Swallows End
An OO gauge layout available for exhibition
The layout
The layout was acquired by the club some years ago and was originally analogue operated and was loosely based on a mirror image of Abingdon Station on the Western region. Set in the 1950-1960s era.the layout has a terminus station with goods and coal yard, turntable, and small engine shed at the right hand viewing side, a cross over road bridge to the centre a two lane engine shed to the left, and a fiddle yard at the left hand end concealed behind a cliff face.
The layout is currently undergoing conversion from DC(analogue) operation to DCC and is being used to test suitable operating systems and accessories such as signal operations, that can eventually be standardised across the club’s exhibition layouts. It is also being utilised as a training platform for scenic skills such as ballasting, grass laying, bushes and hedges etc
Whilst currently not up to outside exhibition standards, it is hoped to achieve a level of realism that will enable younger visitors to club shows to get a first-hand experience of operating a layout without causing severe damage to expensive equipment or the more impressive club layouts.
The layout is 22ft in length and 3ft deep and to operate it requires 3ft depth behind for access.
Normal operations require two operators. The layout is self supporting. One table is required and two chairs. One 240v ac socket is required to plug into. The layout travels in a small trailer requiring one vehicle to tow it.
