Upton Dale

Upton Dale Light Railway

I suppose the first section on this page is almost 'In Memoriam' - as of March 2007 in two respects! The layout pictures you see below are of a layout no longer in our possession as we have sold Upton Dale on - hopefully to a good new home. I was tempted to take this page down and replace it with just the list but felt in the end that it would be better if people could see the layout in its heyday. Scroll down the page for photos.

If you see stock here, it is now no longer in our hands! Please help us trace it by using the contact page. Obviously no value is given here and its saleable cost is nothing compared to its sentimental value. The list is now below the photograhs.

If you know something of this theft, please let us CONTACT US or the local police (Chester 0845 458 0000; North Wales Police [0845 607 1001 - For Welsh Speakers]; [0845 607 1002 - For English Speakers])

The majority of this layout had its roots in north Devon, although there was never an intention to portray a particular place, just one to provide a showcase for the many varieties of rolling stock that we had. All of the structures around the station were scratch built models of Lynton and Barnstaple Railway prototypes, the station name coming from LYNTON goods shed and WOODY BAY station building! The quarry area, on the other hand, was loosely based on one of the granite quarries, beyond Glyn Ceiriog, on the Glyn Valley Tramway.

The real station at Woody Bay and shed from Lynton from, Portrait of The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway by Chris Leigh, Pub' Ian Allan.

Please contact me if you do not wish any of the 'real' photos on this page to appear for copyright reasons and I will remove them. Hopefully you will agree though, that they are only here to enhance the model rather than for any unscrupulous reason!

We tried to ensure that each train ran in its correct formation and livery for a given moment in time, though occasionally there are a few cheats when stock failed! There were usually eleven different trains from railways such as the Festiniog, Talyllyn and Lynton and Barnstaple, as well as many others. One train to look out for was the 30 wagon slate train, no mean feat in this gauge. However we were always looking to improve on our existing stock, especially given the excellent etched brass loco kits currently produced by Peter McParlin of Backwoods Miniatures.

The loco 'Blanche' epitomises the benefits of being in a club and grouping expertise - one member built the body, another scratch built the chassis and I did the detailing work and lining.

All control for the layout was from eight switches, which through relays, operated electrical connections, pointwork and signals. If you watched closely you would have seen these work on the arrival and departure of trains. To avoid accidents these were prototypically interlocked with the points, though there was always the occasional operator error!

For a rough plan of the layout click below. The layout is approx. 14ft x 2.5ft

Below; The two versions of Russell, both Backwoods kits, give a good impression of how hacked down the loco was at Boston Lodge.

Below left and middle; We also ran trains from some of the more obscure railways such as the Snailbeach Tramway near the 'Stiperstones' in Shropshire. Below right; The Ruston diesel lurks behind the goods shed having brought a wagon for minor repair.

There are more photos in the November 1993 and February 1994 editions of 'Railway Modeller' some of which are available here, courtesy of RM and Len Weal who took the pictures. These are simply for the benefit of recognising missing stock. As you can tell from the list, these are just a few of the items stolen, but hopefully you will be able to get an idea of the quality of what was taken.

Some of us are members of the

009 Society

which caters for all 4mm narrow gauge modellers especially on 9mm gauge track.

