Welsh Mountain Railway...

This is the first of two plans inspired by a former branchline here in North Wales, the Bala to Blaenau Ffestiniog railway...

Illustration: James Hilton 2024

When we take such a characterful line as the Bala branch we need to try and distill the character such that any model 'feels' like the prototype. Unless you've an aircraft hangar any model is going to be a compromise, but capturing something of the spirit of the real place is key to success - and I often begin by bathing myself in as much reference material as I can find - be that photography, books, videos and online - this research period can easily become extended and lead to procrastination but without it we're shooting from the hip without the soul of the railway having imbued our conscious. 

A start is made by considering the whole route, and the operation of the railway. The Bala branch had two intermediate block posts where trains were crossed, these were important watering points for the heavy work climbing over the pass at Cwm Prysor - Arenig and Trawsfynydd. Further, a series of smaller stations and wonderfully remote halts provide plenty of potential. Recognising I was unlikely to fit the lot into a small British house I opted for the ends plus Arenig (less track than Traws) with a few halts. The stations are massively reduced but some feeling of running through the mountain scenery would be possible, especially in N. Taking things further, perhaps a purpose built garden room or layout space (insulated and well lit of course) you could adopt an American ploy and use promontories to extend the route, the curves suiting the character of the prototype well. Here, the extra space allows a bit more of the goods character of the line to be included, perhaps even a small section of narrow gauge at Blaenau?

However, without a fixed space in mind this is all a paper exercise - perhaps I am better to focus efforts on a 'LACK' sized cameo - and one location I think would really reward such an approach is Cwm Prysor - but more on that another time. 

If you'd like to work with me to develop your own layout design, my service starts from £180. Get in touch using the form in the menu or on the Modelmaking Commissions page, there is a link to my Facebook page where you can email me - you don't need a Facebook account. 

Until next time, more soon...

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