Our layouts are constantly being improved and modified. New members are welcome to join a group to help. Come along on a Tuesday Night to learn more.

Most of our layouts are available for exhibitions.
 Details are available from the Model Group Chairman. mrg@rec-farnborough.org.uk

Kingsford

'00' Gauge layout

This is a free-standing modular layout. measuring 17' by 10', and is in effect, two separate layouts on three levels.

Kingsford operates on the two lower levels. It is an 'OO' layout using standard track, the objective has been to permit operation of 'ready to run' modestly priced stock, without the need for modification. It was originally based on an American design, but has been developed during construction, and the upper level added. The track is continuous and permits four trains to operate simultaneously. Fiddle yards and an electrically operated turntable are incorporated within the lower level.

Although the layout is functional and suitable for exhibition, work continues on improvements and new features.

Alton

'00' Fine scale layout

This layout is a scale replica of Alton and its approaches as it was in the mid 1950's, when services continued to both Winchester and via the Meon Valley to Fareham.

Extensive use of plans, photographs and measurements was made during the planning and construction of the layout.

The area on view is approximately 3/4 scale mile from end to end. All buildings and the turntable are scratch built replicas of the originals.

The majority of rolling stock is either kit built or modified proprietary items, owned by various members of the group. All signals are built from MSE kits to suit the location.

Picture Gallery

BRAMSHOT JUNCTION 

A combined Test Track and Layout in "O" gauge

from the Railway Enthusiasts' Club of Farnborough. 

The layout has been built to serve two purposes. It was initially conceived as a test track for the evaluation and prolonged running of locomotives and stock at exhibitions. It then evolved to provide an alternative layout to the usual 'out-and-back' adopted by 'O' gauge groups who are short of space, and it caters for those who like to run long trains, at realistic speeds, for long distances; and of course for those who like to sit and watch the trains go by! The main lines have been provided with scenic details, mostly in the form of small cameos, and there is a scenic break between the main lines and the internal fiddle yards, where the feeder tracks pass a signal box and disappear under bridges. 

The track plan consists of four, independently controlled, parallel continuous circuits each of length about 65' (19.8 m), with minimum radius approximately 8' (2.4m), allowing the desired long distance running of long trains. For variety, there is a small halt for the occasional stopping train. 

Even main line trains have to start and finish somewhere, and two internal fiddle yards are provided, each accommodating trains up to 11ft (3.3m) in length. Two sets of external sidings aid the feeding of visitors' trains on to and off the outer main lines without the need to cross all the tracks. 

An internal Motive Power Depot for both displaying models and the realistic turning of locomotives is also included; this is under its own dedicated control. 

All this is contained within a basic 'footprint' of 31ft x 21ft (9.5 x 6.4m), but enough room for an external operator to reach any part of the outer tracks must be added. 

The main layout has 2-rail finescale track; but third rail, stud contact and even coarse scale can be run on a dedicated siding. Regrettably the layout not suitable for live steam running. With these provisions visitors are welcome to bring their own locomotives and rolling stock for running on the layout. 

In Test Track mode the outer two tracks and outer sidings are used for test purposes using a dedicated external control panel. At the same time the inner two tracks, MPD and fiddle yards, using the main internal control panel, provide a continuous sequence of trains to entertain onlookers. 

Why 'Bramshot Junction'? Bramshot is a place between Farnborough and Fleet, on the four-track main line from Waterloo to the west, and it seemed a suitable name for a four-track layout built at Farnborough. The original station was a tiny, and very short-lived, halt - we thought that 'Junction', although imaginary, sounded much grander!  

 Bookings:- Bookings may be made via the Railway Enthusiasts' Club (Tuesday is club night)

 Phone:           01252 542 574 (answerphone in use) 

Burleigh

'OO' Gauge layout

Burleigh, which is under construction, replaces the club's "Farnbridge and Chawton" layout. It is hoped, eventually, to achieve a layout of exhibition standard. The track will be suitable for ready to run fine scale stock. It will feature a continuous double track, with through station, branch line and engine depot. The control system will allow three operators to control different parts of the layout.

Emsford Mill

'EM' Gauge layout

A single track cross country line, somewhere in southern England. There are through passenger trains and some freight served by the goods facility by the station loop. Emsford Mill is in a semi-rural location and there is a connection to the mill itself by private owner sidings. The line sees some coal traffic and occasional diverted mainline traffic. Stock reflects the varied interests of the group. The track is built to EMGS standards and is still under construction.

Umbridge

'N' Gauge layout

Umbridge is the club's "N" gauge layout, still under construction. and comprises a four-track main line and single-track branch line, built on a set of 10 base-boards, with a central operating well, in a space of 24ft by 8ft.a 24ft long by 8ft wide.

All boards will present a scenic face so the layout is suitable for any position in an exhibition including as an island display.

The fast-up, fast-down, slow-up, slow- down and the branch are all controlled independently.

The main-line tracks are continuous loops, while the branch is an end-to-end, running from an Umbridge main-line bay platform, round the layout to Umbridge high-level and halfway round the layout again to a dock terminal.

Umbridge Station is the centre-piece of one side of the layout together with a loco depot, while freight exchange sidings, a tunnel and a dock feature occupy the other side.

The layout operates on standard British practice.

Winbury

'0' Gauge layout

Winbury has now been retired and will be replaced by Netherley.