In the run up to the Gaugemaster Model Railway Open Weekend, 3rd and 4th September 2016, RIGHT LINES we will be looking at a few of the many superb model railway layouts being exhibited over the weekend.
This time it is Ralphingley Road - a OO Scale British Outline layout built by Neil Mason of The Little Layout Company.
Ralphingley Road depicts a small TMD that has transitioned from the steam period through to the diesel era.
A full view of the layout, showing its compact size.
The main view of the depot.
The Main Depot has a small ex-steam engine shed which serves as a repair shed for smaller locomotives, while the low relief doors to the rear lead to the entrance of the main depot buildings, which is based on a photo of a small corner of Neville Hill Depot near Leeds.
The old Ralphingley steam shed.
The layout operates mainly Modern Image stock from the late 1980s through to the mid-2000s, which means a wide variety of stock can be seen running on Ralphingley Road. Locomotives are mainly Bachmann, Hornby, and Heljan, which are DCC fitted, some with sound. All locomotives and wagon stock are weathered and run with 3 link couplings.
A fuel point adds a stabling point for locomotives, while a head-shunt to the front leads to a small wagon works that carries out wagon repairs on a variety of rolling stock.
The locomotives that are run are ranging from the late 1980s to early 2000s, with classes 08, 20, 25, 31, 37, 47 and 60s in livery from BR Blue, to two tone grey, and Railfreight.
A variety of wagon stock is also used from engineering stock, to oil tanks and box vans.
The view under the bridge to the works.
Using DCC Sound fitted locomotives adds to the atmosphere on the layout, which is produced by the vast factory building backdrops and lighting around the depot.
The layout is also packed with little details to spot:
The works yard.
Although Ralphingley Road is only 7’ x 12” it is the perfect size to promote what can be achieved in OO Scale in a small space, something that The Little Layout Company pride themselves in. The layout is controlled by Gaugemaster's Prodigy DCC Controller.
This series of images captures the lighting on Ralphingley Road, which you'll agree is very effective! These pictures also show off the wealth of clutter and detail that is dotted around the layout.
Ralphingley Road is being exhibited at the Gaugemaster Model Railway Open Weekend on 3rd and 4th September 2016, one of nearly 20 layouts on show in many different scales, depicting railways from around the world. Entry is free, with free parking.
If you couldn't join us this time why not try to join us at one (or more) of our upcoming events here at Gaugemaster HQ.