Mosslanda: Isle of Wight adventures...
I blame Revolution Trains, my poor wallet. Yes, blame lands squarely at their door for producing such a wonderfully cute N gauge version of the 1938 Underground stock!
You could probably lay a little at N Gauge News door as well - as he shared some superb photographs of the livery sample. When they were first announced I did almost wobble, in my 'Motive Power Pocket Book' the NSE liveried 03 was always very tempting - Kernow have done that as a limited edition (oh my heart) and then Revolution were offering the NSE livery...
But it was these photos of the units in their short lived, end of days 'Island Line' branded Underground red, slightly sun bleached, livery, compared with a few photos of the track condition in these last days, pre-pandemic before the line was to refurbished. A little overgrown in places, down at heel almost - and well, the rest is the matter between me and my credit card.
The Island Line today is a slightly shortened version of the original 'mainline' of the Isle of Wight Railway that ran from Ryde to Ventnor. At it's peak the island was covered with branches East to West and North to South with Newport being the hub of it all but alas, the rise of cars and buses and modernisation saw all but the Ryde Pier to Shanklin section abandoned in the 1950s. This was even slated for closure by Beeching, but was retained to cope with the influx of tourists in the holiday months - to counter the fear the island would become gridlocked with cars.
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| Island lines 483.008 departs Ryde Esplanade with 2D09 (07.49) Ryde Pier Head - Shanklin service on 6/8/19 - David Smith photo (https://flic.kr/p/2kenDz5) |
Sometimes a dose of retail therapy, of picking up a model that just totally inspires us, excites us and awakes something of the child like enthusiasm for the art of the possible is enough of a justification in itself. Our new model doesn't have to fit with anything we do - it could even live in a box, just removed and admired on occasion... BUT... wouldn't it be nice to find somewhere it could be displayed.
Even better, displayed AND played with?
British Rail modernised the line - electrifying it with 750v DC 3rd rail - but the tunnel at Ryde Esplanade used to flood with rain and to stop the 3rd rail shorting out the line had to be raised slightly meaning the Southern 3rd rail units couldn't fit! The solution as is now very well known was to source ex-London Underground units. The 483s were the second generation of this - and in total, did over 80 years in front line service!
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| 2D53 (1849 Ryde Pier Head - Shanklin), 5th June 2015. Christian Lennartz photo (https://flic.kr/p/2k9LfRo) |
I've never been to the Isle of Man, this is a love affair with a train from afar - how can you not find its compact size and colours very attractive. The island today is two track from Ryde Esplanade to the junction just south of Ryde St Johns. Passing places were limited to Sandown pre-refurbishment. The scope for an interesting cameo layout isn't too limited, but I was drawn quite quickly to Ryde, and the end of the two track running.
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| SWR Island Line 483008 approaches Ryde Esplanade on a Shanklin to Ryde Pier Head service, August 14th 2020. TC378 photo (https://flic.kr/p/2jxt9iP) |
It struck me that the idea of trains running in one line, and leaving on the other would add just a tiny bit of operational interest. In N the 3rd rail would be an exciting new challenge for me. The compact nature oft the 483s would support some creative caricature of the site itself, shortening the whole section from tunnel to platform substantially. There is such a scenic mix of fencing and wall material, combined with the 3rd rail track complexity and a little bit of greenery and I think the palette of colour and texture would work great on another Mosslanda.
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| 483008 is seen departing Ryde Esplanade with a service to Shanklin. 26/09/2020. Adam Gibbons photo (https://flic.kr/p/2jMafVH) |
HOWEVER sadly I am in limbo. The unit is pre-ordered but not due until Christmas! Meanwhile, I have two Mosslanda free here at the moment - I must ensure one remains that way! Today I have presented a shortened reality - I do have an idea for a 'what if' in the same footprint - but that can wait for another day and another post. Until then enjoy what is left of this lovely weather and see you again soon...
