The 2ft gauge Launceston Steam Railway in Cornwall was an instant choice for RICHARD HOLDER for his charming ‘OO9’ narrow gauge layout. He reveals its story and unique features.
Gauge: 'OO9', 9mm Scale: 4mm:1ft Size: 12ft x 6ft Region: Cornish Private Railway Period: 2010s Control: Analogue
Above: Velinheli rumbles back to Launceston with a tree-cutting train. The wagon immediately behind the locomotive is the converted slate wagon which is used along the railway for any high-level job. PHOTOGRAPHY, TREVOR JONES.
THE REAL LAUNCESTON Steam Railway in Cornwall is a 2ft narrow gauge line built by Nigel and Kay Bowman. The station was constructed on the site of a disused gasworks and ruined priory.
It first opened to the public in 1983 with just one locomotive, one coach and half a mile of track. The line follows the route of the standard gauge line that ran from London Waterloo Station through Launceston and on to Padstow.
That railway closed in 1966. There are now 2½ miles of track, two stations, engine sheds, a museum, gift shop and café.
I visited the Launceston Steam Railway (LSR) regularly, so when I was considering what to build for my next ‘OO9’ narrow gauge exhibi…