Please feel free to contact us for more details - CLICK HERE

CHESTER MODEL RAILWAY CLUB

NARROW GAUGE (009) MODELS STOLEN ON OR ABOUT 29^th DECEMBER

Description of Model	Year Built	Make or manufacturer	Colour	Distinguishing Features/ relevant information.
1 number - 009 4mm scale (N gauge) North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway Hunslet 0-6-4 locomotive “Gowrie”	1987	“Roger Chivers Fineline” white metal kit, running on Minitrix mechanism.	Maroon lined out in yellow & black.	Name plates “Gowrie” Affixed to each tank side. Good runner.
1 number - 009 4mm scale (N gauge) North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway Hunslet 0-6-4 locomotive “Beddgelert”.	1986	“Roger Chivers Fineline” white metal kit running on handbuilt 009 society South Downs group mechanism.	Maroon lined out in yellow & black.	Name plates “Beddgerert” affixed to each tank side. Winner of 1986 “009 society” prize.
1 number -009 4mm scale (N gauge) Ashover Light Railway Baldwin 4-6-0 locomotive “Hummy”	1988	“GEM” white metal kit running on Minitrix mechanism.	Black with heavy “weathering”	Name plates “Hummy” affixed to each tank side. Good runner.
4 number – 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway Ashbury’s “Summer” Carriages, numbers 11, 12, 13 & 14.	1987	“GEM” white metal Ffestiniog railway coach No 23 kits, heavily modified to resemble original NWNGR appearance. Running on Lilliput bogies. Valued at £30 each approx.	Maroon, with NWNGR gold lettering affixed to carriage sides	Distinguished by brass door handles and hand- rails. Roofs made from aluminium beer cans. Fitted with interior detailing with figures. Kits no longer available.
1 number – 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway Pickering Brake Composite number 4.	1987	Parkside Dundas etched brass Welsh Highland No 9 kit, modified to NWNGR appearance, running on Lilliput bogies	Maroon with NWNGR gold lettering affixed to carriage sides	Distinguished by brass door handles and hand- rails. Roofs made from aluminium beer cans. Interior detailing.
3 number – 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) Welsh Highland Railway Ashbury Summer Carriages numbers 26, 27 & 28.	1989	“GEM” white metal Ffestiniog railway coach no 23 kits, heavily modified to resemble original WHR appearance. Running on Lilliput bogies. Valued at £30 each approx.	No 26 – light blue No 27 – pink No 28 – light green. Welsh Highland Railway White lettering affixed to carriage side	Distinctive light blue, green and pink colour schemes as running in late 30’s as part of the FR “jazz train” livery. Brass door handles and handrails interior detailing with figures. Kits no longer available.
1 number – 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) Welsh Highland coach No 9	1988	Parkside Dundas Etched brass Welsh Highland No 9 kit running on Lilliput bogies	Mid Green	Brass door handles and hand rails with interior detailing.
2 number 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) Welsh Higland Railway Ashbury’s corridor coaches, Numbers 35 & 36.	1991	Heavily modified plastic Parkside Dundas Kits of Welsh highland railway modern open coach No 7, running on Lilliput bogies. Valued at £30 each approx.	No 35 - light Green No 36 – Mid Green	Interior detailing includes buffet bar and white coated buffet car attendant in coach no 35.
2 number - 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway workman’s coaches numbers 11 & 12	1991	Unmodified standard Parkside Dundas etched brass kits, valued at £25 each approx.	No 11 and 12 both in Mid Green	No interior detailing
8 number - 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) WW1 60cm gauge class D dropside bogie open wagons. Modelled to resemble Ashover Light Railway wagons, lettered in ALR number series.	1988	Unmodified Standard plastic Parkside Dundas kits running on Parkside Dundas bogies as supplied. Valued at £10 each approx.	Grey with Ashover Light Railway “ALR” white lettering affixed to body.	Wagons carry an authentic load of limestone. Couplings are non 009 standard consisting of hook and chains.

Description of Model	Year Built	Make or manufacturer	Colour	Distinguishing Features/ relevant information.
1 number - 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Locomotive, Baldwin 2-4-2 No E762 “Lyn”	1987	Langley Miniature Models” brass metal kit, running on scratchbuilt mechanism.	Olive green lined out in yellow & black. Full Southern markings	Name plates “Lyn” affixed to each tank side. Good runner.
1 number - 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Locomotive, Manning Wardle 2-6-2 No 759“Yeo”		Rodney Stenning whitemetal kit running on Minitrix chassis	Olive green lined out in yellow & black Full Southern markings	Name plates “Yeo” affixed to each tank side. Good runner.
1 number - 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Locomotive, Manning Wardle 2-6-2 No 188“Lew”	1986	“Roger Chivers Fineline” white metal kit running on handbuilt 009 society South Downs group mechanism.	Olive green lined out in yellow & black. Full Southern markings	Name plates “Lew” affixed to each tank side. Winner of “009 society” prize.
4-6-0 locomotive “Joan” 1 number -009 4mm scale (N gauge) Ashover Light Railway Baldwin	1988	“GEM” white metal kit running on Minitrix mechanism.	Maroon with yellow lining	Name plates “Joan” affixed to each tank side. Good runner.
1 number 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Leekand Manifold Rly Locomotive, Kitson 2-6-2 “J B Earle”		Centre Models whitemetal kit on handbuilt chassis	Maroon with yellow lining. LMS crests	Name plates “J B Earle” affixed to each tank side. Good runner, but noisy.
1 number 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Ffestiniog Rly Locomotive, Hunslet 2-6-0 “Blanche”		Dundas Models whitemetal kit running on modified Iberten Chassis	FR green with red lining	Name plates “Blanche” affixed to each tank side. Hesitant runner.
1 number 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Vale of Rheidol Rly Locomotive, GWR 2-6-2 “Owain Glyndwr”		“Chivers Fineline” white metal kit running on Minitrix mechanism.	BR/WR green with orange/black lining. Post 1958 BR Crest	Name plates “Owain Glyndwr” affixed to each tank side. Good runner.
1 number 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Welsh Highland Rly Locomotive, Hunslet 2-6-2 “Russell”		“Chivers Fineline” white metal kit running on Minitrix mechanism.	Brown unlined	Name plates “Russell” affixed to each tank side. Good runner.
1 number 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Glyn Valley Tramway Locomotive, GWR 0-4-2 “Sir Theodore”		“Peco” white metal kit running on Farish mechanism.	Mid green lined black. Lettered GVT on back sheet	Name plates “Sir Theodore” affixed to each tank side. Good runner.
8 number 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Lynton and Barnstaple railway coaches. 2, observation/brake, 1, composite, 2, 3^rd obs (open centre) 2, all 3^rd 1, Third/brake		Langley Miniature Models or Chris Leigh etched brass with whitemetal bogies	Southern Railway olive green with gold “Southern” and numbers	Full interior detail
8 number 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Lynton and Barnstaple railway bogie wagons. 4, open goods, 1, Platform wagon 2, Goods vans 1 Brake van		Langley Miniature Models (etched brass) or Ninelines (plastic)	Southern Railway mid brown with white lettering “S R” and numbers	One open goods loaded with barrels, platform wagon with ‘logs’.
4 number – 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) Lynton and Barnstaple Railway 4 wheel wagons 2 open, 2 vans		GEM” white metal	Southern Railway mid brown with white lettering “S R” and numbers
3 number 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Leek and Manifold Railway bogie coaches. 2, composites, 1, brake third.		Centre models plastic body, brass chassis.	LMS maroon with gold ‘LMS’ and numbering	Brass work on balconies very fine. Large for the gauge.
1 number Leek and Manifold transporter wagon with standard gauge wagon.		Centre models whitemetal. SG wagon Slaters plastic.	Both LMS light grey with white lettering.
3 number Festiniog Railway Bogie coaches. 2, all thirds, 1 first Observation		GEM whitemetal kits with Minitrix bogies	Maroon with gold letters/numbers	Obs. Letterd in full ‘OBSERVATION CARRIAGE)
1 number Festiniog Railway Bogie coach. No 17		Langley Miniature Models etched brass	Cream/green with red ends	Fully panelled livery
3 number Vale of Rheidol Railway coaches (1938 closed GWR type)		Chivers Fineline etched brass with Dundas bogies	BR (WR) chocolate and cream	Numbered in yellow in the WxxxW series
2 number Vale of Rheidol Railway coaches (1938 open GWR type)		Scratchbuilt (from brass square section and brass mesh) on Dundas chassuis and bogies	BR (WR) chocolate and cream	Numbered in yellow in the WxxxW series
1 number Vale of Rheiodol Railway 4 wheel van		Chivers Fineline etched brass	BR (WR) chocolate	Numbered in yellow in the WxxxW series
2 Number Welsh Highland Railway 3^rd class bogie coaches		GEM FR coaches with droplights filed out. Minitrix bogies	Mid green	Lettered WELSH HIGHLAND Rly in full and white
3 number Welsh Highland Railway (ex NWRNG) bogie coaches 2 all third 1 brake third		‘Peter Models’ etched brass with Minitrix bogies	All thirds plain brown with white roofs. Brake third mid green lettered WHR in white.

