I have a garden railway, but being constrained by full time work, a young family and all the associated demands on a Dad's time, I never found the time to run on it in dry weather during the week, until after dark. This wouldn't be too bad, until I point out that Manchester doesn't have the best reputation for sunny days.
About the same time that I was having railway withdrawal symptoms, a kitchen extension meant that the double garage (in width - single dor) at the bottom of the garden couldn't be used for anything other than a workshop (I don't think a car had seen it for several years anyway).
What better than to have a "small" portable railway where I could have a steam-up no matter what the weather was doing and at any time of the day.
"Small & Portable"
It was always intended that the garage layout would be portable and fully scenic so that it could also be used to promote the hobby at exhibitions. I drew up a checklist of things that had to be included. For example, a continuous circuit was considered essential but I didn't want 'tail-chasing' to be obvious. An excuse to keep all the engines out on public display was also a key requirement. As a frequent spectator at model railway shows I had spent too much time on tiptoe trying to sneak a view in hidden storage sidings at the interesting engines that might not be running for hours.
The answer became obvious. My layout would be a diorama of an Open Day at the engine shed yard of a preserved line. Bunting and information signs could accompany stock on show in the sidings and, if I froze the time to early in the morning, it wouldn't look too bad without the hundreds of model people.
Prototype? What prototype?
After careful consideration I decided to build the layout on a freelance design. In such limited space it would be impossible to show a railway yard to scale (don't forget an average Ffestiniog train is over 16 feet long in this scale!). Instead, I tried to recreate the atmosphere of several popular narrow gauge lines.
However the operators argue that this isn't a "model" railway - it's a real one in its own right!
Trackwork
The track is by Mamod. This surprises many people as the engines glide along very smoothly. The main reason this was chosen was one of cost. It is also extremely durable, and the points are 2'6" radius.
Careful filing of the rail tops and attacking the point mechanisms with a junior hacksaw has meant that I would always recommend Mamod track for anyone attempting anything similar.
As you can see, these tight curves can look quite prototypical with short rolling stock.
Open to the Public
February 2000 saw the first public airing of the new layout at the Bolton Model Railway Exhibition (see the Photo History section). It was extremely well received and the response from the public who were enthralled by controllable live steam trains set me on a path to build bigger and better!
The layout was extended the following year and again several times afterwards until it is now 21 by 9 feet (any more additions will mean the workshop needs an extension!).
In all the years Timpdon has been on the exhibition circuit, it has changed considerably during that time. In fact, none of the original baseboards remain and only the odd model person has survived the constant development! The railway has evolved and is different everytime it goes out.
Scenic Features
Hopefully spectators find the layout's little hidden details as interesting as the engines and stock.
There are now many working scenic dioramas like the camera photo flashing train-spotters activated by a passing train; a working swing rail bridge; not to mention a welding repairman, a smoking barbecue, and many more!) There’s even a CCTV system in a train giving a passenger’s perspective on the public monitor.
16mm NGM Association
The operators of the layout all have their own garden line and so will only be too glad to answer questions and offer advice.
If interested at all, we suggest you join the 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers' Association .
Membership not only puts you in touch with fellow minded railway buffs at various national events, it also provides valuable information to get you started. The Members' Handbook is invaluable.
