in 1986. Here we have a record of Bill’s railway, well known for so many years and operated by a band of faithful friends in the top floor of his large house. The line is North Eastern and clearly shows Bill’s love of a knowledge of the area. Bill’s widow, Una, is keeping the line going by arranging the usual weekly operating sessions by the regulars for as long as she is able.The line offers a wide variety of scenery and includes a branch to Seahouses on the coast.

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Easthampton
Year Taken:1985

This layout is both indoor and outdoor, LNER and LMS. Richard is no mean engine builder and shows some fine examples of his work including a truly magnificent LMs Beyer-Garratt 2-6-0+0-6-2.

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Karwendelbahn
Year Taken:1985

The man who really formed the Gauge ‘O’ Guild, got it going, and then guided its first few years, could hardly be expected to be anything but an individualist. Harold has eschewed the popular British prototypes in favour of his beloved Austro-German railway systems, and his line covers the entire area of the cellars of his house.An absorbing study of a dramatic region!

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Leeds Steadman Trust
Year Taken:1994

A programme showing pictures of the collection of models manufactured by the Leeds Model Co., including Locos, Coaches, Freight vehicles and accessories. A program which should be fascinating to all who are interested in the history of the hobby.

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Hartland Branch, LSWR
Year Taken:1985

Once again we have an example of a complete railway system housed in a comparatively small area; this time a garden shed.Tim takes as his setting the North Devon coast, and has built a branch down to Hartland Quay in LSWR days. Scratch-build engines and rolling stock built by Tim in styrene run against an attractive backdrop of scenery.

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Ralph and Drew
Year Taken:1983
Also Bill Scott, Part 1 - 31 slides, 30 mins, Part 2 - 32 slides, 20 mins, Part 3 - 34 slides, 20 m

Before it was too late to gather authentic information about two men who are no longer with us, I sought the aid of those who knew these two distinctly different and well-known modellers, Ralph Clarke and Drew Donaldson.
Part 1 of this trilogy is about the Bishop’s Castle railway. Steve Stratten, of Ian Allan Ltd., provided me with many slides and pictures of this well-known line by Ralph Clarke, and Steve’s firm gave me full permission to use this material. Derek Ascott, who built some of Ralph’s stock and operated the line has added further information.
Part 2 comprises an introduction to Drew Donaldson, that fiery Irishman who built such fine clockwork models, by his close friend and associate, Bill Scott. This is followed by a sequence of black-and-white slides of unknown origin showing the Youghal branch in Ireland.
Part 3 shows many of the fine spring-driven locomotives built and operated by Drew Donaldson. Bill’s sympathetic and authoritative commentary throws new light on this often misunderstood man.

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David L Smith Story
Year Taken:1985

To anyone who has read the books of David L. Smith, especially Tales of The Glasgow & South Western Railway, there must be many unanswered questions about this captivating writer. Historian, raconteurextraordinaire, lecturer - David was all these, and for fifteen years I was privileged to call him a friend. With the permission of his widow and family I have included in this story of his life and times recordings of his voice, made privately in his home when I visited him. David was perhaps one of the most gifted and affectionately remembered writers on railway topics, and was an ardent champion of his beloved "Sou’ West".

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Gauge One Highland Layout
Year Taken:1985   (Dismantled)

Jim Kennedy died in 1984. He was a fine engineer who built his locomotives from works drawings, and these ran on a most picturesque garden layout at his home in Inverness. On a visit during 1983 I took many photographs, as did Arthur Dewar who was with me. George Davidson of Bridge-of-Weir had also been a visitor and fortunately had also taken photographs; and so, with the help of these two fellow-Guild members, I have been able to cobble together a record of the layout. Other members of the Guild - notably Dr.Tom Coombs of Nairn and George Davidson - have managed to rescue a large proportion of Jim’s stock in order to create a working museum of Highland Railway lore.

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North Charnian Branch
Year Taken:1985

A small back garden in Newcastle-upon-Tyne contains this compact layout with its quite amazing variety of locomotives and rolling stock; most of it built by Phil, a man widely known to fellow enthusiasts for his willingness to lend a helping hand to those less skilled than himself. This is yet another layout which sees strict timetable operation.

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Dalharco Colliery Line In ‘oo’
Year Taken:1985

If you find the inclusion of a ‘OO’ layout something of a surprise, just borrow it and you will see why. Half an hour of sheer enchantment shows modelling of a very high order with exquisite attention to detail.This superb exhibition layout shows the complete story of a mining complex in Scotland.The programme loses nothing from its lively commentary.

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Cheshire Lines
Year Taken:1985

Martin Cheshire is one of the hobby’s perfectionists, and it shows in his fine LNER/LMS layout. He reckons to build about one locomotive per year.With dramatic scenic backgrounds in his extensive cellar the trains are seen to fine effect; and a section of line runs out into the garden to add to the interest.

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Balvenie Branch, LNER
Year Taken:1985

A fantastic capacity for concentrated hard work has enabled Donald to create in a relatively short time a really beautiful layout in his loft. A classic example of ‘small is beautiful’! If you wish to see just what can be accomplished in limited space - see this layout.

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Lyoncross Colliery
Year Taken:1985

Here he is again - that indefatigable Scot! This time he has an exhibition layout of a Scottish colliery system. A scholarly and intimate knowledge of his subject is combined in the commentary with an obvious love of his subject.This is the second of three complete layouts by Nigel included in the Guild collection.

