This is a dilemma the Bron Hebog team have been chewing over for a few months now since our last visits to the real Beddgelert.
Difficulties with positioning disabled access ramps to carriages have led to the decision to do away with the flower beds on the platform. (It was also proving impossible to protect the plants from the local sheep).
So what were we do to with the same flower beds on the under-construction Bron Hebog? Rip them out or let them stay?
There have been bigger changes in the landscape surrounding the railway. A new corrugated metal barn has appeared at Cwm Cloch Farm this season, and the existing one (which I had so carefully modelled) has been extended.
Plan A had been to respond the the changes and build a new barn and alter the existing one. That's all very well, but realistically we're probably still a couple of years away from 'finishing' Bron Hebog (whatever finishing a model railway really means?) and who knows what other changes there will be in that time. If we try to keep up now isn't there a risk we'll end up chasing our tails?
So it's been decided to do what we did with Dduallt. The layout will be built as Beddgelert looked in 2009. However we won't be including the locos and stock in this time warp. That's how we end up with Single Fairlies, Darjeeling B class tanks and Super Barns on a Dduallt which is frozen in 1988 with passing loop and signal box etc.
A sensible compromise or a mish-mash? Do let me know what you think.
Good idea! That’s what I’m doing with my layout, based in 2009 but stock is of my choice. If I would go on the route of 'everything is from 1955, I would only have 2 locos and 5 carriages. The layout looks good, keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI guess the major potential pitfall with that plan is the eventual proper station building development. For 2009 you have that huge concrete plinth and portakabin toilets. There will surely be a temptation to model the new station building. But if you do then the flower beds, barns etc would be technically incorrect. Also the far south end of the platform does not comply with regs at the moment and is likely to be altered at some point, then there is the heritage lamp room and tank which are to be installed soon(they have been ordered). And there may even be further changes to the alignment of the siding too! It's a difficult call to decide when to freeze time! However it certainly is true that dduallt is frozen at the height of the location's modelling and operational interest so maybe bron hebog should aim to represent beddgelert at it's height - with station bldg done, heritage features finished etc.?
ReplyDeleteAlways a difficult choice. For my WHR layout i have stuck with 2009, mainly because thats when i did my research. My first section Glanyafon Viaduct will not change apart from the odd tree growing bigger, but do i want to change the trees every year if i dont stick to a timespan? i certainly don't! I suppose this scenario is the same for you and any buildings or infrastructure work that may arise in the future. Always a difficult one
ReplyDeleteSome interesting points there. I have to admit I had forgotten about the water tank and the impending lamp room. However, that said, our water tower (without tank) has been modelled in authentically manky condition, so there is the question about whether it will be tidied up when they put the new tank on.
ReplyDeleteAs for the station building, well, we seem to be assuming it's actually going to get built. That's not to take anything away from the magnificent acheivement of rebuilding the WHR in less than 15 years but you only have to look at all the 'temprorary' installations on the FR to wonder if we'll see a station building at Beddgelert within the next decade when they are so many other calls on the companies resources.
I think you need to fix the date at some point or you will always be catching up and/or anticipating the next change. 2009 seems like a good point to set it, you could always give the layout a refresh in a few years time when the real thing has settled down a bit.
ReplyDeleteTricky call, my 'big and serious' layout Morfa (BR Cambrian Coast) will be locked into an after the end of steam before TOPS numbers time frame (68-73) deliberately limiting the stock I can use. I have however taken huge liberties with the real Morfa Mawddach, so part of the reason for this strict discipline with stock is to beef up what remaining realism there may be.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you propose to do the reverse with a highly accurate rendering of place, but a more flexible approach to stock; I really can't see why it shouldn't be a rip roaring success.
the key about beddgelert station building is that it now has permission to sell tourist products and refreshments etc. Thus it could be a revenue stream, thus the capital is easier to justify than something which is a nice to have but returns very little. I suspect it'll get done in the next 2 years sometime.
ReplyDelete