This is the Southdown section of the CSLR website. Each of the pictures here is a thumbnail - click and the full image will load. Click Home on the left to return to the CSLR pages or here to go to the Hampshire Group pages.
The
Southdown Railway Company runs a dual gauge exhibition layout, generally known
as "Southdown", with operational support from the South Hampshire 16mm & G Scale
Railway Group. The layout visits locations throughout England during the whole
year. See here for the programme of events for
the future showings. After 25 years on the road, Southdown was completely
rebuilt for the 2005 season. The layout retains the charm and attraction of the
old layout, many of the buildings having been refurbished and reused, but
incorporates many new features. Click here for a
link to the 'old' Southdown story.
The
layout is laid with twin running tracks, the outer circuit being 45mm gauge, the
inner 32mm gauge. This enables both 3' and 2' 6" stock to be displayed
simultaneously, without needing complicated pointwork or cross-overs. This is
important for exhibition running - the layout is very simple to operate. No
particular prototype location is intended on Southdown, the layout serving as a
display for the members locomotives and stock in scale scenery. The background
scenery has been developed into distinctive regions to suit the variety of
locomotion on display, from wild American logging country through Olde English
and Welsh Highland to European flavours.
Hand
painted backboards of the highest quality are made by our own Bob Petch, and
they separate the marshalling area from the public gaze via a tunnel at each
end. Behind the scenes, a loop line is provided alongside the running line that
is used to dispose of a train at the end of its run, then to marshal and prepare
the next, ready for its turn. Removable drip trays are provided beneath the base
boards to keep the steaming areas free from oil and water and the 45mm line,
which generally caters for larger locomotives, has a spur to allow loading from
portable carrying trays.
When
on exhibition duty, the aim is to keep one train running on each line at all
times, thus the viewing public are entertained. By staggering the changeovers, a
variety of trains are presented and each loco and train usually manages a 30
minute run. This effort is noted by a constant hive of activity in the centre
operating well, with the two trains running plus either the next being prepared,
or the last being disposed. Staff who are not involved in these operations are
usually to be found outside of the layout, ready to answer questions and advise
the viewers. It is surprising how many times the workings of the engines has to
be explained.
The
highly detailed public viewing side of the layout has several cameo scenes on
view. Leaving the tunnel at one end, we come across The Abbey Cafe, named after
the ruined Abbey on top of the hill through which the tunnel is bored. Rumours
have it that the old Abbey is haunted - look carefully for the ghost.....
A fairground is sometimes in evidence around by the Abbey, Ghost Train and Carousel do a fine trade.
The cafe stands on the bank of a good fishing river with railway bridge and hump-back road bridge, where drainage work has meant that the road is being dug by a gang of possibly dubious intention.
A
pig farm is in evidence, across the road from park scenes, where dog walkers
meet for a casual chat.
The
railway rounds the corner and passes the blacksmith at work in his forge, a
building site where the sign promises a village store soon, then we arrive at
Lovedean station, with newly built platforms and many passengers waiting to
board or greet travellers from the next train.
What's this? The shops are built in time for April 2006 - not
your average builders these!
The notice board outside the Newsagents proclaims the headlines.
Just
after the station is the coal yard of N. Slack and Son, the solitary coal wagon,
having seen better days,
is unloaded by hand, the coal being weighed into sacks and transferred to a very
old lorry for onward delivery. Alternatively, a horse and cart deputise for the
lorry, the ensemble generally being much better cared for than the lorry.
Next
is Lovedean Works and the engine shed. A comprehensively equipped shed, at
present we see a man at work with electric arc welding equipment, although it
looks as though most jobs could be undertaken.
Once
more rounding a corner, we come out into a logging camp with two men sawing
through a large felled tree, whilst others, well, look on with encouraging
smiles. A large pot of stew is boiling on the fire, but several bears seem to be
attracted by the smells.
Across
the tracks, the land has been occupied by a scrap metal merchant, now securely
fenced to prevent any of the precious scrap from 'wandering'.
The
yard is perhaps uncharacteristically tidy for such a dealer, but for now an old-timer
studies what has become of his old Studebaker, and wonders if it will ever run
again.
Several
old motors are being plundered for parts and a valiant attempt is being made to
breathe life into the Studebaker's battery. The yard recovery truck stands idle,
although having seem fairly recent use, even if only to rearrange the items
already in storage.
The track divides here, but each of the lines rolls through a timbered tunnel mouth and back into the darkness.
Check out the show reports from the future events page to see more individual details and enhancements made to the layout. Check out here for how we set up the layout at shows.
Click here to see some of the Motive Power to be seen on Southdown