Western Region
Old Oak Bridge - the 1980-1990s in 'OO' gauge
The 1990s atmosphere around Old Oak Common Depot was the inspiration for GARY PAYNE'S ‘OO' gauge home-based layout -a scene that has changed beyond all recognition today.
Building Parkend North | Part two
With the foundations of this Western Region layout complete, DAN EVASON reveals how he brought the scenery to life in the second of our two features illustrating the construction of Parkend North in 'OO' gauge.
Final days of the diesel hydraulics
One of the shortest-lived initiatives of British Railways’ 1955 Modernisation Plan was the use of diesel-hydraulic traction on the Western Region. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES takes a look at the demise of these famous locomotives, and explains why they had such brief lives.
Gowerton Parkway - South Wales in the early 2000s
Based on the busy and varied South Wales network in the first decade of this century, MARCUS LAMBERT’s ‘OO’ gauge layout captures the colour and vibrancy of the scene to grand effect. Photography, Trevor Jones.
Bradford-on-Tone - the hydraulic era on the Western
The lure of the hydraulic era was too much to resist for the Somerset Railway Modellers Club which took its popular ‘OO’ gauge layout Oake forward a decade for a new look. Steve Pike explains all. Photography, Trevor Jones.
The Class 14 - Swindon’s big misjudgement
Of all the diesels built during the modernisation of British Railways the Class 14s stand out as one of the shortest lived – not because they were a poor design but because they were built to the wrong specification at the wrong time. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES looks at the history of this small class.
Dapol adds new ‘O’ gauge box van trio
Dapol has added three all-new 12ton box vans to its ‘O’ gauge portfolio, with first Engineering Prototype (EP) samples currently being evaluated by the company’s development team.
Dart Valley Junction - the Western Region 1940-1960
A holiday in Devon inspired ERIC AUSTIN to return to railway modelling – and in a small space he has captured the essence of the region beautifully in ‘OO’ gauge. Photography, Trevor Jones.
Rapido 'Toad' ready to order
Rapido Trains UK has opened the order book for its new 'OO' gauge model of the Great Western railway diagram AA20 'Toad' brake van.
Parkend North: Part One
With a brief to create a layout set in the dying days of steam in the Forest of Dean in ‘OO’ gauge, DAN EVASON explores how a workable track plan was created – and how the permanent way was laid in the first of a two part series on this layouts construction.