Wanting respite from cold winter operation of his ‘O’ gauge railway, CHRIS SPRING opted for narrow gauge to sustain his interest. This fascinating three-level layout is the result.Photography, Jonathan Newton
As a committed ‘O’ gauge modeller with my layout Chelagasa (HM170), you might be wondering why I have created an ‘OO9’ gauge layout. The answer is simple: it is too cold and rainy for Chelagasa to be much fun most of the time in winter and early spring.
Being an indoor based layout, Orista solves the weather issues and allows me the opportunity of watching trains running despite it being soaking wet or cold outside. It also gives me modelling focus during the winter months. Like many modellers though, space is an issue, plus I wanted a layout that could simply be put in the back of an estate car, so Orista was born – but with its physical dimensions governed by the size of my car.
Above: Baldwin Class 10-12-D 4-6-0Ts 778 and Hummy double head a passenger train bound for Orista town station.
In meeting the requirement for a layout to fit in the car, the choice came down to ‘OO9’ or ‘N’ gauge. The advantage of ‘OO9’ is that modelling in 4mm:1ft scale is less…
