Gauge: ‘OO’ | Period: 1980-1990s and 2000s | Region: Scottish | Operating team: Ian and Callum McCreadie and friends
Blair Atholl towards Drumochter is a scale replica of the Highland Perthshire Village of Blair Atholl and the railway northwards to Drumochter Summit built to 'OO' gauge.
Set in early autumn, an overnight snowfall has brought delays to traffic on the A9 near Drumochter with the northbound route delayed pending clearance by snowplough.
Fortunately, rail transport is un-affected at this time with all services running normally.
The model picks up the Highland Main Line as it enters Blair Atholl under bridge 86H which gives local access to the golf course. From here it heads over the ornate lattice River Tilt Viaduct and past Blair Atholl signalbox and level crossing. The route north was re-doubled in 1978 from here to Dalwhinnie and shortly after leaving the station trains pass under an estate bridge adjacent to Blair Castle West Lodge, cross the River Gary and under the A9 viaduct before turning onto the north bound climb.
Blair Atholl village has been modelled to the exact OS map detail with replicas of the famous Atholl Arms Hotel and Tullibardine Institute. Due to planning restrictions imposed by Atholl Estates, very little of the village has changed over the years which allows, with a little modellers license, variations in the rail period operated. Saturday will feature 1980s and '90s and Sunday 2000 onwards.
The layout is now in its 35th year and has been extensively refurbished since 2015 with Model World LIVE on April 27/28 2024 being the layouts first exhibition appearance outside Scotland.
We hope that you will enjoy watching a little slice of life on the Highland Main Line.
Buy discount advance tickets for Model World LIVE 2024 here today.
