Crewchester Railway
Year Taken:1980   (Dismantled)
(This layout was dismantled in December 1981)

This programme is about the original clockwork layout which was started in 1961 and lasted for 20 years. Four track throughout, with two branch lines, it represented a fictional LNER/LMS system of the nineteen-thirties with some glaring anachronisms! With over 50 locomotives, 100 items of bogie stock and countless freight wagons, this railway demanded at least five experienced operators to run a timetable. (Note that the new two-rail layout which replaced this one can be seen in Set 36)

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Midland and Southern Counties Joint Railway
Year Taken:1980   (Dismantled)
(John died in 1979; the layout was dismantled in 1980)

Few men in the field of model railways endeared themselves to fellow enthusiasts more than the late John Hart. Although, by today’s standards, this layout left much to be desired, it was audacious in conception, was a shining example of a system which worked, and was maintained with thoroughness and care. The M&SCJR comprised a self-contained and permanent indoor section, an additional extensive garden section and a superb, portable exhibition extension. It was virtually a working museum of model railways, spanning almost a century of history.A great number of modellers today owe much to John’s products (e.g. the RM motor), and more still to his willingness to help those who lacked his professional skills. John died before this Guild Slide Collection was started, but fortunately I was able to photograph his layout in its entirety before it was dismantled.The M&SCJR is very much a part of Gauge ‘O’ history and this programme, which includes recordings of John’s voice, is highly recommended to all who take an interest in the evolution of our hobby.

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North Eastern Joint Railway
Year Taken:1986

The original programme on this layout, made in 1980, was withdrawn as it just did not do justice to this very extensive garden railway. Like Crewchester, this layout clearly reflects the influence of John Hart,whom Martin knew well.As with John Hart’s railway, and many others,Martin encourages young people to join in and operate the line which uses the stud-collection system.A strong Great Central atmosphere pervades this layout on which are to be seen some really fine models of locomotives and rolling stock.

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Denruth and Alldale
Year Taken:1980   (Dismantled)

Of all the programmes in this collection, this is the one which ought to be seen by every member of the Guild, for it is an incredible record of a layout anyone could be proud of – let alone a man who had lost his sight in middle-age, and spent 24 hours every week on a dialysis machine.Although some of us lent a hand where we could, it was always Don who was in command as the layout developed, and the results were astonishing – and very moving.When Don died in 1980 the Guild subscribed to a memorial fund which provided two talking books for the blind. Don’s layout reflected his keen interest in North Wales and the LNWR line between Chester and Bangor (he had graduated in science at Bangor University). Don had collected a very fine selection of locomotives and rolling stock, most of them professionally built for him, and when one sees the programme it is hard to believe that this layout was the work of a blind man.

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Craven and Ravenstone
Year Taken:1987

This simple, but beautiful garden layout contains some picturesque and highly individual scenery, including a river-estuary port. LMS/LNER in character, the line runs from one shed, along the garden, through another shed, and back.This programme, originally made in 1980 has now been brought right up-to-date.

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North-Eastern System
Year Taken:1985   (Dismantled)

As Medical Officer to the North Sea Fishing Fleet, plus other unusual appointments, this quiet man led anything but a quiet life. His North-Eastern layout was the result of careful research and meticulous workmanship, and was possibly the finest ‘museum’ of NER lore in existence. First made in 1980, this programme was added to in 1985.The piece-de-resistance is a totally convincing quayside scene.

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Midland and South-Eastern Railway
Year Taken:1980

This amazing octogenarian, Vic Martin, has created what must be a completely unique, Gauge ‘O’ system, comprising 3500 feet of track and over 90 trains, all operating to the timetable in force out of St. Pancras during the 1930’s.Vic’s wife, Louie (now no longer with us), was the daughter of the S. & T. manager at St. Pancras.An amazing model railway!

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Woodcote preservation Line
Year Taken:1980

This garden railway was built by Malcolm when he was quite new to Gauge ‘O’ and shows just what can be done! The line makes use of some most unusual models, as well as more conventional designs. (See also Set 98 (1988))

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Black Park
Year Taken:1980

For many years Pat was Membership Secretary of the Guild, and many members will know him by name if not personally. Many more will have visited successive layouts at Pat’s home, and this programme was made on a layout which has since been dismantled. Freight trains of over 40 vehicles as well as twelve-car express passenger trains were seen here; and a speciality was night-time running, with fascinating lighting effects.

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Leadon Valley Line
Year Taken:1980

Army life, with its attendant nomadic existence, has presented problems in developing this batterydriven layout, but Terry has overcome many of the difficulties. Largely proprietary stock, outdoor, and with a section in a shed, this modest-sized line is easily managed by one person.

