Catching the Pi shunt…

I always kept an eye out when passing Rushcliffe for a glimpse of the internal railway system at the works. Whilst BR served the exchange sidings all internal traffic was handled by an eclectic fleet of small tank engines…

In this archive photo from 1971 I had actually made a deliberate visit with my camera. Taken from the footpath that crossed the railway here via an old lattice footbridge, Barclay ‘PiChem No.3’ plays with some of the internal user wagons that I believe were used to move some of the process material around the site. Whilst there were some older examples most were ex-BR 21t unfitted mineral wagon painted in this gaudy orange and black.

Although the camera captures an image - and perhaps even a memory, what it can’t capture are the sounds, smells and emotions you felt re-discovering steam. The crew were safe and efficient and the sharp bark or the locomotive, the clash of buffers and clang of couplings almost rhythmic. 

Today, rails remain but the internal railway has gone. Instead huge trains of box wagons hauled by Sheds choke the old exchange sidings, such is progress. 

This is Rushcliffe. My most recent layout commission now being very much enjoyed in its new home. During building I grabbed a few ‘set up’ shots like this, I find they can help with finishing touches and compositional decisions, plus they are nice to look back on! 

If you would like to work with me on your own layout project my design service starts at £180. From here we work together to create something personal to you, and if you wish, I can then work that up to a full build. You can contact me here via the blog, or on my Facebook page. In the meantime, until next time, more soon…

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