Where's it at?
Has been upgraded / re-landscaped!

Between recent shows this layout has been upgraded over the last couple of months and new photographs have now been uploaded.  The "tunnel corner" has been completely rebuilt/designed to provide more interest and extra landscaping. 

Most of the layout has had the addition of static grass and the installation of a "Heath Block" next to the cottage is almost finished (May '25) 

Streetlamps and a yard lamp have been installed along with the working Brazier by the engine shed; even the new station clock lights up!
A car with working lights (switchable) has also been added in the layby near the telephone box and the main section of road has been treated to resemble 'Tarmac'.

There have also been various other additions /improvements in regard to trees and animals.​

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Where’s it ‘at (?) is a fictional 009 model railway based nowhere in particular.

The layout is constructed using 6mm plywood on a wooden 50x25mm frame, nominally 1m x 620mm in size. It is running 12v DC for the track and a nominal 6volts for the building lights when used.

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Designed to be operated from the front and left-hand end (as viewed) it enables interaction with the public and gives the option of allowing younger members to ‘help’ by changing the points as well as possibly driving a train.

 

The points are manually changed via levers set into the front left of the baseboard using pipes & wires.

 

Because of its design it can be sited against a wall to the right-hand end and only requires minimal space behind and can be operated with a minimum footprint of 2 metres x 1 metre. (Additional space is always welcome however!)

 

GWN-N-WARE is an attempt at a Welsh sounding name, pronounced as “Goin’-no-where” and is the name of the station. Pretty true really for a round and round layout!

 

There are two options for running, either a larger loop or a shorter loop running past the station. This means that a loco can always be moving somewhere on the layout.

Behind the station the scene is usually busy with a branch line going to the towns goods shed. Coming off that at the first set of points is an engine shed, water tower and coaling point.

Just past that at the second set of points is a holding siding with reserve loco and rolling stock.

 

Automatic uncoupling of some stock and locos is achieved by using Sprat & Winkle Auto couplings and hidden magnets; sometimes too well hidden for the operator. Stock can be changed or added via a cassette system at the left-hand end as viewed.

When ready the cassette activates opening of the maintenance shed door allowing access to the main layout.

 

All of the stock, with the exception of one locomotive, is kit built from multiple sources using a variety of motive power but predominantly Fleischman and Kato chassis. There are usually a minimum of 5 locos on the layout at any given time.

 

Additional items will be added as acquired!

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Exhibition Managers information

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Table and power:

 Ideally one “4ft x 2ft” table (if this is a problem we can be self sufficient) plus a small table for stock. The layout is powered from either the front or back and controlled from the front L/hand side as viewed; one 13amp socket required please.

I will provide a PAT tested extension block for my needs, an extension reel can also be provided if required.

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 A simplified TRACK PLAN is below.

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​​Expenses:

I do not usually charge to attend local exhibitions / events (under 20 miles) although Coffee and lunchtime snack and/or a donation is always appreciated! 

For journeys further afield I currently charge 20p per mile from my base on the Western edge of Bournemouth, Dorset. (E.g. an event 50 miles away would be a round trip of 100 miles = £20.00)  I do not charge for mileage to and from a hotel unless it is a significant distance from the venue. 

For events over 50 miles away or approx. 1 hour driving, I should require an overnight stay for at least one night (Sat.) possibly two if needing to set up and/or travel on the Friday.

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Layout and stock values.

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For insurance purposes the layout is valued at £1000.00

Stock inclusive of controllers/transformers etc. value £1500.00

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ALL photographs are taken by Keith and Jessica Dibden and are (c) copyright 2025. Images can be provided and may be reproduced on request.