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Scarborough to Rosedale
Year Taken:1980   (Dismantled)

The sheer infectious enthusiasm of this Yorkshireman living in Lancashire added zest to a most interesting garden railway. Mainly LNER/LMS, the line ran around a back ground, combining clockwork and electric propulsion. In the making of this programme Jack took us around his line assisted by a youthful neighbour.

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Bourne Bank and Wye Valley Line
Year Taken:1985

The original programme, made in 1980, has been scrapped and this completely new programme substituted. Using stud-contact, this LMS/GWR layout is housed in a large loft and is full of that indefinable quality, atmosphere. Much attention to detail reveals a man who observed the railways closely during the days of steam.

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Halcyon State Railway


Replaced by Set 121

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Models by Geoff Pember
Year Taken:1981

Geoff. Pember, standing as he does among the very elite of the Gauge ‘O’ modelling fraternity shows us some of the exquisite models he has built, including engines, signals and rolling stock. He is modelling of a high order indeed.

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Hampton Wick High Street
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

In this enchanting digression from model railways, Ray Tustin showed us a beautiful reproduction of a street he knew well as a young man - Hampton Wick high Street, not far from Kingston Bridge, in Surrey. Every picture is packed with nostalgia, especially for those who knew London during the twenties and thirties, for every type of road transport is shown - trams, buses, vans, etc. Buildings were correct to the last detail, and the highlight of the programme was a fine circus-train. All handdone, scratch-built, with never a transfer in sight, this was a little masterpiece of delight!

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Southern Railway Layout
Year Taken:1985

This is pure, undiluted Southern, prescribed urgently for those with SR deprivation syndrome. Stephen Hughes, a retired GP, has built in his loft an extensive layout on which runs a fine selection of all sorts of SR trains. Stud-contact, with some fine scenery, this programme is greatly enhanced by Dr. Hughes’ engaging commentary.The constant demand for this set, originally made in 1981, coupled with suggestions from borrowers, encouraged me to return to the layout in 1985 and, with the generous help of my host, many further slides were added.

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Windale Branch
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

Mike’s premature death shocked many of his friends in the Guild. Fortunately this record of his new indoor layout was completed and remains as a memorial to a popular Guild member. Mainly GER, Mike’s imaginary lines lay in and around The Wash, itself filled in! the main interest was timetable working from London and the Midlands. Although much of the scenic detail planned by Mike was never completed, the line was fully operational.

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Drayton Branch
Year Taken:1981

The M&GN and LNER are both represented on this layout which is contained in a garden shed. Operation takes precedence over scenic effects but, all the same, a distinct flavour of M&GN pervades the layout. The making of this programme was delayed until John had completed his fine Britannia Pacific locomotive.

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Fursdon and Tauntonian
Year Taken:1981

Here we have two for the price of one! The indefatigable, energetic Doug. shows us both his layouts; Fursdon, the one in his own home, and Tauntonian, the vast exhibition layout which he built. On both systems are displayed the most delicate workmanship, and there is a strong GWR influence on both lines.

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London, Earlswood and Highalt
Year Taken:1981

Tony was diffident about his layout being worthy of a place in the collection, but there is much of interest in it. Inherited from his father,Tony has developed the line which runs through the basement of his home.Vintage models, such as Walker-Fenn engines appear in this programme.

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Derby Museum Layout
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)
By kind permission of the Principal Keeper

Built between 1948 and 1951, this well-known Midland layout was opened in 1951, Festival of Britain Year, and was intended to last 25 years. In 1981, after 30 years, it as still going strong, although threatened with closure and possible rebuilding elsewhere. Alan Doig, who has been closely associated with the layout since his boyhood, together with another colleague, Tim Flint, gave up a day of their holiday to operate the layout for my benefit. Every engine and piece of rolling stock was brought out and run for my camera, so, although frightening difficulties existed for the photographer, a very complete record of the line was made just before closure was actually announced. Every facility was offered to us by Mr Hughes, by whose permission this programme was created.

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East Midlands Division
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

The day this programme was made the garden was a mass of colour, and the (mainly LNER) layout which ran through it was skillfully blended into the scheme. Displaying some very fine models, this programme has won acclaim from every member who has borrowed the set. For domestic and health reasons the layout no longer exists, but it should nevertheless inspire anyone wishing to build a garden railway.

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Matlock Model Railway Museum
Year Taken:1981

Another superb, professionally built, exhibition layout which has a question mark over its future.The dioramas presented are quite breathtaking in their beauty and authenticity, being superb representations of typical Midland territory. Perhaps one of the most amazing feats of model railway engineering is the reproduction of the two great viaducts at Millersdale, strongly featured in this programme.

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Vintage Tinplate
Year Taken:1981

A specialist branch of the Gauge ‘O’ scene, but of absorbing and fascinating interest to anyone concerned with the history and development of the hobby.This vast collection of tinplate trains and accessories must be one of the finest in existence. Julien’s love of his subject comes over clearly in the commentary.

