Shades of the Cromford and High Peak…

It is the summer of 1967 and the previously unknown Cromford and High Peak has gained notoriety amongst the railway enthusiast community as the news that the line could be closed caused hoards to visit on 'closure rail tours'. However, what we have here is a rare colour photograph taken on a 'normal' working day as the J94, a late arrival on the line, is running light on the Middleton Top section...

I can totally feel this sense of regret for never having had a chance to be here when the railway was in place and steam that seemed to hang on as if it was patiently waiting for me for so long it might even sound desperate. Light engines shunting across this crossing so the sounds are as much those of the valley as they are steel wheels on rails and faint bearing sounds from rods and an engine just slightly more active than at rest.

I’m never going to tire of seeing photos of this layout. It constantly inspires… all these fascinating cameos that appear in the layout. 

Thanks Chris, this scene, inspired by the Cromford and High Peak Railway is posed on my small South Wales colliery cameo layout 'Pont-y-dulais'. It shows the power of these small layouts where scenes can be created or posed and by switching motive power you can transform the location. The hills of South Wales become the Peak District - and the DJM J94, fresh out of the (second hand) box is ready for some etched RT parts, a partial repaint and weathering. I'm keen to portray the end of steam with this model, but it's a few down the list, so might be a few months yet. In the meantime, more soon...