‘N’ scale Drayton Green Halt (proposed)
A draft proposal exists for a ‘N’ scale layout based on the GWR West Drayton branch line. This is in outline form; the track plan shown here is subject to change, possibly with a small reduction in size.
Drayton Green Halt – ‘N’ Scale
- A new N gauge group project to involve existing group members and to attract new members to the club.
- The opportunity for members to acquire new skills especially in the control electronics areas.
- Modelled on a Great Western branch line in London, a subject rarely modelled.
- We intend to implement the latest electronics and techniques to simplify operation. The eventual aim is full automation using JMRI.
- The scenic area will include fully automated signalling, interlocked to the points to create realistic operation.
- DCC operation will be implemented for train operation, with a separate, independent system for auxiliary control of points, signals, and lighting. This provides greater operational flexibility.
- Light and easy to erect and operate by two people. Minimal electrical connections between baseboards.
- It will fit into two hatchback cars, therefore no need to hire a vehicle when travelling to exhibitions.
The Prototype for the model
Drayton Green Halt is the first station on what is now the West Ealing to Greenford loop. This line opened in 1903
to serve the Royal Agricultural Show held on the grounds of Twyford Abbey Estate. However, after the show had finished, the line was closed to complete the construction.
On the 1st March 1905 Drayton Green Halt was opened when a shuttle service was introduced between Paddington / Ealing Broadway and Ruislip. On the 21st August 1958 the 14xx and auto-coaches were replaced with class 122 DMUs. Today class 165 run a 30-minute shuttle service between West Ealing and Greenford, the intermediate stops being Drayton Green, Castle Bar and South Greenford.
Operation
The line links the GWR Main Line to the GWR New North Main Line, which used to run to Snow Hill. During the modelling period, the Ealing Broadway to Ruislip shuttle would be represented, starting and finishing from the push-pull siding in the fiddle yard.
Drayton Green through traffic included scheduled and diverted passenger trains to/from Paddington, milk trains to Wood Lane (Shepherds Bush), goods trains from the Northolt goods yard and carriage sidings. Numerous industries were served by the line including British Bath company sidings, Kelvin Construction sidings, Aladdin industries sidings, Perivale GPO sidings, Guinness brewery sidings… and many more. This is an ideal prototype that can effectively be recreated in ‘N’ scale.
There was a coal yard (West Ealing New Yard) behind Drayton Green Halt station and the West Middlesex tennis club. Two sidings adjacent to Drayton Green Halt were used for forming trains and a head shunt for the yard. On the model, automated shuttles could operate to and from these sidings and the fiddle yard. This would ensure there was always some layout activity when the layout was being exhibited.
Within the Club, layouts can accommodate any compatible stock, whilst at exhibitions, stock is selected to highlight the layout theme.