Hospital Gates - Closing Down

Rippers

Rippers

Western Thunderer
Yep that all folks!

The layout can be seen at both the Wigan and The Great Electric Train Shows in early October and then we will be shutting the Gates on Hospital.

It is still as popular as ever with modellers and public alike but we want to focus on our new projects.

We have no future plans for the layout and are willing will entertain serious offers for the layout (without without stock) should someone want to take it on after its final show commitments with us.
 
David Hall

David Hall

Western Thunderer
Sad to hear that Hospital Gates is on the way out. It is a fantastic layout and one that I have loved seeing both in the press and in real life. Really inspirational stuff.

I hope it finds a new home as I am sure there is much life left in it!
 
Rippers

Rippers

Western Thunderer
David Hall said:
I hope it finds a new home as I am sure there is much life left in it!
Click to expand...

So do we as it would be a shame to set fire to it and launch it in the Humber!.:confused:

We are hoping that a kindly home with someone who is happy to progress with it over the years as we have (look at pictures taken over the years to see how details changed), can be found for it.

Its predecessor our EM gauge shipyard layout 'Walker Marine' found such a home in Oceanside California.
So given that who knows where it could end up.;)
 
Rippers

Rippers

Western Thunderer
Temeraire said:
Daft question maybe but what are the layout dimensions please? Can't see that it's been mentioned before.
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Good point, I don't think it has.:cool:

Hospital Gates is 19ft long by 2ft 6 inches wide (14ft scenic with a 5 foot fiddle-yard) - Think down the side of your average garage sort of length.

The layout consists 4 baseboards - 2 at 5ft and 2 at 4ft 6ins.
 
T

Temeraire

Western Thunderer
Rippers said:
Good point, I don't think it has.:cool:

Hospital Gates is 19ft long by 2ft 6 inches wide (14ft scenic with a 5 foot fiddle-yard) - Think down the side of your average garage sort of length.

The layout consists 4 baseboards - 2 at 5ft and 2 at 4ft 6ins.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info.

(Dammit I only have space for a 17ft long layout :rant:)
 
Rippers

Rippers

Western Thunderer
Temeraire said:
Thanks for the info.

(Dammit I only have space for a 17ft long layout :rant:)
Click to expand...

Actually you might be in luck then as Hospital Gates has a secret that very few people ever knew about it - the layout has the ability to shorten itself to a mere 16ft 6 inches...…………… which comes in at a massive 6 inches under your 17ft!;)

When we first built it we didn't have a 19 foot space either!

Ta Dah!:D
hfyc.jpg

Thus the fiddle yard was designed to work at 90 degrees to the layout as well as the usual straight format. (the turntable at the entry allows it to work as easily this L form as easy as in the straight exhibition format).
 
Rippers

Rippers

Western Thunderer
Plus to stop me having to reply to multiple queries on the same subject the price the group thought offers in the region of £2,500. for the layout would be a fair price for the layout (as a ready to go home or show layout with all lighting, controls etc)

But I'm sure any offer, especially those over £2000 would be considered.

(which either way is a fraction of what it cost us to build).
 
Rippers

Rippers

Western Thunderer
Just to keep you informed.

Hospital Gates had a successful final pair of shows in Wigan and The Great Electric Train show where it drew much comment and sadly we disappointed at least half a dozen exhibition managers seeking it for their events.

However, on the upside the layout was collected by its new owner last weekend and has a new home in that strange place we Northerners know only as 'darn Sarf'.:D

Where we are told, that once the new owners and his team get to grips with it the layout will eventually be let loose again on the exhibition circuit featuring a whole new set of stock!!. :)

Which leaves us a big space in the playroom now where we best crack on with the new trainset before someone starts to rebuild a Sunbeam motorcycle in its place...…...:p
 
JimG

JimG

Western Thunderer
eastsidepilot said:
That wouldn't be a Sunbeam S7 buy any chance ?....:D
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Nearly had one years ago - it was in a motorcycle shop in Evesham early 1960s. The only thing that stopped me was that it was coupled to a large sidecar and I didn't want that. :) Followed up over the years with Velocette LE and BMW R100S as my shafties. :)

Jim.
 
Broad Sword

Broad Sword

Western Thunderer
The truth regarding motorcycle rebuilding of any type is, Mally cannot do anything at the moment. He has just had an operation on one eye which now means he cannot lift any weights or even bend down as this will put pressure on his new eye. He will be fit to move bikes around just at the time he will get the call from the hospital to come in and have the other eye done.
Whilst the space is now available in the shed, we are working on Millicent Street, which was erected last night.
I liked "Horse Pital Grates" but I look forward to operating it's successor.
 
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simond

simond

Western Thunderer
JimG said:
Nearly had one years ago - it was in a motorcycle shop in Evesham early 1960s. The only thing that stopped me was that it was coupled to a large sidecar and I didn't want that. :) Followed up over the years with Velocette LE and BMW R100S as my shafties. :)

Jim.
Click to expand...

All in favour of shaft drive. Had a Guzzi LM1 since 1990...

best
Simon
 
Eastsidepilot

Eastsidepilot

Western Thunderer
simond said:
All in favour of shaft drive. Had a Guzzi LM1 since 1990...

best
Simon
Click to expand...
Amongst all the other various iron horses I had BMW R90s, R100 (ex Met plod) and a Guzzi Le-man Mk2 :D.....oh and nearly forgot the KZ 11oo.....jeez, brains going, don't get old folks :))

Col.
 
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