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Wallsea
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

Once known to many visitors to exhibitions all over the country, this LNER layout will be a familiar sight. Barrie, complete with woolly hat, has become a popular ‘character’ in the hobby/ and he brings to his model railway both an expert knowledge of engines, after a lifetime of working on them, and no little skill as a modellers.The result is something very special. In this set we see his original Wallsea, now dismantled and replaced by a bigger and better layout. But do try to see this programme before seeing the new one (Set 68), for the new ‘Wallsea Main’ owes much to this earlier offering.

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Bigston
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

No collection of Gauge ‘O’ layouts would be complete without this famous railway, and in this set Geoff. Himself took us round his layout - both indoor and outdoor. LNER with Great Eastern overtones, we are reminded of Liverpool Street in the days of steam.A prominent feature of this line is a long train of North London 4-wheeled coaches, complete with NL tank locomotives.

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Kirtley
Year Taken:1993

Running round a very colourful setting, Don Neale's beautiful garden railway. The line runs from a indoor section round the garden and back to the storage sidings located in the large garden shed. The railway represents the LMS located in the Lake District and a feature of the line is the justifiably famous viaduct spanning the lawn. Don's relaxed commentry enhances this interesting programme.

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Pinehaven and Rosshampton
Year Taken:1981

President of the Guild during its 21st year, Derek is a well-known figure and his layout could well be described as ‘multum in parvo’, for it is housed in a spare bedroom. Mainly clockwork, with some electric power, this Southern Railway line includes some fine examples of Derek’s considerable modelling skills.

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Gainsborough Model Railway
Year Taken:1987
Part 1 - 49 slides, 27 mins - Part 2 - 43 slides, 21 mins

Possibly one of the most ambitious concepts ever attempted in Gauge ‘O’, this gigantic layout covers the entire area of a disused school, and was largely the brain-child of George Hinchcliffe.The theme is the King’s Cross to Leeds main line, with truly staggering models of King’s Cross and, in the recent additions, Leeds stations. Originally made in 1981, this programme has been completely revised but still incorporates many of the original pictures.

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Bromford and High Peak
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)
Part 1 - 78 slides, 40 mins - Part 2 - 38 slides, 25 mins

Built in a large ‘shed’, this layout represented the very highest standards of achievement in railway modelling, where names like Beeson, Miller and Vic Green were found among the builders of the locomotives and rolling stock. Track, buildings and stock were all of a standard which very few of us could ever hope to achieve but can, and do, admire.The late Hugh Joslin is our guide: sadly missed, we are now so fortunate that it was he who provided our expert commentary. Shortly after the 1981 visit the railway was moved to a new venue; and in 1989 Part 2 was added to bring the story up-to-date.

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Sherwood Section of the LMS
Year Taken:1981   (Dismantled)

Surely, with well over sixty years of Sherwood, Norman must have been the uncrowned king of clockwork! Too well known to need detailed description here, one should just follow Norman round his big, purpose-built garden building, as he described, in his deceptively young and vital voice, all that we see.

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This Gauge '0'


Replaced by set 100

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Grown Men Playing Trains
Year Taken:1982

This programme was made in response to a request for something which may be put on for a nontechnical audience who, though mildly interested in our hobby, would not be interested in, nor even understand the technical jargon so familiar to those who practice the hobby. I have tried to show those things which lead us to build and operate models railways, and how we set about it.

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Wingham Branch
Year Taken:1988
Part 1 - 1982 - 41 slides, 40 mins - Part 2 - 1988 - 29 slides, 20 mins

A very fine LNER layout, both indoor and garden, with a strong Great Eastern flavour, and including an attractive light railway. Two-rail, with many examples of Deryck’s great skill and workmanship. Considerable improvement and development on this line warranted a second visit to show the railway as it is today; hence Part 2.

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New Crewchester
Year Taken:1981

Crewchester is the unique position of being in my own back garden : I am therefore able to amend, prune or add to this programme as and when necessary. In view of this it is impossible to quote firm statistics about the timing or number of slides.The programme will never be allowed to exceed one hour in length and will cover every part of this extensive, two-rail, 12v LNER/LMS system.

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Isle of Skye Light Railway
Year Taken:1988

There never was a railway on Skye, although there could well have been, for plans were made to build one. Nigel has used this concept for the site of his narrow-gauge line between Kyleakin, Sligachan and Portree, using the principle of 12mm scale models on 7mm track. Originally visited in 1982, the line was visited in 1988 to make this much larger, new programme.

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Gayton Warfe
Year Taken:1982

Here is a fine example of a complete Gauge ‘O’ layout in a spare bedroom, yet without the crowded effects so often felt in such circumstances. Robin has built an imaginary branch terminus on the Lancashire coast, where his LMS trains run to timetable.We are shown how some very presentable rolling stock has been made at comparatively low cost. (See also Set 90).

