Silver Sidelines

Onwards and upwards – well I guess it depends on the direction of travel. The Branch Terminus and the Branch Junction described in my last posts are actually the highest parts of the layout being 158 mm higher than the original Main Terminus. Continuing our journey from the Branch Junction the title of this Post should probably read ‘Downhill all the way’ – I think not! The Main Junction –wide angle The Main Junction –panoramic There are two single track lines from the Branch Junction, one supposedly being of GWR origin and the other having LNWR roots. The later circles round and down in true train set style to emerge at a lower level station immediately beneath the Branch Junction. I refer to this lower level station as the Main Junction. The track layout for the Main Junction is shown below diagrammatically. The station and the adjoining curves occupy a length of some 12 feet. The Main Junction – not to scale The majority of my stations tend...

From the Branch Terminus described in my last Post, the single line crosses a short viaduct to arrive at an ‘end on’ junction station where the BR(WR) branch makes a connection with another single track BR(LMR) line. The Branch Junction – a blend of Scaledale and Scenecraft This is one of my favourite track layouts and provides lots of play value with three loops for passing and storage, together with a small goods yard and locomotive facilities. There is also a long siding which doubles as both a ‘head shunt’ and storage for a whole train (in this case Airfix Esso tankers). The Branch Junction Track Layout The track layout is purely imaginary but provides for an island platform with a BR(WR) face and a BR(LMR) face, together with a goods loop. The minimum radius for the station platforms is around 5ft. BR(LMR) train terminating - just imagine the grass! First a view at the branchline end of the station with a BR(LMR) train terminating at the stat...