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Campbel Town & Machrihanish Light Railway
Year Taken:1985

This fascinating narrow-gauge line has always been close to Nigel’s heart ever since, as a young boy, he would visit it during its working days. His knowledge of the history of the line is profound, and in Strathclyde University Library there lies Nigel’s thesis on the subject.Told with authority, humour and great affection, Nigel brings this lovely little railway right into your home.

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Algoma Eastern Division Of The C.P.R.
Year Taken:1985   (Dismantled)

Graham Harding describes this indoor/outdoor layout as representing the ‘first generation’ diesels, and he created a magnificent replica, in model form, of a spectacular railway, together with scenery and sound effects. Of interest is the radio control system which operated the trains.

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Highland Railway Layout
Year Taken:1980   (Dismantled)

This exquisite, two-rail system, depicts the Highland Railway (with visitors from other companies) round about the turn of the century. Housed in the entire first floor of Arthur Dewar’s house, it feast of picturesque scenery and superb models, many of which were built by such famous modellers as Bernard Miller,Walter Mayhew, George Hinchcliffe,Walter West and others.

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"K" Lines
Year Taken:1986

In 1986 an announcement appeared in the national press that the collection of the late G.P. Keen was to go up for auction.Through the courtesy of Mrs Keen, herself a well-informed authority of Gauge ‘O’, and with the invaluable assistance of John Anning, I was able to photograph the collection, albeit in difficult lighting conditions. I have thereby been able to preserve some record for the Guild of the work of this great pioneer of our hobby, as well as of the man himself.

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S.R. Mid-Kent Extension
Year Taken:1986

For some sixteen years John was the Chairman of the Model Railway Club of Great Britain, an office which he distinguished in many ways. His railway is a Southern Railway system running the entire length of his garden, and through three sheds. It is the sort of layout one would expect from such a man.

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Gravesend West Street
Year Taken:1986

Another treat for Southern fans! This is an indoor layout representing a typical North Kent railway scene. Stud-contact, with a wide variety of stock, this layout shows the results of thorough research and careful workmanship. A great number of the slides were taken by Arthur himself and donated to this programme.

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Primrose Line
Year Taken:1986

This is an example of the sort of thing I would love to see from other layout owners. John has made this programme himself, completely; slides, commentary, music - the lot! A garden layout, mainly Southern in character, with a lot of inventive improvisation in the scenery. John’s very pleasant commentary gives us a comprehensive picture of his railway. He has generously donated this set to the Guild.

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Great Northern Layout In ‘OO’
Year Taken:1986   (Dismantled)

For many years Ralph Cooper was Chairman of the Barnet Model Railway Club, and his extensive layout was for 26 years in his own home. By any standards it is a remarkable railway, representing the main line from King’s Cross to Doncaster (and at one time extending into the loft next-door - and on to York and Newcastle!) Branches from Retford to Sheffield and Grantham to Nottingham all contribute to a vast network, operated by a team of enthusiasts, and including over 80 locomotives and countless items of rolling stock. Owing to a move of house and advancing years this well-known layout has now been dismantled and will not be rebuilt.

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Manchester Canal
Year Taken:1986

For many years this extensive exhibition layout has been seen at various shows, but seldom has space allowed for it to be seen in its entirety. Using a mix of steam and modern image, it presents a fine example of well organised timetable running, with full intercommunication between sections. This programme shows the full layout.

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Chewton Mendip
Year Taken:1986

A great contrast from the previous set, although this exquisite layout has also been seen at numerous exhibitions. Great Western in character, the layout combines superbly fastidious engineering and scenic effects.

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Tafalog
Year Taken:1986

Here is something quite out of the ordinary! Tafalog is the name given by Mike to the little terminus of a Cambrian Railway branch running up the Tanat Valley, and is a perfect mirror-image of the onetime Llangynog station. Scenery and stock (scratch-built by Mike) provide a treat for the connoisseur.

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G. & J. Short Line
Year Taken:1986

No history of Gauge ‘O’ would be complete without reference to Lionel. This exhibition layout by the father-and-son team of Geoffrey and Jeremy Bull is a superb collection of engines, rolling stock and lineside effects, all produced by the American firm of Lionel and shown here as a fully working layout.

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Ravensbeck
Year Taken:1987   (Dismantled)
Part 1 - 50 minutes Part 2 - 60 minutes

This magnificent exhibition layout, shown at the Guild Convention at Bletchley in September, 1986, is so packed with superb detail that it is almost impossible to take it all in! We have therefore made full programme which could well constitute an evening’s entertainment in its own right, and hve included every part of this huge North Eastern system in pre-grouping days. The rear part of this layout has been completely altered since the Bletchley showing and now includes a colliery system which is an integral part of the main layout or can be a self-contained layout on its own.This is a programme you could safely show to a non-railway enthusiast, so attractive are the many scenic effects.

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Carfield Line
Year Taken:1987

Maurice is a retired signalman, and it is hardly surprising to find that his loft layout is fully signalled. Mainly LMS in character, the models range from early vintage Hornby tinplate to more recent scratch- or-kit-built engines.Another example of Gauge ‘O’ being fitted most effectively into a small space.