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Blakehampton
Year Taken:1983   (Dismantled)

A Guild President who led from the front, Mike built an attractive, mainly GWR layout in extended garden sheds. The layout is full of carefully worked detail, and many of the engines are Mike’s own handiwork. Owing to a move the layout no longer exists, although it is being rebuilt at the new address.

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Lutton
Year Taken:1983   (Dismantled)

Here was another ‘spare bedroom’ system, where the principal feature was the very complete signalling and strict timetable running, with LMS as the pattern. The layout shown in this set was subsequently dismantled and later re-established at a new address. (See also Set 102).

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Garden Railway
Year Taken:1983   (Dismantled)

I doubt if there was ever a garden railway in such a superb setting. A railway as well constructed as this was, when placed against such a backdrop, created a magnificent spectacle. LMS, with some hairraising civil engineering, this layout provided me with some of the best pictures I have ever taken on a model railway.The layout is now dismantled and a new one has been built. (See also Set 83).

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West Lancs Gauge '0' Group
Year Taken:1983   (Dismantled)

A three-year rebuilding project was postponed so that I could go to Liverpool to photograph this layout before dismantling began.Whilst it is mainly GWR, many other companies are represented on this huge club layout. A fine mirror-image of Abergele station catches the eye, and is supported by a wealth of detailed and carefully-observed railway effects. (See also Set 128).

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Diggle and Westport
Year Taken:1983

It is difficult to describe this extensive layout without resorting to superlatives. Housed in three purpose-built sheds, the line runs round a large garden. It exudes LNWR atmosphere, with some North Staffs thrown in for good measure. It lacks the clinical tidiness of Arthur Dewar’s Highland Railway; the super-detailed fastidiousness of the Bromford and High Peak; or the breath-taking vistas of Don Neale’s garden railway; yet the overall effect is truly magnificent. There is so much detail, a wealth of highly sophisticated signalling and interlocking, and such a high standard of timetable operation that the visitor comes away stunned by its realism - and usually returns for more. (See also Set 131).

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Lancashire and Derbyshire and East Coast Joint Railway
Year Taken:1983   (Dismantled)
Also by Wally Mayhew

There is but a handful of modellers who seem to get just about as close to perfection as it is possible to achieve, and these two gentlemen must be numbered among that exclusive band.The railway was, to put it mildly, extensive; and both it, and the trains which ran upon it - to say nothing of the scenery - were all to the very highest standards.As would be expected on such a joint line, many companies were represented, and many unusual types were modelled. The programme was made before signalling was installed but this does nothing to detract from the superb overall effect. Michael Ivor-Jones sadly died in April 1993.

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Black Canyon
Year Taken:1984

This layout, often seen at exhibitions, makes a refreshing change from the usual LMS, LNER, SR or GWR systems, and it was the first programme to break away from British prototypes. The North American scene is well depicted here in miniature, and Mike’s commentary - as would be expected from such a prolific writer on railway subjects - is well-informed and enlightening.

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Lune Valley Line
Year Taken:1984

This was the first programme entirely made by a generous donation to the Guild Collection. It will be of interest to anyone wishing to build a viaduct in their garden, provided they can understand the extremely expert technical language. At the time of making the programme no trains were yet running and perhaps David can be persuaded to let us have further details once track is laid.

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Canham Junction
Year Taken:1992

This two-rail, indoor layout represents a branch line running from the LNER main line to a small town. Some quite beautiful and delicate modelling, combined with lever improvisation with materials, demonstrates that is is not necessary to be a millionaire to build in Gauge ‘O’. John’s commentary is highly individual and adds much to the appeal of the pictures.

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Waterfoot and Cart Valley
Year Taken:1984

If it is Scottish, and runs on rails, you can be sure Nigel has built it in 7mm scale! Not content with erecting one layout, Nigel has built three (or more).This one is permanently in the loft of his home. The general character of the line suggests north of the border and includes a fantastic amount of detail, not only on the main lines in standard gauge but also on a section of the Machrihanish narrow gauge line. (See also Set 65).

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Sheddington
Year Taken:1984

This layout was inspired by Don Neale’s beautiful garden railway, and John has integrated his railway into the slopes of his own garden.Although now living in Scotland, John is a Northampton-shire man so it is not surprising to find LMS trains running here. The layout contains a quite superb double junction with moveable diamond crossings, and should appeal very much to railway enthusiasts who are also keen gardeners.

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Wallneuk by the Renfrewshire MRC
Year Taken:1984
Commentary also by George Davidson

Wallneuk station, the focal point of the club’s Gauge ‘O’ layout, is based on Paisley Gilmour Street and is a fine example of corporate planning and building. Housed in spacious and well-kept premises owned by the club, this very big layout has so much detail to study that two visits were necessary to make this programme. Not only is there a large and complex main line and branch, but a road system with working models of trams built by Nigel Macmillan.The layout encompasses nearly a century of transport, all well-researched, and shows what can be done given good organisation and enthusiasm.