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Love it. I'm a big fan of Isle of Wight railways, having lived almost within sight of the island for most of my life and visited frequently. I have a growing collection of stock for a 1930s island project in OO, having been building wagon kits of IOW prototypes on and off for over a decade. Much as the steam era is my main interest I have to admit I've always been fascinated by the post 1966 electric railway too. Although that has really been a continuing story of run down and rationalisation it is still encouraging that the powers that be have kept the line open and upgraded again with D stock in recent times. Esplanade will make a nice little cameo I'm sure. However, you really do need to come down for a visit to the island, as a day on the Island Line and Isle iof Wight Steam Railway can be highly recommended. Contrary to what you may have heard, southerners are quite friendly really.
ReplyDeleteBe careful what you wish for Pat, the idea of an adventure to the Isle of Wight with a friendly guide is very appealing indeed!
DeleteHa, ha... anytime James.
DeleteI have many happy memories of the original VEC-TIS units, and even got the occasional cab ride. The chap who essentially ran the railway as his own empire was very supportive of our depot visits
ReplyDeleteFantastic!!
DeleteWhat a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks - I think this makes sense as the next N scale Mosslanda for myself... I have a commission one to build later this year so will do the donkey work of the baseboard in parallel with that and then it can be ready! I must look at options for 3rd rail and chair supports.
DeleteMy parents live on the island at Haven street and both volunteer on the Island steam railway. They always referred to the underground trains as "moles". They said this was generally a local nickname for the trains. I used to help out on the Saturday lineside bramble bashing crew clearing the railway embankments between Smallbrook junction and Wooton, we always used the steam railway's Wickham trolley which was great fun to trundle along the line in. My Mum is a huge n gauge fan and I recently bought her the NSE 03 from Kernow when they discounted it. I look forward to seeing your layout James, the plan looked great.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
I see the IofW holds a special place in several readers hearts, thanks Tom, another wonderful story.
DeleteWe took the hovercraft over and caught the train a few years ago, not long before the end of the 1938 stock. The underground trains in such bucolic surroundings is bizarre, the ride was very bouncy although the seats well sprung, and is a rail-hovercraft interchange unique?
ReplyDeleteI have seen video of the ride on the tube stock, yes, very bouncy.
DeleteYou mention an interesting reflection too… the idea of the bucolic setting. I wonder if there is a cameo based upon a mode rural setting possible?
The line runs through countryside between two seaside towns. If you turn around your idea a backscene could show the solent, framed by a sea wall? You don't get that on the Underground! Or perhaps the pier station?
DeleteI'm talking about a 'Mosslanda' (i.e. 55 x 10cm) footprint though, which is what limited the choices originally. Food for thought, I've sketched a 'What if' Cowes Mill Hill scheme - I'll share that soon...
DeleteHi James
ReplyDeleteAnother rabbit hole to go down, such is the joy of model railroading. The use of tube stock on the Isle of Wight plus the heritage lines seem to make the island a bit like the Isle of Sodor - the imagination of the Rev Awdry becomes real.
However I can not come to terms with a class 483 - the are always 1938 stock even if they ran on 3rd rail not four rail. You are probably aware that the 38 stock were the first Tube trains with all the power etc below floor level. When I was part of the management of the LT Museum we had a set of 38 Stock in store. As part of our successful bid for Lottery money to build "The Depot at Acton" I put in a cost for restoring the 38 Stock. In the event it was not enough but further fund raising meant it happened and the Museum have working 38 stock in almost original condition they can run across the system.
Best regards
Alan
What a job Alan, sounds fantastic. I was born in London but I don’t consider myself a Londoner, we left before I was 4. This long loved stock has done so much in ‘front line’ service beyond its design life. Am I right, the 483 were selected from a batch that London Transport themselves had refurbished for extended life?
DeleteHi James
DeleteYes, my time at Covent Garden was interesting and probably one of the best roles I had. Although much was about keeping to budget, dealing with/explaining to London Transport, managing the Museum’s trading activities and ensuring we had the resources to run and expand the Museum and look after the collection there were definite pluses. I worked with Museum’s around the UK and took advantage of visits offered, had the occasional behind the scenes visit to operations on the Tube and got to ride some historic vehicles. Keeping the enthusiasm of our retail and commissioning people in some check without damaging their creativity was interesting, but we did produce some really good stuff to sell (and they still do). However perhaps the greatest joy was going out into the gallery and seeing the enjoyment of families, or school groups as they discovered the history of transport in London and sometimes in a hands on or unexpected way
Best regards
Alan