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Buckwell
Year Taken:1987

Highly skilled engineering and careful workmanship have gone into the making of yet another small area layout.This LMS line contains some beautiful detail in its station buildings and scenic effects, and all points and signals are manually controlled - often from quite a distance. Keith also runs some very fine NE trains on this line.

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Larkfield & Billing
Year Taken:1987

Not content with his LNER/LMS loft layout, Jack has filled his large garden with what he calls his ‘retirement’ layout. A fascinating display of a life-time’s collection of most interesting models, all of high quality. These include pre-grouping items from the L & Y, H & B and NE railways as well as more conventional LMS or LNER stock.

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Maunsell Parva
Year Taken:1987

Ever since the appearance of the Guild Handbook on Garden Railways I have wanted to include this fine Southern layout in the collection. Stud-contact, and with beautiful, delicate and accurate buildings, the line runs the length of an attractive garden.

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West Midlands, 7, 10 And 16mm Group
Year Taken:1987

Mind boggling! That was my first impression of this huge complex, run by the energetic West Midlands Group, and sponsored by Robert Head, in whose beautiful grounds the layouts are housed. A huge Gauge 1 circuit runs round the spacious lawns, and in a large building there are 7mm, 10mm and 16mm scale layouts.The accent is on live steam, and seldom have I seen a more exciting panorama of model railways. The programme scarcely scratches the surface of so vast a system, but may encourage viewers to go the Shifnal, Shropshire, to see for themselves!

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Grinling Junction
Year Taken:1987

Another garden layout, this time representing Great Northern scenes, immediately pre-1914. Two extensive loops lie outside a garden shed in which Grinling Junction station lies. The detailing is magnificent, and the coaching stock is quite outstanding - scratch-built by Ian himself. He also built the locomotives. Scenically and operationally this is a most attractive layout.

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Exeter International
Year Taken:1987

Despite repeated pleas in the Gazette, modern-image modellers are singularly reluctant to offer their layouts for inclusion in the collection. David came to my rescue with his layout, the slides being provided by a press photographer friend of his, and the enthusiastic and authoritative commentary being provided by him.

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Butcombe Railway
Year Taken:1987

An extensive garden layout very much biased towards the Somerset & Dorset, but with other companies represented. This outdoor railway lays the accent on operating and providing a train service to a number of interesting places.

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South Chicago
Year Taken:1987

Although this programme depicts quite a large layout contained in a commodious garage, the accent is on a large and varied collection of American locomotives and rolling stock upon which Derek is, obviously, an authority.

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Gayton Wharf
Year Taken:1987

I made a programme on this railway in 1982, but considerable alterations and improvements have been made since then.The data concerning the layout will be found under Set 38 and is still relevant. The popularity of that set suggests that both programmes will be retained for the time being.

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Kerry Bridge
Year Taken:1988

Commentary by Malcolm Scrimshaw and Paul Windle A 7mm-scale, Irish, narrow-gauge railway running on 4mm track, this exhibition layout is packed with atmosphere and the scenic background makes one imagine the smell of the peat bogs is really present. Especially evocative is the bridge over the river, but the whole line is unusually convincing to the eye.

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Greenlane & Hillside Railway
Year Taken:1988

The commentary tape has not yet been completed: arrangements for this to be done are being made by Robert but meanwhile the set is withdrawn.

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Seaburgh & Marlake
Year Taken:1988

It is rare these days to find a layout comprising a large proportion of proprietary track and rolling stock and, although some fine scratch-built models are included, it is possible to see here the sort of layout prevalent before the advent of fine-scale. An exercise in nostalgia, this indoor layout is something of a collector’s paradise.

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Haywards Heath To Keymer Junction (SR)
Year Taken:1988

In his garden layout with stud contact, Dick gives us a fine picture of the Southern Railway in the days of steam (1930’s).The central feature is Haywards Heath station as it once was, including a model of the old signal box. Interesting, too, is the way Dick has overcome the problems of a steeply sloping garden.

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Charvale
Year Taken:1988

Principally GWR/LMS but with other companies represented, this picturesque garden railway includes a very fine model of a Beyer-Garratt (LNER) 2-8-0+0-8-2.The rockery and viaduct make and impressive centrepiece to the railway.

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Upwole
Year Taken:1988

Barrie Walls’ son, Andrew, aged 17 when this programme was made, shows himself to be a worthy son of his father.This small layout is of exhibition standard and is a very fine re-creation of real LNER (Great Eastern) atmosphere.The healthy future of our hobby will lie in the hands of people like this!

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North & South Junction Railway
Year Taken:1988

At least three people who came very much under the influence of the late John Hart - Martin Bloxsom, Eddie Bye and myself - have garden layouts inspired to some extent by John’s M&SCJR line. This SR/LMS railway, with the accent on Southern, runs round Eddie’s garden and is presumed to link up with the Crewchester Railway.The really unusual feature though is the overhead electric branch line to Willow End, based upon the old Crystal Palace (Upper) line of the 1920’s.

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Woodcote Preservation Line
Year Taken:1988

Since the original programme (See Set 9) was made in 1980 this layout has undergone extensive development. Its name allows licence to run any period and any type of train over the now quite complex system which occupies most of the back garden.

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Rowbarrow Hundred
Year Taken:1988

An extremely compact layout contained in a small shed, with an outside loop. Southern, with other railway companies represented, this small layout provides surprising versatility of operation.

