Sonning Cutting in O gauge with a few diversions along the way

[Stevefay]

It’s been some time since I logged in this forum so I’ve decided to start a new thread, so Sonning Cutting is my current project for myself,scenically it will be 18’ and eventually will fit in to a full loop, but before we get to that here’s a few of my older projects, some of you may have seen some of them in Model Rail magazine, 1st up is Severn Tunnel east,

[Stevefay]

[Dublo]

Hi Steve
I have been following your stunning Sonning build elsewhere. It will be nice to see some examples of your earlier modelling.

[Mountain]

Excellent work.

I did not know the Warships displayed 3 characters in their headcode boxes. I learn something new all the time. Is far more convenient for the siignalmen.

[Ammended. 3 characters... This is the older GWR system. Yes?]

I like the idea of a cutting style layout as it makes people look into the layout to watch the trains. Another idea I like is a layout of an embankment where one sees trains climbing, but the only downside is that there would be lots of smoke to try and replicate, and that would be just the diesels as they climb! Haha.

You have a great eye for detail, even down to the colour of the balast and the small section of rail left in the 4ft, which is a feature I always saw on the railways... Though todays railways are more likely to have longer lengths.

It surprized me to find that part of my area had concrete sleepers and continuously welded rail as far back as the late 1950's as a stretch of line in the Clunderwen to Clarbeston Road area was the first area in the country (And probably in the world) to have it and it was tried there as an experiment to see if it worked.
These days though it is rare to see lines that don't have long lengths of rails in the 4ft, and they are the new ones waiting to be used... And after they are used, one will see the old ones that would be cut into rough sections and lying in the cess waiting to be collected. The lengths in the 4ft were often there for such a long time that when they did get to replace the rails, for ages there would be the rusty marks in the ballast ad on the sleepers in lines of where they had been. The other noticable feature is how flexible the rails look as they are rarely ever straight while they sit in the 4ft waiting to be used. Short lengths will be straight.

Just observations I have seen.

I love your locos headboards and the correct positioning of your lights. I would almost be tempted to do a Royal train just to use all four lights!

[Stevefay]

Many thanks the rail in between the tracks is the GWR’s ATC system. The first 10 warships had the GER style train reporting frames, I converted a Heljan model for that project. After Severn tunnel I did a slice of Dawlish in 6’

[Stevefay]

After the 6’ version I did a 24’ long version, unfortunately I didn’t get to complete due to an unforeseen house move but luckily this one found a home in Scotland

[Dad-1]

Hi Stevefay,

'O' has such a presence. However there comes a time when one is committed to one scale.

Geoff T.

[Mountain]

I forgot about ATC. Weren't they very long single rails? I seem to remember that they could stop a flat out 15 coach 100mph express in just 750 yards when tested?
I read that B.R. decided the system would be too expensive and decided to fit AWS instead. I read that ATC was only ever fitted to express locomotives and only on the higher speed principle express routes.
Not too far away from where I live there used to be lengthy water troughs as I have one of those books that cover my local lines at specific dates from around 1880 and before to the 1980's when it came out, and it showed a long water trough. When I worked on the railways just over a decade ago, I happened to mention it and some of the old drivers remembered it and the zig zag sign that indicated for them to get ready to use it. They had to ensure they lifted the scoop in time before they came to the end of the trough, and I was told that the traincrew had to work quick.

Your layout scene of the Teignmouth/Dawlish area accurately portrays the scene. I once found myself down there... I had not expected to see it as I did not link the area I was visiting with the painted scene I have on a poster. When I saw it I suddenly realized where I was!

I love the greaser! Looks just the part.

[Stevefay]

So on to Sonning it’s self

[Stevefay]

Right back to the beginning of my O gauge adventure was a small layout based on Canton shed Cardiff 6’x2’

[Mountain]

Very nice. I have walked that footbridge on quite a few occasions... Usually when I had to do engine and coach workings.
You have captured the look of the bridge well which is one of the major noticable features of the depot.

Well done.

[Stevefay]

Another new project and another diversion from Sonning
I’ve got a GWR coaling stage from the superb Intentio designs, 6’ x 2’ again same size as Canton.

[Stevefay]

My favourite loco

[Stevefay]

All Quiet on Kemys Fawr Junction engine shed

[Stevefay]

I’m currently building a new project for my self another version of Cardiff Canton and the first track has been laid along with some water cranes under construction,
I also have a commission to build a midland region engine shed and the excellent Greenwood Turntable is being aged