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Slow train to Ravensmore
Year Taken:1986

Quite often friends, relations, or visitors express an enquiring interest in this hobby of ours, yet have no real knowledge of, or interest in the technical side. I am often asked if the Guild collection includes a programme which would appeal to such people, and that is exactly why pure entertainment which, it is hoped, will appeal to the casually-interested - and perhaps to the enthusiast alike! (See also Set 34).

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Millport and Selfield
Year Taken:1984

Once again I could call this programme "Only just in time", for Bill Tate, veteran of the Manchester M.R.S., died in 1986. Here we have a record of Bill’s railway, well known for so many years and operated by a band of faithful friends in the top floor of his large house. The line is North Eastern and clearly shows Bill’s love of a knowledge of the area. Bill’s widow, Una, is keeping the line going by arranging the usual weekly operating sessions by the regulars for as long as she is able.The line offers a wide variety of scenery and includes a branch to Seahouses on the coast.

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Easthampton
Year Taken:1985

This layout is both indoor and outdoor, LNER and LMS. Richard is no mean engine builder and shows some fine examples of his work including a truly magnificent LMs Beyer-Garratt 2-6-0+0-6-2.

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Karwendelbahn
Year Taken:1985

The man who really formed the Gauge ‘O’ Guild, got it going, and then guided its first few years, could hardly be expected to be anything but an individualist. Harold has eschewed the popular British prototypes in favour of his beloved Austro-German railway systems, and his line covers the entire area of the cellars of his house.An absorbing study of a dramatic region!

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Leeds Steadman Trust
Year Taken:1994

A programme showing pictures of the collection of models manufactured by the Leeds Model Co., including Locos, Coaches, Freight vehicles and accessories. A program which should be fascinating to all who are interested in the history of the hobby.

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Hartland Branch, LSWR
Year Taken:1985

Once again we have an example of a complete railway system housed in a comparatively small area; this time a garden shed.Tim takes as his setting the North Devon coast, and has built a branch down to Hartland Quay in LSWR days. Scratch-build engines and rolling stock built by Tim in styrene run against an attractive backdrop of scenery.

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Ralph and Drew
Year Taken:1983
Also Bill Scott, Part 1 - 31 slides, 30 mins, Part 2 - 32 slides, 20 mins, Part 3 - 34 slides, 20 m

Before it was too late to gather authentic information about two men who are no longer with us, I sought the aid of those who knew these two distinctly different and well-known modellers, Ralph Clarke and Drew Donaldson.
Part 1 of this trilogy is about the Bishop’s Castle railway. Steve Stratten, of Ian Allan Ltd., provided me with many slides and pictures of this well-known line by Ralph Clarke, and Steve’s firm gave me full permission to use this material. Derek Ascott, who built some of Ralph’s stock and operated the line has added further information.
Part 2 comprises an introduction to Drew Donaldson, that fiery Irishman who built such fine clockwork models, by his close friend and associate, Bill Scott. This is followed by a sequence of black-and-white slides of unknown origin showing the Youghal branch in Ireland.
Part 3 shows many of the fine spring-driven locomotives built and operated by Drew Donaldson. Bill’s sympathetic and authoritative commentary throws new light on this often misunderstood man.

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David L Smith Story
Year Taken:1985

To anyone who has read the books of David L. Smith, especially Tales of The Glasgow & South Western Railway, there must be many unanswered questions about this captivating writer. Historian, raconteurextraordinaire, lecturer - David was all these, and for fifteen years I was privileged to call him a friend. With the permission of his widow and family I have included in this story of his life and times recordings of his voice, made privately in his home when I visited him. David was perhaps one of the most gifted and affectionately remembered writers on railway topics, and was an ardent champion of his beloved "Sou’ West".

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Gauge One Highland Layout
Year Taken:1985   (Dismantled)

Jim Kennedy died in 1984. He was a fine engineer who built his locomotives from works drawings, and these ran on a most picturesque garden layout at his home in Inverness. On a visit during 1983 I took many photographs, as did Arthur Dewar who was with me. George Davidson of Bridge-of-Weir had also been a visitor and fortunately had also taken photographs; and so, with the help of these two fellow-Guild members, I have been able to cobble together a record of the layout. Other members of the Guild - notably Dr.Tom Coombs of Nairn and George Davidson - have managed to rescue a large proportion of Jim’s stock in order to create a working museum of Highland Railway lore.

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North Charnian Branch
Year Taken:1985

A small back garden in Newcastle-upon-Tyne contains this compact layout with its quite amazing variety of locomotives and rolling stock; most of it built by Phil, a man widely known to fellow enthusiasts for his willingness to lend a helping hand to those less skilled than himself. This is yet another layout which sees strict timetable operation.