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This Is Gauge ‘0’
Year Taken:1990

Compiled from most of the layouts represented in the collection To celebrate the achievement of one hundred Guild programmes I have produced this trilogy, each part of which may be borrowed separately, although all three were conceived as one complete programme. Each of the three sections deals with a particular aspect of the hobby, as follows:
Part 1 – Some Giants of Gauge ‘O’ - 40 minutes 85 slides
Part 2 - Indoor Railways - 40 minutes 91 slides
Part 3 - Garden Railways - 45 minutes 100 slides
The entire programme encompasses almost every aspect of Gauge ‘O’ railway modelling, with examples from almost every layout visited between 1980 and 1988. In it you will see not only the railways, but the owners, and hear their voices, some of them sadly not still with us, but well-remembered.

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Cragside
Year Taken:1988

An exhibition layout depicting a North Eastern locale, with superb and authentic detail, both in rolling stock and in scenic effects, and highly reminiscent of that beautiful part of the country.

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Lutton
Year Taken:1989   (Dismantled)

After the original Set 40 had been made in 1983, this layout was moved to a new home and was further improved.With the accent this time upon signalling and operation, a subject upon which Frank was professionally qualified to speak, the scenic effects on this compact layout were complete. Once again this LMS layout was contained in a spare bedroom.

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Norfolk Joint Railway
Year Taken:1989

Here is something unusual - a pure Midland and Great Northern layout, redolent of the Norfolk countryside and the Fen district. The line has been well researched. Perhaps the crowning glory of the layout, which is housed in a highly inconvenient loft, in a superb model of Cromer Beach station.

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St. Helens, Lowton & Huyton Section, LMS.
Year Taken:1989   (Dismantled)

Another former garden railway, built by a retired signalman who had a number of different gauge railways in his garden, this one in Gauge ‘O’. Mainly LMS but with some LNER, the nerve centre of the system was a model of St. Helens station of the 1930’s.

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A Century Of Gauge ‘0’
Year Taken:1989

Alan Cliff has built up a remarkable collection of Gauge ‘O’ models made by an astonishing variety of manufacturers since the 1890’s. No mere hoarder of historic models,Alan takes us from the primitive in tinplate of the last century, right up to his current activity of commissioning fine-scale, detailed models of his favourite engines, almost all of which are shown here.

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Two Dales
Year Taken:1989

Housed in the premises of the Rhyl Model Railway Club, Chris has built this lovely scene of the highly quarried terrain of the Peak District, including some pleasant open countryside, a working level crossing and wayside station, and a quarry line.

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Joys Of Life
Year Taken:1989

This highly unusual title stems from the name of the 12-acre leisure park being developed by Terry and his wife, with the accent on model railways, from 5" live steam to 7mm narrow gauge. Lying in the heart of Snowdonia, close to the Penrhyn Quarry, the centre provides a wonderful day out for the railway enthusiast, with much more to interest the rest of the family. Terry, a highly skilled engineer, shows us the products of a life of model-making, including a trip over the 5" live steam line, for which he not only opened up the park specially for us to make the programme, but fired up FAITH, a 5" gauge locomotive. His graphic commentary renders the pictures (almost) superfluous!

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Other Side Of Lutton
Year Taken:1989   (Dismantled)

Having already given us the second of two splendid programmes on Lutton, Frank then took us out into his garden to show us the 3.5" and 5"-gauge models on which he was currently working, and his further layouts, a continental narrow-gauge line on 7mm track, and another purely ‘O’ gauge layout, with a surprise at the end!

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Grassington & Threshfield
Year Taken:1989

In this layout, Stephen, a Yorkshireman, has given us a real taste of the sort of countryside associated with the television’s ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, although there is no connection whatsoever with that programme. Grassington, a small station in the Dales, serves a branch line upon which Stephen likes his friends to run suitable trains provided they are modelled to has own high standards.Two-rail and fully detailed, including scenery, this layout shows high quality modelling at its best.

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Stamford East
Year Taken:1989

Stamford, an historic and remarkably beautiful town in Lincolnshire, was once a coaching stage on the old Great North Road.The town boasted two picturesque railway stations, only one of which is still in use. Here Tony takes us back to the flourishing days of the ‘other’ station which lay close beside the river Nene. Careful research has produced a clearly recognisable model of that line, upon which he likes to run visitor’s trains.This exhibition layout is packed with fascinating detail and reveals, again, a very high standard of modelling.

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Pendeford Line
Year Taken:1989

This large and complex railway, running round the back garden and passing through three sheds, includes fully interlocked signalling, and timetable running, very reminiscent of the famous Diggle and Westport by Ken Longbottom, but no carbon copy of that vast system. Started less than ten years ago, it is amazing what has been accomplished by Maurice with the help of a few enthusiastic friends. Mainly LMS, the line does accommodate other companies’ trains.Add to all this a fine scenic backdrop and you have an exceptionally fascinating railway.

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Newbridge To Kingsferry
Year Taken:1989

Here is another example of a man who has come relatively recently to Gauge ‘O’ and has produced a beautifully landscaped LMS garden railway, obviously influenced by the famous line by Don Neale. Several most unusual features are incorporated, including radio control and a building to house the nerve-centre of the railway which is, to say the least, highly original.This programme will delight not only the railway enthusiast but also the gardener.

