Over 23 Years Old (Text as written in 2003) Made using Hornby's MicroMimic Display Modules, Panels, and Self-Adhesive Paper Track, with additional LEDs (including additional colours) but packed to 'double density', the display is still over 2 metres long. The frame is wooden, with an Acrylic Front Panel and the Panels 'dropped in' from behind. The pictures (Legible Version) are, of necessity, a composite of 4 images owing to the confined space in which the panel is suspended. It was photographed with the Power OFF, and therefore the LEDs for the Points and Signals are NOT illuminated.
Reflections from the Acrylic etc have been 'tidied up' for clarity.
The Panel was mounted centrally above the Control Area of the Layout. 130 Points/Signals in 99 combinations are controlled. The Zero-1 System was the pioneering Digital Command Control System, released in the late 70's/early 80's predating DCC, and could select 'only' 16 locos and 99 points/accessories.
When the Original Labelling was produced, a BBC Micro and Dot Matrix Printer were used
The Layout
A Model railway based on and around Barnstaple in North Devon, without the closures and decay brought about by the Dr. Beeching years (or current decimation))
It could be run in any period from Grouping to almost the present day (eventually with privatised liveries) The control was based on Hornby's Zero-1 system for Locomotive, Route setting and Mimic Diagram control (above).
Beechingless Barnstaple
The layout has existed in 3 different homes (lofts) - and has grown slightly with each move of house. In 2005 ALL the original boards will be completely replaced with a Speedframe/Polycarbonate Construction using Poystyrene cut with a Hot Wire. The new layout will be approximately 8m x 4.5m.
The layout represents Taunton/Exeter (as the Marshalling or Fiddle yard) and two routes into Barnstaple Junction. On the model, the platforms can cope with 5-coach trains.
The Atlantic Coast Express used to split at this point into sections for Ilfracombe via Barnstaple Town, and for Torrington and Halwill Junction. Halwill is not represented on the model.
Ilfracombe Station was high above the seaside town, but was reached by a severe descent. On the model this is reversed with a long incline to gain 20cm over the lower (main) level of the layout.
Ilfracombe is shown separately at the bottom of the diagram but is physically above the section from Taunton/Exeter on the right to Barnstaple Junction on the left. Barnstaple Town (Quay) station is the junction for the L+B narrow gauge, at the top of the diagram I have added a Roll-on Roll-off train ferry in place of the old Sand Barges and coasters of Woolaways
The Lynton and Barnstaple is partly based on the L+B which was closed in 1935, and is slowly being resurrected by the L+B Association. In this version, Swiss Narrow gauge stock predominates, along with a continuous loop track to facilitate backround running automation.
On this layout, the L+B occupied the central area, and the loops were to allow the climb over the water tank
The tram network is a shuttle system between Barnstaple Junction Station and Barnstaple Town, which is also designed for automated operation, and eventually, multiple trams. Fleischman sprung loaded points are used to direct the trams to the correct side of the road for each direction.
The trams are are a non-prototypical addition to the scene, located across the top of the main drawing
To avoid the aesthetic conflict of electric locomotives running without catenary, or steam locos running under the wires everywhere, and also to allow testing of conventionally powered locomotives, the High level (Eye Level) layout was a simple twin track loop with storage roads, and became the home of modern overhead traction.
ALL CHANGE
Then the opportunity arose to change start again, making full use of a new loft conversion to habitable living space, with windows! The Total Rebuild - about 2 years of planning and preparation and, so far, 2 years of evolutionary construction.
Created in HTMLEdit Studio by Phil Spiegelhalter 2003/ revised August 2007