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Dalharco Colliery Line In ‘oo’
Year Taken:1985

If you find the inclusion of a ‘OO’ layout something of a surprise, just borrow it and you will see why. Half an hour of sheer enchantment shows modelling of a very high order with exquisite attention to detail.This superb exhibition layout shows the complete story of a mining complex in Scotland.The programme loses nothing from its lively commentary.

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Cheshire Lines
Year Taken:1985

Martin Cheshire is one of the hobby’s perfectionists, and it shows in his fine LNER/LMS layout. He reckons to build about one locomotive per year.With dramatic scenic backgrounds in his extensive cellar the trains are seen to fine effect; and a section of line runs out into the garden to add to the interest.

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Balvenie Branch, LNER
Year Taken:1985

A fantastic capacity for concentrated hard work has enabled Donald to create in a relatively short time a really beautiful layout in his loft. A classic example of ‘small is beautiful’! If you wish to see just what can be accomplished in limited space - see this layout.

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Lyoncross Colliery
Year Taken:1985

Here he is again - that indefatigable Scot! This time he has an exhibition layout of a Scottish colliery system. A scholarly and intimate knowledge of his subject is combined in the commentary with an obvious love of his subject.This is the second of three complete layouts by Nigel included in the Guild collection.

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Campbel Town & Machrihanish Light Railway
Year Taken:1985

This fascinating narrow-gauge line has always been close to Nigel’s heart ever since, as a young boy, he would visit it during its working days. His knowledge of the history of the line is profound, and in Strathclyde University Library there lies Nigel’s thesis on the subject.Told with authority, humour and great affection, Nigel brings this lovely little railway right into your home.

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Algoma Eastern Division Of The C.P.R.
Year Taken:1985   (Dismantled)

Graham Harding describes this indoor/outdoor layout as representing the ‘first generation’ diesels, and he created a magnificent replica, in model form, of a spectacular railway, together with scenery and sound effects. Of interest is the radio control system which operated the trains.

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Highland Railway Layout
Year Taken:1980   (Dismantled)

This exquisite, two-rail system, depicts the Highland Railway (with visitors from other companies) round about the turn of the century. Housed in the entire first floor of Arthur Dewar’s house, it feast of picturesque scenery and superb models, many of which were built by such famous modellers as Bernard Miller,Walter Mayhew, George Hinchcliffe,Walter West and others.

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"K" Lines
Year Taken:1986

In 1986 an announcement appeared in the national press that the collection of the late G.P. Keen was to go up for auction.Through the courtesy of Mrs Keen, herself a well-informed authority of Gauge ‘O’, and with the invaluable assistance of John Anning, I was able to photograph the collection, albeit in difficult lighting conditions. I have thereby been able to preserve some record for the Guild of the work of this great pioneer of our hobby, as well as of the man himself.

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S.R. Mid-Kent Extension
Year Taken:1986

For some sixteen years John was the Chairman of the Model Railway Club of Great Britain, an office which he distinguished in many ways. His railway is a Southern Railway system running the entire length of his garden, and through three sheds. It is the sort of layout one would expect from such a man.

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Gravesend West Street
Year Taken:1986

Another treat for Southern fans! This is an indoor layout representing a typical North Kent railway scene. Stud-contact, with a wide variety of stock, this layout shows the results of thorough research and careful workmanship. A great number of the slides were taken by Arthur himself and donated to this programme.

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Primrose Line
Year Taken:1986

This is an example of the sort of thing I would love to see from other layout owners. John has made this programme himself, completely; slides, commentary, music - the lot! A garden layout, mainly Southern in character, with a lot of inventive improvisation in the scenery. John’s very pleasant commentary gives us a comprehensive picture of his railway. He has generously donated this set to the Guild.

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Great Northern Layout In ‘OO’
Year Taken:1986   (Dismantled)

For many years Ralph Cooper was Chairman of the Barnet Model Railway Club, and his extensive layout was for 26 years in his own home. By any standards it is a remarkable railway, representing the main line from King’s Cross to Doncaster (and at one time extending into the loft next-door - and on to York and Newcastle!) Branches from Retford to Sheffield and Grantham to Nottingham all contribute to a vast network, operated by a team of enthusiasts, and including over 80 locomotives and countless items of rolling stock. Owing to a move of house and advancing years this well-known layout has now been dismantled and will not be rebuilt.

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Manchester Canal
Year Taken:1986

For many years this extensive exhibition layout has been seen at various shows, but seldom has space allowed for it to be seen in its entirety. Using a mix of steam and modern image, it presents a fine example of well organised timetable running, with full intercommunication between sections. This programme shows the full layout.

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Chewton Mendip
Year Taken:1986

A great contrast from the previous set, although this exquisite layout has also been seen at numerous exhibitions. Great Western in character, the layout combines superbly fastidious engineering and scenic effects.