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Port Line
Year Taken:1989

Housed in a commodious spare room, this railway has been based on careful research of the now defunct Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Railway between Stranraer and Dumfries. Fine models of both Stranraer stations (Town and Harbour) and of Newton Stewart are seen, with convincing scenic backdrops. A group of keen enthusiasts join Michael for operating sessions, all run very closely to fullsize practice. Centre-third pick-up is rarely seen these days, but one is reminded of the trouble-free running this system always seems to produce. To me, the spirit of the late David L. Smith stalked every inch of this fine representation of a bygone era.

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Lakeside Branch
Year Taken:1989   (Dismantled)

Jim Parker died in November 1988 but, thanks to the kindness of Mrs. Peggy Parker and to the hospitality and assistance of his friend, Ken Ormrod, a record of this very fine layout has been added to our collection. The line depicted the Lakeside ranch in the days of the Furness Railway (i.e. pregrouping) and included scale models of Greenodd and Lakeside stations as they were in the splendour for their heyday. The scenery was superb and completely convincing, with river scenes faithfully reproduced in exact detail. For the many thousands of holiday -makers who know this area well, this programme will bring back many memories.

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Goyt Valley Railway
Year Taken:1990

A combined indoor and outdoor railway with both steam and modern-image stock. A most remarkable feat of civil engineering will interest all those who are building garden layouts in gardens on a slope. All the engines modelled on this layout are still to be seen running today, either on preserved lines or on BR metals.

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Cheshire Lines Committee
Year Taken:1990

Not quite what the title may suggest! The name is adopted by a group of railway enthusiasts living in Cheshire, and all sharing each other’s special interest, varying from 7" passenger-carrying live-steam to ‘O’ gauge.This programme concentrates on an ingenious and highly sophisticated Gauge ‘O’ layout on which an amazing variety of timetables can be run on little more than a circle of track. Clever use of battery propulsion, with some live-steam and clockwork, do away with the tiresome necessity for controllers and complicated wiring.

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Reconstruction Of A Garden Railway
Year Taken:1990

This should be compulsive viewing for anyone concerned with Gauge ‘O’ outdoors. The entire process of dismantling the old layout, and of planning and constructing the new one has been photographed by John so that we are able to see every detail of the project. My own photographs show the layout as it is today, to which people bring their own models to run, and thereby share their enjoyment of the hobby. Surely this is the very essence of the Guild! A truly absorbing study of methodical planning and building.

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Pendine Sands
Year Taken:1990

Curiously enough, GWR branch lines are not well represented in the Guild collection, so it is good to be able to include a truly beautiful branch-line built by our one-time Guild Secretary. This exhibition layout features an imaginary branch from Carmarthen down to the coastal resort of Pendine, where the famous sands were the scene of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s attempts on the world land speed record during the 1920s.

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Eversley GWR
Year Taken:1990

Another treat for those who loved the GWR.An exhibition layout with some truly beautiful lineside scenery. It differs from Howard Bennett’s layout in that his represents a terminus while this is country through-station. Both these GWR layouts are exercises in rural railway nostalgia.

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Halcyon State Railway
Year Taken:1990

It is difficult to describe this unusual railway briefly. Imagine a centre-third layout, typical of the 1930s, with proprietary rolling stock, housed in a very large loft. But deck the greater proportion of the trains in a most attractive freelance livery - blue and cream, bearing the crest of the HSR - and weave around this a legend of ancient lore. Add to all this an amazing collection of lineside effects, buildings, stations etc., culminating in a magnificently detailed model of Chelmsford station, GER, as it was early in this century - but for the rest of the picture you must borrow the set. (Set 14 is now withdrawn).

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Llyn Bach Scenic Railway
Year Taken:1991

A most attractive garden railway using 16mm scale rolling stock on Gauge ‘O’ track, with motive power provided by battery, by radio-controlled battery-drive, by live steam, and by radio-controlled live steam.The garden provides a colourful background and was photographed on a beautiful spring day when it looked at its best.

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Fort Augustus
Year Taken:1991

A modern-image layout depicting, not the line from Spean Bridge to Fort Augustus, but the Strathclyde area of Glasgow as it is today. An exhibition layout built to high standards.This is one of only two programmes in the entire collection devoted to modern-image!

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Midland, South-western & Great Western Railway
Year Taken:1991

Built to high standards, this extensive layout comprises a self-contained indoor section and a great deal of outdoor track with a variety of routes running through woodland which needs no artificial scenery.This must be the dream of many modellers, in spacious and idyllic surroundings.

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Bernard Miller
Year Taken:1992

Bernard Miller (1908-1980) was a quiet man who did much to alter the whole history of Gauge ‘O’ as we know it today. Many people, myself included, feel that he did not receive the recognition which was undoubtedly his due. For the past two years, with the willing help of many other people, I have been researching Bernard Miller’s life and work, adding my own personal recollections of him. This programme does help to set him in his rightful place in the annals of 7mm modelling.

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Stanley Norris Railway
Year Taken:1991

It is impossible to summarise the work and influence of the late Stanley Norris in a few words. He was one of the giants of 7mm railway modelling, and his long and fruitful association with Bernard Miller produced on the finest 7mm model railways of all time. With the help of fellow Guild members it has been possible to compile this exhaustive programme showing in detail every part of the vast system Norris designed and built. The whole concept was audacious in its sheer extent and perfection of detail, and even by today’s standards was one of the finest model railways ever built.

