No.84 The Halt in the corner – or an excuse for some pictures of the new Dukedog

Continuing my journey around the layout I thought it time to return to the Branch Junction and catch the ex GWR branch train.


Bachmann Dukedog ready and waiting

The next station down the old GWR branchline is the ‘Halt in the Corner’ or more simply the ‘Passing Loop’.

The Halt in the Corner

Neither the station nor the passing loop featured in my original plans. Trains leaving the Branch Junction for the Main Terminus via the old GWR line (literally the Great Way Round) followed a circuitous path around the outside of the layout eventually appearing out of a tunnel at a suitably lower level by the engine sheds.

Outside the engine sheds – the branch tunnel exit in the background

It soon became obvious operationally that a passing loop was needed midway along the Branch – both to enable trains to pass each other but also to provide some temporary storage. At the same time I was thinking how best I could utilise an Autotrain. Historically modellers would simply provide a short spur off the Mainline ending in a tunnel. What about having a Bay Platform adjacent to the passing loop just to store the Autotrain?
Hornby 14xx and Autocoach

The original six or seven foot radius curve [url=http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/blog/880/entry-8097-cornered/]was changed[/url] for two some smaller radius curves and points forming a passing loop arrangement and two extra points were added to provide two sidings.

Bachmann 22xx on pick up goods duty

Scenery is still rather sparse. An ex GWR corrugated iron Goods Shed and a Provender Store are provided by suitable Scenecraft models. The Yard Crane is from the Mike’s Models range and featured in an earlierBlog.

Ex GWR Yard Crane by Mike’s Models

Station buildings are from the original Hornby Skaledale range whilst the platform is scribed balsa with an asphalt infill provided by ‘wet and dry’ emery paper.

Bachmann Dukedog resting - something that it was probably good at?

As the title suggests this Post is really an excuse to look at the new Bachmann model of the Dukedog. In contrast to some other recent models I have to say I am impressed. My model looks good and runs very smoothly. A word of caution, don’t expect great haulage power.
I think the Dukedogs had disappeared from service when we holidayed in Wales in the early '60s. However I have always been fascinated by the engine’s appearance which I feel is symbolic of a much earlier age. The Model Railway Constructor magazine had an article in August 1964 on how to make a Dukedog from an Airfix kit – something I have always fancied doing but knowing that I would probably never get round to.

How to construct an Airfix Dukedog

Oh well time to get back on the train and return to finish this post off.

Bachmann Dukedog on Mainline ‘B’ Set rewheeled with metal wheels and close coupled with Bachmann mini couplings (long)

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