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Tafalog
Year Taken:1986

Here is something quite out of the ordinary! Tafalog is the name given by Mike to the little terminus of a Cambrian Railway branch running up the Tanat Valley, and is a perfect mirror-image of the onetime Llangynog station. Scenery and stock (scratch-built by Mike) provide a treat for the connoisseur.

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G. & J. Short Line
Year Taken:1986

No history of Gauge ‘O’ would be complete without reference to Lionel. This exhibition layout by the father-and-son team of Geoffrey and Jeremy Bull is a superb collection of engines, rolling stock and lineside effects, all produced by the American firm of Lionel and shown here as a fully working layout.

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Ravensbeck
Year Taken:1987   (Dismantled)
Part 1 - 50 minutes Part 2 - 60 minutes

This magnificent exhibition layout, shown at the Guild Convention at Bletchley in September, 1986, is so packed with superb detail that it is almost impossible to take it all in! We have therefore made full programme which could well constitute an evening’s entertainment in its own right, and hve included every part of this huge North Eastern system in pre-grouping days. The rear part of this layout has been completely altered since the Bletchley showing and now includes a colliery system which is an integral part of the main layout or can be a self-contained layout on its own.This is a programme you could safely show to a non-railway enthusiast, so attractive are the many scenic effects.

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Carfield Line
Year Taken:1987

Maurice is a retired signalman, and it is hardly surprising to find that his loft layout is fully signalled. Mainly LMS in character, the models range from early vintage Hornby tinplate to more recent scratch- or-kit-built engines.Another example of Gauge ‘O’ being fitted most effectively into a small space.

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Buckwell
Year Taken:1987

Highly skilled engineering and careful workmanship have gone into the making of yet another small area layout.This LMS line contains some beautiful detail in its station buildings and scenic effects, and all points and signals are manually controlled - often from quite a distance. Keith also runs some very fine NE trains on this line.

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Larkfield & Billing
Year Taken:1987

Not content with his LNER/LMS loft layout, Jack has filled his large garden with what he calls his ‘retirement’ layout. A fascinating display of a life-time’s collection of most interesting models, all of high quality. These include pre-grouping items from the L & Y, H & B and NE railways as well as more conventional LMS or LNER stock.

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Maunsell Parva
Year Taken:1987

Ever since the appearance of the Guild Handbook on Garden Railways I have wanted to include this fine Southern layout in the collection. Stud-contact, and with beautiful, delicate and accurate buildings, the line runs the length of an attractive garden.

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West Midlands, 7, 10 And 16mm Group
Year Taken:1987

Mind boggling! That was my first impression of this huge complex, run by the energetic West Midlands Group, and sponsored by Robert Head, in whose beautiful grounds the layouts are housed. A huge Gauge 1 circuit runs round the spacious lawns, and in a large building there are 7mm, 10mm and 16mm scale layouts.The accent is on live steam, and seldom have I seen a more exciting panorama of model railways. The programme scarcely scratches the surface of so vast a system, but may encourage viewers to go the Shifnal, Shropshire, to see for themselves!

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Grinling Junction
Year Taken:1987

Another garden layout, this time representing Great Northern scenes, immediately pre-1914. Two extensive loops lie outside a garden shed in which Grinling Junction station lies. The detailing is magnificent, and the coaching stock is quite outstanding - scratch-built by Ian himself. He also built the locomotives. Scenically and operationally this is a most attractive layout.

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Exeter International
Year Taken:1987

Despite repeated pleas in the Gazette, modern-image modellers are singularly reluctant to offer their layouts for inclusion in the collection. David came to my rescue with his layout, the slides being provided by a press photographer friend of his, and the enthusiastic and authoritative commentary being provided by him.

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Butcombe Railway
Year Taken:1987

An extensive garden layout very much biased towards the Somerset & Dorset, but with other companies represented. This outdoor railway lays the accent on operating and providing a train service to a number of interesting places.

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South Chicago
Year Taken:1987

Although this programme depicts quite a large layout contained in a commodious garage, the accent is on a large and varied collection of American locomotives and rolling stock upon which Derek is, obviously, an authority.

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Gayton Wharf
Year Taken:1987

I made a programme on this railway in 1982, but considerable alterations and improvements have been made since then.The data concerning the layout will be found under Set 38 and is still relevant. The popularity of that set suggests that both programmes will be retained for the time being.

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Kerry Bridge
Year Taken:1988

Commentary by Malcolm Scrimshaw and Paul Windle A 7mm-scale, Irish, narrow-gauge railway running on 4mm track, this exhibition layout is packed with atmosphere and the scenic background makes one imagine the smell of the peat bogs is really present. Especially evocative is the bridge over the river, but the whole line is unusually convincing to the eye.