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New Layout Of The West Lancs Gauge ‘0’ Group
Year Taken:1991

In 1983 the West Lancs. Group delayed the dismantling of their huge layout in order that a Guild programme might be made on it - this became Set 42. Now, eight years later, the new railway is all but complete and this new programme has been made, once again with Frank Weatherley acting as our guide and commentator.The premises are the same, but the railway is vastly improved and quite different. It is suggested that it might be a good idea to view both this set and set 42 on the same occasion, and to compare them.

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Romney, Hythe And Dymchurch Railway
Year Taken:1991

This 15" gauge railway, 13 miles in length, and running along the Kent coast, is unique. Nowhere in the world is there such an extensive collection of 1/3-scale steam locomotives designed by the redoubtable Henry Greenly and still running today. George Barlow, B.E.M., was for over 30 years operating superintendent of all these fine engines. He worked alongside Capt. Howey, who built the railway in the 1920s, and has devoted most of his working life to this railway.We are privileged to have George as our host for this absorbingly interesting personal account of the history of the line, illustrated by George’s own collection of slides which he uses in lectures all over the world. For anyone who loves trains in miniature - whatever scale - this will be a most enjoyable and instructive programme. George’s unaffected and articulate commentary greatly enhances a fascinating subject.

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Mill Street
Year Taken:1992

This exhibition layout is based upon the Wantage Tramway. It depicts one section of this one-time, three-mile long, carefully reproducing every detail of buildings and scenery, plus a variety of typical movements.

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Diggle & Westport
Year Taken:1992

This well-known railway was the creation of Ken Longbottom and the original Guild programme (Set 43, made in 1983) is being retained in the collection. Owing to many other commitments, and health, Ken has had to hand over the railway to his friend, Jon Penn, a dedicated enthusiast, who has extended and refurbished this huge model railway, bringing it up to full operational standards.This programme shows the railway as it is today, an extensive system worked to full size practice by a band of faithful operators who attend regularly for running sessions.

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Alan Brackenborough
Year Taken:1992

Alan Brackenborough is known to many modellers as a skilled painter of models, some of his work adorning models built by such masterly builders as Vic Green. The intention of this programme was to record Alan’s work, and this it does, but upon my arrival I found that he has almost completed a fine garden railway.This was a bonus, and forms the first half of a fascinating programme, after which we go into the workshop and see some of the work currently being done there.

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Barchester
Year Taken:1992

This most unusual and interesting railway is featured in the Guild’s ‘Small Layout’s manual on page 30, but here is a chance to see it n more detail.The familiar name, culled from Trollope’s BARCHESTER CHRONICLES, give a clue to the period modelled, so all the trains and scenery reflect the early Victorian era.There is even a branch to Puddingdale, doubtless used by Mr & Mrs Quiverful with their fourteen children, in itself justifying the branch.

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Barncombe
Year Taken:1992

A large Cornish garden with stone outbuildings gives Dennis plenty of room to expand, and indeed this delightful GWR system covers a distance of some 350ft for just one complete circuit.A treat for GWR fans and others.

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Woodholme And Watersmeet
Year Taken:1992

In organising my Cornish tour of layouts, Robby had modestly omitted to include his own.This I have put right, and this charming GWR system, with its branch line and main line, makes a most attractive programme. It is run to timetable.

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Lima Conversions
Year Taken:1992

A programme of absorbing interest to anyone wanting to build locomotives and rolling stock without requiring another mortgage! An incredible variety of engines, coaches and wagons have been fashioned out of basic LIMA items by this ingenious modeller.

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Elmdown Railway
Year Taken:1992

It is my aim to including within the Guild collection at least one example of every known gauge.This is an ‘N’ gauge layout in a spare room, and was built by a retired organ builder. It shows just what can be done in a restricted area by someone who came fresh to the hobby after retirement.

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Karwendelbahn II
Year Taken:1992

The first railway built by Harold is found in Set 54, made in 1985.This programme shows his Austro- German railways layout in a drastically rebuilt form.Whether you know the Karwendel Mountain area or not, this is a most interesting representation of that part of the world, shown here in miniature by the man who truly founded the Guild.

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Braemore (highland Railway)
Year Taken:1993

This pre-grouping railway scene is remarkable both for the standard of workmanship which has gone into its making, and for the way in which Alan has used his considerable artistic skills as a landscape painter to reproduce a realistic and convincing representation of the Scottish Highlands. Contained in a garage, it is surprising how spacious everything seems. A programme to delight all those who know and love Scotland - and others!

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Tregeare For St. Piran
Year Taken:1993

Another layout in a purpose-built spare room - with provisions for extending the railway out into the garden. Joff has been a life-long collector of vintage tinplate stock, as well as the possessor of some fine, scratch-built models, and we see both in the programme. His long association with the Cornish Tin mining industry is clearly reflected in some of the enchanting scenes on this layout.

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Garden Railway
Year Taken:1993

Jack Patterson is another man who has collected an amazing assortment of vintage items, mainly in Gauge ‘O’, and he too, runs some fine, scratch-built locomotives.The main feature in this extensive circuit of Gauge ‘O’ track is ample room to run full-length trains, and to give live steam its head. Visitors from all over the country and the continent are frequently found in Jack’s garden running their own trains. For many years he ran a model shop in Penzance which game him ample opportunity to encounter rare and vintage items.

