BACKGROUND

This ‘O’ standard gauge finescale layout “London Road” was originally designed over twenty-five years ago as a private “shunting layout” by club member John Halls. Sadly, now passed away, John was a first class modeller with LNWR interest who also helped to develop “Denton West”. Club member Terry Kempton created some of the buildings on John’s layout.

“London Road” passed into the ownership of club member Peter Hodgson and was later exhibited at a club exhibition. Peter has now very kindly donated “London Road” complete with a loco and some rolling stock to the club.

Most of the many other loco’s that John had built were sold by the club for the benefit of his estate. The club also arranged for one fine model in a display case to be presented to John’s widow.

THE PROJECT

The aim is to create a high quality, attractive and entertaining “O” gauge exhibition layout. The majority of existing elements will be refurbished and retained.

The layout will be brought-up to date for example with LED lighting effects and a some brighter decor. The boards are already of lightweight construction and existing trestles can be utilised. The assumed era will be 1930’s / early 40’s. loco’s will be liveried as late LMS. The assumed location will be the terminus station of a short branch serving an outer suburb of NW London, with a cluster of small industrial and commercial businesses. To provide as near as possible continuous train movement a passenger and two goods trains are planned, utilising two existing locos and the purchase of a RTR 0-6-0 Jinty. Stock is common with “Denton West”.

Board #4 is at present plain, but will be made into a scenic board.