Widnes Road is a DCC 4mm finescale OO gauge Layout set in the north-west in the mid 1980's. Although a fictional scene, the concept is based on a small fuelling point, shed and small P-way yard built to serve an off-scene marshalling yard for the Runcorn and Widnes industrial complexes including the ICI chemical works; and was inspired by visits to Warrington Bank Quay in the late 80's and 90's. The layout features scale length C&L hand-built turnouts and trackwork and extensive use of scale model lighting.
Rolling stock is mainly BR Blue era focusing on freight operations typical of the early 80's and is all fitted with Kadee® couplers. All locos are fitted with sound decoders as appropriate. A further extension is under construction to allow through trains to be operated, with a second fiddle yard added to the western end of the layout, and chemical unloading facilities.
This layout was conceived as an exercise in what could be achieved in a very tight space, and a short time. Although the initial layout was originally built in less than 6 months from conception to exhibition, as with all layouts, these things are never completely finished.
As originally built the scenic section was only 4'6" in length, and with a small three road traverser was a total of under 7' by 1' 6". After a number of successful outings in 2006 and 2007, for the 2008 exhibition season Widnes Road was extended to include a 9' scenic section, with 3' fiddle yard. For 2009 the fiddle yard grew to 4' and the scenic section to 10'6”.
Widnes Road gained a 3rd and 4th scenic board in 2011 and measures a total length of 22', and for operation requires around 8' depth in total with an 15' scenic section and two fiddle yards. It requires three operators, and fits in a LWB Transit Van. Invites to shows throughout the UK are welcome; contact me via this blog's get in touch button. Get in touch
More photos of the layout are available at my flickr site
About me:
Late thirty-something transport planner and urban designer with a (possibly un)healthy obsession with cars, wine, music, tattoos, railways, and decent beer.
