British narrow gauge in 009 - County Gate

[pilotfriend]

County Gate is an exhibition layout in 009 and is a freelance extension of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway on to Minehead. An independent branch line runs to Glenthorne Harbour.
The day is 7th June 1935

meadow next to Glenthorne Hotel

the hotel terrace

hotel entrance

I say chaps! Anyone for bowls?

the station entrance road side

Railcar prototype No200 prepares to depart for Minehead

Taw waits for the right of way for Barbrook Junction

the Malmsmead road and station entrance

the hotel from Glenthorne meadow

goods shed while Garratt waits for right of way from Harbour branch

Railcar arrives from Lynton. The damage from a flash flood can still be seen

mid day trains pass at County Gate

the ex WD Baldwin is the top shunter

the goods yard

the harbour branch engine sheds

'Lew' with an all goods passes railcar no 201

looking down toward the viaduct

East Lyn viaduct

a long way down

Mallet 'River Avon' emerges from tunnel onto viaduct

a hard pull up from the harbour

Lew creeps across the viaduct with an all goods

Glenthorne Harbour with collier

 

[UP2CSX]

Just amazing work, John. How much more British can you get, with lawn bowling and a tea room? You have a fantastic eye for detail. Any idea of how many hundreds of pound of ground foam alone you went through?

 

[pilotfriend]

Don't even ask! It is a landscape that happens to have a railway in it. It is in a British era that was, in my view, a far better place than now!

best regards
John

 

[pilotfriend]

you guys might enjoy this link

http://www.009.cd2.com/cats%20_and_modelling.htm

 

[Hathaway Browne]

Wow what can I say? Simply stunning work there! And kudos on the snaps as well they show it off brilliantly.

 

[Bob H-J]

Absolutely incredible! Wow! Just ....WOW!

 

[Hillwilliam]

Cat: Take a number and I'll get back to you.

you guys might enjoy this link

http://www.009.cd2.com/cats%20_and_modelling.htm

I am possessed by two on the inside and one outside. The present clan has not been exposed to the last car on the consist disappearing into the tunnel yet. Prior layouts were involved with an inquisitive Siamese who ALWAYS got the last car entering the tunnel
I wonder if these everpresent furballs could be used to approximate Spanish Moss.

 

[JazzDad]

No offence intended- one word comes to mind, and that is: Quaint.

Simply smashing model work!

 

[John P]

It's wonderful, of course, but I don't know if these British display layouts are inspiring or just plain depressing, as an illustration of what model railroading can look like when done right.

 

[Railphotog]

Geese, those photos are amazing, as is the modeling! Thanks for sharing!

 

[remaras]

Stunning Layout

Absolutely, a stunning layout. It really gives me the feeling of being there in Merry Olde England. Thank you for posting!

 

[pilotfriend]

You guys are all most kind.

I post some more recent snaps

the latest Mallet, 'River Brue' with a holdiday special for Minehead

brave new World....3 railcars have a get-together

Glenthorne Harbour Authority Baldwin No 2 waits with a freight at CG

Glenthorne Harbour Authority Baldwin No 2 creeps onto the viaduct while the Glenthorne railcar descends down to the port

CG station with the new bay and shelter installed. Its zinc roof is already well decorated by the seagulls!

CG set up just prior to opening of an exhibition

the rear fiddle yard

I should explain that the vinyl covering of our backdrop makes the sky look greeny when photographed. It is actually blue to the eye. For this reason, I usually replace the sky!

best
John

 

[pilotfriend]

We now have complete automation of operations

see

http://www.009.cd2.com/automation_movie.wmv

(60 mb)

 

[UP2CSX]

Fantastic work and it's portable too. How long does it take to set up? How do you transport it? That is about the nicest portable layout I've ever seen and the back drop and lighting really sets it off.

 

[pilotfriend]

The model travels in its own special trailer and is going to Belgium and Holland shortly for major exhibitions.

It takes about 5 hours to set up including checks for all the automation.

 

[UP2CSX]

Looks like a neat, well organized setup for transporting the layout. I'll bet there's some sore backs after the five hours though.

 

[pilotfriend]

Not as bad as it all looks. Our exhibition stands are errected right next to the trailer and the baseboards then added after the lighting. Then each section is rolled into the exhibition hall.
JdF

 

[leesheridan]

The UK

Great work! I have to ask how many months do you have into the layout? Your eye for detail is top notch. I was over there and took a ride on a steamer in Brecon Beacon Wales and it looks just like some of it's scenery and the pictures I have. Just great work. Where do I order the fish and chips?

 

[pilotfriend]

Hi

The project has logged 12652 hours to date. I have been at it for four and a half years. South Wales is indeed very similar to Devon/Somerset.
best
John

 

[level42]

Just wanted to say your layout is amazing I LOVE! your scenery and your attention to detail is supurb ! ...

Great work