Inglenook 6: Vale of Rheidol

It’s often easy to refine a scheme or indeed to improve upon reality. The Vale of Rheidol Railway’s terminus at Devil’s Bridge is in a beautiful location, but has a very basic and limited track plan. In upgrading to inglenook status, I’d add at least one, possibly two, extra sidings, for engineer’s trains (in modern times) or logging (if you’re prepared to set the clock back to the early 1900s). The track and facilities have changed over the years, so research is required if you want period accuracy. Its Aberystwyth terminus differs considerably. I’ve manipulated the track plan to accommodate inglenook sidings in front of the EX-GWR locomotive shed and a run-round loop within the station environs, and to hide the narrow gauge line to Devil’s Bridge behind the locomotive shed in order to disguise a non-scenic cassette. A particularly pleasing feature is a standard gauge, static train used as a view blocker to the rear of the layout. Again, it’s about visual contrast, and can easily be changed as the fancy takes you. For example, I’d use a Class 40 and Mk 1s.