MIDDLETON DALE

Factfile

Layout name: Middleton Dale

Scale/gauge: 1:76 scale / 16.5mm gauge / OO

Size: 16ft x 8ft

Era/region: 1930s LMS

Location: Fictitious, somewhere in Derbyshire

Layout type: Continuous loop

The layout was originally planned back in 2015, when I finally made the decision to scrap the layout ‘Tawcombe’, which was featured in BRM February 2013. This previous layout was housed in the loft, which, at the time, seemed like a good idea. It provided me with plenty of space for a double-tracked continuous run layout. Experience, however, would prove otherwise. Lofts or attics can be very cold during the winter, and worse still can be far too hot during the summer months. Other problems occurred with insect life and birds somehow finding their way into the loft, the latter causing significant damage to the layout.

However, the main reason for decommissioning ‘Tawcombe’ was my inability to keep climbing up a loft ladder and having to duck under offending roof trusses - not a good idea at my age!

A new home

I had already considered the garage as a home for a new venture, after all, it measured 17ft by 8ft. It also had the added advantage of being integral to the house and I was able to stand up in it without stooping all the time! There would be a few disadvantages with the garage, however; mainly keeping the dust under control, and for me, fitting the layout in around the car. My wife insisted that the car would have to go in, and any married reader will know you have to keep the ‘other half’ happy as well.

I decided to stay close to home and build a model based in my home County of Derby, and the Peak line would be the obvious choice. Sticking to my roots, it should be The Midland Railway under the ownership of the London Midland and Scottish in the mid- 1930s. This would give me more scope for motive power and liveries, but also