Network Rail’s Leicestershire-based test track inspired ANDREW PORTER to capture the spirit of innovation in his fabulous ‘N’ gauge layout. Watch our video trailer below and sign up or sign in to watch the full layout tour video. Photography, Jonathan Newton.
New Dalby – Research Division is my first attempt at building a layout. The first part of the name is unashamedly appropriated from the well-known Old Dalby test track (officially known as the Melton Rail Innovation & Development Centre). This runs from Melton Mowbray to the outskirts of Nottingham. The second part of the name refers to the layout’s prime purpose - a test bed for ideas ranging from baseboard construction to point operation and general presentation for use in future, larger exhibition layouts. New Dalby – Research Division is a layout based on research, built for research.
It all began in 2013 after being invited to a private exhibition in Kent, although I’d wanted to do something for a long while before that. The exhibition featured a number of smaller layouts, giving me the initial inspiration to create something that could fit in a room at home without taking up too much space. I challenged myself to get something built so I could exhibit it at the…
