Maiden Newton in EM

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Bulwell Hall

Guest
Having been hovering on the brink for some while and after much prodding by the "Bodger of Bath" I thought it time to add my first post. My lifetime layout is a model of Maiden Newton on the ex GWR Wilts, Somerset & Weymouth line in Dorset - junction for the Bridport branch.

Modeled in 4mm scale using EM standards it is the culmination of a lifetime interest in the GWR in Dorset. Construction was encouraged by the most generous gift by Rupert Godfrey of the buildings which it seems are well remembered from their appearance in the Railway Modeller in the late 70s and early 80s. All of the buildings are superb and I think the signal box is spectacular. Having received such a wonderful start I simply had to make use of them and attempt to produce a layout to match their quality.

Baseboards were designed and built by Chris Yates and have been described in MRJ. Other reasons have delayed progress but I eventually reached the point where it was time to stop prevaricating and actually get on with it! I attach a photo showing progress - things have already moved on quite a bit since the photo was taken. An invitation from the "Bodger" to bring some of it along to Larkrail has spurred on progress whilst another invite from Chris Challis to show "work in progress" at Railwells has further concentrated my mind! Should anybody wish to see how things are by August then the City of Wells is the place to be. I hope you find this of interest and I await any comments with interest.
 

Dan Randall

Western Thunderer
Welcome to Western Thunder Gerry. I've always been a great admirer of your work, both in 7mm and 4mm scale and look forward to seeing your layout progress.

I was mightily impressed with Rupert Godfrey's signal box when it appeared in the Modeller all those years ago (I still have that issue somewhere!) and it seems very fitting that you should end up with it. Perhaps you could post a few close-up pictures, for the benefit of any members unfamiliar with the original article?


Regards

Dan
 

adrian

Flying Squad
I was mightily impressed with Rupert Godfrey's signal box when it appeared in the Modeller all those years ago (I still have that issue somewhere!) and it seems very fitting that you should end up with it. Perhaps you could post a few close-up pictures, for the benefit of any members unfamiliar with the original article?
That'll be the likes of me then! It does look an interesting project.
 

AJC

Western Thunderer
I recall the issue from dad's ancient collection of 'Modellers because the signal box was simply the most impressive bit of structure modelling I'd seen at that point (and is still a long, long way ahead of what most people can achieve) so I'm very pleased to hear that it's in safe hands and being used for a model of such an attractive station. I look forward to progress and to seeing this at Wells in August.

Adam
 
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Simon Dunkley

Guest
I recall the issue from dad's ancient collection
Just stop that.
It's not ancient. Can't be.
I remember reading it as a teenager, so it can't be that old, can it?

I remember the crispness of the finish. Quite a demand on you, Gerry, to get everything to that standard - can you see you achieving it, too.
 

AJC

Western Thunderer
The collection is the ancient bit Simon - all must and slightly decaying paper. I guess the issue in question must be from the '70s which is, I admit, before I was born...

Adam
 
B

Bulwell Hall

Guest
Thanks for the kind comments - much appreciated.

It seems that Rupert's buildings for Maiden Newton are very well remembered with the signal box being particularly mentioned. It is indeed a stunning model - each brick is cut from paper and individually applied. The engineers blue bricks used on the corners, door and window reveals and the plinth are properly curved as they should be and the modeling is beautifully delicate and understated - it is quite superb and I am delighted to have it in my care. It should come as no surprise to learn that Rupert went on to build at least one cottage for Pendon and amongst the material that he passed on to me were Roye England's survey notes, photos etc. from which the model was built. Incidentally I hope that Rupert will be able to make it along to Railwells - he doesn't live far away and I know he wants to see how the layout is progressing.
 

dltaylor

Western Thunderer
Looks to be a super layout, and its very nice to see those building again. I well remember them from the Railway Modeller, and I kept going back to them for inspiration.
All the best,
Dave.
 
B

Bulwell Hall

Guest
I have spent the last few weeks with my head down getting Maiden Newton ready for its debut at Railwells. It is intended to be shown as "work in progress" and there will be nothing running. However I was also asked by Simon to show it at Larkrail and thus it has now made a sort of pre-debut appearance at what was a very enjoyable event. For some reason I failed to take any photos myself but Robin Whittle - of Bristol Barrow Rd. fame - took a number on his phone and I include a selection here as a record. This was the first time that the two boards have been set up with the buildings insitu and some rolling stock added - I have to say I am quite happy with things so far. I hope you like them and welcome any comments.

Gerry

MN Larkrail 3.jpgAn elevated view with a down passenger train and wagons standing on the layby.

MN Larkrail 2.jpg4988 Bulwell Hall on a down passenger train.

MN Larkrail.jpgForecourt view.
 
B

Bulwell Hall

Guest
MN Larkrail 4.jpg
Thanks for all your kind comments. Post Larkrail work is continuing to get the remainder of the basic scenery done before Railwells and in this connection I am very pleased that the temperature has dropped a little now! I shall refrain from adding any colouring or surfacing until Gordon Gravett's new book on the subject has appeared from WSP so it will be shown at Wells in all its glistening whiteness. I also hope to have the cattle dock done by Railwells if time allows but it is proving somewhat problematic as I do not have any clear photos of it - it appears in the background of a few photos so I know the general appearance but will have to ad lib a little with some of the details.

Phil - the buildings were all scratch built by Rupert Godfrey - see the beginning of this thread. Without Rupert's generous gift this layout would not be under construction.

Attached is another photo taken by Robin Whittle last Saturday. It shows the Down Main to Branch starting signal which I built using Martin Needham/David Geen etched parts mounted on an old K's cast whitemetal post. When the SR took over responsibility for the WS&W line in the 1950s this signal was replaced by an enormous bracket signal with rail built post and upper quadrant arms which dominated the place - I much prefer the GWR arrangement!
 
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