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Greenlane & Hillside Railway
Year Taken:1988

The commentary tape has not yet been completed: arrangements for this to be done are being made by Robert but meanwhile the set is withdrawn.

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Seaburgh & Marlake
Year Taken:1988

It is rare these days to find a layout comprising a large proportion of proprietary track and rolling stock and, although some fine scratch-built models are included, it is possible to see here the sort of layout prevalent before the advent of fine-scale. An exercise in nostalgia, this indoor layout is something of a collector’s paradise.

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Haywards Heath To Keymer Junction (SR)
Year Taken:1988

In his garden layout with stud contact, Dick gives us a fine picture of the Southern Railway in the days of steam (1930’s).The central feature is Haywards Heath station as it once was, including a model of the old signal box. Interesting, too, is the way Dick has overcome the problems of a steeply sloping garden.

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Charvale
Year Taken:1988

Principally GWR/LMS but with other companies represented, this picturesque garden railway includes a very fine model of a Beyer-Garratt (LNER) 2-8-0+0-8-2.The rockery and viaduct make and impressive centrepiece to the railway.

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Upwole
Year Taken:1988

Barrie Walls’ son, Andrew, aged 17 when this programme was made, shows himself to be a worthy son of his father.This small layout is of exhibition standard and is a very fine re-creation of real LNER (Great Eastern) atmosphere.The healthy future of our hobby will lie in the hands of people like this!

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North & South Junction Railway
Year Taken:1988

At least three people who came very much under the influence of the late John Hart - Martin Bloxsom, Eddie Bye and myself - have garden layouts inspired to some extent by John’s M&SCJR line. This SR/LMS railway, with the accent on Southern, runs round Eddie’s garden and is presumed to link up with the Crewchester Railway.The really unusual feature though is the overhead electric branch line to Willow End, based upon the old Crystal Palace (Upper) line of the 1920’s.

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Woodcote Preservation Line
Year Taken:1988

Since the original programme (See Set 9) was made in 1980 this layout has undergone extensive development. Its name allows licence to run any period and any type of train over the now quite complex system which occupies most of the back garden.

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Rowbarrow Hundred
Year Taken:1988

An extremely compact layout contained in a small shed, with an outside loop. Southern, with other railway companies represented, this small layout provides surprising versatility of operation.

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This Is Gauge ‘0’
Year Taken:1990

Compiled from most of the layouts represented in the collection To celebrate the achievement of one hundred Guild programmes I have produced this trilogy, each part of which may be borrowed separately, although all three were conceived as one complete programme. Each of the three sections deals with a particular aspect of the hobby, as follows:
Part 1 – Some Giants of Gauge ‘O’ - 40 minutes 85 slides
Part 2 - Indoor Railways - 40 minutes 91 slides
Part 3 - Garden Railways - 45 minutes 100 slides
The entire programme encompasses almost every aspect of Gauge ‘O’ railway modelling, with examples from almost every layout visited between 1980 and 1988. In it you will see not only the railways, but the owners, and hear their voices, some of them sadly not still with us, but well-remembered.

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Cragside
Year Taken:1988

An exhibition layout depicting a North Eastern locale, with superb and authentic detail, both in rolling stock and in scenic effects, and highly reminiscent of that beautiful part of the country.

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Lutton
Year Taken:1989   (Dismantled)

After the original Set 40 had been made in 1983, this layout was moved to a new home and was further improved.With the accent this time upon signalling and operation, a subject upon which Frank was professionally qualified to speak, the scenic effects on this compact layout were complete. Once again this LMS layout was contained in a spare bedroom.

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Norfolk Joint Railway
Year Taken:1989

Here is something unusual - a pure Midland and Great Northern layout, redolent of the Norfolk countryside and the Fen district. The line has been well researched. Perhaps the crowning glory of the layout, which is housed in a highly inconvenient loft, in a superb model of Cromer Beach station.

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St. Helens, Lowton & Huyton Section, LMS.
Year Taken:1989   (Dismantled)

Another former garden railway, built by a retired signalman who had a number of different gauge railways in his garden, this one in Gauge ‘O’. Mainly LMS but with some LNER, the nerve centre of the system was a model of St. Helens station of the 1930’s.

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A Century Of Gauge ‘0’
Year Taken:1989

Alan Cliff has built up a remarkable collection of Gauge ‘O’ models made by an astonishing variety of manufacturers since the 1890’s. No mere hoarder of historic models,Alan takes us from the primitive in tinplate of the last century, right up to his current activity of commissioning fine-scale, detailed models of his favourite engines, almost all of which are shown here.

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Two Dales
Year Taken:1989

Housed in the premises of the Rhyl Model Railway Club, Chris has built this lovely scene of the highly quarried terrain of the Peak District, including some pleasant open countryside, a working level crossing and wayside station, and a quarry line.

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