Progress: The R&D Department part one

Now it is some time since i have Even thought to Write something about the planned layout  And i would even go as far as to admit that i had forgot about the Blog!

Northern rock  Departs ravenglass for dalegarth

Recently I have visited the R&ER and taken A vast number of photographs and measurements to record the scene that i would like to model However it may be that the model itself will need to be condensed to a manageable size or perhaps the railway curved to fit within the space i have at home to store such a model.

Willan Beck Bridge looking towards Fisherground

The most interesting feature that i noticed was whilst measuring up Whillan Beck over bridge in the form of a Cattle creep Just large enough for sheep to pass through and indeed myself It is little features such as this that I am keen to include not just because it is present on the site but it will add to the characterful nature of the R&ER  and capture the imagination of those looking on .

Stanley Ghyll Tramway cattle creep

In 2007 A new Station building was Erected replacing the buildings that had  come from the nearby Eskmeals gun range in the 1930s. The new building is in a traditional style yet the interior is reasonably Modern. at this time i suspect the Platform was lengthened and the track realigned  It is Still an imposing sight to see the Northern fells rise into the distance.

I hope to Commence construction In the New year And this will be staged In sections  Presently All efforts are aimed to producing locomotives and rolling stock With river mite Having been commissioned in march this is due for delivery shortly. 

Myself I am building A model of ICL no 4 Affectionately known as the passenger tractor. I hear you cry that this no longer exists in this form having been rebuilt in 1984 to what we now know as Perkins.

Its my layout and I like the quirk of a steam outline Quarry locomotive.

ICL 4 perkins rebult from the passenger tractor

When River Mite finally arrives from Paul Windle thoughts will then turn to the commissioning of River Esk  

The quality of Paul's work has to be seen to be believed  and i would recommend any one looking for a model of a prototype not available In kit form  could do no better than to speak to him  

River Esk possibly one of the Nicest engines i have Cabbed

Special thanks must be given to all the staff of the R&ER who  where accommodating me on my visit allowing me access to places where the general public are not permitted. 

Now i shall Keep the blog uptodate on the present stock builds  and if anyone Has any questions about the prototype or model please dont hesitate to contact me..

For those people with a general Narrow Gauge Railway Modeling  interest Have a look at NGRM-Online