Kohlenbachbrücke: An (eastern) European diversion...

I blame Chris and Oly. It was their French H0 layout, photographs and the recent video that finally tipped me over the edge. European modelling, beyond narrow gauge, has always been a 'great unknown' to me, and overwhelmed by the variety and scope a topic I had given little serious thought to for my own modelling...

However... it was whilst watching Cessy-en-bois that a seed planted many years ago by the slightly European-esque Matchbox diesel germinated. The green shoots that followed whispering quietly 'what would a James Hilton European cameo look like?'. That thought was infectious and soon became a clamour for my attention. Diving into Flickr and eBay a weekend of rabbit holes allowed the resolution of that question. It would look like this:

Alongside the sketches and research some 'bargain' eBay purchases netted me a Liliput diesel for just over £50 and a further £80 had all the rolling stock I desired - a few hours with a jig saw and two sheets of 6mm MDF (and a little hardboard) and the cameo was built and 'testing' could begin. The track plan, tried and tested (from Pont-y-dulais) both familiar and necessary by the two 'medium' radius code 75 turnouts I had in stock - this is a 'quickie' and intended to be low cost - but I hope, with Kadee couplings, buried magnets and a reliable smooth running shunter, an accessible and mindful distraction.

The composition shown here is an unknown industry located 'somewhere' on the Austrian / Czech border in the early 1980s. Why? I've no idea really - I suppose Austria because of the OBB shunter (which will get HLB plates and a little weathering) and Czech, because I've a thing for the architecture. Just take a look at the industrial railways in Bratislava and you'll realise it's all 'utilitarian' design and concrete, so expect plenty of that in various states of decay. Expect also overgrown track, a pale sun bleached palette and plenty of industrial paraphernalia. The pipe bridge will form a deliberate view block across the FRONT of the scene, allowing framing of views through its support legs. Hands free (mostly - although I find the free running Roco and Klein rolling stock has magnetic axles - which I must address) operation should mean this isn't a problem. In addition, a tiny 'off stage' area is sufficient to swap out vehicles and store two wagons 'off the track' when not in use.

Operationally there are just two things to do - either swap the loaded van, or swap the unloaded tank wagon. The locomotive will be stabled infront of the office between playing, so operation always starts here before heading off stage to collect whichever I choose from the 'interchange'. If it's the van it's on the left of the locomotive (viewed from the front, open side) if it's the tank, it will be on the right. Swapping the stock over takes around 5 minutes. This sounds short to many of you I'm sure - but if I want a longer 'play' I can reach for Paxton Road or Beaverbrook. I miss Pont-y-dulais for its 2-3 minute playtime. Wrecsam is lovely, but only a minute or two - this project hopefully sits in the sweet spot between.

There are those who may think my butterfly mind stops me finishing anything - and others who are bewildered at the vast array of scales, interests, gauges and prototypes left in my wake - but those that feel the same love of model railways, who can tap into the distinct non-specific elements that drive our interest in particular prototypes will see again a run down and slightly worn out railway, a simple composition with limited operation, presented in an almost architectural cameo box. The parallels are what stitch these projects together, and I can't wait to see how this painting of a different, new and interesting scene develops in the coming months. 

Oh, and the name? A terrible play on the fact that this track plan is the same as Pont-y-dulais, and this layout sits on the shelf erected for that previous layout's home. If anyone can help with something similar but more appropriate then by all means let me know!

Until next time, more soon...

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