CLINKERFORD, (GWR)
Clinkerford is loosely based on Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, the station and goods yard track plan being a mirror image of the prototype with a loco shed added for good measure. The station building, goods shed, weighbridge office, brewery store and signal box are modelled on the originals, while the loco shed follows GWR single road practice in the architectural style of the goods shed. The “domestic” buildings are based on prototypes from Parkend, Whitecroft and Mitcheldean, all in the Forest of Dean. The stone wharf is based on Bicslade, between Cinderford and Parkend, and the overbridge and tunnel entrance on Mierystock on the Lydbrook branch.
2021 tank engines look after freight services on the old Severn and Wye lines, while trains on the Forest of Dean Branch are handled by 57xx 0-6-0 tank engines, a Dean goods 0-6-0 and a 48xx 0-4-2 tank engine on the auto-train. These may be supplemented in due course with a “flying banana” diesel railcar.
The layout is set in the late 1930’s. Passenger services on the Severn and Wye lines were suspended ten years earlier but the re-opening of the Hawthorns Tunnel beyond Drybrook has seen the introduction of through trains to Hereford in addition to the auto-train from Gloucester. Local industry generates enough business to keep the goods shed staff busy and the local pick-up freight will often include a few stray “empties” on their way back to local collieries. Coal trains bypass the station but, if you listen carefully, you may hear them whistle as they pass Clinkerford junction, a mile up the line.
Clinkerford was presented the Model Railway Journal Chalice at Scaleforum 2008.
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Scale: 4mm - P4
Overall size: 18'6" x 3'6" max plus operating space to rear.
Operators: 4
Requirements: Table, chair and 13 amp power supply
Expenses: Ferry charge for box trailer plus fuel in UK (approx total £200 to £250), overnight accommodation, insurance cover (value £10,000).
Contact: John Darch, Glenlee, Killybegs, Co. Donegal, Ireland