Build a ‘OO9’ diorama

As ‘009’ modelling comes of age, PETER MARRIOTT tries his hand at creating a narrow gauge scene, and discovers a new modelling passion.

peter Marriott creates a narrow gauge scene, and discovers a new passion.

‘ 0 09’ has been around for decades, and it’s probably fair to say that most modellers of main line layouts have looked down their noses at the ‘rabbit warren’ layouts, on which models of locomotives from different railways - and crude whitemetal kits at that - rubbed shoulders in a way that would never happen on a ‘OO’ layout. But that was then. Narrow gauge railways have many advantages over their standard gauge counterparts. They ran to places that 4ft 81/2in gauge lines couldn’t go, such as up mountains, into quarries and mines, factories and fields. Narrow gauge railways unlocked parts of the country that standard gauge railways couldn’t reach, and this very nature made them prime candidates for realistic, compact layouts. GROWING MARKET I have done very little narrow gauge modelling. I have dabbled in Swiss ‘HOM’, but I’ve done nothing Uk-based. What has encouraged me is how much ready-to-run British outline ‘009’ is now available - and how much is on the horizon. There are wagons, coaches and buildings, plus sectional track and, with two new locomotives imminent (see panel), it’s an exciting time for ‘009’. The beauty of narrow gauge is that the layout building techniques are very similar to standard gauge, from baseboard construction and wiring to the scenery. The other benefit is that you have the vast ‘OO’ gauge range of accessories to fall back on, and all you need are the track, the trains and selected buildings to produce something a little different. Peco’s Code 80 ‘009’ Flexi-track dubbed ‘crazy track’ - has been around for decades and has adorned many a narrow gauge layout. This is suitable for some narrow gauge settings, but railways such as the Lynton & Barnstaple, Ffestiniog or Leek & Manifold Valley were laid like mini main lines, and ‘crazy track’s’ irregular sleepers are not suitable. So Peco has developed a track system with evenly spaced sleepers, as well as some new narrow gauge pieces,

available under its Setrack brand. Straights and curves and insulated frog points complement the existing Streamline range of points, Flexi-track, wagon turntables and even a bufferstop. I wanted to ease myself gradually into this new and unexplored world (unexplored for me, at least) so I started with Bachmann Scenecraft’s resin take on Woody Bay station, the headquarters of the restored Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. A visit to Woody Bay is a must for any railway enthusiast, regardless of whether you’re a narrow gauge fan or not, but it’s a big station, despite its 1ft 111/2in gauge trains. I didn’t have the space available to recreate this station in all its glory, so I used a much-simplified track plan, but with the intention of capturing as much of its character as possible.

BREAK FROM THE NORM

I enjoyed working in narrow gauge after decades of working in ‘OO’ standard gauge. The Peco track went together well and it was very quick and easy to assemble a layout, though I did use sectional track for the sake of simplicity. Most standard gauge track laying techniques can be used on narrow gauge track and, after carefully ballasting the track and weathering it, I was pleased with the result. I’d certainly consider building a narrow gauge layout again; it’s a welcome break from modelling standard gauge prototypes and locations. And just as you can fit so much more layout in a small space using ‘N’ gauge, the same goes for ‘OO’ narrow gauge. Would I do it again? Definitely. Was it fun? Absolutely! This diorama was built for Bachmann to display in their showcases. We thank them for allowing us to feature it in Model Rail.