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Tralee Valley Light Railway
Year Taken:1993

There are few names in this hobby which have come legends in their own lifetime and whose reputation transcends Gauge, Scale, and even time itself. Such is Peter Denny and there can be few railway modellers who are not familiar with the writings and layouts of this resourceful clergyman. In this programme Peter invites us out into his garden to travel over his 7mm track upon which he runs 10mm narrow gauge trains.

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Buckingham Central
Year Taken:1993

When I first became seriously involved in model railways, over 40 years ago, I remember marvelling at the articles by Peter Denny on his Buckingham Central line in EM gauge. At last I have been able to see it and photograph it in all its superb detail. Not the least remarkable feature of this railway is that there is not a kit or commercially produced item on it: everything is the handiwork of Peter himself. And when you have seen the pictures, there is the twist in the tail - a quite astonishing ‘appendix’ which will startle you!

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Romney Marsh Model Engineering Society
Year Taken:1993

Here is a rich feast of every conceivable type of model, ranging from ‘OO’ (only very briefly mentioned in this programme) through the Gauge ‘O’ and Gauge ‘1’ garden layouts up to 5" live steam. Here, in the desolate marsh of Romney, this thriving Society can muster 170 fully paid-up members, and in this programme we visit their Gauge ‘O’ and Gauge ‘1’ layouts before passing on to the live steam models, many of them superb and prize-winning exhibits.A sprinkling of vintage items is mixed in with beautiful models of traction engines, stationery engines, trams - and much else.

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Ambergate (derbyshire)
Year Taken:1993

Richard has built a faithful representation of the triangular junction station of Ambergate in his garden. It will bring back memories to all those who knew the station, and for those who never saw it, a clear picture is drawn - carefully researched and accurately modelled. From time to time vintage photographs of the railways as it once was are juxtaposed to the model.A fine example of a railway integrated into an attractive garden.

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Midland & South Western Railway
Year Taken:1993

Here is a programme made entirely by a Guild member and contributed to the Guild Collection.This attractive garden railways is not only the work of Nobby Clarke: he has also take all the photographs and recorded the commentary. I would very much welcome more such contributions from members.

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Runswick Bay
Year Taken:1993

If you have seen the earlier exhibition layout by this highly skilled Group (see Set 79), you will have some idea what to expect. Even when one visits an exhibition where the layout is being shown it is quite impossible to take in the incredible detail of the scene depicted here: every building is copied from an existing building - or one which did once exist.A North Eastern branch line crosses the bay on a magnificent viaduct, the station being a faithful replica of Kettleness, on the former Whitby to Redcar line.Woodmills, an iron mine, and typical local rural scenery complete this amazing layout.The great advantage of ‘still’ photography is demonstrated here: pauses give one an unrivalled opportunity to see all this detail.

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Lynton & Lynmouth


7mm scale trains running on N.G. track. A carefully researched representation of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in its heyday.The last mile of that railway as it approaches Lynton and Lynmouth station is recreated here in full details of both railway and scenery.

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Winster Valley Railway


Bill Atkin, a professional geographer, has brought his expertise to the creation of a fascinating model of a railway which never was, but most certainly could have been, running north from Grange-over- Sands and Cumbria, through the Winster valley. Demanding a team of dedicated and skilled operators, the railway is run on strictly prototype practice, including signalling and timetable operation. Radio controlled in the main, the railway lives out a perfectly argued and logical function in both mineral and passenger traffic.

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Dent Junction


This 7mm railway run both indoors and out, with an extensive garden section, and concentrates mainly (but no exclusively) on freight traffic. A self-contained section lies inside the commodious train-room, and is on two levels, with facilities for a great variety of freight movements.The large oneacre garden provides space for interesting outdoor operation when weather permits.

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Istrane


Pursuing my aim of including every known scale in the Guild Collection, this Z Gauge layout is a marvel of miniature modelling. If the title puzzles you, try rhyming the 'I' in Istrane with eye! Quite apart from the fact that is good for the Guild to be looking beyond its own parameters, and taking an interest in other gauges and scales, it has to be remembered that many clubs are NOT exclusively 7mm, and welcome an occasional programme on railways other than Gauge O. Brian Yallup has shown great artistry in designing and operating his tea-tray size layout. Just imagine what one could do in this scale with a building like Telford Leisure Centre to work in!

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Great Eastern Railway


Although I have known this railway for some time, I have shirked attempting to photograph it, for the simple reason that there is barely room in the shed for operators, let alone spectators, and cameras, tripods, floodlights etc. present problems of nightmare proportions. The entire building is a tangle of tracks weaving in al directions and on FIVE different levels. It is not a railway for the purist, nor for the super-detail brigade, but for those who delight in a working, highly complex system where almost every major town (and many minor branch-lines) in East Anglia are represented, this is a must.

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Belmore Central


Fleetwood Shawe’s Gauge ‘O’ garden railway might well claim to be the oldest one in existence, for it was started on this same site in 1928 and has been there ever since. It is an extensive system, with the emphasis on operation rather than scenic effects or super-detail models, and is radio-controlled (battery power).The timetables are the result of skilful planning and demand equally skilful operators to run. A complicated series of spirals allow interchange between different levels, these spirals presenting the visitor with a bewildering network of tracks. On this occasion we were joined by John Shawe, builder of magnificent live-steam locos, both spirit and coal-fired.

