PLAN 1 – NUCLEAR WASTE BRANCH

The first new offering comprises a through main line with modest junction to a nearby nuclear waste terminal and, while completely fictitious, takes oodles of inspiration from the Ffestiniog branch in North Wales.

An end-to-end plan in ‘U’-shaped format, it has modest non-scenic sidings at each end. Although short, the sidings are perfect for the anticipated stock. Unusually, backscenes are at both ends, hiding non-scenic sidings, therefore you can glimpse both sides of the scenic baseboard, partly masked by raised ground and tree grouping, in one continuous vista. The station loop is sufficient for the longest anticipated train and the branch can be shunted without encroaching upon the main line.

Above right: The nuclear waste terminal was a little way from the power station, flasks being transferred between the two by road. Sometime around the mid-1970s, 25167 received a full-side scrape down the isolating switch side of the body, additionally, its general condition was poor. It was broken up in 1984. Staff having a discussion make a nice little cameo and could be easily grouped around an awaiting lorry, rather than hanging incongruously out of, or nearby the loco, especially when it sets off.

Right: Before the days of barrier vehicles, trains consisted of a loco (25167), nuclear flask wagon and a standard BR brake van. Such a consist is particularly ideal for small-space layouts like this.