Description of Model	Year Built	Make or manufacturer	Colour	Distinguishing Features/ relevant information.
1 number - 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Ffestiniog Railway 0-4-4-0T Double Fairlie locomotive “Earl of Merioneth”	19XX	“Langley Minature Models” white metal kit, running on Lifelike mechanism.	Black with green panels lined red	White wheel rims Good runner.
1 number - 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Tallylyn Railway 0-4-0T No 2 “Dolgogh”	197x	“GEM” white metal kit running on Arnold Rapido mechanism	Black with green panels lined yellow
1 number -009 4mm scale (N gauge) Tallylyn Railway 0-4-2T No 1 locomotive “Tallylyn”	19xx	“GEM” white metal kit running on Lifelike mechanism.	Black with green panels lined yellow	Correct sized solid spoke wheels fitted
1 number – 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) Tallylyn Railway 0-4-2T No 4	19xx	“Meridian Models” white metal kit Lifelike mechanism
1 number – 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) Freelance 0-4-0ST “Meteor”	1970	“Peco Varikit” white metal kit Arnolde Rapido mechanism	Black with green panels lined red	Etched Brass nameplates
Description of Model	Year Built	Make or Manufacturer	Colour	Distinguishing Features/ relevant information
1 number – 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) Ffestiniog Railway 0-4-0S Tender locomotive “Prince”	1978	“GEM” white metal kit Arnolde Rapido mechanism	Black with green panels lined red
1 number – 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) Ffestiniog Railway Alco 2-6-2T locomotive “Mountaineer”	1975	“GEM” white metal kit Arnolde Rapido mechanism	Black with green panels
1 number 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) Welsh Highland Railway Kerr Stuart Deisel locomotive	1980	“Meridian Models” white metal kit Lifelike mechanism	Grey	Lettered “Kerr Stuart Deisel”
12 number - 009, 4mm scale (N gauge) Ffestiniog Railway 2 ton wooden slate wagon	1980	009 Society body kit . Rodney Stenning chassis kit	Grey	Hook and eye couplings
16 number - 009, 4mm scale (N gauge). Ffestiniog Railway 2 ton steel slate wagon	1985	Unmodified Standard plastic Parkside Dundas kits	Grey	Hook and eye couplings
16 number - 009, 4mm scale (N gauge). Ffestiniog Railway 3 ton steel slate wagon	1985	“Langley Minature Models” Etched brass kit	Black	Hook and eye couplings
1 number - 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Tallylyn Railway bogie open coach	1980	“GEM” white metal kit Likelike bogies	Brown with red panels	Hook and eye couplings
1 number - 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Tallylyn Railway bogie brake open coach	1980	“GEM” white metal kit Likelike bogies	Brown with red panels	Hook and eye couplings
2 number - 009 4mm scale (N gauge) Tallylyn Railway 4 wheel open coach	1980	“GEM” white and plastic metal kit

Description of Model

Make or Manufacturer