I rarely get to see much of the full-scale action at West Lancs galas, despite attending almost every one over the last decade or so. The reason is that I am, along with several other of the local garden railway fraternity, usually to be found in the engine shed, playing with 16mm trains on one of a series of layouts that have found their way there. Occasionally we sneak out into the bright sunshine (real or imagined) and have a quick look at assorted two-foot gauge locos, often including visitors from other railways. All too soon however it is necessary to retreat into the darker but drier environs of the locomotive garage, before something expensive falls off.

 

The first layout we had the use of was Hundred End, an 11ft by 5ft oval of Mamod track on a substantial baseboard, built by the in-house pattern-maker, Alan Frodsham. At least four fit persons are required to move it from its resting place on the inside wall of the shed to its operating position. Exactly where this is depends on whether the Meccano enthusiasts are attending, as they invariably arrive early enough to bag the first half-dozen tables nearest the entrance. In truth there is more width further back, and less exposure to draughts (providing the rear doors are closed) so it evens up in the end. Initially the buildings were a motley collection of wooden creations, some inherited, some donated and one or two home-made. More recently the family of a late member, Derek Preece, gave the Railway a good number of Welshpool Pottery building kits. Once made up and painted they give a nice homogenous feel to the scenery.

 

As regular readers will be aware, I am a serial offender regarding 16mm layout construction, and all three of my larger creations periodically appear at West Lancs. Indeed the baseboards of the largest (the Middleforth Light Railway) actually belong to the WLLR, using buildings kindly loaned by Mike Lowe. It is a long, narrow affair, with manually-operated turntables at either end, requiring some alertness on the part of the operators to avoid embarrassing incidents. Before my time there was a previous round-and-round Middleforth, built for use at the Railway and at local shows. Only the nameboard remains, now displayed prominently in front of Middleforth Mark II. Until recently the new layout resided on a trailer in my eldest son’s garage (he does not have a car). Now however space has been found at Hesketh Bank, so son no.1’s garage can be re-stocked with other essential railwayana. There is, unfortunately, talk of a car.

 

Occupying the middle of the size range is Walmer Bridge, using four baseboards to create another oval, this time using Peco track. It just fits in my car, and the ensuing lifting, sliding and carrying can be quite energy-sapping, particularly with all the stock boxes and assorted steam and electric paraphernalia. Fortunately I have staff, who have loyally lifted, slid and carried, not to mention driven, at my behest for longer that I can remember. The other complication at Hesketh Bank is that the engine shed has first to be emptied of full-size locomotives before anything smaller can be introduced. Also the floor has to be swept and matted, machinery roped off and numerous trip hazards removed. Perhaps at some future time a permanent display room/museum will appear, now that ownership of the site resides with the Railway. I have a dream…

 

My most recent creation is Kingsdown Roads, a smaller U-shaped layout again with turntables and again featuring Pendle Valley buildings. It has yet to appear at a West Lancs event, but no doubt will find its way there in due course. Being made largely of plywood it is the lightest and easiest to transport of the three, always a plus point when attending shows. With enough willing helpers I may even get out into the fresh air more, as galas always have lots going on. Should you wish to be counted amongst their number you will be very welcome, and a cab ride is pretty much guaranteed!

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