Rhyd-y-Clafdy

North Wales not only provided the inspiration for this layout, but the highly effective back scene, which is based on a series of panoramic photographs taken by modeller Phil Greaves around the real Rhyd-y-Clafdy. His layout, based on the Cambrian Railway’s coastal route, is imaginary, but is based on an unrealised plan by the railway to extend beyond Pwllheli to Port Dinllaen on the west side of the Lleyn peninsular. The layout was featured in the January 2005 issue of Trains On-line.

The station area is rich in detail and rewards close attention. The back scene is seamlessly blended into the hedge/tree line at the edge of the baseboard, though what the youngster behind the good yards office is up to doesn’t bear thinking about!

A Standard Class 4 draws its train past the signal box on its way to Pwllheli. Again the modeller’s close attention to detail is evident.

Ex-GWR Manor class locomotives were commonplace on the former Cambrian Railway route in the early years of British Railways and entirely in keeping with the 1960s period in which the layout is normally operated.