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THE SCALEFOUR SOCIETY 18.83 LAYOUT CHALLENGE |
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THE SCALEFOUR SOCIETY 18.83 LAYOUT CHALLENGE |
Kendon Viaduct, GWR, South Wales 1930s/50s
Devised by Philip Griffiths (Ulster AG) and Russ Elliott (Central London AG)
Basis
The layout is based upon the Crumlin Viaduct which spanned the Ebbw carrying the
Taff Vale Extension of the Newport, Abergavenny and Hereford Railway. Built in
the 1850s, the line was an important artery for the GWR in the South Wales
coalfield. The line was closed in 1964 and the viaduct demolished, with
difficulty, a few years later.
Layout
Crumlin Viaduct was in two parts, the layout is based on the shorter section
over the Kendon valley. This section had three spans on a curve. In the early
twentieth century the line was gauntleted but by the 1930s double to single line
junctions had been installed at each end so that only one running line crossed
viaduct in the centre of the deck. The layout is to be constructed using the
gauntleted track as a main feature as this is an aspect of permanent way which
is rarely modelled. There will be a crossover at the station.
Two fiddle yards will be used. These will either be worked using a Denny style
turntable fiddle yard or a Pendlenton style cassette system.
Presentation
The layout will be presented so that the viewer stands on the outside of the
curve as if they are in the Kendon Valley looking south into the Ebbw. The
backscene will be 'sky' as if they are looking up from the valley floor at the
viaduct.
The viewer will see to their right a station. Crumlin High Level was in a
similar position at the western end of the viaduct. The station will act as a
scenic break. To the viewer's left the viaduct is punctuated by a rocky outcrop
where the two valleys meet. This was covered in trees which, we hope will act as
the other scenic break.
Operation
The layout can be operated by two persons, one operating each fiddle yard.
Trains will run between the fiddle yards, and if time is available this will be
operated using traditional block instruments. The working timetable for the line
shows a succession of mineral, freight, passenger, autotrains and workmen's
trains using the viaduct.
At Home
The design of the layout has taking into account it's use when at home where it
will become a continuous run test facility with passing loops (not illustrated)
so that four full trains may kept on the layout at any one time.
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