NORTH DEVON LAYOUTS GROUP
The NDLG are the custodians of three large (35 ft long) 00 Gauge model railways built by members of North Devon Model Railway Club in the 1970’s and 80′. These were built in series and each refines in its individualistic fashion the romantic idle of the rural 1930’s South West English railway by the sea. When DMRC could no longer exhibit them they passed them to Bristol East Model Railway club where they have resided for around two decades. BEMRC did some maintainance on Porth St John and Cadiford Water both of which were exhibited with Porth st John having a last outing this spring in Somerset (accepting many operational issues). Unfortunately Cadiford Water has not been run since pre-Lockdown and Jamaica Reach never in BEMRC ownership. Over 2025 the layouts are being transported (5 van loads ) up to the North West from Bristol. Where they will be stored, assessed repaired and one day returned to the exhibition circuit by some members of the Railex Buxton team.
They are old, structurally sound but far too heavy, in need of lighter more compact packaging and some new electrical components and some re-wiring, cleaning, scenic and cosmetic repairs. Although many of the original trains exist some noteworthy items are lost and the remaining locos and stock are tired so will need repairs and servicing. Some replacement Locos and stock of the same period and finish will need acquiring. Sufficient information exists to guide us in sympathetically restoring them using materials and methods of the period.
Overtime each will once again be exhibited as examples of UK outline modelling of yesteryear and presented alongside explanatory information and examples of the modelling methods employed. There is no time scale at present, the first phase being the securing collection and safe storage of the models. This worthy and extensive project is being wholly funded by Railex Buxton where you will be able to see progress via the shows social media pages, occasional appearances at the show itself as a work in progress and one day again see them in all their glory as operating layouts.
NDLG Membership
Hon Chairman – Richard Lear
Secretary (layout custodian) – Mark Henshaw
Members – Neil Fraser, John Cave, John Ireland
NDLG can be contacted at shows or through the Railex Buxton facebook page.