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Kinmont Annaside


This extensive garden railway runs against glorious backdrop of the Lakeland hills, and gives plenty of room for Peter’s locomotives to ‘stretch their legs’.The line represents a Great Western Railway system and can be operated as a continuous circuit or an out-and-back formation. Peter’s large assortment of P.O. wagons and freight vehicles allow a wide variety of trains to be run, complemented by some fine passenger vehicles. The nerve-centre of the line, Annaside, is inside shed where the station and surrounding scenery is evidence of some very artistic work by Peter’s wife Mary.A tireless worker on behalf of the hobby, Peter Walker has obviously learned the first basic rule - to ENJOY what he has.

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Maidenhaiste


If the name suggests a hastily thrown together layout, this programme does not show it; in fact, the entire railway is seldom seen at exhibitions for reasons of sheer space. But here we can enjoy the full scope of this fine modular layout, with its magnificent scenic effects. Four of the Kendal M.R.C. members entertained me when I made this programme - Martin Elson, Tony Cropper, Andrew Bowker, and their founder, Jac Broadhurst.Although the name of the layout is the result, originally, of a deadline, it has been so radically added to since then that there is no evidence of haste.The flavour of the line is very much LMS and LNWR, with some very fine models of both locos and rolling stock.

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Chiltern Railway


This garden railway is both impressive and unusual. Tony has built a railway rom of considerable proportions, so designed that the tracks are at table-top height, but when passing into the garden, are only slightly above ground level. Inspired by the G.C.R./G.W.R. joint line, it is not surprising to see both L.N.E.R. and G.W.R. trains running, with some LMS. All wheels are set at 29mm b-b giving no side-play to goods wagons, so that it is not uncommon to see a 35-wagon goods train reversed over complicated points without a judder! The extensive garden section permits Tony to run realistic 9car passenger trains. The overall impression is of spaciousness and reliable running, for Tony’s workmanship is meticulous.

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Northolt Junction


Les Roker grew up in Harrow, Middlesex, but married and settled in New Zealand. A keen Guild member, for some years he organised Guild slide shows in Dunedin, and has been seen here at our annual Convention whenever he visits Britain. His own layout (both indoor and out) is, not surprisingly, strongly LMS in flavour, reflecting the influence of his early years in Harrow. Quite early on, Les promised me that he would let me have some slides of his railway, and this is the result.

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Cokehampton


In the four basement rooms of a very large house, Brinsley Sheridan has built a complex Gauge O system, basically GWR but also including a LSWR loco shed and complement of locomotives.With much scenic detail, this extensive system can, when necessary, be controlled from one point, and faithfully echoes the heyday of steam.

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Thame Valley Line


Take an inspiration the Metropolitan/Great Central line from London to Aylesbury; take two skilled engineers (Stan and is son, Peter) and place the resultant Gauge O model railway in a beautifully laidout garden, and you have THE THAME VALLEY LINE. Many Metropolitan and GCR trains are seen here, but the LMS and GWR are also well represented.

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My Approach To Railway Modelling


Educationalist, author, railway historian, publisher, pioneer of the York N.R.M. and model maker in many scales, David Jenkinson is a name to conjure with. Highly professional in all he does, he disdains mere pedantry, and this programme shows David frankly enjoying ‘playing trains’. Firstly we see his extensive Gauge One live steam garden railway where on run many types of steam trains of various countries. Then he takes us indoors where (he says) ‘the really serious stuff’ begins. Having been in his present home only a few years, this 7mm layout is in its very early stages, so we are able to enjoy an unusual glimpse into the meticulous planning which has gone into this ‘last great project’ - inspired and strengthened by years of experience - a reincarnation in 7mm of a former (and very well-known) 4mm railway by David.

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Gadbrook Tramway


An exciting professional life leaves Richard very little time for hobbies, so he has settled for G scale, which demands a relative minimum of maintenance, yet offers considerable scope for interesting operation. Set at the bottom of an attractive garden (which is another of Richard’s hobbies) the railway becomes a very attractive adjuct to the garden, often stealing a disproportionate amount of interest from visiting friends who are themselves keen gardeners. His enthusiasm - not entirely unaffected by his youthful days at Crewchester - comes over clearly in his commentary.

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Norwich Thorpe


It is not often that someone modelling in as large a scale as 7mm - ft will undertake to build an exact and accurate model of a station the size and complexity of Norwich Thorpe. This however is just what Colin Aldis has done, an impressive starting point to an ambitious railway - as yet barely three years old. Much has yet to be done, but with no more than the Norwich Thorpe station and its approaches, as far as Carrow Road bridge, there is plenty worth looking at.

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Fenny Stratford


This is a highly unusual presentation. Firstly, is was compiled entirely by Dennis Lovett, and presented to the Guild Slide/cassette collection. Secondly, the very professional approach includes not only shots of this exhibition layout (FENNY STRATFORD) but intersperses the model pictures with photographs of the prototype so we may judge the accuracy with which it has been recreated in miniature. Anyone knowing this line, which ran between Cambridge and Oxford, will know that the station buildings were far from simple to model.

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