NIGEL TOWN'S NEW LINE

Nigel's been in his "new" (well, it was built in 1900) house in central Derby for around 18 months and had got his new garden railway sufficiently advanced to invite us to an Open Day. As you enter the garden the railway first appears in a bark-filled raised bed..........

........... built on a base made of Filcris a recycled plastic "wood" which is ideal for garden railway use as it's rot-free. Note that Nigel doesn't "do" buildings - this is one of only two on the entire railway!

Nigel left the first section he built outside and exposed to the elements for a winter before continuing construction.

This bridge was one of the "last minute jobs" the week before the Open Day - the others still need costmetic additions to make them look less like aluminium sections!

The steamup area (with a layout modelled on Mid Illovo station in South Africa) is on a substantial base with a concrete back wall, sleeper front and stone and concrete infill. It's just at the right height to be "sit-onable".

After this, it all goes downhill (but not literally) - the second loop is laid on a VERY temporary wooden structure............

......... but the pegs are already in to lay out the next sections of track and build a more solid infrastructure.

As it was a quiet day, I was able to operate a Flagg Fluorspar train - "ESME" with a train of small wagons.

The steamup area was busy with a mix of Southern Railway and MDLR locos and rolling stock.

Our host setting off out of the steamup area with one of his L&B locos.........................

,,,,,,,,,,,,,, which looked well on a rake of prototype stock.

The Rat and Richard Hammond both put in an appearance and operated when backs were turned............

Guest Andrew Mitchell concentrating hard on driving a loco..............................

............... with an appreciative audience of neighbours and relations.

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"Don't worry, Dear - it's all under COMPLETE control! (I think..........)"

The MDLR's 16-year-old-Millie performed impeccably................................

Two of Nigel's L&B locos pose for the photographer.